Finding a good spot for sandwiches is hard especially since my husband is a former "sandwich artist" from his college days, lol. But after an intense Costco trip, we were wanting a hearty sandwich. They are located in a strip mall, where they are many other busy businesses so parking can be a little tough. But going in, they were packed! Tip to tail, it was just people trying to get their food. And, that was us waiting a while to come in to pick up our goods. So, absolutely order ahead because it will make it somewhat easier. We ordered: The JD Cold Shoulder - cold cuts on a garlic roll with chipotle ranch. My husband loved his, and glad he ordered it with the garlic roll. Joe's Spicy Italian - this was spicy and sweet, and it really hits when you love a good spicy italian sandwich. You can choose your bread, and I opted for mine to be on a French roll. Great sandwiches, long wait, but just really good and worth the wait! read more

Vivola Express - JD Cold Shoulder - Delis Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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This is a really small family run sandwich shop, so be prepared to wait in a long line because everything is made to order and they are also making food for to-go orders at the same time. I would highly recommend stopping by before or after the lunch rush. Their sandwiches are very large with lots of fresh ingredients and they have your standard sandwiches along with their own specialties. They have gone "viral"locally for their amazing flavor combinations and while I'm not a "sandwich person," I really do like theirs. I wonder how many more times I can say sandwiches in this review? LOL! Have I eaten the best sandwich I've ever had here? No. But they are still solid. Service is friendly and there's a lot of seating because most people take their sandwiches to go. read more

Vivola Express - Delis Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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As if I really needed to make a review. This place is drool worthy. I love the fact you walk in and they are slicing fresh meat and cheeses from the cooler. Warm homemade bread from the back. All fresh cut veggies. Yeah!! I didn't mind the wait because I needed every minute to review their menu. There are so many delicious options to choose from. You must read them all to see the special flavors and ingredients. After changing my mind 3 times, I settled on the spicy chicken parm-garlic cheese bread-warm marinara. When he handed me my order, I about dropped it because it was so heavy! Popped open the box and the peeled back the wrapping and BAM! Stacked sliced chicken, pepper jack and sauces- oh the thick hot honey just smothered. It was absolutely delish! I definitely couldn't finish it and didn't need the chips !! My husband chose the Philly. It was awesome! The fresh cut meat, cheese and fresh veggies is a dig deal in my book!! read more

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First time at Vivola Express and wow was this place awesome. I ordered a Buffalo chicken sandwich which they custom made which was super kind. They recommended it on garlic cheese bread with spicy cheese, cream cheese (just trust me, I was hesitant at first but it elevates the sandwich), bacon, lettuce and green pepper. Service was top-notch. I literally don't understand how that Subway next door is still in business when this place is THAT good. I ordered my sandwich to go but there was plenty of seating to dine in when I went as well. read more

Vivola Express - Delis Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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Service was great, staff were friendly and food was great. I had the Philly cheese steak (spicy). It was so good. I'll definitely be back.

Vivola is the best sandwich shop in St. Louis hands-down. Family run operation, dad's there every day along with his two sons and they make a sandwich second to none. They pile on the meat, have every kind of cheese you could choose from have every kind of bread you like and thier lobster bisque available Every day is a perfect finish to a great sandwich. If you don't see what you want on the sandwich board - which would be hard to believe, just tell them what you'd like and they will make it Custom just the way you like it. just go there once and you'll be hooked like everybody else. But don't worry the line moves fast. read more

Vivola Express - St Louis' friendliest family sandwich shop - Delis Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

