Dolores' "2 Street" is a fantastic little deli tucked into the heart of South Philly. The space…read moreitself may be small, but what they're banging out behind that counter is anything but. Between the hospitality, juicy cutlets, and absolutely massive sandwiches, this little spot has quickly earned a place near the top of my list whenever I've been hit by a hoagie hankering.
When you enter, you're greeted by a friendly staff who gives nothing but your classic S. Philly love and insight on which OG or special they recommend. While the cashier helps you choose, the team is hard at work in the back breading fresh eggplant, slicing up plush sesame seeded rolls or piling up fresh fried JUICCYY cutlets onto any one of their phenomenal sandwiches.
This was our first time here and definitely not the last. While I've been craving an acidic and bright classic Italian, the cashier and his list of specials made me an offering I couldn't refuse.
Here's the rundown:
The Poohbear $14: Sliced to order honey turkey, honey ham, American cheese, shrettuce, tomato, fried pickles, honey mustard, mayo, SPO, EVOO. This was a great mashup of sweet and savory, rich and acidic. The fried pickles helped cut through the sweetness of the meats and honey mustard, while the mayo, SPO, and EVOO brought just enough fat, juiciness, and seasoning to pull everything together. It's the kind of sandwich that hits a little bit of everything, so you never get bored from one bite to the next. 7 out of 10.
Hot in Herr (Special) $16: Chicken Cutlets encrusted in Herrs Long Hot Chips, Sharp Provolone, Sauteed Broccoli Rabe (originally comes w/ spinach but broccoli rabe is LIFE), Long Hots w/ Long Hot Mayo. SPO/ Roasted Garlic Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
This was exceptional.
The cutlets were perfectly fried, juicy and pounded thin but not too thing that you felt like you were eating chicken bacon. The spicy potato chip crust added a nice background kick of heat while the long hots and swapped-in rabe added the vegetal bitterness this needed to cut through the richness. The sharp prov was chefs kiss as was the schmear of long hot mayo and roasted garlic EVOO. Order this if on the menu and make sure you've got a cold one nearby because she is SPICAAYY. 9 out of 10.
Dolores' doesn't just deliver massive hoags with great hospitality and price tags that blow a lot of other places out of the water. The flavors, creativity, and quality all go above and beyond too.
An absolute MUST if you're in South Philly and if not, still well worth the drive, walk or bike ride.
Grab your sando's, take them to the local dog park, bring them to a Phil's game, or find yourself a nearby stoop where nobody's home and dig into some of the best the area has to offer.