Mr. V's, Franklin Mills Mall. In a strip mall in the parking lot. "An oasis of homestyle Italian sandwichery (they make pork sandwiches, too) in a wasteland of chains." Also mentioned in recent City Paper story, "The 10 Best Cheesesteaks You've Never Had," by Carolyn Wyman, author of The Great Philly Cheesesteak Book.

Voltaco's, Ocean City. For Italian hoagies, "a close second place" at the Shore to the White House in Atlantic City. says LaBan.

Best of the South Jersey burbs

Carmen's Deli, Bellmawr, Camden County. Best of Philly for S.J. last year. No. 9 overall on Macnow's list, almost making the Hoagie Hunt finale.

Abbruzzi and Giuntas Italian Market, Mount Laurel, Burlington County. "First-rate ingredients, dynamite construction and the perfect meat-to-cheese balance," said Macnow, ranking it No. 10.

Verchio's Produce Outlet, Sewell, Gloucester County. Daily News sports columnist Bill Conlin recommended it to Macnow, who ranked it No. 13. (Or, also in Sewell, check out Pal Joey's, strongly recommended by Inquirer reporter George Anastasia.)

Sarcone's Deli also has a Medford store.

4 more in the Pennsylvania burbs

Carlino's Market, Ardmore and West Chester. Finished No. 2, close behind Paesano's, with Hoagie Hunt's celeb judges.

Our Deli, Paoli. "Best of Philly" 2008 for Chester County: "A classic Italian: Freshly sliced Boar's Head meats are piled high on a sturdy roll."

Pallante's, Richboro, Bucks County. Rating it 7th, Macnow wrote, "Guisseppe Pallante's 'Don Supreme' is one outstanding hoagie."

Soprano's Deli and Catering, Broomall. No. 12 with Macnow, his top Delaware County choice.

Next-best chains

After highly rated Primo Hoagies, Macnow ranked the chains this way: The Fresh Works (his 14th best Italian hoagie), Slack's Hoagies (20), Planet Hoagie (32) and Lee's Hoagie House (40). Planet Hoagie, by the way, was Best of Philly in 2004.

2 more tuna hoagies

Duck Deli BBQ Restaurant, New Britain. Best hoagie in Bucks County, said Philly Mag, is "Duck Deli's delicious smoked tuna salad hoagie dressed with house-made mayo."

Dino's, Margate. "A specialty hoagie – whipped tuna with potato chips (crumbled on the bottom) sounds odd, but it's wonderful," says LaBan.

(See also Chickie's, under "5 major disagreements.")

For more on hoagies, go to the Philadelphia Hoagies Page.

See also the Philadelphia Cheesesteaks Page.