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Philadelphia is Sandwich Town

I hail from Texas, which I really think is the Land of Tacos. When I return to my roots and visit Texas, I enjoy a good Taco Tuesday in which I have a taco for every meal of the day. Breakfast tacos, Fish tacos, and I love a good fajita spread.

But this isn't Texas - This is Philly. Tacos don't cross my mind on the Eastern shore board. After becoming acquainted with the eats of Philadelphia, I have a new craving! Sandwiches!

If you have the chance to spend time in Philadelphia, you should go out of your way to try these sandwiches. Side note: these sandwiches are not ranked (because all are equally great, and therefore incomparable)

1. Your Order: A Pulled Pork, Broccoli Rabe Sandwich with Provolone Cheese from DiNics in Reading Terminal

Wow, forgot how good the picture I took of it!

In my opinion, Pulled Pork Sandwiches > Cheesesteaks. If you want to have the quintessential Philadelphia sandwich, I feel like you'll leave this town a lot more satisfied if you opt for one these. The shop is located inside Reading Terminal Market - a large building located at Filbert St. and 12th that houses small booths of some of best eats in the city - and there's usually a line in the afternoon and especially on weekends. But if you find the place (before they run out of pork or rolls) you can sit at the counter and have one of these placed in front of you!

The sandwich is hot, grade-A quality pulled pork packed into a fresh roll, topped with seasoned broccoli rabe and a slice of melting provolone. So good fresh, so good as leftovers.

2. Your Order: Pastrami Rueben at Hershels NY Deli

Okay, now this is a picture that does NOT do this sandwich justice.

The sandwich is STACKED with hot, freshly sliced (in front of you) pastrami meat, with swiss cheese, sauerkraut, grilled hot and messy between Russian dressing on two fresh slices of rye bread. They just know what they're doing! The men that work here are cool too. My friends and I always make note of that.

This line moves fast so know your order! Like Dinics, this place will most likely have a line also - but trust me, always worth it. I know NYC is the place to find the reuben of your dreams and it might not be Philly's forte, but a good sandwich is a good sandwich. This here is a good sandwich. I'd love for you to have it.

3. Your order: The Paesano at Paesano's

That picture might do it justice. Might!

This sandwich is so good Anthony Bourdain had to try it when he came to town! The sandwich is hot beef brisket, roasted tomatoes, pepperoncino, sharp provolone cheese, horseradish mayo, a perfect fried egg all in a fresh sarcone's deli roll (best breads in the Italian Market).

I mean... look at it...

There are two locations: The first is in the Northern Liberties, on W Girard Ave this is known as the original location and the cooks are awesome, generous and funny here!

The second is tucked away in the Italian Market, on S 9th Street which is about a 20 minute walk from Jefferson Station past South Street.

They make a killer roasted pork sandwich also, named the Artista, which is worth trying!

5. Pastrami & Hash Breakfast Sandwich at High Street on Market

This sandwich is different than the others in the respect you will definitely get a seat and even utensils to dig into this sandwich. High Street on Market is a wonderful restaurant that's so nicely curated with freshly baked breads and fresh local coffee.

And this sandwich... is out of this world! We ventured here after it was named the Best Breakfast Sandwich of 2015 in Best of Philly. It was the kind of sandwich, we took a bite, put it down and said "Woah." It's built between a fresh poppy seeded bun, hot Russian dressing, shaved pastrami, a spiced hashbrown (which really made me fall in love), roasted peppers and onions, and a farm egg. You get the egg scrambled or sunny side up - Get it sunny side up, there's nothing better than a runny yolk.

Last time we came here (it was my choice Birthday meal) our waitress told us that the Food Network had just visited to film a whole special about this sandwich, as one of the Best Breakfast Sandwiches in America.

There are dozens of great sandwiches in this town - but these are authentic, trusted, and Philadelphia's favorites. When in Philly, eat a Sandwich. If I ever leave this town, I doubt other sandwiches will compare.

DO YOURSELF A FAVOR, WATCH THESE MOVIES

#1 

The Princess Bride

 

#2

When Harry Met Sally

 

#3

Pirates of Carribbean III: At World's End

(No, this is not Irony, this film is good)

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