Cafe Old Nelson
Nestled in the heart of Philadelphia on Arch Street, Cafe Old Nelson has become a cherished haven for both locals and visitors seeking a quick yet satisfying meal. This cozy cafe embraces the spirit of a classic deli, offering a comforting array of gourmet sandwiches and hoagies that celebrate bold flavors and fresh ingredients.
The ambiance of Cafe Old Nelson is infused with a warm and inviting charm, making it the perfect spot for a casual lunch break or a relaxed coffee date. The welcoming staff, often praised for their attentive service, helps to create an atmosphere that feels both homey and vibrant—a place where you can unwind while enjoying delightful fare.
Indulge in their specialty hoagies which are the stars of the menu. The Tuna Club Hoagie ($14.99), brimming with fresh tuna mingled harmoniously with crisp lettuce, plump tomatoes, onions, and crispy bacon, offers a flavor explosion in every bite. Or, for a meat lover's dream, try the American Hoagie ($14.49), layered with savory ham, bologna, and cooked salami, alongside velvety American cheese—each mouthful is a nostalgic nod to classic American deli dining.
If you're in the mood for something lighter, the Mixed Cheese Hoagie ($12.99) makes for a refreshing choice, with a delightful medley of cheeses paired with fresh veggies. For a health-conscious option, the Veggie Hoagie is a feast of colors and flavors, featuring romaine lettuce, vibrant tomatoes, and roasted peppers. Each hoagie is served with a side of love, making it clear that the team focuses on quality and customer satisfaction.
Coffee aficionados need not worry; Cafe Old Nelson offers a stellar selection of brews. Their Breakfast Coffee ($4.00) is the perfect partner to your meal, fueling you with that essential kick to start your day or keep you energized during a busy afternoon.
Customer experiences echo the allure of this local gem. Beth Knapp recently shared, "The prices are great, the service is even better!" Her praise for the accommodating staff and quality of food perfectly encapsulates what Cafe Old Nelson aims to deliver. Joseph Pilkus also raved about the delightful service and the creative offerings, notably “eggs, ham, and cheese on a bagel” dubbed The Jackie Chan—a delightful twist that leaves a lasting impression.
Whether you're a local resident or passing through Philly, make sure to stop by Cafe Old Nelson. It promises not just a meal but an experience shaped by dedication, flavor, and a community spirit that makes it a treasured spot in this bustling city.
Chips
-
Ruffes Cheddar & Sour Cream
US$3.00
-
Salt And Vinegar Chips
US$3.00
-
Lay's Classic
US$3.00
-
Kettle Sea Salt
US$3.00
-
Sour Cream Chips
US$3.00
-
Doritos Nacho Cheese
US$3.00
-
Lay's BBQ
US$3.00
-
Salt N Pepper
US$3.00
-
Kettle Sour Cream And Onion
US$3.00
-
Kettle Sea Salt And Vinegar
US$3.00
-
Kettle BBQ
US$3.00
-
Kettle Jalapeño
US$3.00
Breakfast Entrées
-
French Toast
Served with butter, powder sugar and syrup.
US$9.99
-
Waffle
Served with butter, powder sugar and syrup.
US$9.99
-
Cheese Omelet
3 eggs and cheese served with home fries.
US$11.45
-
Western Omelet
3 eggs, ham, red onion, and green pepper served with home fries.
US$17.15
-
Vegetables Omelet
3 eggs, spinach, red onion, green pepper, mushrooms, and tomato served with home fries.
US$12.15
-
Danish
US$4.00
-
Bagel
US$3.50
-
Croissant
US$3.50
Specialty Sandwiches
-
11. Corned Beef Special Sandwich
Coleslaw and Russian dressing on rye.
US$14.49
-
8. Prosciutto And Mozzarella Cheese Sandwich
With roasted red peppers, mixed greens, olive oil and black pepper on foccacia.
US$14.49
-
14. Cheese Sandwich
Choice of cheese, romaine lettuce, tomato, onion, alfalfa sprouts on choice of bread.
US$12.99
-
10 Tuna Melt
Tuna fish, melted Swiss cheese on choice of toasted bread.
US$12.99
-
9. BLT Sandwich
Bacon, lettuce and tomato on toasted bread.
US$11.49
-
1. Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich
With avocado, romaine lettuce, tomato and honey mustard on focaccia.
