Hershel’s East Side Deli frequently is mentioned in comments on my Jewish deli reviews. Katz’s Deli is iconic and sort of the gold standard for a fine pastrami sandwich, and so far only Langer’s Deli compares to the epic quality of a Katz’s Deli pastrami on rye sandwich. However, Hershel’s Deli in Philly is the one that is most consistently touted as on par with Katz’s in my videos, and I just had to try it since you all asked for it!
Hershel’s is located in Reading Terminal in Philadelphia and it is one of the best restaurants in Reading Terminal Market. It is known for its reuben sandwiches, and I found their corned beef to also be excellent. However, how does the pastrami compare to Katz’s? To me, pastrami on rye with mustard is the ultimate Jewish Deli food, and that’s what I always order at all the Jewish Delis of NYC.
Hershel’s Deli in Philly is likely the best pastrami in Philadelphia, but is it the best pastrami in the USA? Is Hershel’s better than Katz’s or as good as Katz’s Deli at least? We’ll find out!
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Restaurant Deets:
Hershel’s East Side Deli
Terminal Market, 1136 Arch Street, Reading, Philadelphia, PA 19107
30 Comments
I found your channel a few days ago and I’ve been binging your content since, I really love your reviews and honestly just your commentary in general.
One word: Saquon Barkley.
Excellent video UA, that sandwich looked great, but those pancakes and sausage, looked even better. Keep those videos coming. Always a thumbs up 😁👍
I bet if you said pastrami "Juicy", they would not even have a clue what that means, but to the pastrami insiders- it is asking for the fattier piece of the meat. Also no pickles really? Unless they charge for pickles separately.
what a great channel. keep it up mr eats!
Yup, their pastrami was not our favorite. We also prefer the corned beef. It's definitely really good. 😋 😋 😋
That was Bs squint on that sandwich UA. I say that sandwich was trash.
Dude…love the reviews, definitely the MVP of reviewers. Now, about the Tina conundrum, let’s get to know her as well…just sayin’ it would be cool.
unnecessary chin rubbing ✔
I was there a few weeks ago and honestly, I was a bit disappointed with the pastrami. Even taking the lean portion into mind, I found it pretty tough and the bark wasn't even edible. I had to pull it out of the sandwich, which thankfully didn't amount to much. I did finish the sandwich, but I don't think I'll order it again. Come to think of it, I do remember it looked like the carvers that were there were still training, so that may have something to do with it. Could be wrong, though
No pickles? Can’t compare a combo to a Katz pastrami. Makes no sense .
Hester Cliff
Trays of soup like what you had are too salty when it's been sitting out long enough to reduce throwing off the liquid to salt ratio.
You need to go back to reading terminal to get the salmon curry from the Thai place in there. It's bomb!
And also cookies from 4th st cookie Co and beilers donuts
A slight bit overcritical for my taste.
Nice review. You have to go to Cleveland and taste Slyman's deli. It's fantastic!
There’s a Jewish deli here in Denver called The Bagel. It was once reviewed by Guy Fieri who gave it a rave review. Anyway, they get their meat from Chicago, and their pastrami can be ordered one of two ways. Fatty or lean, and even their lean isn’t totally lean. I’ve been to Katz’s and this place definitely gives Katz’s a run for their money, and at almost half the price. Now the real strange thing is there’s a place a few doors down called The New York deli which is also a Jewish deli. Go figger
Katz's Deli is one of my FAVORITE places to eat when I visit the Reading Terminal. I get my pastrami sandwich toasted with Swiss cheese, and brown mustard. YUUUUUUMMMYYYY!!! I don't care for a lot of fat myself but to each his own.
Return the soup
I really like your content but you need to upgrade your camera if you want to improve.
Looks absolutely disgusting.
Meat pieces look like wood chips.
OMG. I made a big stink about salt when you did a hot dog review.
UA,,, I’m just concerned about your health.
Take care,buddy.
My favorite corned beef by a mile in NYC is Sarge's. Would recommend
i guess the soup is best to take home and dilude a bit with water increasing its volume and decreasing the salt intensity.
Don't waste your time with Langer's Deli. It is dangerous and in the ghetto, the owner is threatening to close to get security from the LAPD. His daughter has opened "Daughter's Deli" in West Hollywood. Same thing and a little cheaper!
another deli in Philly to check out is the 4th street deli if you hadn't done so already…….Ricci's at 1165 S 11th Street has great hoagies, some think best in the city of brotherly love
Had this on my last trip to Philly. Agree that this sandwich is good but you can’t compare to Katz or Pastrami Queen even. Ordering a Ruben and saying it’s better to have pastrami that way are the same people who like a burger with a lot of stuff on it including sauces.
Close your eyes…all you hear is Jesse Eisenberg
UA is in pain again when he eats a sammich. lol