PENNSYLVANIA - While Philadelphia is famous for its cheesesteaks and hoagies and Pittsburgh for its Primanti Bros. sandwich, another legendary creation holds a special place in the heart of Central Pennsylvania. For decades, the most talked-about sandwich outside of the state's major cities has been the Cosmo. This unique, toasted hoagie, born out of Williamsport, PA, is a beloved regional specialty, and a must-try for any sandwich enthusiast exploring the Keystone State.
What is a Cosmo?
At its core, a Cosmo is a toasted hoagie that is simple in concept but delicious in execution. Unlike a traditional cold hoagie, the Cosmo is placed in the oven, allowing the roll to become warm and crusty and the cheese to melt perfectly over the deli meats and toppings. The result is a warm, gooey, and incredibly satisfying sandwich.
The Origin Story: A Williamsport Classic
The Cosmo is believed to have originated in the 1950s at a Williamsport sandwich shop called Cellini's Subs (now located in nearby Montoursville). As the story goes, the name "Cosmo" came from a kid who worked at the shop and always liked his subs toasted. His unique preference caught on, and a local legend was born.
Where to Find the Best Cosmo:
To get a true taste of this Central PA icon, you have to visit the Williamsport area, where several shops have perfected the art of the Cosmo.
- Mileto's Sub Shop (Williamsport, PA):
- A true Williamsport institution, Mileto's is often cited as the premier destination for an authentic Cosmo. They offer a wide variety of fillings, from classic Italian meats to turkey and roast beef, all served on a perfectly toasted roll with melted cheese.
- The Vibe: A classic, no-frills sub shop where the quality of the sandwich is the main event.
- Newbury Sub Shop (Williamsport, PA):
- Another beloved local favorite, Newbury Sub Shop is also renowned for its fantastic Cosmo sandwiches. They offer various fillings and are even known for having great vegetarian options.
- The Vibe: A popular and reliable neighborhood spot for a delicious and satisfying sandwich.
- Cellini's Subs (Montoursville, PA):
- For a taste of history, a visit to Cellini's, the birthplace of the Cosmo, is a must. Now located just outside Williamsport in Montoursville, they continue the long-standing tradition of crafting this unique toasted sandwich.
- The Vibe: A classic sub shop that is proud of its role in creating a regional culinary icon.
The Cosmo sandwich is a delicious and unique piece of Pennsylvania's culinary heritage. It stands as a testament to local pride and the simple genius of taking a classic hoagie and making it even better with a bit of heat. For a true taste of Central Pennsylvania, a visit to one of Williamsport's legendary sub shops for an authentic, perfectly toasted Cosmo is an absolute must.
Sources:
- Local Williamsport and Lycoming County news outlets and food blogs
- PA Eats (Pennsylvania food publication)
- Official websites and social media pages for the listed restaurants
- Historical accounts and community forums on Pennsylvania regional foods
- Online review platforms (e.g., Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google Reviews)