A general store in Pennsylvania has been feeding people since 1910, and it sits right along a rail trail. Hikers and bikers can basically coast up for a hoagie.
That detail made me grin. Then I learned about a deli that packs box lunches with a deviled egg inside, plus cupcakes baked upside down. On purpose. Upcakes, they call them.
Another counter has been serving pastrami on rye since 1923. Its meats are smoked in-house, and the challah comes from its own ovens. One more serves Balkan beef sausages called cevapi right beside Italian-style sandwiches.
Fall is made for eating outside, with crunchy leaves underfoot and a sandwich in your lap. I can’t imagine a better excuse to grab a blanket and a cooler. Somebody has to do the eating, and I nominate you. So, which spot are you hitting first? Because honestly, I’d have a hard time choosing just one.
1. Famous 4th Street Delicatessen
A deli that has been slicing pastrami since 1923 has earned the right to brag a little.
Lucky for you, the bragging comes on rye.
Famous 4th Street Delicatessen is a true Philadelphia landmark, and it leans hard into classic Jewish comfort food.
The sandwich list reads like a greatest hits album.
Hand-sliced pastrami on rye leads the way, followed by corned beef, Reubens, and roast beef.
Each one makes a strong case for a lunch outdoors.
The kitchen does a lot of the hard work itself.
It smokes its own meats and pickles its own corned beef.
Bread gets the same treatment, with baking done in-house.
That includes challah, rugelach, and those famous black and white cookies.
So why does that matter for a fall picnic?
When one kitchen handles the smoking, pickling, and baking, your whole basket comes from people who care.
Sides deserve a spot in your cooler too.
You can pick from potato salad, chips, potato pancakes, pickles, baked beans, and apple sauce.
That lineup basically builds a picnic for you.
Grab a sandwich, two sides, and a pickle, and the hard decisions are over.
Chilly afternoons call for something hot, and the matzoh ball soup is made from scratch.
Pack it in a thermos and you’ll be the smartest person on the blanket.
Dessert is easy to plan here.
A few black and white cookies travel well and settle the classic question of vanilla or chocolate.
Rugelach makes a fun second choice for anyone who wants a little of both worlds.
Nobody says you have to share, but your friends might stare.
Planning a bigger outing, like a family reunion or a tailgate?
The deli offers catering, which takes the stress off your shoulders.
A tip for crisp fall days is to keep hot and cold items in separate bags.
Your pastrami stays happy, and your potato salad stays cool.
Philadelphia has plenty of parks and riverside spots nearby for a sandwich break.
Honestly, a century-old deli and a sunny bench make a pretty great team.
Address: 700 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
2. Woodrow’s Sandwich Shop
Truffle whiz sounds like something a fancy wizard would invent.
On South Street, it’s simply part of the house cheesesteak.
Woodrow’s Sandwich Shop serves signature American sandwiches alongside Philly cheesesteaks.
The star is the Woodrow’s Whiz Wit, and it doesn’t play it safe.
Shaved ribeye gets topped with house-made truffle whiz, cherry pepper mayo, and caramelized onions.
It’s a little bold, a little sweet, and very Philadelphia.
Craving something cold for the trip?
The Italian is a monster of mortadella, fennel salami, spicy soppressata, prosciutto cotto, and provolone.
Then come herb mayo, oil and vinegar, lettuce, tomato, onion, arugula, and cherry peppers.
The whole stack rides on a seeded roll.
Cold Italian sandwiches are picnic royalty for a reason.
They don’t need reheating, so you can eat whenever hunger strikes.
Woodrow’s Pork is another strong pick for cooler weather.
Pulled pork meets broccoli rabe, aged provolone, and long hot aioli on a seeded roll.
That combo nods to a classic Philly roast pork sandwich, with a kick from the long hots.
Bring napkins, and maybe a few extra.
Sides come with some fun choices.
House-Cut Fries are thick-cut, and Cajun Fries add a spicy twist.
For a picnic, though, a bag of Utz Chips might be your best buddy.
Chips don’t mind a bumpy car ride, and they stay crunchy.
Lighter eaters have options too.
