YOWIE Guide: The Best Sandwiches in Philadelphia’s South Street Neighborhood

Our neighborhood sits right in the middle of the best sandwiches that Philadelphia tourists and locals rave about. If you’re planning a trip to Philly or a local looking to try something new, here are some of our team’s favorite sandwich shops in our neighborhood. Many of them are part of the Philadelphia South Street restaurant corridor, and all are within walking distance of the YOWIE Hotel, so it’s time to book your own sandwich tour! You can even stop at home to nap in between your stops.

Our Top Sandwich Picks in the Neighborhood

Think of this as your cheat sheet. Here are the neighborhood sandwiches we return to again and again, all within a short walk of YOWIE Hotel.

Now let’s take a closer look at each spot and what makes these sandwiches worth the walk.

Farina Di Vita: Hoagies and Cutlets Done Right

Top Pick: Italian Hoagie or The Bronco Cutlet

The Italian Hoagie and, The Bronco Cutlet are two of our top picks. – We think ordering an Italian Hoagie is a great litmus test for a sandwich spot. Farina Di Vita stacks all their sandwiches with fresh ingredients on rolls that support a generous volume of ingredients, packed in every time. Their Italian Hoagie is fresh and high- quality.

If you’re looking for something warmer, we recommend The Bronco Cutlet, a chicken cutlet hoagie with creamy burrata and a blush tomato sauce we can’t stop thinking about. Have a preference for how your sandwich is built? Farina allows you to customize your toppings. We love a sandwich that can keep its structure, and Farina Di Vita packs theirs with care we can taste.

Palm Tree Market: A Neighborhood Favorite for Paninis

Top Pick: P1. Boar’s Head Cracked Pepper Mill Turkey

The P1 panini is a favorite of ours for being the perfect balance of simple and packed in flavor. A 10 minute beautiful walk from the hotel, Palm Tree is a great spot for hoagies, paninis, and small grocery items. If you’re having an extended stay, it’s a good spot to stock up on the essentials and snacks for a movie night in.

Famous 4th Street Deli: A Classic Deli Stop for Giant Pastrami

Top Pick: Hot Pastrami Sandwich

We dare you to try to finish this one! Famous Fourth is known for many things, but its sky- high Pastrami sandwich takes top prize for flavorful, thinly-sliced pastrami, with a side of pickle. We love pairing it with a few potato pancakes or the coleslaw. Don’t skip out on getting a cookie or a giant slice of cake on your way out!

Alyan’s: Pita Sandwiches with Big Flavor

Top Picks: Any of the pita sandwiches & The Chicken Shawarma

A neighborhood gem since 1982, Alyan’s boasts some of the best and authentic middle- eastern food in town, all in a charming jewel-sized space. It’s hard to pick a favorite of their pita sandwiches, but the Chicken Shawarma is one of our go-to’s. Grab one of their desserts if they are available. The perfect sandwich to order for movie night in, or lunch before a long day.

Cafe Cuong: Simple, Perfect Banh Mi

Top Picks: Any of the Bahn Mi, Grilled Pork

Serving the neighborhood since 1989, Cafe Cuong is an unassuming restaurant nestled between rowhomes on South 8th Street. These sandwiches are the definition of simple pleasures and a perfect harmony of all of the ingredients. They use Sarcone’s bread, baked just a few blocks away in the Italian Market which is worth wandering through after. The chicken is our favorite but you really can’t go wrong here!

Note: There are no vegetarian options, so plan ahead if you need one.

Woodrow’s Sandwich Shop: A Fresh Take on the Philly Cheesesteak

Top Picks: Woodrow’s Whiz Wit, Coffee BBQ Brisket

Woodrow’s Sandwich Shop is a destination for cheesesteak lovers visiting South Street for their unique take on a Philadelphia classic. Their version boasts a housemade truffle whiz with a rich, umami flavor we love. Not craving a cheesesteak? The Coffee BBQ Brisket is a delicious mess of brisket with thin, crispy jalapeño shoestrings. Come hungry, grab extra napkins, and be sure to order a side of the house cut Cajun fries.

Jim’s South Street: A Classic South Street Philadelphia Cheesesteak Stop

Top Pick: Cheesesteak (shown with whiz)

A South Street institution, Jim’s announces itself a block away with the smell of caramelized onions. The newly renovated building adorned with Isaiah Zagar’s mosaics is a beautiful backdrop for a cheesesteak. Make sure you know what you’re ordering before stepping up to the window – the line moves fast!

MilkBoy South Street: The Hangover Burger You’ll Want Again

Top Pick: The Hangover Burger

True to its name, The Hangover Burger is ready to cure all of last night’s regrets! The secret: A sunny side up egg, bacon, american cheese and chipotle mayo? Wow. The chipotle mayo is the perfect amount of spicy and the sunny side up egg makes it the perfect amount of messy. Say hi to our friend Shana!

Forin Café: A Go-To Chicken Sandwich Weekend Staple

Top Pick: Huli Huli Chicken Sandwich

Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, our staff wrestles with the urge to order a Huli Huli Chicken sandwich from building neighbor Forin. Crisp cucumber marries the crusty baguette and juicy, marinated chicken. It’s filling and fresh – a perfect sandwich to order when you need something hearty but not heavy.

Ishkabibble’s: Home of the Original Chicken Cheesesteak

Top Pick: Chicken Cheesesteak

Home of the original chicken cheesesteak! They use real, chopped chicken breast, so you’ll leave feeling happy and full after a late night show at The TLA or an intense board game session at Queen and Rook. Grab a Gremlin to fully commit to the Ishkabibbles experience (trust us).

Fresh 2 Go: Wraps and Sandwiches for Any Craving

Top Pick: Chicken Caesar Wrap,
Honorable Mentions: Jamaican Me Crazy, Chopped Cheese

Fresh 2 Go is a secret gem of South Street, with an impressive, reliable menu. Their chicken caesar wrap is unique with a touch of lemon in the caesar dressing. We love this wrap as a fresh, healthy option, and you can’t go wrong with any of their other offerings. The Jerk Turkey in the Jamaican Me Crazy sandwich packs a flavorful pineapple punch that is unlike any sandwich in the area.

Ba Le Bakery: Soft Bread and Standout Banh Mi

Top Pick: #11 Vegetarian Bahn Mi

Beloved for their freshly-baked, super soft bread and delicious sandwiches, this is one of our favorite options for those looking for a vegetarian Bahn Mi! The tofu is cooked perfectly with a hint of pineapple and sometimes we add avocado (though be forewarned it’s a full avocado!) There isn’t a bad sandwich in the bunch here. Sometimes super busy on the weekends so plan ahead and grab a baguette for home on the way out.

Plan Your Own Philadelphia Sandwich Tour

Lead your own sandwich tour while you’re in Philly and stay with us at the YOWIE Hotel! If you want to keep exploring the area, our Vintage Guide is a great place to start.

Every stop in this guide is an easy walk from the hotel, which makes it simple to explore the neighborhood at your own pace. Stop in for one sandwich or work your way through the full list. We hope this guide helps you find something new to love.