November 29, 2007Let's talk about subs, babySubs, grinders, hoagies, heroes, torpedoes, po' boys, bombers -- whatever you call them, sometimes a big, fat sub is just what the doctor ordered. Just about every American-style restaurant has some kind of submarine sandwich on the menu and fast food sub shops are on every corner. And bad subs might be even easier to find than good ones. Personally, I don't mind a Subway sandwich once and a while. Their subs have improved drastically over the past 10 years, especially since they changed the rolls. Back when I was a kid, every Subway sub I ordered looked like it had been run over by a Mack truck before it was wrapped up. Now, Subway toasts their subs like Quiznos, which makes me happy because I've always liked Quiznos' but thought the prices were a little high. Some folks don't like the toasted subs at all, though, because they hurt their gums. Out at Firehouse Subs at Towers Mall, they steam the subs to make the ingredients hot and melty. In my humble opinion, there's another, little-known sub shop that has Subway, Quiznos and Firehouse beat. Well, at least it is little-known in my circles. It's called Zero's Subs and it is located in the strip mall near IHOP at Valley View. On Sundays, when we have a bunch of errands and chores to do, we sometimes start our excursion by stopping at Zero's for an oven-baked sub and a drink. The Cosmo, or Veggie Deluxe, might be my favorite. It's a blend of vegetables, including zucchini, broccoli, onions and tomatoes, with melted provolone cheese on a toasty roll. I'm also a fan of the basic turkey sub with provolone, lettuce, tomato and mayo. As far as sit-down restaurants go, I haven't decided my favorite. My husband is an Italian sub addict who has probably eaten every Italian on a menu in Roanoke. One of his faves is the B.D. Special at the Brambleton Deli. I like the subs at Cucci's Pizzeria in Covington and Lil' Cucci's in Daleville, where they make home-baked sub rolls. I'm wondering: Where do YOU think the best sub can be found? |
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Comments
[November 29, 2007 5:57 PM]
RIchFor non-chain subs, I prefer New York Subs in the market. Especially the Turkey Lurky
For chain subs, I like Firehouse over Subway or Quiznos. They have a rockin' good Meatball Sub.
I have yet to try Zero's, but would like to.
Personally, I'd like to see a Penn Station East Coast subs in town. First had them in Cincinnati, and occasionally grab one up in Chesterfield when I'm there. So many good ones there, its hard to pick a favorite.
[November 29, 2007 6:04 PM]
DebbieI like the subs at On The Rise, I love their baguettes. I liked Quizno's too, and like the toasted subs at Subway now. I used to hate Subway, but you're right, they have gotten better.
[November 30, 2007 8:13 AM]
Bert JonesMy opions is in Roanoke you can't beat New Yorker. Their 'Meal in Itself' is great (prices are good too), Brambleton Deli has one similar. Bellacino's also has very good subs but their prices are a little high.
[November 30, 2007 8:17 AM]
ErinOther subs may come and go, but the New Yorker Submarine will always remain my fave. Although the BD Special is pretty darn good too. sheesh...now I'm hungry!
[November 30, 2007 8:18 AM]
DennisThe New Yorker! Without a doubt the best sub in town, and the best value too! They use better meat than anywhere else I've ever tried. And boy do they pile it on! They put more meat on one Italian sub than Subway will use all together this morning. My favorite sub or sandwich there IS the Italian, and I order it cold, just a personal preference. "The Submarine" is also a delicious sandwich, as is the rare roast beef sandwich or sub. And the Rueban, and the Sailor Sandwich, etc. Thanks for the tip on Zero's, Lindsey, I'll have to try them out!
[November 30, 2007 8:41 AM]
JohnI *love* the subs at Grace's over on Grandin. My favorite is the steak and peppers (those roasted red peppers are so sweet!). The bread is really good, too. Crispy on the outside, but soft on the inside.
A friend and I ate there on a whim one day and got the subs because we weren't hungry enough for pizza. Now it's the only place we'll go for them!
[November 30, 2007 8:58 AM]
TamiFor my money,Jimmy V's has the very best sub sandwiches in town!
[November 30, 2007 9:39 AM]
HenryFor consistency, it is hard to beat Subway. Sub Station in Blacksburg has really good subs and they are my favorite.
But my kingdom for a good steak and cheese!
[November 30, 2007 10:01 AM]
AmandaZeros is really good! It is near work and I go there for lunch frequently and always get the Grinder. Also, near my home - Firehouse is the best! So, it is kinda a tie between the two. I do remember the Deli Shop on Walnut when I worked in Old SW was really good too.
[November 30, 2007 10:41 AM]
KathyThe New Yorker Deli has some good sandwiches. I like their Submarine, with slaw and peppers. It's a good sandwich for 2 people because it's huge, messy and gooooooood, 'specially with a good cold draft.
[November 30, 2007 11:00 AM]
__NathanSalerno's in Lexington has great subs, but be careful when ordering. The "whole" sub is like 16 inches long and is big enough for several meals. The "half" is still huge. They aren't a cheap meal, but are a great value.
[November 30, 2007 1:07 PM]
AutumnI absolutely love Sycamore Deli in Blacksburg. It's just off the VT campus, so I can walk over from work to get lunch. They have two sizes and you can get them any way you want them... hot, cold, extra meat, anything!
[December 2, 2007 1:29 PM]
JayWe don't have them here in Roanoke, but the chain Jason's Deli has great subs -- great everything. The closest ones I know of are in Richmond or Durham. www.jasonsdeli.com
[December 3, 2007 11:05 AM]
DennisThis is really cool reading all of the comments! Helps to remind me of other places. I LOVE the subs at On the Rise, and the pizza is wonderful there, too! Different, but awesome. Henry, try Chubby's in the Lamp Lighter Mall on Williamson. Run by a couple who are from Philly, and who had experience there working in the place that originated the Philly Cheese Steak. The sub there is awesome, probably better than any I've had around here.
[December 3, 2007 11:08 AM]
Freewheelin'I still like Pepper's in Salem the best when it comes to subs, but don't forget the great selection at Macado's. Go for the Molly Brown, but get it on French bread with slaw instead of lettuce. Don't forget the napkins - it's messy, like a good sub should be (same goes for Pepper's).
[December 3, 2007 2:02 PM]
Jonathan BrownIn Roanoke I love Jimmy V's menu and the meatball sub from Firehouse. When I use to live in Richmond I loved McAllisters (I think thats the spelling) at Short Pump.
[December 3, 2007 10:27 PM]
JoeyBeing from NJ, where sub shops are on every corner, I personally cant deal with the subway's and firehouse's. In my opinion the best place to get a sub around these parts is New York Subs. Not a true rendition to me but close enough to make me take the trip down town.