Boccella's Deli: Where the Italian Hoagie Reigns Supreme

The City of Brotherly Love (and its surrounding suburban areas) is home to the fightin’ Phils, the best cheesesteaks in the world, the Rocky statue and Art Museum steps and street side pretzel vendors.

While the restaurant scene all over the Philadelphia area is currently booming, there is one particular group of eateries that have always been and continue to be a strong presence. I am talking about the dozens (maybe even hundreds) of Italian delis all over the city.

The Philly Italian deli is one of the greatest assets this city has. Knowing that one can find a fantastic hoagie (not a "hero", nor a "sub"), Herr’s chips, Tastykake treats, soda, pickles, soft pretzels and assorted candy all under one roof helps me sleep better at night. When I have out of town guests I make sure they get to have a cheese steak and a hoagie. The bread, the meat, even the Jersey tomatoes all make a difference in how the hoagies taste.

in Havertown has everything I describe above in spades. They have three different types of Italian hoagies in regular and large options (12 v. 20 inches), a variety of candy that would make Mr. Wonka jealous, a pickle barrel and cold beer. When I went in to grab some hoagies for a group of us hungry from a day of packing and moving, I was not surprised to see throngs of people waiting for their food.

I ordered the regular and Boccella’s Italian hoagies, grabbed some Ruffles cheddar and sour cream chips, limeade and raspberry lemonade. The regular Italian hoagie has salami, cotechino, capicola, peppered ham, prosciutto and provolone cheese.

The Boccella’s Italian has fresh mozzarella (or sharp provolone), hot soppressata, capicola, prosciutto and pepper shooters. Both are made on the same long hoagie roll and I asked for lettuce, tomato, onions, oil and seasonings.

While some may opt for mayonnaise on their Italian hoagies, I consider that a crime against humanity. These ingredients beg for oil, not mayo! The two hoagies tasted similar but I would say the Boccella’s Italian won the contest because the cool and creamy fresh mozzarella and acidic pepper shooters balanced out the savory meats. The regular hoagie had way too much meat for my taste.

If you’re a meat lover, the regular Italian hoagie is the way to go. If you’re looking for a more balanced sandwich with varying textures and flavors, go for the Boccella’s Italian. The cured meats are high quality and sliced razor thin. The vegetables are fresh, crisp and generously portioned without being overwhelming.

The menu at Boccella’s Deli is quite extensive. In addition to the hoagies, there are hot sandwiches, grilled panini, steak sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs as well as numerous chicken and seafood options. Be on the lookout for the lunch and dinner specials (all except one are under five dollars). The refrigerated cases hold every drink imaginable from fruity and light to alcoholic and heavy.

The limeade and raspberry lemonade we had were perfect refreshments for a sunny day. If I were to stop into Boccella’s later at night I would choose my favorite six pack to pair with any of their savory selections.

The service is efficient and friendly. While the food didn’t come out as quickly as I had hoped, I could understand the lag because of the amount of people in line. The prices are fair and the selection can’t be beat. 

I am still amazed at how many different things one can purchase at Boccella’s. Think of it as a deli/mini mart/gourmet shop/beer distributor all in one. While I don’t think I’ll be buying sunflower seeds, red velvet cake, a hoagie, a pickle, a lottery ticket and canned tomatoes all in one visit, it’s nice to know that I could if I wanted to.

Boccella’s Deli has brotherly love for all of its customers and is obviously trying to please many different groups at once. I applaud the owners for managing to keep so many different things in stock while continuing to offer delicious made-to-order items. I’m still dreaming about the Boccella’s Italian hoagie. Make no mistake, I’ll definitely be back for that in the future.

Maybe one day I’ll run up and down the Art Museum steps a few hundred times and work up an appetite worthy of the large 20-inch version …