Restaurant Review: Primo Hoagies

Restaurant:
Address: 1304 W. Chester Pk., Havertown, PA 19083
Rating: (3 out of 5 stars): ★★★
Style: Sandwich shop
Food: Dozens of hoagies, chicken cutlet, vegetarian and classic sandwiches
Atmosphere: Casual neighborhood eatery
Parking: Small lot
Service: Casual and friendly
Price Range: Inexpensive
Unique Features: Nearly a dozen types of Italian hoagies, diablo (spicy) sandwiches and various vegetarian sandwiches.

It never ceases to amaze me that in a nation plagued by obesity, diabetes and heart disease there are still so many ridiculous menu items. I’m talking about the 96 ounce steaks, the enormous burgers which use whole pizzas as buns and Ben and Jerry’s Vermonster (ice cream sundae with 20 scoops of ice cream and 14,000 calories).

However, there is no need to head to obscure truck stops or random eateries featured on Man v. Food., simply head to .

I went in with a very hungry dining companion and while I opted for a “primo” size Sulmona sandwich (Genoa salami, fresh mozzarella and pepper shooters) and he ordered a “whole” bada bing sandwich (chicken cutlet, sharp provolone topped with "fresh" broccoli rabe).

My sandwich was quite large and I could only eat half. There were layers and layers of thinly sliced salami, creamy and cool slices of fresh mozzarella and acidic pepper shooters with cubes of provolone. The sesame roll from Liscio’s was hearty and slightly chewy. Each bite was a nice blend of savory meat, mild cheese, vinegary pepper and sharp cheese. It was my first time ordering this sandwich but will not be my last.

The whole bada bing was obscene. Imagine a 2-foot long sesame roll with about five breaded chicken cutlets sliced into strips, half a dozen thick slices of sharp provolone and about a half pound of sautéed broccoli rabe and you’ll begin to get an idea of this massive endeavor.

I couldn’t stop staring at the sandwich, I guess it wouldn’t be as bad if it were shared between two to three adults or five to six kids. The chicken cutlets were not hot, the broccoli rabe was a bit overcooked and army green. They did use high quality sharp provolone which had a wonderful complex flavor with a slight funk to it. 

It was a fair sandwich which is a shame, because it had the potential to be so good. Don’t get me wrong, there are also plenty of healthy options at Primo Hoagies. There are entire sections of the menu devoted to “healthy choice” and “meatless delights”.

We split a bag of boardwalk salt and vinegar chips which are always excellent. The large pickle cut into four spears was very limp and not that flavorful. The macaroni salad had a slight sweetness to it despite being bathed in mayonnaise, I suspect that sugar was added. The elbow macaroni were cooked nicely and retained some bite.

The service is prompt and friendly. You never wait long for anything and your order comes out efficiently. The staff at Primo Hoagies tends to be on the younger side but they are always quite accomodating. The space is typically clean and brightly lit with crowds at lunch time. It’s a safe bet for a decent sandwich at a decent price whether it's a gut bomb or heart healthy choice.