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Bites: Anthony’s Italian Deli

The unfussy ham and cheese poboy at Anthony’s Italian Deli lets the savory imported ingredients shine. Photo by Collin Richie

By Natalie Reina

Anthony’s Italian Deli hasn’t let its recent move from Florida Boulevard to Mid City in January change anything about the quality. Opened in 1978 by two Italian immigrants, the deli has since passed to a new generation of owners who are just as passionate about delivering good food and service.

With about triple the space to operate, the low buzz of customers and staff chatting at the new location accompanied me as I tucked into a warm and simple ham-and-cheese poboy. The so-called “small” size of the poboy was about the length of my forearm. Despite that, I didn’t even realize I had nearly finished it until one bite-size piece was left.

I enjoyed how the crunchy, pressed bread offset the savory flavors of melted cheddar cheese and succulent ham. (A larger version of the sandwich also comes on the deli’s acclaimed muffaletta bread.)

The owners tout that the deli’s meats and cheeses are imported directly from Italy, and I could definitely believe that.

I felt a little disappointed once I realized I’d almost finished the poboy. If I’d bitten the delicious bullet and bought the large version, I probably would have blindly indulged myself the same way—and I’d have felt a different kind of “pleasantly full” as a result.

But the sandwich was good enough that maybe next time I’ll experiment with that “pleasantly full.”

Anthony’s Italian Deli, 5575 Government St., is open 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 272-6817. anthonysitaliandelibr.com


Editor’s note: With Anthony’s recent move to Mid City, we opted to try something different on the deli’s menu. But if you’ve never been before, don’t miss out on Anthony’s popular muffalettas.