Half sandwiches let you try more than one, which is a sneaky smart move.
Salads round out the menu, including The Cobb and a Kale Caesar.
Toss one in the basket so somebody can claim they ate a vegetable.
Here’s a fun plan for a group outing.
Order a few half sandwiches, cut them up, and turn lunch into a tasting party.
South Street sits close to green space and riverfront paths.
A short walk with your bag is a fine way to work up an appetite.
Fall in the city brings cooler air that makes a hot cheesesteak taste even better.
Wrap it in foil and eat it soon for the best bite.
Address: 630 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
3. Bobby Bay’s Sandwich Shop
House-made rolls are a big promise for a sandwich shop.
In Lancaster, Bobby Bay’s Sandwich Shop makes that promise part of its whole identity.
The goal here is to raise the bar on a humble sandwich.
Fresh ingredients and unique sauces do a lot of the heavy lifting.
Cherry pepper mayo shows up on the signature Bobby Cheesesteak.
Shaved ribeye, caramelized onions, and house whiz complete the picture.
Horseradish cream is another sauce worth knowing about.
A little zing like that can wake up a sleepy fall afternoon.
Want something that handles a road trip?
The Italian Sub is a solid choice for eating cold on a blanket.
Cheesesteak fans have more than one option too.
The menu also lists other cheesesteaks, deli sandwiches, burgers, and salads.
Now about those fries.
Parmesan truffle fries sound fancy, and the Tuscan fries bring Parmesan, Mediterranean herbs, and truffle oil.
Fries are best eaten fast, so plan a picnic spot close by.
Your car’s back seat counts in a pinch, no judgment.
Chips make a sturdier side for longer trips.
They won’t get soggy if your hike runs long.
Lancaster County in autumn is a treat for the eyes.
Farm fields, changing leaves, and country roads make great backdrops for a sandwich break.
A smart move is to order a mix of hot and cold.
Eat the cheesesteak first, then save the Italian Sub for later.
Feeding a crowd?
Try a spread of cheesesteaks, deli sandwiches, and burgers so picky eaters still find a winner.
Salads can balance out the heavier stuff.
Somebody in your group will appreciate the fresh crunch.
The shop sits on the Lincoln Highway, a famous old road that crosses Pennsylvania.
That gives your lunch run a tiny dose of road trip history.
Fall picnics reward a little planning.
Pack a cooler, grab extra napkins, and bring a blanket that can handle grass stains.
Fresh rolls really do make a sandwich feel special.
Once you try one baked in-house, store-bought bread might seem a little sad.
So go ahead and treat yourself to the house whiz.
Autumn only lasts so long.
Address: 1878 Lincoln Highway E, Lancaster, PA 17602
4. Screpesi’s Sandwich Shop
Plenty of shops brag about steak, but this one stakes its name on ham. ‘Best Ham on Roll’ is a bold claim, and it has stuck around since 1949.
Screpesi’s Sandwich Shop has been a classic stop in Reading for decades.
It keeps things simple, which is exactly what a picnic needs.
Sandwiches come in large and small sizes.
That makes it easy to feed hungry teens and lighter eaters in one order.
Chipped Polish ham is a key player on the menu.
Chipped ham is a Pennsylvania tradition, sliced super thin and piled high.
The Italian Sub brings salami, capicola, and provolone to the party.
Lettuce, tomato, oil, and sweet onions finish it off.
Turkey, roast beef, and tuna give you more cold choices.
Those are easy to pack and great for eating at a picnic table.
Steak and sausage are on the menu for heartier appetites.
The meatball sandwich has a story of its own.
Those meatballs come from a homemade Sicilian recipe.
Family recipes like that help give an old shop its character.
Chips are the side of choice here.
Honestly, a ham sandwich and a bag of chips is a picnic classic for good reason.
Pizza and salads are also available.
A pizza can be a fun extra if your group can’t agree on sandwiches.
Reading sits in Berks County, where fall brings bright leaves to parks and hills.
You won’t have to look hard for a pretty spot to eat.
A tip for hot sandwiches is to wrap them in foil and a towel.
That trick buys you a little time before lunch cools off.
Large and small sizes also help you match your appetite.