You could easily live in the area for 30 or 40 years and not know that this place exists. I've worked at four different places nearby, going back to the 1990s, and I'd never even heard of it. It's nestled in a narrow, sunken strip mall in an industrial off of what used to be the far western end of Page Avenue, along with a vape shop and a place that, hilariously, claims to serve the top sushi. I'd verify for the sake of citizen food journalism, but I'm running a marathon in a few days and I can't afford the potential GI distress. Emphasis on potential. We want to be fair here. Inside, Vivola Express (or just Vivola, per its signage) is arranged in such a way that a line with any more than four people in it is a line out the door, or at least a line that blocks the door, like the space may have been designed for a travel agency or some sort of high-interest loan scam that preys on the elderly. Fortunately, the guys behind the counter keep things moving. Clearly, they've made sandwiches before, both for themselves and their customers. The menu is elaborate to the point of being potentially anxiety inducing. All of the sandwiches, on paper, seem similar enough that it's hard to know which one you'd prefer, and there's multiple versions of some sandwiches, e.g. an Italian sandwich and a version of more or less the same sandwich named after, presumably, one of the guys who work there. They're all the exact same price, and it's a weirdly specific, seemingly randomly selected number. On 9/29/25 it was $16.67. A few years ago, it was probably like $5. Thanks Joe Brandon! I went with the Vivola's Classic Italian. I couldn't see the menu well enough to tell what exactly was on it, due to being blind as a bat, but I've eaten enough of these things over the years to know what to expect. This particular version was rich with the most processed of processed meats. Meats that you could store in your pantry rather than the refrigerator, if you had to. Meats that seem to consist of one part nitrates and one part saturated fats. Not that I was complaining. In addition to the salami and what have you, there's a generous helping of "shrettuce," which I'm sure offsets any damage done by the meat, some sort of creamy Italian salad dressing-like substance (uh?) and what appears to be a doorstop-thick wedge of provolone, but it might just be several thin slices of provolone that have fused together, in solidarity. Oh, and a few banana peppers. All of this is intelligently measured so that the various ingredients are both in the correct proportion to each other and not so abundant that the whole thing just kinda falls apart. They've put some thought into this. There's a wide selection of chips, including a few brands that seemed fancy--to me, at least--by virtue of the fact that I'd never heard of them, but no Red Hot Riplets. What's with that? If it's a space issue, they could easily get rid of the Sun Chips, which no one needs. A cookie was on offer, so I was bound by the solemn tenets of citizen food journalism as laid out by IF Stone to partake, even though it brought my bill to the point where I'm gonna have to have a meeting with my accountant, and it might get physical. It was good to the point where they could only sell it and the only problem they'd have is that no one will ever know where this place is. read more

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Ok this place has no glam. We except the Sammy's. It's was my first time here and had the Natty King. Absolutely D-lish. After eating that i will assume all Sammy's are amazing. The whole time here the line was 10-15 deep. Go people go if you want an amazing sandwich/sub. I will be back to try more! Bring your appetite the sammy is like eating a Thanksgiving dinner! Portions are large and in charge! Ahhh, what are you waiting for. By the way! All the workers take great care of you as well. They can feed read more

Vivola Express - Natty King! Wowza-Delish - Delis Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

This place has been on my to-do list for awhile. They close at 2pm and not open on the weekends so im never able to go. I was off today and decided to try it. I was stuck between the Angry bird and OG Steve. I went with the recommendation of the worker. OG Steve plus dynamite sauce and he even let us try their meatballs for free. Everything was fire , I will definitely get a meatball sub when I return. Kinda pricy but worth a once in a while splurge. Customer Service was top tier. I went around 12 and it was a line but it went fast. I made a suggestion that they should get St Louis style chips, they had vending machine chips. As far as ambiance, busy lol family friendly. read more

Vivola Express - OG Steve with dynamite sauce - Delis Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Hands down the BEST meatball sandwich I have ever had. We ordered ahead online and it saved us from waiting too long as it is pretty busy. There are a lot of delicious options and very friendly people working behind the counter! read more

Vivola Express - Meatball sandwich - Delis Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Words cannot describe the way I feel staring down the barrel of a Vivola Ruben. This is by far one of the best sandwiches in the STL area. read more

Great group of folks working the deli. My meatball sandwich was good but man, it was messy and the sauce is a little sweeter than I like, but still solid. The OG Steve was just an ok deli sandwich. Good flavor but my bread was a little janky somehow. Like it was a little stale maybe. Bowl of chili was awesome and I'll be back to try some of the special sandwiches and a French dip. Worth a visit if you've never been for sure. read more

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My first experience at Vivola Express was enjoyable! I went during lunch with coworkers, and it was packed, which clearly speaks to its popularity. We ended up waiting almost 45 minutes in line to order, and took our food to go. The menu offers a wide variety of sandwiches, plus the option to customize your own. I also tried the lobster bisque, which was light and had a perfectly seasoned flavor. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful as I navigated the extensive menu. I'll definitely return! read more

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My husband and I decided to try this place for lunch for the first time. Online ordering was very easy and pick up was on time. He got classic Italian and said it was ok. I got the first timer and it was ok too. I asked for sauces on the side, and glad I did. Somehow there was a container of au jus- so this would have been extra messy I guess, bbq sauce- was totally not needed to my taste, mustard thousand island- most delicious sauce on earth. For 2 sandwiches $37 with tax is a bit much to my opinion. I understand the hype, but not planning on supporting it in a near future. read more

Last time I went the owner help me create a sandwhich and the made a sauce for it. I want to go back asap

I got the Natty King which came with au jus and let me say, it may be the greatest sandwich I've ever eaten. Took it to go and ended up eating it in my car after opening the box to figure out why it was so heavy and seeing the bowl of au jus inside. read more

