Whether you call them "subs", "hoagies", "heros" or just "giant sandwiches", there's something really special about them at La Spada's. With three locations in Broward County, for over thirty years La Spada's has been the place to go when you're craving a not-so-ordinary sandwich. Whether you're going to eat them at the counter, or take them home, you will discover that the sandwich is a full, delicious meal.

Although there are many sandwich places right by my house, why will my husband and I go several miles out of our way for a sandwich from La Spada's? Two reasons. The bread, and the meat. Both are definitely not "ordinary".

The Bread

Although they do serve round rolls, I've never seen anyone order them. People come for the 8" or 12" long rolls, called hoagies on their menu (although, I call them "subs"). They get their breads from a local Italian bakery. The breads are much wider than those I've seen elsewhere. Be warned: your sandwich will require two hands!

The Meats

The meats are sliced to order, right before your eyes. This means your sandwich will take a little longer to make than if they sliced the meats in advance, but it also means your sliced meats are fresher. I usually order the turkey, whereas my husband prefers combinations. There's one they call "The Monster" which consists of turkey, ham, and roast beef, and another called "The Italian Special" which consists of ham, salami, and Italian Cappicola (a spicy salami).

Whichever meats we choose, they are always fresh and delicious.

The Cheeses

Every sandwich comes with your choice of cheese - Provolone, Swiss, or White American. If you opt not to have any cheese, they don't discount the price. That's a bummer to me, since I don't like cheese on my sandwich.

The Veggies

All sandwiches come with your choice of veggies including tomatoes, lettuce, onions, pickles, sweet peppers, and hot peppers. They tend to put a lot on, making the sandwich even bigger, and harder to eat, so I usually tell them to put "just a little" of each.

The Whole La Spada's Experience

OK - so what's this place really like? First of all, if it's during football season, and the Dolphins are playing at home, and it's a few hours before kickoff, don't go to this place expecting to be in and out quickly. The line will be out the door.

When I go there, it's usually at dinner time on a Saturday night, and line is never a problem.

There are usually three people working behind the counter. One person does all the slicing. When it's your turn, just tell the guy (or gal) what kind of sandwich you want, and which size. As I said, I've never seen anyone order the round roll, everyone just says 8" or 12". The order taker will then tell the slicer which meats to slice. The slicer will line up the sliced meats on a piece of wax paper, either 8" or 12" long. While he's slicing, your bread is receiving your choice of condiment. When the meats are ready, they get placed on the bread, and now you tell them your choice of cheese and veggies.

Now - here comes the real fun... Layer Two. What do I mean by that? The second layer of meat, of course. Remember how I told you the meats on these sandwiches are plentiful? Well, while your sandwich was receiving its toppings, the slicer has prepared another layer of meat ready to top it all off. He places layer two on top of the veggies, and then the server uses the side of a knife to kind of tuck the edges of the top layer of meats under the bottom layer. They do this extra step to make the sandwich easier to pick up and eat, without all the veggies falling out. And it works. While this sandwich is a definite two-hander due to its size, for the most part, the veggies stay put!

Hot Sandwiches

They don't have any. No meatball sub, no grilled chicken, no hot pastrami. This is a place for cold sandwiches, only.

Extras

You can purchase macaroni salad, coleslaw, and potato salad in 1/4, 1/2, or full pound containers. At the location I frequent, these items are not written on their menu, yet they have them. There are also salad platters available - greens and veggies topped with chicken salad, tuna, and crabmeat salad, and some bagged chips.

Prices

The 8" sandwiches are $5-$7. For 12", the range is $6.50 to $10. The deli sandwiches (served on round rolls) are $4-$6. The salad platters are around $6.

Oh - one other thing - be prepared - they only take cash!

Do I Recommend This Place?

Definitely! But only if you like giant, cold sandwiches, piled very high with fresh meats, cheese and veggies, on delicious, fresh bread!

Locations

4346 Seagrape Drive
Lauderdale-by-the-sea, FL 33308
(954)776-7893

2645 S. University Drive
Davie, FL 33328
(954)476-1099

7893 W. Sample Road
Coral Springs, FL 33065
(954)345-8833


Recommended: Yes