US$12.49
-
6. BBQ Chicken Breast And Melted Monterey Jack Sandwich
With bacon chips, sliced onions, romaine lettuce and tomato on foccacia.
US$12.49
-
15. Veggie Sandwich
Romaine lettuce, tomato, onion, alfalfa sprouts, cucumber, green pepper and avocado on choice of bread.
US$12.99
-
13. Corned Beef Or Pastrami Reuben
Served with melted Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian dressing on rye.
US$12.49
-
7. Genoa Salami, Capicola And Melted Provolone Cheese Sandwich
With roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts and olive oil on foccacia.
US$12.49
-
18. Veggie Wrap
Romaine lettuce, tomato, onion, alfalfa sprouts, cucumber, green pepper, avocado and mushroom on choice of wrap.
US$12.99
-
3. Maple Honey Turkey And Cream Cheese Sandwich
With sliced cucumber, tomatoes and honey mustard on rye.
US$12.49
-
12. Chicken Salad Club Sandwich
Triple decker, bacon, lettuce and tomato served with chips and pickles.
US$14.99
-
16. Caesar Wrap
Caesar salad in your choice of wrap.
US$12.99
-
12. Tuna Fish Salad Club Sandwich
Triple decker, bacon, lettuce and tomato served with chips and pickles.
US$14.99
-
17. Chicken Caesar Wrap
Caesar salad with chicken in your choice of wrap flavors.
US$14.99
-
11. Roast Beef Special Sandwich
Coleslaw and Russian dressing on rye.
US$14.49
-
4. Smoked Turkey Sandwich
With sliced avocado and honey mustard on sourdough.
US$12.49
-
12. Turkey Club Sandwich
Triple decker, bacon, lettuce and tomato served with chips and pickles.
US$15.49
-
2. Smoked Turkey Sandwich
With sun-dried tomatoes, romaine lettuce and honey mustard on 7 grain bread.
US$10.99
-
11. Turkey Special Sandwich
Coleslaw and Russian dressing on rye.
US$12.49
-
5. Roast Beef Sandwich
With Swiss, cucumber, romaine lettuce, tomato and horseradish sauce on rye.
US$12.49
From the Grill
-
Mushrooms Cheese Steak
US$13.99
-
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
US$7.25
-
Chicken Cheese Steak
US$14.99
-
Chicken Cheese Steak Hoagie
Served with lettuce, tomato, fried onion.
US$16.49
-
Philly Cheese Steak
US$14.99
-
Cheese Steak Hoagie
Served with lettuce, tomato and fried onion.
US$16.49
-
Ham Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Ham, 4 slice cheese on white bread.
US$9.49
Specialty Hoagies
-
5. Tuna Club Hoagie
Served with lettuce, tomato, onion and crispy bacon.
US$14.99
-
2. American Hoagie
Ham, bologna, cooked salami and American cheese. Served with lettuce, tomato and onion.
US$14.49
-
7. Mixed Cheese Hoagie
Served with lettuce, tomato, onion and sprouts.
US$12.99
-
8. Veggie Hoagie
Romaine lettuce, tomato, onion, green pepper, alfalfa sprouts, roasted pepper, mushroom and cucumber.
US$12.99
-
4. Turkey Club Hoagie
Turkey breast, bacon, lettuce, tomato and onion.
US$14.99
-
3. Jewish Hoagie
Roast beef, corned beef, turkey and Swiss cheese. Served with lettuce, tomato and onion.
US$14.49
-
6. Chicken Salad Club Hoagie
Served with lettuce, tomato, onion and bacon.
US$14.99
-
1. Italian Special Hoagie
Pepper ham, Genoa salami, cappy ham, prosciutto and sharp provolone. Served with lettuce, tomato and onion.
US$18.69
Breakfast Sides
-
Side Of Turkey Bacon
US$4.00
-
Side Of Ham
US$4.00
-
Side Of Bacon
US$4.00
-
2 Eggs
US$5.00
-
Toast
US$4.00
-
Home Fries
US$6.00
-
Side Of Sausage
US$4.00
Beverages
-
Deer Park Water
US$1.50
-
Nantucket
Red plum lemonade, mango lemonade, premium orange, orange mango, peach orange, apple, squeeze lemonade, big cranberry, red plum, pomegranate.
US$3.50
-
Pure Leaf Tea
Brewed using freshly picked tea leaves so every sip is as sweet as the last.
