As a sandwich-obsessed region with a significant Jewish community, the Philadelphia area is full of excellent Jewish delis. Two of the best are close to home in Montgomery County, writes Maddy Sweitzer-Lammé for Philadelphia Magazine.

Hymie’s Deli in Merion Station offers all the classic Jewish deli staples, including a standout egg salad.

The shop’s sweets are also a must-try, such as the delicious chocolate-dipped pretzels, plus cookies and macaroons.

Hymie’s Delicatessen has been a Main Line hub for classic New York-style deli fare for over 60 years.

Current owner Louis Barson took over from his father’s operation of the business in the 1980s, carrying on the familial reputation for excellence.

Meanwhile, Ben & Irv’s in Huntingdon Valley is ideal for fans of smoked fish products.

One of the best options there is Lenny’s Sunday Brunch, a huge platter with every cured fish product in the house, accompanied by six bagels.

There really was a Ben and an Irv: Ben Shore and Irv Chudnoff opened the deli in 1954 in the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia, where they became an instant hit.

The family business eventually passed onto Shore’s son-in-law, Len Bromberg. He and colleague Marty Margulies moved the shop to Huntingdon Valley in 1984. Ten years later, it moved just up the street and changed hands (but remained its family ties) to Lenny Bromberg and partner Michael Young.

Read more about the best Jewish delis in the region in Philadelphia Magazine.

This post was first published on MONTCO Today in October of 2021.