A Pennsylvania deli that opened in 1923 earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand nod in 2025. A century-old sandwich counter sharing the spotlight with fancy dining rooms?
I love that.
The sandwiches on this list get seriously big. One shop makes a steak and cheese sub that stretches a full 14 inches.
That’s longer than a standard school ruler. Another builds New York style Reubens loaded with pastrami and corned beef.
I’m drawn to delis like these because they skip the trends. They slice the meat, pile it high, and trust the bread to hold on.
Nobody is fussing over tiny portions here, and that’s exactly the point.
So I rounded up seven old school spots across the state where one hand won’t cut it. Napkins are strongly recommended.
Which giant sandwich would you tackle first?
1. Famous 4th Street Delicatessen
Few delis can say they were slicing pastrami back when flappers ruled the dance floor. This Queen Village landmark opened in 1923, and walls covered in famous faces and family photos keep that story front and center.
Pastrami and slow-brined corned beef are both made in-house from family recipes. Stacked onto rye, they turn into towering sandwiches that make a strong case for grabbing a fork.
The bread gets the same homemade treatment, with rye and challah baked daily. That challah also shows up as French toast, which turns breakfast here into a serious event.
Save room for dessert, though that’s a bold plan. Rugelach, black and white cookies, jumbo cookies, and big slices of cake wait at the finish line.
A bowl of matzo ball soup makes a classic starter before the main event. Smoked fish and complete dinners are on the menu too, if a sandwich somehow feels too simple.
Michelin gave the deli a Bib Gourmand in its 2025 guide. That’s a fine honor for a family business with over a century behind it.
Reservations aren’t taken, and weekend afternoons are the busiest stretch. A weekday visit could mean more elbow room for your sandwich.
Address: 700 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
2. Peppi’s | Old Tyme Sandwich Shop
Any shop that names a menu item the Plain Old Burger Sub clearly has a sense of humor. That playful spirit fills this Strip District counter, set inside an old-school space built for big appetites.
Subs rule the menu, and the lineup runs long. The Ultra Cheese Steak and the Italian Regular Sub come on hefty rolls that demand a firm two-handed grip.
Feeling adventurous? The Bacon Cheeseburger Sub packs burger flavors into a long roll for a fun twist.
The South Philly Sub has a name that tips its cap to the other end of Pennsylvania. It’s a friendly cross-state wink you can actually eat.
Cajun fries make a smart side if your sandwich somehow feels too small. The Now Famous Steak Salad is there too, for anyone pretending to eat light.
Counter service keeps things moving, and you can dine in or take your sub to go. Sunday hours run shorter, so plan weekend cravings with care.
Street parking can be tricky in this busy corner of Pittsburgh. Give yourself a few extra minutes, because circling the block beats missing lunch.
Address: 1721 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
3. The Goosemen
A bologna, cheese, and cooked salami hoagie may not sound fancy, and that’s the charm. This counter-serve spot has been a South Side Bethlehem staple for decades, serving lunches that don’t need a fancy name.
Bring patience along with your appetite, since the menu is huge. Hoagies, cheesesteaks, and sandwiches fill the board, along with salads, soups, and deli bites.
Hot pastrami fans have a strong option here. Egg salad lovers get their moment too, proving the classics still hold their own.
Portions lean massive, and the prices stay friendly for the size. That combo helps explain why there’s usually a wait at the counter.
Early birds can swing by on weekdays starting at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast, while weekends open later.
The dining room is roomy, which helps when you need table space for a giant hoagie. College students mix with tourists here, a natural fit so close to Lehigh University.
Parking is usually easy to find nearby. That’s a nice bonus when your sandwich is the only thing you want to wrestle with.
Address: 102 W 4th St, Bethlehem, PA 18015
4. Cara Mia’s Delicatessen
Any sandwich called the Mile High Pastrami is making a promise about height. This Dunmore deli backs it up, and that tall stack is just one stop on a long menu.