Try a small hot sandwich and a small cold one if you can’t choose.
A shop open since 1949 has fed a lot of families.
Joining that long line of lunches feels kind of fun.
Pack a thermos of cider or hot cocoa to go with your ham.
Flannel shirt optional.
Ham on a roll might sound plain, but plain done right is hard to beat.
Reading has kept that idea alive for over seventy years.
Address: 500 Lancaster Ave, Reading, PA 19611
5. Little Hut Sandwich Shop
A shop called Little Hut sounds like it should sell tiny sandwiches.
Good news: the menu is anything but small.
Little Hut Sandwich Shop has been part of the Ridley Park scene since 1978.
Fresh, high-quality ingredients are the foundation of its sandwiches.
The classic Italian hoagie is a natural starting point.
In the Philadelphia area, the hoagie is basically the official picnic food.
Other hoagies cover a lot of ground.
Ham and cheese, roast beef, turkey, tuna salad, and chicken salad are on the list.
Then there’s the Turkey Stuffer hoagie.
With a name like that, it sounds tailor-made for a fall outing near Thanksgiving.
Hot sandwich lovers get steak subs too.
The Cheesesteak, Flaming Rooster, and Bacon Cheesesteak are popular picks.
The Flaming Rooster wins the award for best name.
Order it just to say it out loud at the counter.
Cold sandwiches and club sandwiches add even more options.
Clubs stack up nicely for a sit-down picnic on a sturdy table.
Salads are available for anyone who wants something lighter.
A big salad can also be the shared side for a group.
Hoagies are great for sharing with a group.
Slice them into smaller pieces at home so everyone can swap and sample.
Delaware County has parks and trails close to Ridley Park.
A short drive puts you near grass, trees, and fall color.
Wrap hot steak subs tightly and eat them first.
Cold hoagies can wait patiently in the cooler.
Tuna salad and chicken salad need to stay cold.
Pack an ice pack so your lunch stays fresh on a sunny afternoon.
A shop running since 1978 has seen a lot of birthday parties and game days.
Your fall picnic can join the list.
Pick one hot, one cold, and one wild card.
The wild card should probably be the Flaming Rooster.
Fall weekends in Pennsylvania go by fast, so don’t wait too long.
Grab your hoagies, call your friends, and claim a picnic table.
Simple food, good friends, and crisp air make a pretty perfect afternoon.
Little Hut handles the food part nicely.
Address: 650 E Chester Pike, Ridley Park, PA 19078
6. Pumpernick’s Delicatessen & Restaurant
A free pickle bar is the kind of perk that makes a deli fan’s heart skip.
Pumpernick’s offers one to dining guests, loaded with pickles, salads, and peppers.
That pickle bar is for eating in, so enjoy it before you head out.
Consider it a practice round for your picnic.
Pumpernick’s Delicatessen and Restaurant calls itself a New York style deli.
The family-owned spot in North Wales has served customers for about 40 years.
Traditional Jewish foods are the focus.
Meats, cheeses, smoked fish, soups, and salads fill out the menu.
Hot corned beef is one of the big headliners.
Hot pastrami and roast brisket join it, and they are homemade.
Those meats are steamed and sliced fresh to order.
That means your sandwich is put together right when you ask for it.
Jewish rye bread is another famous item here.
Rye and corned beef together is about as classic as a deli lunch gets.
Hand-sliced lox is on the list of favorites too.
Pack it with a bagel for a picnic that feels like brunch in the park.
Soup lovers have choices, since the deli makes six hearty homemade soups.
The giant matzoh balls are billed as award winning.
A thermos of matzoh ball soup could be the best idea of your fall.
Cool air plus hot soup is a winning combo.
Gluten-free bread and bagels are available.
That’s a big help when you’re feeding a mixed group.
Smoked fish and bagels make a lighter picnic option.
Hot corned beef suits the friend who skipped breakfast.
Montgomery County has plenty of parks for a fall spread.
Find a bench, unpack your rye, and watch the leaves drift.
Hot sandwiches taste best soon after you get them.
Keep the drive short or wrap them well in foil.
