YOWIE Guide: Sandwiches in the Neighborhood

Farina Di Vita 

The Italian Hoagie, The Bronco Cutlet  – 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

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

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

Any of the pita sandwiches – 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

Any of the Bahn Mi, Grilled Pork, Editor’s Note: No vegetarian options – 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!

Woodrow’s Sandwich Shop

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

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!

Milk Boy

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

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

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

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 

#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.

Lead your own sandwich tour while you’re in Philly and stay with us! helloyowie.com/hotel