Sarcone’s Bakery

— TIP: Don’t miss the hamburger rolls (seriously). Not what they’re known for, but they are super airy with a hard crust that stands up to the juiciest of burgers & BBQ sandwiches.
— CON: They unapologetically will be out of bread often; sometimes feels that they are there more for their foodservice clients than the customers walking in.
— BOTTOM LINE: Just make sure to order your bread at least a day ahead of time if you’re counting on having it. You won’t find artisan sourdough here — but you can always count on great, crusty Italian bread & rolls. Definitely worth the effort.

This place wasn’t on our reader, but the sweet woman working at the Italian Market Visitors Center recommended it for their tomato pie.
We grabbed a slice to go and it was delish. Thick crust, nice tomato flavor with some dried spices and sprinkled cheese on top. Not typical Sicilian pizza, but famous in Philly.
Apparently, it’s an institution and reportedly make the best bread in the area.

Been going to Sarcone’s for over 25 years and the bread has also been excellent and consistent. Freezes well too. Wouldn’t go anywhere else even though I live 20 miles away. I see a comment about non-​white customers. I don’t agree at all. This is South Philly and the people that work there have a Philly attitude but once you get past the surface they are the same as everyone else. Still worth the visit for the bread and any of the other items they sell. Have a great day!

Customer BEWARE! Probably best to shop elsewhere!! Product not worth the harassment by their employees! Blatant hostility and Apathetic Attitude towards This business has a trend of treating Customers poorly. I won’t be spending my hard earned money with them. Service is poor and Racist Attitudes. customers Beware! if going to that business, probably best to shop elsewhere!

The best bread, the best pizza and old school sweet service! The pizza is special. Not like anything you buy in a pizzeria. Remember to bring cash, as they do not take credit card. That’s the only bummer.

They make best Italian bread in South Philly. I always get the seeded kind. Make sure you go there early on Saturdays because they sold out quickly. They also make pizza and cookies. Cash only.

I grew up eating this bread… my father had a standing order each week. It’s absolutely the very best. I’d feel much better if the ladies at the register wore gloves or used tissue to handle the bread though. Touching money and bread with the same hands is pretty gross… Once this is resolved then they are a solid 5+ stars!

Went with a few Co-​workers Linda was very rude to us upon entry. Turned us off to the whole experience from the beginning. We found the bread to be rely dry, as if it had been sitting there for weeks. Definitely did not live up to the hype surrounding this restaurant.

Always my first stop on a trip to the Market — I order a tomato pie and eat it while I walk; it helps hunger not unduly influence my other purchasing decisions!
Although the prices have gone up a bit since I first started coming here 10+ years ago, the prices are still well worth it for fresh-​fresh bread and cookies and tomato pie to die for!
There is just not much more to be said — it’s great bread, go get some!

Sarcone’s is a South Philly institution. The bread is amazing!!! The pizza is also delicious, and I recommend getting a slice with cheese. The tomato pie is good, not great. All of the baked goods are tremendous as well. You need to get there early, especially on the weekends, as they sell out quickly.

Great tomato pie and biscotti.
I should have purchased more than a half pound of biscot.
Craving that tomato pie, my favorite in the city.

Sarcone’s! How do you not know about Sarcone’s?! If you are headed to Sarcone’s, you must absolutely get the tomato pie (but make sure you get there early so they don’t run out)! Whenever we have family over, we have to get a tomato pie. Their bread is also so good (love the sesame seeds on it). Don’t forget it is cash only!

Don’t let the bakery’s looks deceive you. It may look clean, but it has a list of public health violations a mile long. They posted a picture on their social media of dogs being invited behind the counter to eat their cookies off the floor inches away from their bread for sale. When brought to their attention that this is illegal and could make those with allergies sick, their son launched into a harassing and insult-​laced tirade that somehow involved complaints about Obama. I was also threatened. The picture was deleted; swept under the rug. Lou Sarcone sent me no less than 20 harassing messages including ones that indicated that he was trying to figure out my identity. I was advised that I was «messing with the wrong Italian family.»
There is no shortage of places to buy bread in the area. After being a customer here for 10 years, I’ll be looking elsewhere.

They were total dicks to us but super friendly with the regulars coming through the door to pick up their loaves on a Saturday afternoon. Up yours, Sarcone’s counter staff! Thanks for the great tomato pie, Sarcone’s bakers!

Sarcone’s make some great sandwiches AND tomato pie!

I finally made it to the bakery before the sign said «SOLD OUT». Yup, they have breads, Italian cookies, pizza slices. I tried the pizza slices. Yum. I had Tomato pie slice since being from Chicago I like to taste the sauce (Sorry, no gravy here, we call it sauce in Chicago’s Italian neighborhood). The line was long, service was prompt. I shall be back, and hopefully, to try the breads and Italian pastries…

I don’t even like bread. But Sarcone’s bakes the MOST DELICIOUS BREAD I have ever had. It’s indescribable perfection, in baked form. Handmade from scratch daily! I can’t speak for their pizza or pastries, but if it’s anything like their loaves then you’ll be in for a treat.