Salads from the menu make easy sides.
Grab a couple so your sandwich has some friends.
Forty years is a long run for any restaurant.
A family-owned deli with that history clearly knows its way around corned beef.
Don’t forget extra napkins and a serious pickle craving.
Your autumn afternoon just got a lot tastier.
Address: 917 Bethlehem Pike, North Wales, PA 19454
7. Circles on the Square
More than 70 sandwiches on one menu is a lot of decisions before lunch.
Good luck picking just one at Circles on the Square.
This Wilkes-Barre shop has been making sandwiches since 1985.
It uses Boar’s Head meats for both classic and custom creations.
Breads come in many varieties, so you can mix and match.
Rye one day, something different the next.
Daily sandwich specials keep things fresh.
You could stop in often and still find something new.
The shop is take-out only, which is great news for picnic planners.
It basically wants you to eat somewhere outdoors.
Downtown’s original salad bar is part of the draw.
Build a salad to go and you have a fresh side ready for the blanket.
Homemade soups add a hearty option for chilly days.
Pack a cup with your sandwich and you’ll stay toasty.
Mac and cheese is on the menu too.
It’s comfort food that rides in a container just fine.
Homemade muffins make a sweet ending or a snack for later.
They’re easy to stash in a backpack.
Penn State Creamery ice cream is served here as well.
That’s the famous university creamery’s ice cream, right in downtown Wilkes-Barre.
Ice cream won’t survive a long picnic, so eat it on the spot.
Consider it the official start of your outing.
An eclectic gift shop shares the space.
Gourmet groceries and unique finds make it fun to browse while you wait.
Picnic tip: grab a few gourmet groceries to round out your basket.
A fancy snack can make a simple lunch feel special.
Public Square sits right outside the door.
It’s a handy spot to start your day downtown.
Northeastern Pennsylvania turns golden and red in fall.
Mountains and river views are a short drive from downtown.
With 70-plus sandwiches, a group order is the way to go.
Let each person pick, then trade halves like baseball cards.
Boar’s Head meats are a familiar name for a reason.
Quality cold cuts make picnic sandwiches easy to love.
So bring a big appetite and maybe a notebook.
You might want to track your favorites for next time.
Address: 9 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
8. Cable’s Deli
Bikers on the D&H Rail-Trail don’t have to look far for lunch.
Cable’s Deli sits right along the path in Union Dale.
Also known as Cable’s General Store, the spot has served the community since 1910.
That’s more than a century of feeding neighbors and travelers.
Outdoor fans love its location.
Hikers, bikers, and anyone with a trail map make it a popular stop.
Grab-and-go options are made in-house, which is perfect for picnics.
You can snag lunch and get right back on the trail.
Homemade favorites are a big part of the menu.
Soups, salads, and sandwiches cover the lunch basics.
Stone-fired pizzas add a fun twist.
A hot wing pizza shows up alongside the more classic options.
The classic Italian hoagie is a trail lunch champ.
It’s easy to pack and needs no reheating.
Early starters can fuel up first.
Breakfast includes bagels, quiche, toast selections, and breakfast sandwiches.
Coffee and espresso are on hand too.
A hot cup before a chilly fall ride sounds like a great plan.
Desserts are baked fresh daily.
Pies, cakes, pastries, and cookies make it hard to leave empty-handed.
Cookies are your best trail dessert.
They fit in a pocket and handle a bumpy bike ride better than a slice of cake.
The D&H Rail-Trail runs through the countryside of northeastern Pennsylvania.
Fall color along a former railroad line makes for a beautiful ride.
Plan your picnic around the trail.
Ride for a while, then stop for sandwiches somewhere with a nice view.
Pack a small cooler bag if you’re biking.
A soft one that fits in a backpack works best.
Soup is a smart pick on cold mornings.
Hot food at the start of a ride helps you feel ready for the chill.
A general store that has lasted since 1910 is a rare thing.
Stopping in connects your ride to a long local history.
Weekends in fall can be busy on trails, so plan ahead.
Start early and you’ll have more daylight to enjoy.
One last idea is to grab a pie to share at home.
Your post-ride dessert deserves a little celebration.