US$3.50
-
20 Oz. Soda
US$3.50
-
La Colombe Draft Latte
US$4.99
-
Turkey Hill
US$3.50
-
Snapple
US$3.50
-
Monster
US$3.99
-
Minute Maid
100% Pure squeezed pasteurized orange juice. A delicious orange juice with a taste that’s the next best thing to fresh squeezed.
US$3.50
-
Kombucha
US$6.99
-
Perrier Water
US$2.50
-
Red Bull
US$4.00
-
Smart Water 1 L
Every drop tastes pure and will leave you feeling refreshed.
US$3.50
-
Fiji Water
US$2.50
Customize Wraps
-
Liverwurst Wrap
Served with lettuce, tomato, onion, deli pickle and tortilla clips.
US$12.15
-
Smoked Mesquite Turkey Wrap
Served with lettuce, tomato, onion, deli pickle and tortilla chips.
US$12.15
-
Honey Maple Turkey Wrap
Served with lettuce, tomato, onions, delicious pickle and tortilla chips.
US$10.99
-
Bologna Wrap
Served with lettuce, tomato, onion, deli pickle and tortilla clips.
US$12.15
-
Pepper Ham Wrap
Served with lettuce, tomato, onions, deli pickle and tortilla chips.
US$12.15
-
Roasted Chicken Breast Wrap
Served with lettuce, tomato, onion, deli pickle and tortilla chips.
US$12.15
-
Corned Beef Wrap
Served with lettuce, tomato, onion, deli pickle and tortilla clips.
US$12.99
-
Buffalo Chicken Breast Wrap
Served with lettuce, tomato, onion, deli pickle and tortilla clips.
US$12.15
-
Maple Honey Ham Wrap
Served with lettuce, tomato, onions, delicious pickle and tortilla chips.
US$12.15
-
Genoa Salami Wrap
Served with lettuce, tomato, onion, deli pickle and tortilla clips.
US$12.15
-
Boar's Head Turkey Breast Wrap
Served with lettuce, tomato, onions, delicious pickle and tortilla chips.
US$12.15
-
Cooked Salami Wrap
Served with lettuce, tomato, onion, deli pickle and tortilla clips.
US$12.15
-
Prosciutto Wrap
Served with lettuce, tomato, onion, deli pickle and tortilla clips.
US$12.99
-
Boar's Head Ham Wrap
Served with lettuce, tomato, onions, delicious pickle and tortilla chips.
US$12.15
-
Roast Beef Wrap
Served with lettuce, tomato, onion, deli pickle and tortilla clips.
US$12.99
-
Pepper Mill Turkey Wrap
Served with lettuce, tomato, onions, delicious pickle and tortilla chips.
US$12.15
-
Cajun Turkey Wrap
Served with lettuce, tomato, onions, delicious pickle and tortilla chips.
US$12.15
-
Tuna Fish Salad Wrap
Served with lettuce, tomato, onion, deli pickle and tortilla clips.
US$12.15
-
Chicken Salad Wrap
Served with lettuce, tomato, onion, deli pickle and tortilla clips.
US$12.15
-
Cappy Ham Wrap
Served with lettuce, tomato, onions, delicious pickle and tortilla chips.
US$12.15
-
Egg Salad Wrap
Served with lettuce, tomato, onion, deli pickle and tortilla clips.
US$12.15
-
Pastrami Wrap
Served with lettuce, tomato, onion, deli pickle and tortilla clips.
US$12.99
Breakfast Sandwiches
-
Sausage, Egg And Cheese Sandwich
US$7.99
-
Bacon, Egg And Cheese Sandwich
US$7.99
-
Turkey Bacon, Egg And Cheese Sandwich
US$7.99
-
Ham, Egg And Cheese Sandwich
US$7.99
-
Egg And Cheese Sandwich
US$7.25
Breakfast Coffee
-
Coffee
US$4.00
Customize Hoagies
-
Cappy Ham Hoagie
Served with lettuce, tomato and onion.
US$12.15
-
Chicken Salad Hoagie
Served with lettuce, tomato and onion.
US$12.15
-
Liverwurst Hoagie
Served with lettuce, tomato and onion.
US$12.15
-
Honey Maple Turkey Hoagie
Served with lettuce, tomato and onion.
US$12.15
-
Roasted Chicken Breast Hoagie
Served with lettuce, tomato and onion.
US$12.15
-
Roast Beef Hoagie
Served with lettuce, tomato and onion.
