Hershel's East Side Deli: A Philadelphia Staple for Authentic Deli Delights

First place I tried at Reading Terminal Market and was the single best pastrami sandwich I ever had! I loaded up my sandwich and every bite was heaven. I give it a 9.1/10. Plus the pickles they give are a great commodity. First place you should check out at RTM! Will be coming again to try the turkey and brisket sandwiches!

I had a pastrami sandwich here and it did not disappoint. Portion was more than generous, and it was perfectly cooked and tasted amazing. I was able to snag a bar seat and eat at the counter which was cool as well, but it would be difficult with more than one or two people.

Hershel’s East Side Deli: Fame, Snark, and the "Vlogger-Radar" Theory After surviving a marathon of roughly 1,897 YouTube videos on Hershel’s East Side Deli, I finally made my pilgrimage to the counter. I’m a Reuben devotee at heart, but when you’re at Hershel’s, the legendary hand-carved pastrami is the other logical choice. The "Influencer" Portion vs. Reality Let’s talk about the meat. Was it sizeable? Absolutely. It dwarfs the sad, anemic excuses for sandwiches you find in the other 49 states. However, excellence isn't cheap—at nearly $20, this sandwich is 30–40% more expensive than your average deli fare. You are paying a premium for the "Reading Terminal" name and the hand-carved craft. Even so, it wasn't quite the towering skyscraper of meat I’ve seen in viral videos. I’ve developed a theory: the carvers have a "vlogger-radar." They must have a proprietary system for spotting high-following influencers from a mile away, loading their sandwiches with extra layers of brisket to lure in unsuspecting commoners like me. For the average customer, it's a hefty meal, but don't expect the mountain of meat you see on TikTok. The "Fame-Induced" Service: The staff here clearly know they are the stars of the show, and that fame comes with a certain "snubby" energy. There wasn’t much of a line when I arrived, but the interaction was a classic Philly power play. After placing my order, my carver turned away for a moment, and I briefly lost track of who was actually preparing my food. Thirty seconds later, a second staff member barked, "Did you order your sandwich?" I replied, "I think I ordered it." He shot back without missing a beat: "You think, or you did?" I wanted to say, "Well, that’s a question for your team’s internal communication, isn’t it?" But in the high-stakes world of Philly deli lines, you don’t argue. You just take the heat and wait for the meat. At that point, I felt like I should offer a formal apology, kneel, and ask for forgiveness just for being there. I suppose that "sting of fame" makes them a little prickly; apparently, you have to beg to receive a sandwich from these "high world makers" who rule the sandwich globe from behind a glass counter. Last Word Attitude and price-hikes aside, the food is the real deal. Even if my sandwich wasn't "influencer-huge," it was magnificent. The pastrami was exceptionally tender, succulent, and carried that deep, smoky flavor that only a master carver can produce. You’re going to pay a "fame tax" and you might get a side of snark with your order, but Hershel’s delivers on taste. It’s juicy, it’s savory, and I have zero complaints about the quality. Just be prepared to prove that you "did" actually order and perhaps offer a small prayer to the sandwich gods before you leave!

This might be the best sandwich I’ve ever had. The pastrami sandwich was perfect in every way. It was perfectly seasoned and melt in your mouth tender, the bread had that ideal chew and flavor you only get from true deli craftsmanship, and the sauce tied everything together with subtlety and balance. Every element felt intentional, simple ingredients elevated by real skill. I will be craving this sandwich forever. Absolutely outstanding.

Eating the Pastrami Rachael was truly a seminal experience. I have never had such a juicy sandwich. The salt levels were pushed, but balanced be the fresh ingredients. I yearn for this sandwich, and look forward to the day where i can eat it once again. Right in the heart of the famed Reading Terminal Market gives it the atmosphere boost. But getting to see the staff banter with regulars and treat me like one as they walked me through my first order gives this place a true 5 star rating.

We’ve been wanting to try Hershel’s for a while, and we finally made it! Luckily, no line during our visit — quick and easy. What We Ordered Pastrami on rye — “with everything” Mustard + coleslaw + sauerkraut Pickle on the side Flavor & Texture The pastrami has a deep, rich flavor and comes in a very generous portion — definitely satisfying for meat lovers. However, the pastrami was so soft that it fell apart easily. We personally prefer a bit more firmness and structure in each bite. Also, the pickle was packed together with the sandwich, and the moisture made the bread a little soggy by the time we opened it. Overall A very solid pastrami sandwich — hearty, tasty, and worth trying if you’re already exploring Reading Terminal Market. Next time, we’d just ask for the pickle separately to keep the bread perfect!

It was a pleasant experience, you wait in line, then order and pick it up. Smooth, friendly and welcoming system. I ordered the Pastrami on Rye and Pastrami Rachiall (the name might be wrong!l). Both of them compared to KAT's NY, Pretty close. It was dilecious, I was very very Happy. Food quality was great, survise was really good and fast. Would I come back? I will definitely come back.

When it comes to delis and sandwiches, my go to is always pastrami. While other places in the north east get all the attention, and everyone talks about the spots in NYC, Hershel’s East Side Deli has stayed true and authentic and is low key serving the best Ruben I’ve personally ever had. I know this spot is by no means a hidden gem, it’s a Philly institution in reading terminal market. I’m just here to reemphasize to you that it truly is as good as everyone says it is. The Ruben is stacked high with freshly carved hot pastrami, the sauerkraut is not overwhelming at all, the thousand island is rich and the sandwich is expertly stacked and served to perfection. I came here two days in a row, I suggest the pastrami Ruben, on marble rye and ask for it to be fatty if that’s your preference. The pastrami melts in your mouth, the toasted bread doesn’t get soggy. The sandwich is heavy but balanced. It’s a work of art, and may be the best Ruben in the country, and by far the most fairly priced in todays world.