Over 5 years later, and I still stand by this review! Quick service, delicious food. Conveniently located a close drive from the falls, so it makes for a good pit stop after exploring. I hope the next time I visit WNY this place is still serving up great submarines read more

Why would I eat at a place that doesn't pay its taxes? I.e. only accepts cash in this day and age? No thanks. And their food wasn't that good anyhow. read more

I went to the military road violas and ordered a small steak and cheese to go. I was being talked about and laughed at by the worker Chantelle. I have been treated rudely before in the same establishment and definitely will NOT be returning! Your subs aren't worth the aggravation. Shame on you! read more

Now a bunch of locals will debate on the best steak and cheese subs in town. I am a foodie and believe that this place wins hands down. The other location is good as well but if you love steak and cheese I think the original one is the best on. I recommend 10 out of 10 read more

My parents started going here over 60 years ago. The original opened on Elwood avenue in the back of the NIagara Falls city market. Nothing compares to their double steak and cheese submarines. I've probably eaten well over 300 of these in my lifetime. Never had a bad one. They do taste a lot better if you eat them at the restaurant. They tend to get soggy when you take-out. My brother's favorite was their western. I also get their Steak and Italian sausage for something different. This definitely an NIagara Falls icon when people come back to visit , this is at the top of their list. read more

I went in here this week for the first time. The place is old inside, some tables and and a cooler with raw steak displayed in a bucket. I ordered the "double double steak sub" everyone's been raving about. I noticed there's a sign near the grill that says they don't chop the steak or toast the bun, so don't ask. Real nice touch guys. The guy behind the counter cooked it up within 10 minutes, handed it to me, and asked for $11. I noticed it was a good weight, but not that big. It was also wrapped in plastic wrap. Why not waxed paper?! Upon unwrapping it, it was pretty messy. I took a bite and it was tasty, but because it was wrapped in plastic wrap the bun was pretty soggy. I certainly couldn't wrap it up again as it was a gooey mess. The steak sub was good, but far from what I think is the best steak sub around. Because the cooked steak isn't really thin, and they don't chop it up, I did have some gristle that was hard to chew, but I got by. So was it worth $11? ...heck no. You get much better value around the corner at Doug's Famous, where the bun isn't soggy, and they chop up the steak. read more

