April 26 is National Pretzel Day, and there’s no better place to celebrate than in Pennsylvania, which produces 80% of the pretzels in the U.S. Philly’s contribution is our signature soft pretzel, with its tight figure 8 design and bronzy color. Whether you’re looking for a Philly pretzel or the classic style, here’s where we recommend grabbing a doughy bite.
Miller’s Twist
51 N. 12th St.
Operating in Reading Terminal Market since 2008, Miller’s offers “Amish-style” pretzels in honor of owner Roger Miller’s hometown of Lancaster. The stand sells classic soft, buttery pretzels along with flavors like garlic and sour cream-and-onion. You can also find pretzel roll-ups in flavors such as cheesesteak, chicken feta sausage, and jalapeño cheddar.
Rowhome Coffee
2536 Pine St. or 2152 N. Front St.
Next time you grab breakfast, forget about the bagels. Rowhome Coffee switches up your typical breakfast sandwich by offering it on a soft, hot pretzel. You can pick from cinnamon, salt, or everything seasoning and get two eggs and Cooper Sharp cheese with a choice of meat. If you want something lighter, grab a pretzel with cream cheese.
Center City Soft Pretzel Co.
816 Washington Ave.
If you really want a bagel, then behold, the zagel. Center City Pretzels sells the bagel/pretzel combo with a 48-hour advance notice, but you can also find classic Philly soft pretzels if you’re keeping it simple. The bakery prides itself on being nut-free, Kosher-certified, and vegan-friendly.
Em Wilson
4500 Worth St., Unit A (by appointment only)
Pastry Chef Em Wilson first gained notoriety in Philly’s pop-up scene by hosting bake sales in West Philly. While you can still find Wilson at a pop-up, you can also pre-order her popular pretzels when a drop is announced on Hotplate. Or sign up for a beginner-friendly pretzel-making workshop to learn about the history of pretzels and how to make your own.
Philadelphia Pretzel Factory
Multiple Locations
The Philadelphia Pretzel Factory is the go-to source for the signature Philly Pretzel, or specialty bites like the pretzel dog and pepperoni melt. If you come on National Pretzel Day, claim one free pretzel.
Pretzel Day Pretzels
1501 S. 5th St.
A new addition to South Philly, Pretzel Day sells Bavarian and Swabian pretzels. If you’re looking for stuffed pretzels, you can find pizza pretzels, long hots, and even a blackberry/raspberry streusel.
Tasty Twisters
5002 Umbria St.
This family-owned business in Manayunk sells regular soft pretzels along with hot dog pretzels, pizza pretzels (with or without pepperoni), and an everything twist. You can even order specialty shapes like a holiday wreath or a team logo.
Four Worlds Bakery
4634 Woodland Ave.
If you’re a fan of sourdough, stop by West Philly’s Four Worlds Bakery. Baked in-house, the bakery offers soft sourdough pretzels. Sourdough is easier to digest due to its fermentation process, contributing to its rising popularity.
