All the Soft Pretzels You Should Be Eating in Philly Now
Classic pretzels, stuffed pretzels, fancy sourdough pretzels: In this town, there's a salty snack for every occasion.
Bernie’s Pretzel Bakery / Photograph by Brooke Lachette
Pretzels are just as much of a Philly staple as cheesesteaks. Distinguished by their figure-8 shape and chewy texture, they’re baked into the collective consciousness of our region. For some, the twisted treats were available at school during recess and lunch. Some of the older generations have distinct memories of vendors selling them at busy traffic lights. And, of course, we’ve all had our fair share of half-stale game-day pretzels sold at a disturbing premium out of a shopping cart by the stadiums.
Whether you’re looking to fulfill a nostalgic craving, need a party tray for tailgating, or just want a taste of local flavor, here’s where to find the tastiest pretzels.
Center City Pretzel Co., East Passyunk
After a fire forced them to close for a year and a half, the Center City Pretzel Co. on Washington Avenue is back. For over 40 years, this beloved family-owned and run establishment has been serving hand-twisted pretzels for wholesale and to passersby craving a pretzel. They’re also home to the “zagel,” a pretzel bagel, which is the perfect vehicle for schmear, lox, or a classic sausage, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich. 816 Washington Avenue.
Rowhome Coffee, Center City and Kensington
Rowhome Coffee serves their popular breakfast and deli sandwiches on sliced Federal Pretzels. Their egg and cheese breakfast sandwiches are available with optional meat add-ons and served on a salt, everything, or cinnamon sugar pretzel. If you’re looking for a lunch option, their deli sandwiches come with either roast beef, turkey, or grilled cheese on a salt pretzel. 2536 Pine Street and 2152 North Front Street.
A pretzel braid from A&A Soft Pretzel. / Photograph by Catherine Smith
A&A Soft Pretzels, Oaklyn
One of Philly’s OG pretzel bakeries, A&A Soft Pretzel, began in 1929 in the basement of a South Philly rowhome. Now located in Oaklyn, New Jersey, A&A pretzels come in braids, cinnamon rolls, seasonal designs, and rolls for breakfast sandwiches. A&A also has gluten-free versions made in a separate facility. If you can’t make it over to Jersey, you can find these pretzels in season at John’s Water Ice. 511 White Horse Pike.
Lost Bread Co., Kensington
Lost Bread Co. is well known in the local farmers market scene, and their products can be found at several small grocers and culinary markets around the area. As much as we love their bread made with heritage grains, their pretzel shortbread cookies hold a special place in our hearts. Made with whole wheat flour, these treats have the saltiness of a pretzel and the buttery sweetness of a shortbread cookie. Truly, the best of both worlds. 1313 North Howard Street.
Philly Pretzel Factory, Multiple Locations
With more than 175 locations, the Philly Pretzel Factory is spreading the gospel of our hometown pretzels across the country. They’ve got all your classics, from the figure eights to the minis, but if you’re bringing soft pretzels to a party, you better order the rivets with a variety of dips. And get an extra buttercream frosting — that one’s always the first to go.
The warm Bavarian pretzel from Frankford Hall. / Photograph by Kae Lani Palmisano
Frankford Hall, 1210 Frankford Avenue.
What better to go with your massive German Maßkrug than a warm Bavarian pretzel. Studded with flakes of salt, this sourdough behemoth is dense and perfectly chewy. Get it with the cheese dip and live life like everyday is Oktoberfest.
Tasty Twisters Bakery, Roxborough
Can you get your tried and true Philly pretzels here? Yes. But you’d be missing out on the glory that is Tasty Twisters if you didn’t try their pizza pretzels. It’s precisely what it sounds like — a pretzel topped with sauce and cheese, with the option to add pepperoni. 5002 Umbria Street.
Wawa, Multiple Locations
The opinions on Wawa’s soft pretzels are all over the place. While certainly not the best, Wawa is the most convenient place to grab one. They’re right next to the register, prime placement for an impulse purchase. And if you have a craving later in the evening (or at 2 a.m.), Wawa is always there.
Dutch Twist, Mullica Hill
Located within the Amish Market at Mullica Hill, Dutch Twist offers traditional Amish-style pretzels flavored with salt, cinnamon sugar, or a delicious sour cream and onion coating that will have you licking your fingers when you’re done. If you want to make a meal out of your pretzel, go for the pretzel logs — dense bricks stuffed with a variety of fillings including bacon, egg and cheese, buffalo chicken, and bacon cheeseburger. 108 Swedesboro Road.
The Pretzel Place at The Amish Dutch Wagon / Photograph by Paige Hurff
The Pretzel Place at The Amish Dutch Wagon, Medford
This spot sells some of the freshest, hand-rolled Amish-style pretzels. There’s so much butter on these that the wax paper they use to grab them becomes translucent by the time they hand it to you. There are also cinnamon sugar pretzels with cream cheese dip, but the way to go here is with the standard salted pretzel with mustard or cheese dip. If you’re hungry (and ambitious), go for the pretzel-wrapped hot dog. 109 NJ-70.
Pretzel Workz, Point Breeze
This spot converts Philly’s favorite snack item into a hefty meal. Customers can have their pretzels served up like a casserole with special toppings like chicken parmesan, General Tso’s chicken, and chicken and broccoli. There are also pretzel tacos and burgers on pretzel buns if you’re looking for a more portable meal. 1250 Point Breeze Avenue.
The Pop Shop Cafe & Creamery, Collingswood
Collingswood’s family-friendly Pop Shop has a lengthy menu, but pretzel lovers will want to check out the Park and Linden sandwiches. The Park is an elevated grilled cheese with American grilled on a pretzel braid, while the Linden combines beef, caramelized onions, and roasted mushrooms with American cheese on a pretzel braid. 729 Haddon Avenue.
Bernie’s Pretzel Bakery / Photograph by Brooke Lachette
Bernie’s Pretzel Bakery, Aldan
Recently reopened under new ownership, Bernie’s Pretzel Bakery has been serving Aldan, Pennsylvania since 1960. Pretzels are available in the traditional salted style or flavored with cinnamon sugar, butter, garlic, or everything seasoning. Also on the menu are pretzel dogs, hot sausage pretzels, and pretzel nuggets. 500 East Providence Road.
Miller’s Twist, Market East
Not to be missed on a visit to Reading Terminal Market is a visit to the ever-popular Miller’s Twist. Open Monday through Saturday, they offer traditional Amish-style pretzels with a variety of sweet and savory flavors like cinnamon, garlic, and sour cream and onion. Also on the menu are pretzel roll-ups. The breakfast roll-ups are stuffed with egg, cheese, and your choice of breakfast meat, while the lunch roll-ups include hot dogs, jalapeño cheddar, chicken feta sausage, and, of course, cheesesteak. 51 North 12th Street.
