Barone’s How U Doin’ Deli & Grocery

But the owner Anthony calls 11 year old girls trannies. Not too professional. I don’t recommend ANYONE bring their children around this guy. You don’t know what he’s capable of.

I had moved to Philadelphia in November 2014 and while looking for places to live I stopped by for some food and it was amazing! I moved up to Manayunk and have been dying to go back! I recently just bought a place in south philly and am excited to make this my local stop! Josie was so nice and pleasant and I can’t wait to stop back in

I love Josie’s! That’s what locals call this place. When you visit How U Doin, it’s like you’re stepping back in time when store owned and employees knew your name, because if you shop at Josie’s, they do know your name and they’ll ask how you’re doing, how’s the family, and thank you for visiting… sincerely. The owner, Josie, is the sweetest, kindest woman you will ever meet and she’s always whipping up amazing Italian eats in her kitchen! I LOVE her white pizza and spaghetti in clam sauce! Her daughter, niece and Anthony as just as nice as she is and they will go out of their way to help you or get what you want.
Just looking for some company? Josie’s is also the local hangout for neighbors. I often go in to find a handful of regulars just hanging out and catching up in the tiny storefront. Josie even puts a space heater out in the winter to keep them warm because the store can get a little chilly after November.
So if you need a quick bite, lunchmeat, basic necessities like paper towels, dish detergent, etc. or just want to mingle with the locals, head over to Josie Barone’s How U Doin and you’ll feel like family in no time!

I am writing this review on behalf of my husband who gets giddy over corner stores that look like they have been around for 50 plus years and were cleaned maybe a decade ago. The owner made him a damn good looking sandwich and was as sweet as can be, inviting us to call ahead and order some pork to pick up on a Sunday morning. I think there is a whole lot more to this place than we understood because someone came in and picked up some containers of damn good looking food that was not obvious to us could be ordered.

This place seriously makes you feel good. You can call ahead and order your food, but I almost never do, unless I’m in a hurry. I’m cool with just hanging out in the store until my food’s done. They’re just good people. You feel a strong sense of community standing in this place.
The first time I went in there, I asked if they had a menu. They said, «Nah. We just make food. Different stuff everyday.» Then he gave me a rundown of what the specials were that day. It’s all really good Italian stuff. She came out of the back, sensing I was new to the store, with a little cup of soup for me to try. I said, «You don’t have to-​» and she said, «Try it. It’s good, you’ll like it.» Kinda like my grandmother used to. The only difference was I never liked what my grandma made me eat, and this was delicious. I’m picky about soup, too. This was like a chicken soup with a whole bunch of ingredients I never heard of, but I was certainly not about to refuse the free soup this nice woman handed me and out myself as a really picky eater. I was really thankful that she insisted. I brought some of that soup home for my family, and everyone was won over.
Every time my brother comes to south philly, we go here and he gets a cheesesteak. They definitely have one of the top 5 in the city, and I guess the world for that matter. Cold cuts are excellent and priced well.
Extra points for their awesome Italian accents.

Josie is the best! She cooks just like my Nona and mamma. By far the best kept secret of authentic Italian cuisine in Philly! Stop in as soon as you can, but call first to see what Josie is cooking that day. It changes daily.

This place is legit and friendly. Around Thanksgiving time, I ran out of salt and pepper and figured one of the corner stores ’round yonder would carry the picnic shaker sets. Barone’s didn’t have any put they did give me two plastic deli containers with salt and pepper and didn’t charge me for it. Last time I was in there, the guy picked up immediately I had moved from out of state because of the way I pronounced water.
It’s a little tiny, a little dark, and more than friendly. Haven’t tried a sandwich yet, but the store stock and cashiers keep me coming back :)

Italian food from the heart of Roma somehow landed in S. Philly