Now Open: Vitale's Deli in Glendale

We're not alone in our love for bread. Low-carb diets be damned, most folks agree that yeast-based products are some of the most wondrous and versatile foodstuffs on earth. And when bread is used as a so-called "carrier," it has the power to make or break a sandwich.

Which brings us to Vitale's Deli, which opened its doors in Glendale last weekend. (In June, SLM previewed the place here.)

Mike Vitale bakes bread for the family business on the Hill, Vitale's Bakery, which sells a ton of Italian bread but no sandwiches. So he thought he'd open old-school Italian deli near his home in Glendale and sell Hill-style sandwiches with his own "special touch,” that being a tall, round, 5-inch diameter sandwich roll "that’s different than any other in town."

We tried the roll (carrying the deli's signature offering called "The Pete") and it is different: the crust is just crunchy enough, the sesame seeds are toasted just enough, and the "chew" is perfect, with a texture neither too airy nor too heavy. Plus the fresh-baked white and whole wheat loaves get delivered every morning by none other than Mike Vitale himself. 

Inferior ingredients and/or skimpy portions (aka "the Subway syndrome") can—and often do—ruin a sandwich. Neither occur here. The premium cheeses and meats come from Boar's Head and the protein-to-bread balance is on the money (six ounces of protein on a sandwich of this size is ideal).

All but one of the nine sandwiches on the inaugural menu are named after family members—including Vitale's in-laws!—and all are priced at $7.99, which includes a homemade side.

There's no disagreement that the Vitale name has been renowned on the Hill for nearly 40 years. Mike Vitale hopes to bring such acclaim to his neighborhood.

Vitale's Deli

425 N. Sappington

Glendale

Mon-Fri: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Sat: 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

314-966-9912