When we initially conceived the idea of doing an Eagle Square issue, our first thought was “is there anything the Food Snob can eat there?” Then again, that’s generally our first thought when we think of any issue, but it’s pretty rare that it actually works out in a tasty way (we still shudder when recalling our dentist bill following the Christmas Lights issue incident). But this time we were lucky enough to find a deli that shares its name with the featured square itself. Eagle Square Deli? It was too perfect to pass up.
So into the old Snobmobile we climbed. The deli is tucked into an idyllic location in Eagle Square, with a wall of windows overlooking the fountain and ampitheater. There are even a few tables outside, but given the 137-degree temperature that afternoon (heat approximate), we pulled up a table next to one of the inside windows.
The Eagle Square Deli features a cozy interior, with five or six tables and a few bar-height seats facing the window. There’s also some fresh baked cookies and other sweets tempting you when you reach the register.
The Snob opted for the Philly Cheesesteak sub ($6.99), complete with melted American cheese, onions and peppers. His companion went with the day’s special, a chicken finger sub ($5.99), and added cheddar cheese, lettuce and tomato.
We have to stop here to pay homage to the bread on both sandwiches. The sub rolls were pine, perfectly soft and super fresh. The Eagle Square Deli makes most of its bread on premises, and those results are delightful as well (we may or may not have sampled a sandwich or two here in the past), but the sub rolls come from a bakery in Massachusetts. Which doesn’t matter at all – wherever they come from, they’re outstanding.
Not to take anything away from the rest of the sandwiches. The cheesesteak featured the optimal blend of cheese, melted to perfection, and veggies, as well as plentiful chunks of tender steak. It wasn’t too heavy or too greasy, and every flavor was evident in every bite.
The deli has the market cornered on melted cheese, because the chicken finger sub featured plenty of gooey cheddar. The chicken was also outstanding, breaded but not too heavy. All it was lacking was a signature crunch.
It’s safe to say this won’t be our last trip to the Eagle Square Deli. The canvas of any good sandwich is the bread, and they don’t mess around here. It’s difficult to explain how important that is. Add in fresh meat and veggies, friendly staff (check mark in that box for sure) and cookies at the counter, and we’re hooked. The Snob has landed at the Eagle Square Deli.
