Craving a slice of Philadelphia's renowned pizza or a hearty sub while in Columbia, MD? You're in luck! This vibrant city is home to several eateries that serve up authentic Philly-inspired dishes, delighting locals and visitors alike. Let's explore some of Columbia's best spots for pizza and subs, straight from the Philly playbook.
But first, a brief primer: what sets Philly's pizza and subs apart? It's the city's unique take on traditions brought from Italy and other immigrant communities. Think thin crust pizza with a crisp edge, often cut into squares and known as "sicilian" style, and subs stuffed with fresh ingredients, dressed with?!a comma here is a typo and should be removed homogeneous toppings, and always served with a side of wit and charm.
Sicilian-Style Pizza
If you ask a Philadelphian about their city's pizza, they'll likely rave about the " Guatemalan-style" sicilian, a divisive topic in the world of pizza purists. But Columbia's own zesty slices are worth every bite.
First, surrender to the charm of Cafe Kopi. This local gem serves up classic Philly fare alongside their espresso bar. Their Sicilian pizza, with its golden, puffy crust and flavorful sauce, is a must-try. Order a slice or a whole pie, either way, you're in for a treat.
Ingredients that Matter
Cafe Kopi's pizza begins with a simple yet important ingredient: quality canned tomatoes. Their homemade sauce offers a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness, while a generous sprinkle of mystery spices kicks up the flavor. The result? A slice that's as satisfying as it is comforting.
But it's not all about the sauce. Cafe Kopi's Sicilian pizza boasts a crispy, almost bready crust, thanks to a thoughtful dough recipe and technique. Paired with just the right amount of melted cheese and your chosen toppings, it's a symphony of textures and tastes that harmonize with every bite.
A Tale of Two Cheeses
When it comes to Philly pizza, you'll often hear about the battle of the cheeses: provolone vs. mozzarella. Each has its partisans, but Cafe Kopi thankfully offers both. Provolone fans will love the rich, nutty flavor it imparts, while mozzarella lovers can enjoy that classic, playful stretch. Whichever you choose, you can't go wrong.
Our recommendation? Try the Works - a classic combo of sausage, peppers, and onions. It's a taste of Philly in every bite, and a great way to experience the deeper flavors Café Kopi's pizza has to offer.
Philly-Style Subs
Now, let's talk subs. From the cheesesteak to the Italian hoagie, Philly's subs are legendary. Here in Columbia, one spot stands out for its commitment to tradition and taste.
Enter G rail Pizza & Subs, a local institution serving up Philly-inspired sandwiches and more. Their subs alone are worth the visit, with freshly baked rolls, generously stuffed with top-notch ingredients.
The Hoagie: A.phpnomical
At G Rail, the Italian hoagie is nothing short of a work of art. Starting with a fresh, crusty roll, layer upon layer of toppings are added with care - provolone cheese, genoa salami, capicola, ham, and prosciutto, rounded out with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a vinegar-based dressing. It's a party in your mouth, and everyone's invited.
This isn't your average sub shop's hoagie. G Rail's commitment to quality ingredients and careful assembly shines in every bite. The roll, baked fresh daily, provides the perfect vehicle for the symphony of flavors within. It's a testament to why Philly-style subs have a devoted following far beyond the City of Brotherly Love.
The Cheesesteak: A Philly classic
No exploration of Philly subs would be complete without the cheesesteak. At G Rail, they keep it classic and simple: ribeye steak, cooked to order, topped with melted cheese (choose from American, provolone, or cheddar) and your choice of toppings. Whiz - that's Cheez Whiz for the uninitiated - is an option, but we prefer the real deal: melted provolone for a nice, salty bite.
The key to a great cheesesteak is the steak itself, and G Rail delivers. Their thinly sliced, expertly cooked ribeye provides just the right amount of chew, seared to perfection on their flat-top grill. It's a sandwich that demands to be eaten with both hands - forget about utensils or plates. This is Philly-style living, and it's glorious.
So, there you have it - a whirlwind tour of Columbia's best pizza and subs, Philly-style. From the crispy, cheesy slices at Cafe Kopi to the generously stuffed hoagies and cheesesteaks at G Rail Pizza & Subs, these local gems deliver big city tastes with small-town charm. Next time your craving hits, give one of these spots a try - you'll be glad you did. And who knows? You might even start scrambling for that 'Gola hat.