Hershel’s East Side Deli: Reading Terminal’s Hidden Gem

*Photo taken by Hershel’s East Side Deli (@hershelseastsidedeli)

If you’ve been in Philly long enough, you are guaranteed to have heard of Reading Terminal Market. Located in the heart of Center City, the market is housed in a historic building near the Pennsylvania Convention Center and is one of the oldest and most famous public markets in the United States. It offers a diverse selection of food vendors, fresh produce, and specialty shops, making it a must-visit culinary destination. It is packed with legendary food stalls, but one of its best-kept secrets is Hershel’s East Side Deli. This old-school Jewish deli delivers an authentic experience that rivals even the esteemed Katz’s Deli.

When I walked into Reading Terminal Market looking for something warm, filling, and delicious I was overwhelmed with options. After walking around in circles making sure to have assessed every single vendor, I settled on Hershel's East Side Deli, figuring I hadn’t had a good pastrami reuben in ages. As I waited in line, my mouth watered as I watched the employees slice giant hunks of brisket and pastrami into thin slices—almost tempted to ask for a sample. I looked up at the menu and also saw that they sell deli salads and meats by the pound, as well as their loaves of rye and pumpernickel. My expectations were high, given the caliber of the other restaurants neighboring the deli and the overall reputation of Reading, but they were exceeded beyond imagination.

I got my sandwich on a rye bread that had just the right amount of chewiness, warmth, and almost buttery flavor, providing a sturdy base for the layers of meat and toppings. The pastrami was juicy, rich, and bursting with smoky, savory depth. They were not shy at all with the amount of meat either; I had to take some of it out to make the sandwich more manageable—which is a great problem to have in my book. The Russian dressing was applied in just the right amount—not overpowering, but complementing the sandwich beautifully. The sauerkraut added a tangy contrast that paired excellently with the pastrami, while the Swiss melted seamlessly into the mix, bringing everything together in warm, cheesy harmony. And as a perfect final touch, the pickle on the side was perfectly crunchy and refreshing.

It’s really no wonder that Hershel’s founder, Stephen Safern, a Polish native, was actually a former chef at New York City’s legendary Katz’s Deli for over 40 years. As a die-hard Katz’s Deli fan I can admit that Hershel’s might be even better than the original. With its classic counter seating, vintage signage, and menu full of traditional Jewish deli favorites, Hershel’s is truly a hidden gem right here in Philly– and I cannot recommend it enough.