US$12.99
-
Genoa Salami Hoagie
Served with lettuce, tomato and onion.
US$12.15
-
Pastrami Hoagie
Served with lettuce, tomato and onion.
US$12.99
-
Maple Honey Ham Hoagie
Served with lettuce, tomato and onion.
US$12.15
-
Bologna Hoagie
Served with lettuce, tomato an onion.
US$12.15
-
Tuna Fish Salad Hoagie
Served with lettuce, tomato and onion.
US$12.15
-
Pepper Ham Hoagie
Served with lettuce, tomato and onion.
US$12.15
-
Boar's Head Turkey Breast Hoagie
Served with lettuce, tomato and onion.
US$12.15
-
Corned Beef Hoagie
Served with lettuce, tomato and onion.
US$12.99
-
Egg Salad Hoagie
Served with lettuce, tomato and onion.
US$10.99
-
Pepper Mill Turkey Hoagie
Served with lettuce, tomato and onion.
US$12.15
-
Cajun Turkey Hoagie
Served with lettuce, tomato and onion.
US$12.15
-
Prosciutto Hoagie
Served with lettuce, tomato and onion.
US$12.99
-
Cooked Salami Hoagie
Served with lettuce, tomato and onion.
US$12.15
-
Boar's Head Ham Hoagie
Served with lettuce, tomato and onion.
US$12.15
-
Buffalo Chicken Breast Hoagie
Served with lettuce, tomato and onion.
US$12.15
-
Smoked Mesquite Turkey Hoagie
Served with lettuce, tomato and onion.
US$12.15
Customize Sandwiches
-
Cappy Ham Sandwich
Lettuce and tomato.
US$10.49
-
Buffalo Chicken Breast Sandwich
Lettuce and tomato.
US$10.49
-
Pastrami Sandwich
Lettuce and tomato.
US$11.49
-
Prosciutto Sandwich
Served with lettuce and tomato.
US$11.49
-
Genoa Salami Sandwich
Lettuce and tomato.
US$10.49
-
Tuna Fish Salad Sandwich
Lettuce and tomato.
US$10.49
-
Chicken Salad Sandwich
Lettuce and tomato.
US$10.49
-
Pepper Mill Turkey Sandwich
Lettuce and tomato.
US$10.49
-
Cooked Salami Sandwich
Lettuce and tomato.
US$10.49
-
Honey Maple Turkey Sandwich
Lettuce and tomato.
US$10.49
-
Egg Salad Sandwich
Lettuce and tomato.
US$10.49
-
Boar's Head Turkey Breast Sandwich
Lettuce and tomato.
US$10.49
-
Roasted Chicken Breast Sandwich
With lettuce and tomato.
US$10.49
-
Roast Beef Sandwich
Lettuce and tomato.
US$11.49
-
Liverwurst Sandwich
Lettuce and tomato,.
US$10.49
-
Boar's Head Ham Sandwich
Lettuce and tomato.
US$10.49
-
Maple Honey Ham Sandwich
Lettuce and tomato.
US$10.49
-
Pepper Ham Sandwich
Lettuce and tomato.
US$10.49
-
Bologna Sandwich
Lettuce and tomato.
US$10.49
-
Smoked Mesquite Turkey Sandwich
Lettuce and tomato.
US$10.49
-
Corned Beef Sandwich
Lettuce and tomato.
US$11.49
-
Cajun Turkey Sandwich
Lettuce and tomato.
US$10.49
Hot Panini
-
P12. BBQ Chicken Breast Panini
Provolone, bacon, sun-dried tomatoes and honey mustard.
US$12.99
-
P1. Turkey Breast Panini
Swiss, bacon, tomatoes, roasted peppers and Russian dressing.
US$12.99
-
P9. Fresh Mozzarella Panini
Roasted red pepper and basil pesto.
US$12.99
-
P18. Grilled Chicken Panini
Buffalo sauce, ranch dressing and spinach.
US$12.99
-
P17. Buffalo Chicken Panini
Ranch dressing, lacey Swiss cheese and bacon.
US$12.99
-
P5. Roast Beef Panini
Swiss, red onion, spinach and sun-dried tomato pesto.
US$12.99
-
P10. Pastrami Panini
Havarti, spinach, tomatoes and dijon mustard.
US$12.99
-
P3. Genoa Salami Panini
Prosciutto, provolone and basil pesto.
US$12.99
-
P4. Pepper Mill Turkey Panini
Provolone, red onion, avocado and dijon mustard.