The kitchen turns out gourmet subs, paninis, salads, soups, and pizza. Fresh mozzarella is part of the lineup too, which says plenty about how seriously this Italian deli takes its craft.
Hoagie fans can go big with sausage and peppers or roast beef. Chicken parm is another hearty pick for anyone who wants a sandwich that eats like dinner.
Don’t overlook the soups, which hold their own next to the sandwiches. The pizza also gets attention for a crisp crust and toppings in just the right amounts.
Service runs fast and friendly, and the shop stays spotless. It works best as a quick visit, with takeout available but no delivery.
Timing matters in this corner of northeastern Pennsylvania. The deli opens Tuesday through Saturday and closes at 4 p.m., so a late lunch plan can backfire.
Got a crew to feed? With this much variety, everyone in the car can order something different and still swap bites.
Address: 210 E Drinker St, Dunmore, PA 18512
5. Teresa’s Italian Deli
Fourteen inches of Philly steak and cheese is a lot of sandwich for one lunch break. This Erie deli offers that big sub loaded with meat, cheese, onions, and mushrooms.
The heated subs are the move here. The meat comes in generous portions instead of the paper-thin slices you might get at chain shops.
One standout steak and cheese sub brings pepper jack, pizza sauce, and grilled banana peppers to the party. It’s a bold mix with a little kick and plenty of personality.
Sandwiches only cover part of the story. This established Italian deli also prepares salads, hot entrees, and baked goods, so dessert is right there if you dare.
You can dine in or carry out, depending on how long you can wait to dig in. Catering is available too, which could make you a hero at the next family gathering.
A free parking lot makes stopping by easy. Doors open seven days a week, with later evenings Wednesday through Saturday.
That schedule means a giant sub can fit into almost any plan. Just maybe skip the big breakfast that morning.
Address: 810 E 38th St, Erie, PA 16504
6. Dov-a-licious Deli
New York style deli food in the heart of Lancaster? It sounds like a plot twist, yet this South Queen Street spot pulls it off with confidence.
Signature Reubens are the main event here. Pastrami and corned beef anchor the menu, landing on rye just the way deli traditionalists like it.
That classic pairing earns serious praise for tasting authentic. The pastrami Reuben in particular has a reputation that stretches well beyond city limits.
Lancaster County is famous for farm country and Amish traditions. A stacked deli sandwich adds a fun change of pace to a day trip through the area.
Pair lunch with a stroll around downtown and you’ve got a solid afternoon. The deli sits right in the city center, so it fits easily into a walking route.
Leave space for something sweet if you can manage it. House-made desserts round out the menu, and skipping them feels like a missed opportunity.
Plan carefully, because the deli closes Mondays and Tuesdays. You can dine in or grab takeout, but delivery isn’t offered, so this sandwich requires a trip.
Address: 100 S Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603
7. Hershel’s East Side Deli
Hunting for a giant Reuben inside a historic food hall is a pretty great mission. This Jewish deli sits in Philadelphia’s famous Reading Terminal Market, serving signature pastrami and Reuben sandwiches.
The meats are made fresh daily, including house-cured pastrami, corned beef, and brisket. They get piled high on bread with a great texture, which matters when the stack gets this tall.
The Pastrami Reuben on Rye Grilled is a heavy hitter. The Rachel offers another classic route if you want to switch things up.
Comfort food extends well beyond sandwiches. Latkes, kugel, potato knishes, hot dogs, and bagels with lox all show up, plus matzo ball and chicken noodle soup.
Got a sweet tooth? New York style cheesecake and Jewish apple cake are ready to finish the job.
Mornings start at 8 a.m. daily, and challah French toast makes an early visit tempting. Counter service fits right into the market’s grab-and-go pace.
Parking near the market can be tough, so public transit or a garage may save your mood. Either way, this Pennsylvania classic is worth the effort for one seriously stacked sandwich.
Address: Reading Terminal Market, 1136 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