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If everyone here was Swiss and had a sore throat, it would be called Ricola's Submarine House. If everyone here was from the Cajun Capital of Louisiana, it would be called Nola's Submarine House. And if the employeeshere smelled bad, it would be called B.O.la's Submarine House. Actually, working over that grill, they probably do. So... hmm. What to get: Steak And Cheese sandwich with everything. I'm more of a violin guy, traditionally. That all changed the day I walked into this place, and from now on, there is only one stringed instrument for me, and it's not a harmonica. Well it wouldn't be anyway. But you know what I mean. Speaking of which, did you hear that Bill Clinton stopped playing the Sax and decided to play the Harmonica? Hmm. I wasn't sure if the hype would be well-founded or misplaced, well I had that little quandary answered in the most emphatic way as soon as I took a heavenly bite of this, one of the juiciest and most delicious sandwiches I have ever eaten, anywhere. In fact it's probably better than ANY cheesesteak in Philly. Note I did not say better than any sandwich in Philly (hi John's! hi Tommy DiNic's! hi Old Nick's!), but better than the cheesesteaks there, I would say yes. Let's start with the negatives. (1) The employees certainly have bad attitudes. Typical NYC attitudes almost. Or Philly even. (2) The place is pretty dirty. (3) It closes early, like 5pm each day, but then there is one open much later out on Military, which I haven't tried yet. (4) I can't think of a #4, sorry. (5) Same for #5. Now on to the positives. (1) The Steak and cheese sandwich is one of the best sandwiches I have ever had. (2) The Steak and cheese sandwich is one of the best sandwiches I have ever had. (3) The Steak and cheese sandwich is one of the best sandwiches I have ever had. (4) The Steak and cheese sandwich is one of the best sandwiches I have ever had. (5) The Steak and cheese sandwich is one of the best sandwiches I have ever had. Also, I love how juicy and delicious it is, and the salad that is on there just makes it wetter and more lovable. You can get double meat and cheese if you want, or you can get peppers and onions and such added to it, which I might do next time. But yeah. This is a real gem. It's better than pretty much any sub in Buffalo, and is right up there with the best sandwiches in WNY. If you can get past the attitudes, you may well orgasm from this food. You may also not, because it's all a matter of taste, and it is wet, greasy and the service is appalling by some standards and like I said, the place is dirty. Not the most appealing neighborhood for some, either, but I love it. Round the back of Pine. Not far from Godfather's. Where Julio lives. Me and Julio down by Viola's. Plus PW has reviewed it. Anywhere that PW has reviewed, you have to try it. It's an unwritten Yelp rule. I was going to make a VERY bad taste joke that was a play on the name of this place but I don't want to be more obscene than I already am so message me privately if you want to hear it. Oh, I forgot to mention, expect a wait time, expect gruff service, expect a dirty place, don't use your phone when ordering or talking to the guy, and if you like this place, you owe me a 5-to-7-minute cuddling session. Well worth a trip to the Falls for. Along with the Pizza at Pizza Oven... and at Hacienda too if you wanna sit down, as well as their salad... and the Salad and Beans & Greens Soup at Michael's... and more... this is one of the very best places in the Falls, and one of the very best sandwiches in WNY, or anywhere. I cannot give it any higher praise than to say if it were in Philly... it would still be one of my faves in that town. I met a friend here, bizarrely. She is a self-described pile of mulch in a vat of mayonnaise on top of a mountain of cool whip, that is how vanilla she is. I thought she was being a bit harsh. And remember if they sold old phonographs it would be Victrola's Submarine House. And if this place was actually a chop shop for stolen cars it would be Vin-number's Submarine House. And if it were a pill shop for horny old men, it would be Viagra's Submarine House. And after all, it is in Viagra Falls. So it would make sense. But as I said before, I only ever go up here because my friend Alice lives here. So now I have 2 reasons to go up here. To eat this sandwich... and to Cialis. read more

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This is a classic spot. It may look like it is closed when you drive up, but walk right in and take in the classic vibe of a true American Niagara Falls beauty. It is grimy inside and the dude on the grill seems the same. I got a steak and cheese with only mayo. That is how I usually get my cheesesteaks. This was better than the Philly cheesesteak I had in Philly. Unreal. They use thinly sliced ribeye, oil and spices to flavor the meat. The tip jar reads "Tip-Ping is not a city in China". The cook was a great cynical dude, very in tuned to the town and gave me pointers on other spots to check for. He did not mince words. He was a smart ass but true to his craft. My old man tried to order the ham and cheese and he said, "Come on you come all the way from Cleveland to order something you can make at home? Get the steak and cheese." He was glad he did. Great establishment. read more

Full disclosure: I am a Vi's or die girl. Violas's opened in the mid 1960s, first at this location, then a year later across the street from the former LaSalle High School. For twenty years straight i ate here at least twice a week. The restaurant is named in honor of the family matriach, Grandma (Nonna) Viola. This is a closely-knit family run restaurant. it's fun to see the next generation starting to work answering phones, sweeping up, ringing up orders. Reading other's reviews, I read some unkind references to the "mean, grumpy old lady who waited on us". Miss Carmella, behind the counter since Day 1, recently retired due to health issues. One of the kindest and most gracious ladies I have ever met. The decor: Divey. Tables are probably sticky. bathrooms are better at a state rest stop. Floor is no doubt dirty. That's not why we come to Vi's. That would be very The food. Steak & cheese. Double steak and cheese. Double steak and double cheese, also called a double double. I've only ever eaten half of a double-double. Eventually, I'll work my way up to it. I'll try again next week. Vi's or die. read more

Viola's Submarine House - Half of a double double. - Sandwiches Near Me - Niagara Falls, New York