US$12.99
-
P16. Veggie Panini
Lettuce, tomato, onion, roasted peppers, avocado and sprouts.
US$12.99
-
P13. Portobella Mushroom Panini
Fresh mozzarella and basil pesto.
US$12.99
-
P8. Mesquite Turkey Panini
Artichoke, spinach, roasted red pepper and dijon mustard.
US$12.99
-
P7. Prosciutto Panini
Mozzarella, artichoke hearts, basil and sun-dried tomato pesto.
US$12.99
-
P14. Tuna And Swiss Cheese Panini
US$12.99
-
P11. Cajun Turkey Panini
Pepper Jack, roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes and honey mustard.
US$12.99
-
P6. Grilled Chicken Panini
Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes and basil pesto.
US$12.99
-
P2. Ham And Turkey Panini
Cheddar and sun-dried tomato pesto.
US$12.99
-
P15. Cheese Panini
Cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese and provolone cheese.
US$12.99
Breakfast Platter
-
Cheese Omelet Platter
3 eggs with American cheese, home fries and choice of toast.
US$14.49
-
Old Nelson Special Platter
2 eggs, home fries and choice of toast.
US$12.65
-
Western Omelet Platter
3 eggs, ham, green pepper, red onion, home fries and choice of toast.
US$15.49
-
Waffle Platter
Served with home fries or 2 eggs, choice of meat and syrup.
US$15.75
-
Vegetables Omelet Platter
3 eggs with spinach, tomatoes, red onion, green pepper, mushrooms, home fries and choice of toast.
US$14.49
-
French Toast Platter
Served with home fries or 2 eggs, choice of meat and syrup.
US$15.75
-
Old Nelson Special With Meat
2 eggs, home fries, choice of toast and meat.
US$16.25
Salad Platters
-
Tuna Fish Salad Platter
Romaine lettuce, tomato, red onion, potato salad, tuna fish, and pickle.
US$17.75
-
Chicken Salad Platter
Romaine lettuce, tomato, red onion, potato salad, chicken salad and pickle.
US$17.75
-
Egg Salad Platter
Romaine lettuce, tomato, red onion, potato salad, egg salad, and pickle.
US$17.75
Salads
-
BLT Salad
Romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, bacon and croutons.
US$14.49
-
Greek Salad
Lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red onion, black olives, croutons and feta cheese.
US$15.75
-
Simple Leaf Salad
Baby greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots and red onion with choice of dressing.
US$14.49
-
Cobb Salad
Grilled chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, egg and Gorgonzola cheese.
US$17.25
-
Caesar Salad
Romaine lettuce, boiled eggs, Parmesan cheese, seasoned croutons and Caesar dressing.
US$14.49
-
Chef Salad
Romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, red onions, red and green peppers, sliced ham, turkey breast and Swiss cheese, shredded red cabbage and croutons.
US$17.25
-
Artichoke Salad
Romaine lettuce and mixed greens, cucumbers, carrots, red onion, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, artichoke hearts and shredded red cabbage.
US$15.75
-
Chicken Thai Salad
Romaine lettuce, carrots, cucumber, red onion, red cabbage, mandarin orange, roasted peanuts, grilled chicken breast and Asian sesame dressing.
US$17.25
-
Mandarin Orange, Gorgonzola And Almond Salad
Mixed greens, carrots, red onion, cucumber, tomato, red cabbage, mandarin orange, Gorgonzola cheese and sliced almond.
US$15.75
-
Garden Salad
Lettuce, tomato, carrot, green peppers, cucumber, red onion and red cabbage.
US$14.49
-
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
Romaine lettuce, boiled eggs, Parmesan cheese, seasoned croutons, grilled chicken, and Caesar dressing.
US$17.25
-
California Spinach Salad
Fresh spinach, avocados, black olives, mushrooms and mandarin oranges.
US$15.75
-
California Salad
Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, red onions, alfalfa sprouts, red and green peppers, cheddar cheese, avocado and shredded red cabbage.
US$15.75
-
Fresh Spinach Salad
Crisp spinach, crumbled bacon and diced eggs.
US$14.49
72 Reviews
20 Jul 2025
03 Jul 2025
Bar la piazzetta
Plenty Market and Cafe
Trent Bridge Kiosk
Caffè Piazzetta
Cafe Bar La Merced
Join the Cafe Old Nelson Newsletter
Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.