New York deli in SoCal

By Sarah Johnson |Staff Writer|

Gandolfo’s New York Delicatessen is so sure you will love their sandwiches, they state: “If you’re not sold this is the best sandwich you have ever tasted after the first bite, then we’ll give you your money back. Period.”

With locations in 13 states, one locally in the city of Rancho Cucamonga, this company has been making reubens, hoagies, and dagwoods since 1989.

In 2004, Dan Pool, CEO, had his first Gandolfo’s sandwich and knew from the first glorious bite that he wanted to buy the company and bring it to different cities.

I’m so very glad he did because this has quickly become a new favorite place of mine to get an appetizing sandwich.

Immediately entering Gandolfo’s Deli, I was greeted with a smile and asked if I had any questions.

Taken aback by the large menu posted on the wall, it took me a few minutes to decide on one sandwich; I wanted to try so many.

All of the sandwiches are sorted by deli meat, making it a little easier to sift through and decide which variety I wanted.

Whether you’re in the mood for something as simple as turkey or chicken, or feeling more adventurous and craving corned beef, pastrami, or meatballs–Gandolfo’s has it.

The sandwiches are not only flavorful, but also have clever, catchy names, almost forcing you to chuckle and smile.

Here are just a few: Meatball Hero, King of Queens, NYPD Bleu, Godfather, Urban Cowboy, Taxi Driver, Yonkers, and Godzilla.

Being a sandwich lover, it was very tough choosing which sandwich to order.

I decided on Mama Leone; stacked with ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone, parmesan, tomato, onion, marinated mushrooms, green pepper, and marinara sauce, served hot.

I have to admit, I was skeptical that my “first bite” was going to be as amazing as Gandolfo’s led me to believe it would be–but it was.

The sandwich had so many spices and flavors, but it was the marinated mushrooms that set their subs apart from the rest.

My hero roll, full of savory ingredients, quickly disappeared; I think that may have been the quickest I’ve ever finished a sandwich.

My taste buds were not only satisfied, but my stomach was too.

It was the perfect amount of food, I almost didn’t have room for dessert.

For dessert, I had a chocolate mousse, which was decent, but nothing to rave about.

In addition to sandwiches, Gandolfo’s also makes fresh pasta and broccoli salads, Nathan’s hot dogs, breakfast sandwiches and bagels.

The pricing of the menu varied from sandwich to sandwich, some starting under $6 and others going up to $12.

Two sandwiches, two cold beverages, and a chocolate mousse later, brought my bill to $28.

This is normally a bit steep for me to spend on lunch, but it was truly well worth it.

If you are a sandwich lover, or just a lover of food, I highly recommend checking out Gandolfo’s.

I know my curious taste buds will have me returning to try new sandwiches weekly.