David Layman
Google
It was 1 PM on a cool Thursday afternoon when we decided to visit V&S Italian Deli. From the moment we pulled up, the charm of this old-school spot drew us in. Outside, a handwritten chalkboard proudly proclaimed, “Not Just Subs… All Homemade,” listing comforting Italian staples like lasagna, stuffed shells, and eggplant parm. With those dishes and their inviting promise of fresh subs, it was easy to see why this deli has been a local favorite since 1985.
The space inside was small and bustling with lunchtime energy. The line of customers moved steadily toward the counter, where I couldn’t help but notice the sandwich maestro at work (my own nickname for him). He seemed to hold court as he chatted with regulars, assembling subs with flair and presiding over trays of steaming chicken cutlets and fresh, crusty loaves of Italian bread. The rich smell of toasted bread and bubbling cheese hit us the second we stepped in, carrying us straight to a comforting place that felt like someone’s kitchen—a kitchen where you knew the food would be good.
After scanning the menu board filled with classics like the V&S Special, Cuban sandwiches, and chicken cutlet parms, we placed our order. I went with a large salami and cheese sub, loaded up with all the trimmings—lettuce, tomato, mayo, mustard, salt, pepper, onions, oil, and vinegar. My dining companion opted for the Italian combo. We took a spot outside to enjoy the cool weather and waited for our sandwiches, soaking in the hum of the deli.
When the food arrived, it didn’t disappoint. My salami and cheese sub was perfect. The salami, sliced impossibly thin but generously stacked, had that satisfying balance of savory and tangy. The provolone was fresh, mild, and distinct enough to hold its own among the bold flavors. My companion’s Italian combo earned similar praise for its precisely sliced meats that blended seamlessly in every bite. Both sandwiches came on crusty, tender bread dusted with sesame seeds, adding a nutty crunch that took things up another notch. Every ingredient tasted remarkably fresh, from the crisp lettuce to the tangy oil and vinegar dressing.
As we ate, the sandwich maestro’s energy stuck with me. There was an air of pride in his craft, from the way he handled the food to the way he engaged with customers. This wasn’t just a place to grab a sub—it was an experience steeped in tradition, personality, and unmistakable flavor. Whether it’s the homemade pasta dishes or their signature subs, V&S Italian Deli feels like a snapshot of something timeless. It’s a place where the food is as warm and inviting as the atmosphere itself.
