I read several of the reviews on Coppola's Deli and from this, I was anxious and looking forward in trying their Deli Sandwiches and also I wanted to see if they had the Richmond Original Sandwich, "The Sailor". They did, however this time I decided to order the South Bronx Club Sandwich.
I was debating on The Sailor or Club. Since I had a Sailor the previous week at a different Restaurant, I decided to go for the Club as I really enjoy Club Sandwiches. So I asked the young man behind the counter about the sandwich and he said it was really good and huge.... Just what I wanted to hear... :-)
I went to a table and he brought over my Fountain Coke and while I was waiting, I was enjoying the atmosphere in the place as it is a very little quaint place on the Corner of of Colonial and W. Cary in Carytown. When the server brought out my sandwich I asked him about my side dish as all it had on the plate was a small dill pickle... he said sides are extra in cost. I was surprise because in other Deli's when you pay $8. for a sandwich, at least you get a side or some chips.... I than looked at my sandwich and could not believe in how small it was for a "Club Sandwich". When I think of a Club Sandwich, I think of lots of meat and whatever it takes to make the club but it seemed this club was ALL Rye bread.
When I took a bite into the sandwich, I realized they had heated the sandwich which was not explained to me. I wanted a cold Club sandwich which is usually not cooked except for the bread as it is toasted....
So, with the Sauerkraut, Pastrami and melted Swiss Cheese... I had nothing more than just a Reuben Sandwich with an extra slice of Rye toast. In addition, they said their special sauce was their own, however it tasted like the usually Thousand Island which they put on a Reuben.... I felt there was very little Sauerkraut, including meat on the Sandwich. I feel a Deli who is charging $7.99 for a sandwich, should give you good value for your dollar. This was not a good value I felt.... I felt like I was eating mostly Rye Toasted Bread. In addition, it had no side dish. Also, the size of the sandwich was small in size for what you paid and what a Club Sandwich should look like. So, I am giving it 3 stars on Poor sandwich and NO side. The person who took my order should have mention, "Do you want a side"? This was another deduction on the Star rating....
I DID enjoy my Fountain Coke and I posted my photos on Yelp. In addition, I will return as I want to try The Sailor and I DO expect High Expectation on this as they MUST take Pride in making this Sandwich.... if they do a great job on the Sailor, I will consider a better rating.... :-( read more