Everyone knows about the cheesesteak — as iconic to Philly as the Liberty Bell [1] — but while you’re in town, don’t forget to try our other culinary classics.
Often translated as Philly’s version of the hero or sub, many locals would argue that hoagies are in a league of their own in the sandwich family. The main reason for this is the bread: Most hoagies are made on chewy Amoroso’s rolls or gourmet bread.
Try Sarcone’s (734 S. 9th St.) for thin-sliced meats like prosciutto, topped with roasted red peppers and chunks of sharp provolone cheese, served on homemade crusty bread.
Other favorites are Shank’s and Evelyn’s [2] (932 S. 10th St.), Koch’s Deli (4309 Locust St.), and Dalessandro’s (600 Wendover St.).
Their history dates to the early German settlers, but soft pretzels remain a strong local tradition. Indulge in a perfectly browned, chewy soft pretzel, topped with rock salt and smothered with yellow mustard. If it looks too hard or soggy, avoid it.
Try Center City Pretzel Co. (816 Washington Ave.), best for a midnight snack when they’re fresh out of the oven, or Philly Pretzel Factory (1532 Sansom St.), a mostly local chain with multiple locations in the city.
Pronounced “wooder ice,” water ice is an essential part of summer in the city. Vastly superior to the supermarket variety of Italian ice or snow cones with syrup drizzled over an ice, a proper water ice is a perfectly smooth, creamy consistency — often blended with real bits of fruit.
Try John’s [3] (701 Christian St.), a small South Philly joint, or Rita’s (239 South St. and more), a Philly-born chain that’s spreading real water ice throughout the country.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/philadelphia/sights/old-city/independence-national-historical-park/liberty-bell
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/philadelphia/restaurants/south-philadelphia/cheesesteaks-and-sandwiches/shank-s-and-evelyn-s
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/philadelphia/restaurants/south-philadelphia/snacks-and-sweets/john-s-water-ice