Best of 10 cole slaw in Philadelphia
Cole slaw in Philadelphia is a beloved side dish, known for its creamy and tangy flavor profile. It's a popular addition to many classic Philly meals, from cheesesteaks to fried chicken. Top places to try cole slaw in Philadelphia include Campo's Philly Cheesesteaks, Silk City, Sulimay's Restaurant, Flannel, and Dutch Eating Place.
1. Flannel
Cozy neighborhood spot with a focus on local ingredients

The cole slaw in this location is a popular choice among visitors, known for its creamy texture and satisfying crunch. However, there seems to be a slight discrepancy in opinions regarding its sweetness.
While some, like myself, find the cole slaw to have an appealing balance of flavors, others may perceive it as a touch too sweet. Despite this, the general consensus is that the cole slaw remains a worthwhile option.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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2. Dutch Eating Place
Family-owned restaurant serving authentic Dutch cuisine since 1950

The cole slaw at this establishment is exceptional, known for its freshness and tangy flavor. It complements the sandwiches well and is a popular choice among customers. The cole slaw is widely regarded as a standout, with many customers praising its quality.
If you're looking for a delicious cole slaw, this is the place to go. It is widely considered to be some of the best cole slaw available, with its fresh taste and tangy qualities setting it apart. Whether you're a cole slaw enthusiast or just looking to try something new, this cole slaw is not to be missed.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Lunch
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3. Foods On First Diner
Iconic Philly diner experience, open 24/7

The cole slaw served in this establishment is a popular choice among diners, with many praising its creamy texture and well-balanced flavors. The combination of sweet and acidic notes creates a delicious taste that is pleasing to the palate.
However, there are some who find the cole slaw to be overly sweet for their preference, and would have preferred a less sugary version. Despite this, the rest of the meal is often found to be satisfactory or even excellent, with a wide variety of dishes to choose from. The overall dining experience leaves a positive impression on most patrons.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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4. Cosmi's Deli
Family-owned deli with strong local following

The coleslaw at Cosmi's Deli is a standout side dish. Its freshness and tangy flavor make it a great accompaniment to the deli's sandwiches. One bite of the coleslaw and it's evident that it's made with high-quality ingredients.
The tangy coleslaw at Cosmi's Deli is the perfect side dish for their mouth-watering sandwiches, such as the cheesesteak. The freshness of the coleslaw complements the savory flavors of the sandwich, making for a delicious meal. Whether you're a fan of coleslaw or not, this is one side dish you don't want to miss.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Downtown Spots
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5. Hershel's East Side Deli
A classic Philly deli experience since 1938.

The Pastrami Rachel is a delicious sandwich that features pastrami on rye bread with coleslaw, Russian dressing, and Swiss cheese. The pastrami is the star of the show, with its tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, savory flavor. The coleslaw and Russian dressing add a cool, creamy contrast, while the Swiss cheese adds a nutty depth. The sandwich is then grilled, giving it a crispy, toasted exterior.
The pastrami Rachel is a warm and hearty sandwich with a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of coleslaw and Russian dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory pastrami, while the Swiss cheese adds a nutty, savory note. The rye bread adds a subtle earthiness and hearty texture. It's a sandwich that is sure to satisfy and delight.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Kosher Options
- Downtown Spots
6. Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
Dedication to chicken finger perfection and commitment to community involvement

The first aspect of the 3-piece chicken tender meal to be addressed is the quality of the chicken fingers themselves. Fortunately, they were cooked to perfection, arriving piping hot and maintaining a tender, juicy interior. The portion size was also satisfactory, aligning with the quantity that had been ordered.
However, the meal was not without its shortcomings. The accompanying side dishes, which included Texas Toast and Cole Slaw, were a major disappointment. The Texas Toast was nowhere to be found, leading to an incomplete and less satisfying meal experience. Additionally, the Cole Slaw was cold, which further detracted from the overall quality and enjoyment of the meal. This left a sour taste in my mouth, as it seemed like a waste of time and money to receive an incomplete order.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
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7. Elwood
Dedicated to providing a variety of plant-based dishes and quality drinks

The cole slaw is a tangy and spicy side dish that should not be missed. It compliments the main dish, pulled pork sandwich, very well.
The pulled pork sandwich is not the only dish worth trying; the cole slaw is also a must-try. Its tangy and spicy flavor makes it a perfect side dish to the sandwich.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
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8. Jay's Deli
Family-owned deli serving classic sandwiches since 1972

The cole slaw at Jay's Deli has a refreshing quality, with a crisp texture that makes it enjoyable. However, there is a slight issue with the taste being overly sour.
Despite the sourness, the cole slaw remains fresh and crunchy, which are definitely positive aspects. The texture and freshness suggest that the ingredients are high-quality and carefully prepared. The creaminess of the cole slaw is well-balanced, not too heavy or overpowering.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Hidden Gems
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9. Bill's Deli
Family-owned deli serving classic sandwiches since 1960

Bill's Deli is renowned for its exceptional cole slaw, which is considered the best in town. This cole slaw complements the deli's popular cheesesteaks, creating a satisfying meal. The sandwiches themselves are delicious, but the cole slaw is the real star. Its constant crispness and rich flavor make it a standout side dish that keeps customers returning for more.
The cole slaw at Bill's Deli is the primary reason for its excellent reputation. Its taste and texture are unmatched, making it a perfect companion to the delicious cheesesteaks. The crispness of the cole slaw is remarkable, while its flavorful seasoning makes it a customer favorite. The combination of the savory cheesesteaks and the exceptional cole slaw creates a memorable dining experience that keeps patrons coming back for more.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Suburban
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
10. Glick's Rib Shack - The Original Rib Stand
Serving authentic barbecue in Philadelphia since 1991

The cole slaw presented in the meal was fresh and had a distinct tangy flavor that greatly enhanced the taste of the ribs. Its tanginess provided a nice balance to the savory ribs, making for a satisfying and delicious meal overall.
Despite a slightly excessive sweetness, the cole slaw still served as a good side dish for the meal. Although it may not have been to everyone's liking, the sweetness did not overpower the freshness and tanginess of the cabbage used in the dish. Ultimately, the cole slaw provided a variety in texture and flavor to the main dish, ensuring a well-rounded meal.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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