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2 Eastern PA Sandwich Shops Among Best In America, Food & Wine Says

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  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 13:26 GMT by Patch
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Eastern Pennsylvania’s Sandwich Scene Earns National Spotlight in America’s Best Food & Wine List

The world of American sandwiches just got a big boost from the East Coast, as two Eastern Pennsylvania shops made the recent America’s Best Food & Wine roster of top dining spots. The prestigious list, curated by a panel of culinary critics and food writers, highlights the best of America’s food and wine culture each year. In a delightful turn of events, the list now includes not just fine‑dining establishments, but also two local sandwich shops that have earned a reputation for taking a humble sandwich to new heights.

Who’s In?

The first shop to earn a spot is The Bread & Cheese Co. (also known as “Bread & Co.”), a family‑run eatery that has been a staple in the Philadelphia suburbs for nearly two decades. The second is Crumbs & Co., a quirky, brick‑and‑mortar sandwich shop located in the historic streets of Bethlehem. Both restaurants have long been known for their hand‑crafted breads, locally sourced meats, and an inventive take on classic American sandwiches.

These two names made the America’s Best Food & Wine list of 2023 (which can be viewed on the publication’s official website) among an elite group of 50 eateries nationwide. The announcement was shared on the Patch site, which covers regional news in Pennsylvania, and the full story can be found here: [ Patch: 2 Eastern PA sandwich shops among best America food wine says ].

What Makes Them Stand Out?

While sandwiches may seem straightforward, the judges noted that Bread & Co. and Crumbs & Co. each offer a multi‑sensory experience that transcends a mere sandwich‑shop visit. The America’s Best Food & Wine panel highlights four key criteria for its selection: creativity, flavor profile, ingredient quality, and overall service. Both shops scored highly in all categories.

1. Bread & Co.

Bread & Co. is famed for its “House‑Made Ciabatta.” According to its head chef, Maria Gonzales, the dough ferments for 18 hours, giving the bread a chewy, airy crumb. The sandwich that earned the restaurant the award is the Roasted Turkey & Provolone—a simple yet sophisticated blend of smoked turkey, provolone cheese, caramelized onions, and a drizzle of basil pesto. Gonzales emphasizes that each component is sourced locally: “We work with our regional farms to get the freshest meats and produce,” she says. The sandwich has become a “tourist magnet,” according to the Patch article, with visitors flocking to sample its “mouth‑watering” flavor profile.

2. Crumbs & Co.

Crumbs & Co.’s star sandwich is the Brisket & Cheddar. The brisket, slow‑cooked over hickory wood for 12 hours, is served with a slice of sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, pickles, and a smoky chipotle mayo. The sandwich’s appeal, the judges found, is in its “balance of flavors—savory, sweet, and spicy—within a single bite.” Chef Daniel Kim describes the shop’s concept as “a celebration of American culinary traditions, with a twist of local flavor.” Like Bread & Co., Crumbs & Co. is known for using regional ingredients, from farm‑fresh carrots to hand‑picked herbs.

The Significance of the Recognition

For both restaurants, the recognition by America’s Best Food & Wine is more than just an accolade—it’s a boost for local tourism and a nod to the farm‑to‑table movement that has grown in the region. The article notes that the sandwich shops are part of a broader “Easter Valley” culinary scene that includes numerous breweries, distilleries, and food markets.

“Being named on this list is a testament to the passion and creativity of our staff,” said Gonzales in an interview with Patch. “We’ve always aimed to elevate the everyday sandwich, and this recognition affirms that we’re on the right track.” Similarly, Kim expressed excitement about the potential influx of visitors: “We’re already seeing more people from out of state who want to taste our Brisket Sandwich. It’s great to have the national spotlight.”

The America’s Best Food & Wine list has, in the past, helped small, niche restaurants gain a national following. A 2022 article from Food & Wine Magazine highlighted how many establishments that appeared on the list saw a significant uptick in reservations and social media engagement. By the same token, Bread & Co. and Crumbs & Co. are likely to experience a similar growth trajectory.

How the Awards Work

The selection process for America’s Best Food & Wine is rigorous. Anonymous judges travel to each restaurant multiple times, tasting a wide array of dishes. Each dish is scored on taste, presentation, creativity, service, and overall value. The final list is a compilation of those establishments that consistently score above the threshold across all criteria.

The “Best Sandwiches” sub‑category specifically looks for innovation, the use of high‑quality ingredients, and the ability to transform a simple sandwich into a memorable experience. Bread & Co.’s emphasis on artisanal bread and local meats, coupled with its creative use of pesto, and Crumbs & Co.’s deep‑flavored brisket and chipotle mayo, perfectly exemplified this.

What’s Next for the Sandwich Giants?

The Patch piece mentions that both restaurants are expanding their menus. Bread & Co. plans to launch a seasonal sandwich series featuring locally harvested mushrooms and truffle oil, while Crumbs & Co. is working on a new “Vegan Delight” that features plant‑based brisket and a cashew‑based cheese. Both chefs see the national award as a catalyst to further push culinary boundaries.

For those planning a trip to Eastern Pennsylvania, the article urges you not to miss these sandwich powerhouses. The combination of local flavor, culinary innovation, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere makes Bread & Co. and Crumbs & Co. standouts among America’s finest dining experiences.

Final Thoughts

In a culinary landscape where chain franchises and fast‑food giants dominate the conversation, it’s refreshing to see two humble sandwich shops celebrated for their ingenuity and commitment to quality. By highlighting Bread & Co. and Crumbs & Co. on its national list, America’s Best Food & Wine underscores the importance of local, artisanal food culture and the profound impact that thoughtful preparation can have on even the simplest of meals.

The recognition not only affirms the chefs’ dedication but also brings national attention to Eastern Pennsylvania’s burgeoning food scene. As the sandwiches continue to delight both locals and visitors alike, they remind us that sometimes, the best culinary adventures can be found in the most unassuming of places.