We always get bread from this place whenever we have parties or need a dozen.
The price for the bread is great and while I am already here, I love to grab a piece of the pie pizza; it’s good cold or hot.
The one thing that bothers me though is that the doors open in. 2 things about that: it’s a fire hazard & after you just bought a big bag or two of bread, it’s different to open the door.

Doctors have recently diagnosed a severely debilitating medical condition. This condition is called «Irrational South Philly Proximity Pride”(ISPPP). The major symptom of this disease comes when the patient feels that all things within a 4 block radius of their South Philly residence are the best available in Philadelphia. Be they Italian food, burgers, or bars, the ISPPP sufferer will always argue that their local, South Philly eatery is better than the one you were just talking about.
Upon hearing of Sarcone’s perfect tomato pie from a trusted friend, I rushed to consume it. Sadly, I didn’t realize that the man who had recommended it had undiagnosed ISPPP. I took one bite and realized I had been had, not by a man but by a cruel, unforgiving psychological condition.
For a place that has as much South Philly cred than anything I can think of, Sarcone’s really misses the mark when it comes to the tomato pie. The crust is thick and the sauce is tinny. I tried this pie after a friend vehemently proclaimed this to be the greatest tomato pie in Philadelphia. It’s barely fine and I did not want to finish my slice.
Thankfully, Sarcone’s baked goods make up for the tomato pie. The place smells like heaven and they have a wide variety of delicious baked goods to choose from. I respect Sarcone’s for what it’s done and for how long it’s been around but I just wish their tomato pie game was tighter.

I’m going to call this a review on the honor system. Where Sarcone’s excels at bread-​making, it proves only competent at pasty-​making. I’ve had Sarcone’s secondhand, so to speak, because I’ve had a hoagie or two sandwiched between their bread. However, I have yet to make the predawn trek to Sarcone’s in order to get there early enough to grab a roll or loaf.
The day we went to Sarcone’s, we ordered some macaroon cookies, though we nearly grabbed the cannoli. I wish we had because the cookies were very dry and underwhelming. But I blame myself for that one. The smell alone convinced me of my mistake, not to mention some of the delicacies laid listlessly but enticingly along the rows of the arching case. When I was there, I nearly called it a gift case because those pastries are so finely-​made, it’s almost like jewelry.
I sincerely hope and believe that when I return for that promised loaf of bread, that baked Canaan of my dreams, I’ll understand why Sarcone’s is one of the most recognized names in Philly. For the sake of honesty, however, if it is as disappointing as the macaroons, I’ll have to drop this place down a notch. Regardless of all that, it’s a piece of Philly history, a vibrant member of the esteemed Italian Market community, and if only for the wonderful sights and smells drifting out its open door, I hope it rings any many more millennia at 9^th and Fitzwater.

Oddly enough, I’ve never bought bread from this bakery.
Obviously it’s what they’re known for, but every time I go, I’m grabbing a slice of pizza for breakfast before walking the Italian market or buying a few pepperoni breads for a party snack. Both are incredibly delicious options, by the way. Go early to avoid the crowds, though, the place is small and not many people can fit inside.

Bread

Since great bakeries open early, if you want to be a good customer (and get some of their fine treats) you should arrive early.
I had some friends visiting this weekend from out of town and they were Philly haters (notice the use of «were») I knew we’d be in for a day of beer and city sights but I wanted to show them something that I think this city is famous for. I did my own take on the roast pork, broccoli rabe, aged provolone. Sarcone’s supplied the bread.
I went with the seeded long rolls because I love them. When I walked in, the bread was hot and I could smell how fresh it was. It’s that alluring smell that makes you just want to rip off a piece and eat it. It doesn’t need butter, it’s perfect as is. Like a fresh shot of espresso with perfect crema on top, there is a small time window to experience this bit of epicurean joy.
My friends did manage to stop mid meal and say «damn, this is a fine sandwich, perhaps we judged this place too quickly» and then went back to eating. I smiled knowing that they were having a good time in Philadelphia and that Sarcone’s bread played a huge roll in that.

Philadelphians rave about Sarcone’s bread. For some, a hoagie or a cheesesteak isn’t one without the Sarcone’s roll. If you really want that quality bread, you have to stop by early, as they tend to sell out quickly on a daily basis. They’re THAT popular. And quality, too. Think about it: for a hardy sandwich like a cheesesteak, you’re gonna want a roll that won’t crumble under pressure. Sarcone’s does the trick, with its hard, crunchy crust and dense interior.
We wanted to take some of the magic home with us, so we grabbed a handful of cookies and a long roll for $ 2. That roll made six wonderful sandwiches. What a steal! I recommend making garlic bread with them. Seriously, the greatest thing since sliced bread.