Pennsylvania's Best Breakfast Sandwich: A Tale of Two Legendary Contenders

The Nationally Acclaimed Champion: Middle Child's Corned Beef, Egg, and Cheese

• The Sandwich: This isn't your average breakfast sandwich. Middle Child, a modern and wildly popular luncheonette, crafts a masterpiece featuring delicious, high-quality corned beef, fluffy scrambled eggs, and sharp American cheese, all served on toasted rye bread. It's a perfectly balanced, savory, and incredibly satisfying sandwich that has captured the attention of food lovers across the country.
• The Accolades: The sandwich has received immense praise, being named the best breakfast sandwich in Pennsylvania by the publication LoveFood. It also received national attention when it was featured on Good Morning America as part of their "Best Breakfast in America" series.
• The Vibe: Middle Child has a fun, slightly irreverent, and always bustling atmosphere, with locations in both Center City and Fishtown.

The Unique Contender: Gilda's "The Antonio"

• The Sandwich: A more recent but equally lauded choice, "The Antonio" from the charming Fishtown restaurant Gilda offers a unique and delicious taste of Portugal. This breakfast sandwich features a fried egg, cheese, and flavorful Linguiça (a Portuguese smoked sausage) with a special sauce, all served on a fresh Portuguese roll.
• The Recognition: This sandwich was rated as the best breakfast sandwich in Pennsylvania by the popular food site Chowhound, based on extensive customer reviews and praise for its unique and perfectly executed flavors.
• The Vibe: Gilda is a cozy and welcoming neighborhood restaurant inspired by the culture of Portugal, offering a more relaxed and intimate dining experience.

Other Keystone State Contenders:

While Middle Child and Gilda are at the top of the conversation, other iconic Pennsylvania breakfast sandwiches are also in the running:

• The Wawa Sizzli®: For sheer popularity and convenience, the Sizzli® from the beloved Pennsylvania-based convenience store Wawa is a cultural icon. It's the go-to morning sandwich for hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians every day.
• Johnny's Hots (Philadelphia): This classic Fishtown stand is legendary for its breakfast sandwiches, particularly the combination of sausage, egg, and cheese served with their famous pepper hash.

So, what is the best breakfast sandwich in Pennsylvania? If you're looking for national acclaim and a modern take on a classic deli sandwich, the Corned Beef, Egg, and Cheese at Middle Child is an undeniable champion. If you're seeking a unique, culturally rich, and incredibly flavorful creation, "The Antonio" at Gilda makes a powerful case for the top spot. Ultimately, the "best" is a matter of taste, but the delicious debate between these top-tier contenders is a testament to the incredible quality of Pennsylvania's breakfast scene.

Sources:

• LoveFood.com ("The Best Breakfast Sandwich in Every State")
• Good Morning America ("United States of Breakfast" series)
• Chowhound.com
• Official websites for Middle Child and Gilda
• The Philadelphia Inquirer (Food & Dining Section)
• Eater Philadelphia & other local food publications