The Delco Hoagie Wars: Round 2

We had to pump the breaks on our Round 2 of this epic battle due to … you got it … the global pandemic. The world, including our little part of it, fully shut down for a period of time and then began to re-open slowly.

As restaurants pivoted to offer curbside and takeout options, some for the first time, our Delco takeout shops were able to get back to business almost-as-usual when the order came down. Hoagie shops were some of the first to fill our bellies with the familiar once again.

The battle’s back on, then! A few local hoagie joints threw down in Round 1; now, another set of more-than-a-sammie purveyors have lined up to give ‘em a one-two punch in Round 2.

One more thing before we dig in: As of this writing, Pennsylvania was still making its way from yellow to green. That having been said, feedback from our restaurant friends indicates that good safety practices will continue to be in effect and required for some time to come. If you’re doing curbside or takeout, please know that:

• All customers are required to wear a face covering and practice appropriate social distancing. 
• Phone or online ordering and payments are preferred.
• Business hours were shortened during the crisis, and are slowly extending again for some. Keep an eye on your favorite spots’ social media accounts for the latest and greatest.

Carlino’s

This family gourmet grocery opened by Nicola & Angela Carlino goes back six generations to Abruzzo, Italy, and still boasts some of the same recipes that came to America with the family. It’s no wonder, then, that the Italian hoagie is a robust offering of capicola, mortadella, Genoa salami, Provolone, lettuce, tomato, extra-virgin olive oil and seasoning on an Italian roll. Take advantage of that curbside pickup and grocery delivery. Bonus: Outdoor seating — with appropriate protocols — is available. Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

2616 County Line Rd., Ardmore, (610) 649-4046.

Ro-Lynn Deli 

You know it’s the real Delco deal when the signature hoagie is called “The Godfather” and comes on a seeded Liscio’s roll. Sink your teeth into Parma prosciutto, soppressata, dry capicola, pepper ham and sharp Provolone. Drooling yet? We are, thanks to the Carmolingo family who opened this deli in 1965, and Steve Yancey and David Avicolli who took it over in 1998. Check out the menu and call in your order. Open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

3407 Edgmont Ave, Brookhaven, (610) 872-9575.

Car-Mira’s Italian Delicatessen 

This well-loved local deli has been slicing up fresh meats and cheeses since 1975. You may purchase your favorites along with Italian rolls to make your own hoagies. Or, better yet, snag a hoagie tray of 24, 32 or 40 handhelds culled from Car-Mira’s famous Supreme: 22 inches of hoagie goodness. You pick the meats and cheeses; it’s topped with lettuce, onions, tomatoes, pickles and choice of peppers. Perfection! Phone ordering is encouraged before you stop by for takeout. Open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

3240 Chichester Ave, Boothwyn, (610) 494-9799.

New Tiny Hoagie Shop

Locals have been coming here for takeout for 20 years, thanks to Maria and Nick Galiatsatos’ friendly service, and generous portions at reasonable prices. Hungry? Take note: There’s nothing “tiny” about the old-fashioned Italian hoagie. We’ll forgive that the online menu calls it a “sub” because it’s overflowing with Genoa salami, capicola and ham on an Italian roll. And that’s the small! Order and pay online, or call for more information about takeout and delivery. Open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

122 Manchester Ave, Media, (610) 565-9055.

Want to know more about everything Delco? We’re more than just your source for good eats — we’re your source for Delco From Home Experiences and to find out where to get takeout and support local businesses in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA, and we’ve got you covered during the coronavirus crisis (and beyond). Contact us at (610) 565-3679, by email or online.— Nina Malone

Featured photo courtesy of Carlino’s