Growing up in Niagara Falls I would go to Viola's even way back when I went to 17th Street elementary school (it is long gone). Yes, the cosmetic appeal is not there but the amazing smells and taste of their cheese steaks or Italian subs on fresh sub rolls is to die for. I no longer live in Niagara but when I went back a few years ago it took me back 50 years to the days I would walk half block during school lunch break to buy a sub. I have had Phili subs in Phili and this place far surpasses ones I have had in PA (except in a catered sky box baseball event long ago and I have no idea who those guys are). I promised myself before going in to only eat half but then what the heck!! I came all the way from my home in Texas and may never taste this again. Only wish UberEats would deliver me one..... :) The nostalgia is overwhelming. Thank you for still being there. read more

So I tried to give Elmwood another shot seeing that I live around the corner from there. The times that I went there in the past I got a bread sandwich ( next to no meat on the sub) . Today I call and I was told they don't take orders over the phone after 415 . Mind you it was 417 . I told them I can be there in 5 mins to pick it up and I was told ild have to come in to order . I will never go there again . Recommend going to military Rd , highly more professional and 10x better sub! read more

What a disappointment. I came in to Viola's with a group of 6 hungry people, apparently 15 minutes before closing (we had had no idea). Walking in I wasn't expecting a 5-star dining experience but I was expecting more than we got. From the moment we arrived, the angry women at the counter (Viola perhaps?) bitched and moaned about our presence. We all had a few chuckles and I chalked it up to being part of the place's "charm" as one of my dining companions compared the experience to "the soup Nazi ... No sub for you!" Right after we arrived and ordered, about 6 more folks did too. One person in my group got her sub, one was told it would be 15-minutes (he ordered the sausage which had to be cooked from frozen), and two of us ordered steak and cheese. Turns out, nearly everyone that came after our group also ordered steak and cheese. My friend and I waited patiently at the counter (being borderline abused by this woman) while the people behind us all got their subs. The grill was then bare and the cook left the area, everyone else was eating, and my friend and I still stood there. Our friend that was served first was nearly finished her sub and I said, "ya know what, since you haven't started my sub yet just cancel the order ". Seriously, I'm not paying someone to treat me like shit. Why two stars? One for my experience and the other because according to my companions, the subs were all okay ... except for the sausage sub which was apparently orgasmic. My friend was so impressed by his sub that I figured I'd throw in the extra star. Being that the shop is a little neighborhood establishment, I would like to go back and try again under the assumption that the angry lady was just having a bad day. But let me warn you this, Viola's, should you be just as rude the next time I will provide "No more business for you!". read more

Despite the cosmetic look to the building, both inside and out, you'll never find a better steak and cheese sub! They could do better for themselves if they offered to accept credit cards other than being a cash only establishment. read more

For a place that claims to have the best cheese steak in the land, and has reviews with such claims, the cheese steaks are pretty pathetic. Unless you get "Double Meat" for double the cost, your sandwhich will NOT fill you up. The way they wrap the sandwhich in plastic super tight makes the bread soggy and unpleasant. I suppose i could say the quality of meat was good, that's the ONLY positive. Prices are not great. Sandwhich is mediocre. and the People that work there are very rude and unpleasant. I am not impressed with viola's read more

This is the first time (and the last time) I've ever tried this place. It came recommended so I was anxious to give it a try. First, I had to look for a table I could sit at that wasn't filthy and I had to sit with my coat on the whole time because it was so cold in there. I ordered a full turkey sub. Who can possibly mess up a turkey sub? Well, they did. The bun wasn't fresh. The turkey and the cheese were both pretty tasteless. It was so heavily salted that it tasted like a herring. I ended up throwing half of it in the garbage and left. Also very strange that they don't have mayonnaise (only Miracle Whip). I was totally disappointed. read more

I love this place. I live in Ohio but we visit family in the falls often and the first thing we do every time we come into town is get Violas! The Steak and Cheese sub is so good! The meatball sub is also very good. I'm pretty sure you can only pay in cash! Personally I do prefer the Elmwood location over the Military Road location. read more

This has been one place that I have heard since I moved here 19 years ago is a must. I disagree. I do not think it's that great. The sub rolls are hard which is my number one reason for not liking it. The selection is limited and everyone behind the counter is always in a rush and show no apprieciation for the customers. I'd skip this! read more

Finally tried a steak and cheese sub at Italian festival and it was the best I ever had. From the specialty bread and the steak and cheese every bite was delicious. The best experience was the family owners serving us and their genuine care for people. Violas will be a regular stop for us now! read more

Would of clicked all stars but... Inflation has hit them..their subs are great...but wow..you guys cut down the size....bring back the original size please!!!!! Steak and cheese are awesome!! read more

Probably the best sub I have ever had. The servers are no BS, just order the sub and be happy. I know I did and loved it!