Address: 948 North Main St, Union Dale, PA 18470
9. BrickHouse Coffee & Kitchen
Long before lattes, the brick building in Refton handled mail and groceries.
Today it’s BrickHouse Coffee and Kitchen, and the menu is a lot tastier.
The building dates back to the mid-1800s.
It once served as a general store and post office.
A family opened the business in 2019.
Breakfast and lunch are served daily.
Local food is a big focus here.
Eggs, meat, bread, dairy, and produce come from Lancaster County farms.
That farm connection is pretty special in a county famous for its farmland.
Your picnic lunch has short roots.
Signature sandwiches and wraps lead the lunch menu.
Wraps are especially handy when you’re eating on a blanket.
Burgers are an option for heartier appetites.
Homemade soups and salads round things out.
Now for the baked goods, which are hard to resist.
Blueberry donuts, coffee cakes, and muffins make tempting choices.
Shoofly pie is on the list too.
The molasses pie is a true Pennsylvania Dutch classic.
A slice of shoofly pie on a fall picnic feels right.
It pairs nicely with crisp air and orange leaves.
Specialty drinks add more fun.
The Lavender Vanilla latte and Caramel Chai Tea sound made for sweater weather.
Grab a coffee for the road and a sandwich for later.
That combo covers you from morning to midday.
Refton sits in southern Lancaster County, surrounded by farm country.
Back roads here are lovely when the trees turn.
A country drive followed by a roadside picnic is a classic fall move.
Bring a blanket and find a quiet spot.
Homemade soup in a thermos is smart on brisk days.
Pair it with a wrap and you’re set.
Donuts and muffins make good snacks for kids in the back seat.
Coffee cake is a sweet treat for the grown-ups.
Supporting a family business with local ingredients feels good too.
Your lunch money helps nearby farms and neighbors.
Old buildings with a new purpose are fun to visit.
This one went from mail slots to muffins.
Stop in early, since breakfast is a great start to a fall day.
Then pack lunch and head for the hills.
Address: 53 Refton Rd, Refton, PA 17568
10. Hymie’s Delicatessen
Reubens described as legendary and piled high set a pretty high bar.
Hymie’s Delicatessen has been clearing bars like that since 1938.
The Merion Station deli is a Main Line favorite with New York-style deli cooking.
That’s more than 85 years of corned beef and rye.
Homemade corned beef and pastrami are the stars.
They show up in those piled-high Reubens and plenty more.
Other sandwiches include turkey, chicken salad, hot pastrami, and roast beef.
Chicken salad makes a great cold choice for a park lunch.
Bread selection is wide.
Bagels, rolls, rye, pumpernickel, and gluten-free options are available.
Pumpernickel with roast beef is a fun swap if you usually go rye.
Mix it up and see what you like best.
Matzo ball soup is homemade here.
On a chilly fall day, that’s a thermos-worthy treat.
Traditional Jewish delicacies fill out the menu.
Smoked fish platters are a great option for a group picnic.
A platter can feed a crowd and looks impressive on a picnic table.
Add bagels and you have a brunch spread outdoors.
Salads, burgers, and melts give you even more choices.
Melts are best eaten hot, so enjoy them soon after pickup.
Breakfast is served all day.
That means a late morning picnic with breakfast favorites is totally fair game.
Egg creams are another classic on the list.
The old-school soda fountain drink contains no egg and no cream, which still surprises people.
The Main Line has plenty of parks and leafy streets.
Fall here can look like a postcard.
Pack the Reuben carefully, since it’s a hefty sandwich.
Keep it in a flat spot in your bag so it stays together.
Cold sandwiches like turkey and chicken salad travel best.
Save the hot ones for close-by picnic spots.
Gluten-free bread makes it easy to include friends with dietary needs.
Nobody gets left out of the fun.
Few delis reach 85 years in business.
Hymie’s has done it while keeping homemade classics at the center.
Grab extra napkins for the road.
Piled-high sandwiches can get a little messy.
Address: 342 Montgomery Ave, Merion Station, PA 19066
11. Dixie Picnic
A shop with the word picnic in its name practically volunteers for this list.
