Lil nick's deli
About This Spot
Lil Nick’s Deli sits tucked into a lively corner of South Philadelphia, where the steady hum of conversation and the occasional sports radio chatter give the space a comforting, familiar pulse. From the moment you step inside, there’s a warm, unpretentious vibe that invites you to slow down and enjoy a genuine neighborhood moment. It’s the kind of spot where the rhythm isn’t rushed—orders scribbled on scraps of paper, friendly banter behind the counter, and a sense that this is a place built on routine, friendship, and flavors that speak of home.
The atmosphere is relaxed and honest, a humble backdrop to the real star: the sandwiches. Here, the bread arrives fresh with a slight crispness, never soggy or overdone, cradling layers of carefully selected meats and thoughtfully arranged toppings. Whether you’re working your way through a classic Italian hoagie or drawn to a cutlet sandwich with sharp provolone and sweet roasted peppers, each bite echoes a deep appreciation for South Philly’s deli traditions.
Patrons often find themselves discovering secret little joys—like the surprising kick of hot honey on a slice of porchetta or the satisfying balance of fresh mozzarella and long hots. This is a place where familiarity and flavor fold together, inviting both locals and newcomers to share in something quietly special. While the neighborhood bustle can pose a small challenge on the streets outside, once inside Lil Nick’s, the pace slows and the world feels a little more rooted, a little more like home.
It’s easy to see why many return, not just for the sandwiches but for the genuine human moments—a nod across the counter, a laugh exchanged, and the warmth of a small local gem that carries the heart of South Philly in every bite.
What’s Available Here
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Delivery
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In-store pick-up
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Takeaway
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Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Quick visit
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Credit cards
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Debit cards
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NFC mobile payments
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Credit cards
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Free of charge street parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | Closed | |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM | |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM | |
| Friday | 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM | |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM | |
| Sunday | Closed |
Cindy Le 06 Jan 2026
hands down the best italian hoagie in south philly right now. you know it’s good when they still write your orders on scrap paper. a small local gem with a nostalgic corner deli vibe. hoagies are made with quality meat and good bread, never tough or soggy like other spots. the “taste of italy” is too good, I dream about it when the cravings hit. I should try their cutlets but nothing beats a good south philly italian hoagie. writing this review made me want one, i’m on my way there now!
El Nino and the Monsoons 21 Dec 2025
my delivery route brought me around the corner, so i took my break & popped in to try Lil Nick's for the first time... got my usual, roast pork w rabe & sharp prov.... the small at $11 was honestly spectacular. slightly crispy very fresh bun, roast pork was juicy but not drowning the bun at all...... 9.5/10 bc i should've asked about a seeded bun and that's on me. I will be returning. Pics for proof. like damn.
Chelsea Saltzman 10 Dec 2025
A modest South Philly gem where we sought refuge after long lines elsewhere, which made us feel like we had discovered some secret foodie cheat code to save an hour and a half and also have more special and tasty experience (no shade to the sandwich joints we bypassed). So many goodies at both Lil and Big Nicks, I felt like a kid in a candy shop. Everyone who worked there was incredibly friendly, adding to the charm. But most importantly, the chicken cutlet sandwich (we got the South Philly Cutlet add roasted reds + hot honey) was so good that we ate it in almost complete silence with short interruptions of “omg” and “yum” - can’t wait to come back to try more.
Linda Hrushanyk 03 Dec 2025
10/23/24 My husband did a take out order and all sandwiches were really good. We had the hot roast pork, an Italian hoagie and the Dag 2.0 which is a cutlet with cheese , procuitto and hot honey. A small sandwich shop with excellent hoagies and specialty sandwiches, like cutlets, hot roast beef, meatballs, etc. I highly recommend the hot roast beef. The beef was tasty, and tender, really good. The hoagies also very good. Definitely will order again and the owner was very welcoming. 10/31/25…We did a takeout order. A rosewood street Italian and a turkey and cheese. One of the best hoagies I have had in awhile. Everything was so fresh. Highly recommend for an awesome hoagie!
CJ 29 Nov 2025
Lil Nick's felt like how a deli should probably feel like in Philadelphia. Sports radio going in the back and a little back and forth banter. The gentleman working the register was easy going and it felt pretty laid back inside. Parking and the roads were a bit of a nightmare in this area so I'd walk in or park a mile away in a more parking friendly neighborhood which is what I did. I ordered The Big Nick Cutlet and it was a solid hoagie. The ratio of ingredients was excellent and the bread was so so so so soft. It was honestly all I could think about initially, like wow this is some amazing bread. The cutlet was seasoned well and cooked perfectly while the extra sharp provolone added a nice bite to it. I would've maybe liked a tad more peppers and for them to be a bit sweeter but other than that, I was pretty darn pleased. It was well worth the visit to stop here.
your mom 28 Nov 2025
Made a quick pit stop here on my way to Atlantic City and boy am I glad I did. 10/10 best Italian sub I’ve ever had. The cutlets are also 10/10. Nice little hole in the wall deli with a nice corner store next door to get fresh lunch meats and cheeses. I will definitely be back every time I’m in the area.
Cameron Goddard 31 Oct 2025
This is the epitome of a classic South Philly deli. Family-operated, high-quality hoagies, and incredibly friendly staff. They have an expansive menu, but you really can’t go wrong regardless of what you pick. You can tell that Nick and his staff take pride in what they do, and there’s a reason why they’re a staple within the neighborhood. I ordered “Thee Dag” chicken cutlet hoagie and “The Taste of Italy”, and would highly recommend both.
John Twaddell 29 Sep 2025
Usually don’t leave reviews but this place was excellent! (Italian inferno) may be the best hoagie I have ever had! My girlfriend got the chicken Parmesan sandwich and loved it as well. Definitely recommend trying this place to anyone who hasn’t.