Italian Bros. 5th St. Deli

16 West 5th Street
Chester, PA 19013
(610) 874-3868

As the DelCo hoagie quest continues, I was pointed to this little hole-in-the-wall in downtown(?) Chester. So, I threw caution to the wind, got in my tank, and ventured into Chester proper.

As you can see, about every other place on the block was boarded up. Like a glimmer of hope, the Italian Bros. 5th St. Deli was smack dab in the middle of the block, still standing.

I think the sky is pretty much always this color in Chester.

When you get inside, the first thing you notice is the decor: all of the memorabilia representing Philadelphia athletes, and then other athletes, and then I looked closer.

The Rock!

They have about the same menu as every other Italian deli.

I had no choice but to go with the "Godfather Hoagie."

 

At $9.25, it was not cheap. But it was definitely sizable.

According to their menu online, it includes: "Sopressata, prosciutto, pepper, ham and shrimp provolone served on a seeded loaf". I am still interested in seeing what this shrimp provolone is all about, but for now, sharp will have to do. It came with the traditional prosciutto, sopressata, and pepper ham. It also boasted sharp provolone and was served on a nice seeded roll. Notice anything weird?

That's right, they used cherry tomatoes. I don't think I have ever seen that on an Italian hoagie. It also came with lettuce, onion, sweet and hot peppers. The hots were roasted long hots, and they packed a pretty healthy punch.

All in all, this was a solid, meat-wrapped hoagie. For some reason, there was just not much "pop" to it. I don't know what it was missing, maybe a little vinegar? But it was still a solid sandwich. Just not my favorite ever. I would definitely go back, but maybe ask for that bit of vinegar next time.