The Best Soft Pretzels You Can Find In Philadelphia

Miller's Twist, a classic vendor at Reading Terminal Market, embraces doughy, butter-slick knots baked in the Amish tradition. They've made Philadelphia Magazine's "Best of Philly" round-up and top-most foodie destinations when it comes to dining in the great colonial city. Ever since Robert Miller took over the vacancy in section B10, it's been a whirlwind of carb-heavy delights, from concession-style twists to wraps filled with cheddar cheese. Marveling at the talented pretzel maestros behind the counter will no doubt stick in your brain if it's your first time in Philly. You'll never see that at a mall food court! 

For those who've never had the pleasure of trying a real soft pretzel, Miller's Twist is an excellent introduction. We think the menu is varied but sticks to a simple formula of solid combinations — your hot dogs, your cinnamon sticks, your breakfast wraps — and sticks the landing every time. Can't choose between a soft pretzel or Philly Cheesesteak? Opt for the best of both worlds with the Philly Cheesesteak Pretzel Roll-Up containing steak and gooey bursts of Provolone, or the Jalapeno Cheddar for something spicy.

Hand-held knots sprinkled with kosher salt are common, but far from the only variety to graze on in Philly. Ever have crispy pepperoni or Everything seasoning on a pretzel? These coat the nuggets and twists churning out of Tasty Twisters Bakery, the Roxborough staple that's happily fed the city for 100 years and counting. There's nothing fancy about this hole-in-the-wall that's, shall we say, a little rough-around-the-edges. And you know what? That's why it's so good. If you're throwing a tailgate bash that doesn't feature one of the shop's pretzel platters, hoagies aside, can it really be called a party? Not on our watch! 

With such a cheap menu, there's no excuse not to go wild. Buy them as nuggets and full-sized pretzels, dip 'em in mustard or cheese, or venture off the beaten trail for crafty takes that'll change your snacking game forever. Pretzel Bagels, complete with a whopping dollop of cream cheese? Don't mind if we do! And with a savory snack like pretzels, it's only natural to pair it with a sweet treat, which the bakery delivers with oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies. 

Lederhosen and overflowing steins of ale — that's the German beer hall, baby. Philly has lots of 'em. And on Chestnut Street, where Bru Craft & Wurst has lured day-drinkers and merry-makers for over a decade, there's a proper soft pretzel lurking on the menu. Obviously, the extensive selection of imported brews — and inviting patio — explains how this local haunt stays popping. But in true beer garden style, the biggest ol' Bavarian knot will beckon your appetite forward like a Grimm Brothers' bread trail.   

While we can quibble all we want about pretzel terminology, a German-style twist still counts. And boy, does Bru Craft know its way around its browned edges. Tackle one of these baked baddies before the main courses come to the table. It's massive in size with a crackled, salty crust, and pillowy center. Of course, born-and-bred Philadelphians insist on mustard as the twist's side-dipper, but you'll be begging for seconds of the velvety Gouda cheese sauce that comes with it. Did we mention it's on the happy hour menu? For $5? Send a couple our way with a pitcher, and we'll be happy campers. 

Chilled Magazine describes Frankford Hall as a European Biergarten hurled into the 21st century, and we're eager to agree. Although the Fishtown spot bubbles with German lagers and boatfuls of sauerkraut, the rustic digs and communal atmosphere basically mimic a trendy craft brewery. The Infatuation, whose high score says it all, remarks that the venue is festive enough for special celebrations, while also welcoming spur-of-the-moment group get-togethers thanks to its spacious seating. 

When in Germany (we can dream, can we?) it's just a matter of principle that there'll be beer flowing like the Rhine, as well as a tearable (but debatably shareable) Bavarian pretzel. And what do you know? The watering hole pulls through! Those in a snacking mood can nibble on a small-sized twist for $6, but if you're uninterested in splitting it with spaetzle and sausage, inhaling a $10 Giant pretzel is possible too. For the ultimate afternoon nibble, don't hesitate to take Manager Raymond Vlug's advice by knocking back an amber Oktoberfest Lager with it. There's a reason this combination's ruled for centuries! And of course, there's a Stroopwafel Milkshake on the menu. Of course.  

