Eddie’s Little Shop and Deli Satisfies Your Cutlet Cravings | Eater DC

"Craving proper deli-style chicken cutlets and hoagies around D.C., I finally found the real deal here, drawing a little inspiration from Bronx sandwich shops. A cutlet sandwich is the move: I loved the Adagio, layered with mozzarella, red peppers, balsamic, and Philly-reminiscent broccoli rabe, and I’m already planning to return for the Roma with stracciatella, romanesco, and pesto. The French dip is absolutely packed with high-quality roast beef, with a hefty dose of banana peppers for bracing contrast. Vegetarians should go for the provolone, Swiss, and mozzarella focaccia number—it delivers a photogenic cheese pull and gets perked up with pesto and tomato oil. Keep an eye on specials: a classic meatball hoagie with assertive marinara popped up on Saturday; when my husband inevitably made a mess biting in, he was more upset about sacrificing a meatball than his sweatshirt. Nostalgic touches on the walls reference everything from MTV to Ghostbusters, retro candy lines the shelves (I’m still hoping for a Laffy Taffy flavor besides banana), and the market stocks bougie Italian staples from Carbone sauce to tinned fish. Cannoli disappear fast from the pastry case, though Arthur Avenue regulars may raise an eyebrow at them being pre-filled. Pro tip: the pillowy seeded Italian bread struggles under wet fillings, so eat hot sandwiches quickly and plan accordingly for takeout; you can customize your bread, including gluten-free options. They make their own mozzarella, and the flavorful, stringy cheese adds extra personality to anything it tops." - Missy Frederick