Our Guide to Jewish Delis


For a city that isn’t exactly known for its Jewish delis, Philly’s delicatessens have sure been generating a lot of food buzz recently — Famous Fourth Street just opened a new Center City location, and Murray’s boasts both a new interior and a liquor license. So if, like us, all this talk has got you craving hot pastrami on rye, check out our favorite places for classic Jewish deli fare.

Hymie’s
The Main Line institution has spunky, big-haired waitresses, must-order fish platters, and that famous pickle bar. 342 Montgomery Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, 610-668-3354; hymies.com.

Murray’s
The other Main Line institution’s got new owners, a new look, and the same old delicious cabbage soup and corned beef. Oh, and a liquor license to boot. 285 Montgomery Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, 610-664-6995.

Ben & Irv’s
For more than 50 years this Huntingdon Valley spot has been serving up classic Jewish deli eats like matzoh ball soup and corned beef sandwiches. The menu has expanded to include more diner-like offerings, such as onion rings and salads and hoagies, and we like the hybrid meals, including the hot brisket sandwich with gravy and fries. 1962 County Line Road, Huntingdon Valley, 215-355-2000; benandirvs.com.

Famous 4th Street Delicatessen
The BOP-winning South Philly deli just opened a 19th Street location (between Market and Chestnut) — and Center City’s workforce has the new place so busy at lunchtime they’re not even taking phone orders. Both outposts boast big portions — and the prices to match. Don’t worry; leftovers and the complimentary meal-ending chocolate chip cookies help take the edge off. 700 South 4th Street, 215-922-3274, and 38 South 19th Street, 215-568-3271; famous4thstreetdelicatessen.com.

Pikkles Plus Deli
Well-stuffed sandwiches, quick service, friendly staff, and a free pickle make this a no-brainer for Market Street workers. 1801 Market Street, 215-751-1914.

Rachael’s Nosheri
Fair prices, classic deli eats, and part-of-the-family service — that’s Rachael ringing up customers with her easy smile — have made this Center City deli a longtime office favorite. Don’t miss the home-brewed iced tea, poured from a well-worn blue pitcher by Rachel herself. 120 South 19th Street, 215-568-9565; rachaelsnosheri.com.

The Kibitz Room
The Cherry Hill deli and its Center City outpost are known for larger-than-life sandwiches and expansive pickle bars. And Center City’s Kibitz Room gets serious points for offering deli delivery. The Shoppes at Holly Ravine, Springdale and Evesham roads, Cherry Hill, 856-428-7878, and 1521 Locust Street, 215-735-7305; kibitzroom.com.

Moish & Itzy’s
There are cheesesteaks on this menu, but it’s mostly pure New York with blintzes, kugel, tons of smoked fish platters for two, and a whole section dedicated to bagel sandwiches. 21 Doublewoods Road, Langhorne, 215-860-4601; moishanditzys.com.