In neighboring Aldan, there are soft pretzels from a little place that are guaranteed to knock your socks off, and it's known as Bernie's Pretzel Bakery. Residents have been devouring its bite-sized wares since the early 1960s and according to a Quora user, the operation once peddled out of a community market called The Bazaar of All Nations. Eventually, it moved into a strip mall, created a new name, and the rest is history. What would that history be? Locals and out-of-towners flocking for fresh pretzels, even driving 30 minutes outside Philly just to grab some. 

"A great specialized bakery is how one happy reviewer described Bernie's, adding that planning your trip to converge with oven-fresh batches cranked out on the spot was necessary, saying "nothing beats the taste of a hot Bernie's pretzel." Can't argue with that! The store allegedly slings 6,000 golden-brown beauties a day, and these sculptures of pretzel dough — molded into nuggets, braids, and even letters of the alphabet –  are capable of charming even the staunchest of pretzel purists. 

Can't get through the morning without a toasted pretzel? Rowhome Coffee has you — and the entire neighborhood — covered. In addition to pouring java from La Colombe, Hugh Moretta and Eli Shaika's coffeeshop goes whole-hog on pretzel-centric quick bites. Step aside, croissants and scones: only salty, knotted dough is accepted at this cafe. The charmingly homey storefronts (found in East Kensington and Fitler Square, respectively) aim to center the city's culinary traditions, which is why you'll never see generic frozen twists on the shelf but rather, fresh-baked wares from local legend Federal Pretzel.

Salted, Cinnamon Sugar, and Everything are the three core flavors offered at a time, and like the popular bagel of NYC, customers can opt for a schmear of tangy cream cheese or go the meal route with a sandwich. Folks lining up and down the block are likely grabbing The Sage Sausage Breakfast Sandwich, ordered more than any other menu item on account of the flavorful meat grilled with eggs and American cheese, but there are also fillings like deli turkey and roast beef. 

Clearly, Philadelphians are spoiled with bouncy, bountiful twists of dough and mustard to wash it down with. But what happens if — gasp — you're allergic to gluten? Indulging in artisanal baguettes, boules, and yes, pretzels is possible with a trip to Taffets Bakery. One way the shop's provisions were described to The 9th Street Beat just so happens to apply to the Sourdough Pretzel: "You won't believe it's gluten-free."

 That so, it doesn't simply sell a good gluten-free pretzel — it sells a good pretzel, period. Not cardboard-y, not bland. The fermented dough has a nice, low-key tang, with the salt adding that extra spark to set your tastebuds flying. The Gluten & Dairy-Free Review Blog notes the pretzels contain an identical leavener to other loaves on the shelf, so it's a good teaser for other goodies you'll undoubtedly feel tempted by. Omar Taffets' wares have always centered dietary restrictions from the start, so gobbling down whatever you want worry-free is encouraged. May we suggest a cookie or some imported pasta for the pantry?  

"What a perfect snack." If that doesn't nail Metropolitan Bakery's Fennel Pretzel to a T, we don't know what does! Visiting this vendor has been a Philly tradition since 1993, and its artisanal goodies range from homemade granola to rustic loaves. One such treasure is a delectably different twist speckled with kosher salt and fennel seeds. Take a gander at that browned crust. The light dash of seasonings. The not-too-flat or unwieldy shape. Why, it's pretzel perfection! 

We're not going to lie, pretzels slung out of food carts or ballparks definitely hit the spot. But knowing Metropolitan Bakery's emphasis on gourmet ingredients, we don't have to tell you this snack will be a huge step up from the concessions circuit. Customers regularly line up for it, so there's a lot of hype. Unsurprisingly, it's a hot ticket item that tends to sell out, and part of that has to do with its availability at one location (Rittenhouse Square) once a week (only on Saturdays). So plan accordingly, and you might walk off with one of the best soft pretzels in Philly proper.