Wawa

Philadelphia, et. al. - Deli Style - 6/10

(Audio)

Its hard to imagine that any other restaurant even comes close to serving as many hoagies as Wawa does in the Philadelphia area. For those who don't know, clearly out-of-towners, Wawa is a chain of gasoline and convenience stores, based in Wawa, Pennsylvania and operating stores throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.

The Italian hoagie at Wawa, called as such and ordered to specs by computerized ordering terminal, is America's deli-style workhorse. The sandwich readily conforms to the standars of the style (barring any malfeasance on the part of the customer at the ordering terminal), but does nothing to enhance it.

One would not expect the store that defines the word hoagie for so many people to go beyond the paradigm it has been so important in solidifying. Wawa uses average quality bread (some days are better than others) and meat. The vegitables are usually very crisp and fresh.

Conclusion - Wawa's italian hoagie is very good and just fine for lunch or dinner anytime. Nothing is done wrong, but the pedestrian flavor (the meat is a bit bland) holds Wawa's score down to a 6/10.

Practicalities - Wawa is located at 3600 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, and at hundreds of other locations. The classic italian (10 inches) usually costs around $6. Two-foot hoagies are available for parties. No seating available. Also sells groceries and gasoline. Wawa refers to all of their sandwiches as hoagies, make sure to order the one called "Italian Hoagie", it is found under "lunch" or "dinner" in their newest ordering software.

Reviewed March 25, 2009 by David Jacobson

Update: Wawa now has a theme-song-of-sorts. Several, actually. Listen to one of them here.