While it’s likely you’ll hear hoagie purists rant about only getting hoagies from their local shop and that there are no mainstream exceptions, Primo’s — a hoagie chain with 90-plus locations from here to Florida — did get its start in South Philly, after all. When you’re in a hoagie dead zone, or are craving one of Primo’s special spicy Diablo options, you can pretty much guarantee a Primo’s is nearby.

A Roxborough favorite, Lennie’s Hoagies has been in biz for the past twenty-plus years, selling hoagies to locals from the menu of classic and specialty hoagies. Lennie’s sandwiches are split into a few different categories — from Italian style to local favorites — which means you’ll be able to find something for even the most particular of hoagie-eaters.

There are a number of different hoagies on offer at Martha in Kensington but it’s one of the best places in the city for vegetarian-friendly hoagies. That’s because the Martha vegan hoagie isn’t what you’d expect — no fake meats or gummy vegan cheeses here. The Martha vegan hoagie is tangy and bright in all the right ways with layers of fermented radish, marinated eggplant, long hot pesto, and spiced zucchini.

Castellino’s in Fishtown is a small Italian market that sells sundries and Italian meats and cheeses, so in theory you could buy the goods and make your own hoagie at home. But please don’t — the Castellino’s Italian hoagie hits all the right notes, with banana peppers, mild provolone, oregano, and more on the classic Italian, all served on a seeded Liscio’s roll. The veggie Italian is also a great choice.

Only in Philly could you reserve a dedicated private room in which to eat hoagies with your friends. At Pizzeria Beddia, the so-called Hoagie Room is a personal omakase hoagie experience that can be booked in advance for all those special occasions you have coming up (or if you just really want some hoagies). The cost is $75 a person, and it includes a welcome cocktail, small plates, hoagies, and pizzas. Plus: soft serve.

In 2022, Dominic Rocconi (aka Hoagie Dom) became the unofficial hoagie king of Philadelphia, with intermittent pop-ups serving some of the best hoagies the city has ever seen. A lover of the process and a student of the sandwich, Rocconi’s hoagies are available in limited quantities through his pop-ups, which are at Bardot Cafe for now. Follow him on Instagram to see where and when he’s making his hoagies next.

Koch’s on Locust is a neighborhood favorite in West Philly for all the reasons you’d expect: a great menu of hoagies, offered in grilled, double-decker, and classic styles. The Kosher Italian hoagie is a thing here, as is the Jewish hoagie, made with corned beef, pastrami, and more.

While debates rage over whether a banh mi is technically a hoagie (in our estimation, yes, absolutely), at Fu-Wah Mini Market in Cedar Park, you luckily don’t have to decide. That’s because the market sells an impressive list of excellent banh mi and hoagies, like Italian, salami, and mixed cheese varieties. It’s a local favorite for good reason.

Angelo’s is one of those Philly institutions that manages to do it all and well: cheesesteaks, pizza, and hoagies from Angelo’s are all the platonic ideals of each formats, and the hoagies really take the cake. They’re big enough to fill you up for days but so delicious you won’t be able to resist eating the whole thing. Order one of the Moms and one of the Pops (two different kinds of prosciutto hoagies with varied toppings) and split them with a friend. A reminder: Angelo’s is cash only.

Open since the ‘20s, Ricci’s on S. 11th Street is one of those beloved spots that will make any Philadelphian feel right at home. With all the requisite offerings (from turkey to mixed cheeses to Old School Italian), Ricci’s is a solid bet for a great hoagie. Throwing a party? Ricci’s does hoagie trays.

Known for its cheesesteaks and hoagies, the sandwich-makers at Cosmi’s Deli on S. 8th Street are multi-talented. The hoagie menu is as long as it is good, so whatever your preference — maybe a Cosmi ham hoagie with house-baked ham or a Godfather with prosciutto, soppressata, and sun-dried tomatoes — Cosmi’s has your back.