Philadelphia, PA - Everyone loves a good breakfast, but nothing is better than a good breakfast sandwich if you are in a hurry. And, in Philadelphia, you have a ton of options, from breakfast all day bistros to coffee and tea shops serving up quick bites to eat. We have created a list of the Best Philadelphia Breakfast Sandwiches.
Philadelphia is a city that takes its bread and meat seriously, so it’s no surprise that the breakfast sandwich scene here is elite. From high-end artisanal creations to "no-frills" corner store classics, here are the absolute best breakfast sandwiches in Philadelphia right now.
1. The "Salty" at Fiore Fine Foods
Neighborhood: Kensington If you only have one breakfast sandwich in Philly, this might be it. Fiore has earned "Best of Philly" titles multiple times for a reason.
- The Vibe: High-end ingredients on a house-made bun.
- The Sandwich: The "Salty" features bacon-studded scrambled eggs, caramelized onions, and sharp cheddar on a sweet milk bun. It’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet, served in a space that feels like a neighborhood hug.
2. The Herschel at Middle Child
Neighborhood: Washington Square West & Fishtown Middle Child is famous for its "elevated deli" aesthetic, and the Herschel is their crown jewel.
- The Vibe: Neon signs, high energy, and serious sandwich craft.
- The Sandwich: It’s a stacked masterpiece of house-made corned beef, fluffy eggs, Swiss cheese, and spicy brown mustard on rye (or a kaiser roll if you prefer). It’s massive, messy, and consistently ranked as one of the best in the state.
3. The Antonio at Gilda
Neighborhood: Fishtown Gilda has quickly become a local obsession for its Portuguese-inspired menu.
- The Vibe: Airy, trendy, and smells like fresh pastries.
- The Sandwich: The Antonio features a Portuguese sausage patty, fried egg, and a spicy piri-piri aioli that provides just the right amount of kick. The roll is the star here—sturdy enough to hold the juices but soft enough to bite through easily.
4. Rowhome Coffee’s Pretzel Breakfast Sandwich
Neighborhood: Fitler Square & East Kensington You can’t talk about Philly food without mentioning soft pretzels. Rowhome Coffee leaned into this local staple by using them as the vessel for their breakfast sandwiches.
- The Vibe: Cozy coffee shop vibes with a unique twist.
- The Sandwich: A classic bacon, egg, and cheese (BEC) served on a freshly baked soft pretzel roll. The salt and chew of the pretzel elevate the simple ingredients into something distinctly Philadelphia.
5. The "McGritty" at South Philly Tap Room (SPTR)
Neighborhood: South Philly For those who want their breakfast sandwich with a side of "South Philly attitude," the McGritty is a cult favorite.
- The Vibe: Neighborhood gastropub.
- The Sandwich: It’s a sophisticated take on a fast-food classic: house-made sausage, a fried egg, and American cheese, served on a toasted English muffin. It’s simple, effective, and best enjoyed during a weekend brunch.
6. The Classic Kaiser at Vincenzo’s Deli
Neighborhood: South Philly Sometimes you don't want a "gastropub" version; you want the neighborhood deli experience.
- The Vibe: Old-school, no-frills, and cash-friendly.
- The Sandwich: The standard BEC here is a masterclass in ratio. The eggs are perfectly layered with meat and melted cheese on a fresh, crusty kaiser roll. It’s consistent, affordable, and the literal definition of a Philly staple.
Honorable Mentions:
- K'Far Café: For a unique twist, try their egg and cheese on a Jerusalem Bagel.
- High Street on Market: Their "Pastrami Hash" sandwich is a heavy-hitter for those with a big appetite.
- Reading Terminal Market: Visit Dutch Eating Place for a massive, home-style breakfast sandwich that will keep you full until dinner.
The Verdict: If you want trendy and artisanal, go to Fiore or Gilda. If you want a taste of the city’s soul on a kaiser roll, find the nearest deli like Vincenzo’s.
