Another Bracket: What’s Philly’s Best Sandwich? Because it is March and because every poll or survey is better in bracket form, the folks at Eater Philly have started the 2012 Sandwich Supremacy Tournament. What exactly is it? It’s a list of the 64 best sandwiches around town, and winners will be determined by user voting (starting Wednesday with the Sherman Helmsley Division). If you’re a foodie, this is a list you’ll want to check out. There are some classics in there (Pat’s Cheesesteak is a six seed in the Joey Lawrence Division, Geno’s a 12 in the Seth Green Division, among others), but plenty of new entries.

Who are the top seeds, you may be asking yourself. Top Four in each division are broken down below (with the brief Eater writeup). Additionally,  click here for a full bracket: 

Sherman Helmsley Division:

1. Dinic’s Roast Pork: “The most nominated sandwich among the 64, this is often considered the Philly signature sandwich moreso than the cheesesteak.”
2. McNally’s Schmitter: “This longtime Philly fave features griddled steak, salami, cheese, onions, tomato, and special sauce. Also available at Citizen’s Bank Park.”
3. Tony Luke’s Roast Pork: “Tony Luke’s is all about the cheesesteak, but his roast pork is the better sandwich, and one of the best in Philly.”
4. Shank’s Italiano: “No matter where they move, Shank’s cutlet sandwiches are the best. Topped with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe is the way to go.”

Joey Lawrence Division:

1. John’s Roast Pork Cheesesteak: ”The roast pork is damn good, but the cheesesteak is the very best in Philly. The best.”
2. Village Whiskey Village Burger: “While not our favorite burger, this is the one everyone falls all over themselves about, so it sits at a number 2 seed. The consensus Philly favorite.”
3. Dalessandro’s Cheesesteak:  ”Everyone West of Philly swears by this sandwich, and we agree. Dalessandro’s cheesesteak is a top 3 in the region.”
4. John’s Roast Pork: “To get out of the division, John’s is going to have to beat itself. The roast pork people and the cheesesteak people are split as to which sandwich is better at this little hut of happiness. You decide.”

Seth Green Division:

1. Nick’s Roast Beef: “The signature sandwich at Nick’s is better than the hype. Wet the roll and dump a glob of horseradish on it for good measure.”
2. Paesano’s Paesano: “Another Paesano’s superstar, The namesake sandwich is a brisket beauty with horseradish mayo, pepperoncini, and a fried egg.”
3. Salumeria Italian: “A beast of Italian meatiness. Coppa, capicola, mortadella, provolone, and roasted red peppers fill a massive roll. An RTM staple.”
4. Melino’s Turkey Hoagie: “Our man Questlove turned us onto this place a year ago, and we haven’t looked back. Fresh meats, and the nicest guys behind the dirty counter. It’s a giant masterpiece of a hoagie, and an easy 4 seed.”

Normal Fell Division

1. Paesano’s Arista: ” The modern-day answer to DiNic’s Roast Pork, Paesano’s version is made with suckling pig and has long hots along for the ride.”
2. South Philly Tap Room Grilled Three Cheese: “This is the best sandwich in Philly that isn’t a cheesesteak or a roast porkwich. What else do you need to know?”
3. Smoke Truck BBQ Pork Sandwich: “Mark Coates makes the best BBQ in Philly, and this is his best sandwich.”
4. Pub & Kitchen Churchill Burger: “Pub and Kitchen’s signature burger boasts a proprietary LaFreida blend and an $18 price tag. Still, it’s delicious. And don’t put cheese on it.”

Do you have any favorites? Any sleepers. Let us know in the comments below.

-LD

[Eater, h/t @mikeyil]

Photo: Paesano’s