A better ‘best hoagies’ list?

You've heard of meta-analysis? That's a mash-up of multiple studies in search of a better conclusion.

Apply that idea to hoagies, and, well, you've got yourself a medigan-analysis. (Medigan being Italian-American slang for "American.")

The hope: Create a better "best hoagies" list.

WIP's Great Hoagie Hunt may have sampled more than 50 sandwiches, but was that the final word? What about Philadelphia Magazine's "Best of Philly" picks? Or the advice of other educated palates?

Here's a roundup of recommendations, including from Inquirer food aficionados Craig LaBan and Rick Nichols.

3 most honored hoagies

Paesano's, Northern Liberties. Voted No. 1 by celebrity judges at Hoagie Hunt finale - after being picked No. 1 by WIP rater/reviewer/sports- talk host Glen Macnow. "Newcomer does it right," messaged LaBan.

Sarcone's, South Philadelphia. South Philly's best, said Philly Mag last year. Highest rating - "5 grease stains" - at Hollister "Holly" Moore's foodie site, www.hollyeats.com. Also No. 3 with WIP judges.

Primo's, 50 locations. Won WIP's "Listeners' Choice" award at Hoagie Hunt finale. Voted No. 1 by South Philly Review. Finished high with 'IP judges, too.

5 major disagreements with WIP

Chickie's Italian Deli, South Philadelphia. "Maker of some of the best specialty hoagies in town (best veggie, for sure; and a recent tuna special with fresh mozz, artichokes and prosciutto that I LOVED)," emailed LaBan. "Outstanding - 5 grease stains," says Moore of hollyeats.com. "The late, great John Marzano used to swear by Chickie's," WIP's Macnow admitted. Yet Macnow ranked it just No. 18 out of more than 50 he tried. "Two complaints: It's a little stingy on the meat, and a bit heavy on the veggies," he wrote online.

Campo's Deli, Old City. "5 grease stains," says hollyeats.com. But Campo's landed a lowly 35th with Macnow, who admits, "Probably, we hit Campo's on a bad day." And out of season, judging from the "tasteless, wooden tomatoes."

Lombardi's, South Philadelphia. LaBan gives top marks to the Italian Inferno, "a zesty old Italian topped with sharp provolone-stuffed hot peppers; good meats, well-built in fresh Sarcone's bread." Calling the shop "the real deal," he said, "I just like how Lombardi's builds their sandwiches." Also a favorite of Inquirer columnist Nichols. Macnow liked Lombardi's, too, but ranked it just 11th, because, "well, when we went there ... our hoagie roll was less than fresh."