Dixie Picnic in Malvern puts a slightly Southern spin on lunch.
Box lunches are the big draw.
Each one comes with a sandwich, a choice of side, a deviled egg, and a dessert.
That deviled egg is a charming touch.
It’s the kind of extra that makes a picnic feel like a party.
Artisan sandwiches anchor the menu.
Smithfield ham on a roll is one example of the Southern flair.
Thin-sliced Virginia ham on multigrain bread is another choice.
Ham lovers will feel right at home.
The Thanksgiving sandwich is a menu highlight.
Fall is the best season to order something named after a holiday feast.
The ingredients stay simple and natural.
Locally grown fresh produce is part of the plan.
An on-site bakery turns out fresh baked goods.
The star is the award-winning Upcake.
Upcakes are upside-down cupcakes.
It’s as fun as it sounds.
Bring one home for the kids and watch them try to figure it out.
It’s a dessert and a puzzle in one.
Garden fresh salads give you lighter options.
The BLT Salad, Classic Caesar, Goat Cheese Praline Salad, and Greek Salad are on the menu.
Goat Cheese Praline Salad sounds the most Southern of the bunch.
Pralines are a sweet nut treat with deep roots in the South.
Box lunches make group picnics super easy.
Each person gets a complete meal, so nobody fights over the last bite.
Chester County is lovely in autumn.
Rolling hills and nearby parks offer plenty of picnic spots.
Valley Forge National Historical Park is a short drive from Malvern.
Spreading a blanket there pairs lunch with a dose of history.
Keep the deviled eggs cold in a cooler.
Eggs and sunny afternoons need a little extra care.
The Thanksgiving sandwich is a great pick for a November outing.
It’s basically a holiday dinner you can hold in one hand.
Order an extra Upcake for the ride home.
Future you will be grateful.
A picnic shop for a picnic list makes perfect sense.
Dixie Picnic was made for days like this.
Address: 215 Lancaster Ave, Malvern, PA 19355
12. Fredo’s Deli
Where else can you order an Italian Godfather and Balkan cevapi at the same counter?
Fredo’s Deli in Pittsburgh makes that combo totally normal.
Known as Dormont’s Best, the deli has served hearty sandwiches since 2003.
Bosnian owners have added their cultural touch since 2010.
Back to the basics is the motto when it comes to sandwich making.
Good meat, good bread, and no fuss.
Building your own sandwich is a big part of the fun.
Meats include prosciutto, roast beef, corned beef, pastrami, sopressata, and turkey breast.
Various cheeses are on hand to pair with your pick.
Bread comes from Bread Works, a Pittsburgh bakery.
The Godfather is a specialty sandwich worth knowing.
Sopressata, imported DiLusso Genoa salami, red peppers, oregano, olive oil, and provolone fill a baguette.
A baguette sandwich like that holds up nicely in a picnic bag.
It’s sturdy, simple, and full of flavor.
Now about that cevapi.
It’s a Balkan beef sausage delicacy, and it brings a taste of Bosnia to Pittsburgh.
Gyros and panini add even more variety.
Breakfast sandwiches cover the early crowd.
Sides cover the picnic classics.
French fries, buffalo fries, potato salad, macaroni salad, and coleslaw are available.
Potato salad, macaroni salad, and coleslaw are perfect for packing.
Keep them cold and they’ll be ready when you are.
Fredo’s runs as a deli, market, and coffeeshop in one.
There’s outdoor cafe seating too.
That outdoor seating gives you a quick picnic option right there.
Grab a table and enjoy the fall air.
Pittsburgh in autumn is full of hills and color.
Parks and river views give you lots of places to spread out.
Coffee from the shop pairs well with a breakfast sandwich.
Start your outing with both and you’re set until lunch.
For a group, mix the Godfather with a few build-your-own picks.
Add cevapi for anyone feeling adventurous.
A Pittsburgh deli with Bosnian owners and Italian sandwiches is a fun mix.
Pennsylvania food culture really shines here.
Pack extra coleslaw for your sandwiches.
A cold, crunchy topping can brighten up a hearty lunch.
Address: 1451 Potomac Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15216
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