I love there subs since I was a kid. I just wish they would do better at consistently changing their gloves while handling money & then with the same gloves making food. Not cool. Oh yes & they close a little to early 5pm is way to early maybe 7 or 8 would be a great time to close. But besides that great place to eat at. read more

Easily the best sandwiches in Niagara Falls. The building may be older, but that is just part of the charm. The employees are always friendly, and we always feel welcome when we come in. The restaurant itself is always clean, and the food is always delicious. Soft rolls, well-cooked & seasoned steak, and tasty veggies. Skip the subway and arby's or any other chain you may think you want to eat at. There is no other place that makes subs this good. read more

Since I was in the neighborhood I had to stop by for one of the best steak and cheese subs that there is. Viola's has two locations with the other being on Military Road, this is the original and just my old memories of this place brings me back even though the other location is much closer to my house. You can bet that I will be returning for another sub. read more

I honestly cannot tell you how disappointed I am. My family back in the 90's would rave up and down about Violas they never switched and we stayed true to them. Well we haven't had Violas in awhile so hey there the place to go... My steak and cheese sub was just off the point where they ought to been, I cannot place my finger on what was diffrent but I know it wasn't up to par on how it should have been. So I was thinking maybe it's just me gave my fiance a bite and he concludes my theory that it was not up to par. So he tried his sub and looked at me and said they had to have changed owners cause this is not Viola Subs at all. I am going to try them again next week so I will update you, if they are not up to what they used to be well Wegmans Subs are next in line for us to order from. read more

Stumbled in here because we were hungry for lunch before visiting Niagara Falls. Awesome steak, and sausage sandwiches, loved the spices they put on these sandwiches. We took it to go, perfect for a small picnic at the park. Watch for the drippings from the sandwiches. I will definitely come back to this shop! read more

We eat the at least twice a month. The food is always good . Steak and Coppola is one of the best I'm my opinion. Don't expect a luxury dining room but expect a good sub read more

Best subs in town been eating here since I was a kid when I ask people who has the best sub's in town everyone says violas!!!

Hands down the BEST Steak and Cheese Subs...EVER. I have been eating at Violas regularly since I was a little kid. I prefer the location on Elmwood Avenue in Niagara Falls behind the market, just because it was the original and the grill is a bit more seasoned, but the one on Military Road is just as good. I've probably eaten Viola's steak and cheese subs (double steak double cheese) probably 1,000 plus times and I have NEVER ordered anything else off the menu. I have NO idea how anything else is at this place. The steak and cheese subs are that good. They are freaking amazing!! Thinly sliced beef that is griddled, soft rolls, velvety melted cheese and a seasoned tomato/onion topping. If I had one critique it would be to lose the saran wrap they wrap the subs in. The subs are super messy, but heated saran wrap takes on a nasty chemical smell. I can deal with it though. When I'm in the mood to take down a 5,000+ calorie meal I avoid the Golden Arches and head down to Violas!! Truely a hidden gem in the heart of Niagara Falls. read more

Holy shit batman steak and cheese with mushrooms and bannana peppers to die for soft bread!! Was scared at first alittle dive but clean an delicious! read more

Best Steak and Cheese Subs I've ever tasted and I'm very picky about my food. Very reasonable prices and my family has been coming here for years. I hope to introduce my little ones to this and keep it a family tradition. read more

This is a Niagara Falls institution. Their steak-and-cheese is the ONLY thing that needs to be on the menu. It is perfection on a roll. Even their second location, on Military Road (also in Niagara Falls) cannot compare to the original. read more