Always amazing customer service and food!!! Family always eager to service you with a smile and conversation. Clean exterior and interior! read more

Vivola Express - Menu and the family that owns it - Delis Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Finally went here for lunch today. I beat the lunch traffic by arriving before noon. The staff was super nice and patient. My first visit I always have a million questions and ask for suggestions I opted for the Joey's spicy Italian sandwhich and I had them warm it up for me. This sandwich has pepperoni, ham, (added Cajun turkey), pepper jack cheese, creamy Italian, spicy dynamite sauce, spicy cream cheese, lettuce, onions, and hot giardiniera. Plus I added tomatoes, black olives, and pickles. There are about 5 different breads to pick from and they suggested cheesy garlic bread. This sandwich was so good and messy just the way I like it. The sandwich was $16, which is expensive to me. However, it was with every penny. Plus it's large enough to eat for lunch two days. read more

Vivola Express - Joe's spicy Italian (warmed up) - Delis Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

They make the best sandwiches ever!! Go there and get anything on the menu and you won't be disappointed! My favorite is their buffalo chicken on French bread, its fantastic! My husband always gets the hot roast beef sandwich and he loves it. I have gotten a few of the "surprise me" for co-workers and its always a hit. Everything is fresh and so good! They are true masters! read more

You know this place has serious hype when you see the lunch line! Not open for very long a day, but they turn out tons of sandwiches quickly. Unluckily for my waistline, I live right down the street from this place and have tried a handful of different options without disappointment; my current favorite is Joey's Spicy Italian. You can tell these guys love serving their Sammies and always have an upbeat attitude. They are busy, but it's worth the wait. read more

I was crashing with a rugby friend of mine (BTW make sure to support ur local Crusaders) that had recommended omw out of STL to drove to Chicago, since a shrimp St Paul sammie from Hong Kong Express wasn't gonna work because of opening time. Big moves right there bc this place came out swinging. My plan was to get a sandwich to eat on the road a few hrs into a 5hr drive. Then I decide to go ahead and just have the bisque in the car before I take off. Next thing I know I'm in this euphoric state in my car and time's bent a bit. I love a big messy, multi-textured experience and their Spicy Chicken Parm was amazing. My friend had recommended the Natty something, for another option if you don't like the idea of what I got and need a suggestion. I'm going to throw some chips on the 2nd half of it bc that's how my folks did it growing up. I got it on the cheese hoagie-vibe bread option (think they called it a cheese roll). They hooked me with their friendly engagement as I entered and waited for my food. Asked me about myself and interacted in an earnest way without it ever feeling forced or prying. I'll do terrible things for a good lobster bisque and they had a big bowl portion for $9 so I immediately jumped on that. I dislike hyperbole though there's surely some in here so believe when I say this was the best lobster bisque I've had that didn't have sherry in it. It was especially good bc, not only did it still somehow have the deep flavor of a sherry- & time-assisted version, the consistency was perfect to both hold the temp and also not allow it to separate. Got a free road cookie as well (woof!) Hit Pup Snaxx up for a tour of Nashville if you're ever down and I'll show you some good live music. And Bill's Sandwich Palace; you'd like it. Great folks! read more

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My friend ordered me a sandwich to go! I got the Italian sandwich and those are big sandwiches! I am glad that I got to try it. I'd probably go back to try other things too! read more

Really is the best. Every sandwich is better than the one before but my favorites are the French dip and the meatball (both with pepper cheese). The guys are super friendly and make it feel like we are all neighbors. Only negative is the short hours and no weekends. And the line-- but it is worth the wait for sure. read more

If there's a line to the door, there's a reason! Many line up for the best! Vivola is always worth the wait! The best subs! From the breads to the meats, cheeses, toppings, it's all delicious at Vivola! I love the freshness of the top notch ingredients that are used in making each sub sandwich. If you are undecided, have one of the staff make you something good! You can't go wrong. I am so glad they brought back the potato salad side option! So yummy! I almost forgot the people behind the sandwiches. You are going to meet some of the nicest people working at Vivola. Great customer service! read more

Vivola Express - Menu - Delis Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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Amazing lobster bisque! I was in St. Louis for three days and ended up coming back just for this soup. The staff was wonderful and always served everything with a big smile. Great food and even better hospitality. read more

Best sandwich place in all of St. Louis period. I've tried almost every sandwich there. Lobster Bisque is best in class. Can't rave enough worth every second of the wait and then some. read more

Always looking to try a new sandwich and stopped by Vivola Express sandwich shop. Located a short distance from STL, Vivola Express is a legit sandwich shop for anyone looking for a work of art. Vivola Express is nestled in a small shopping center next to an industrial park. They are only open during the week so you will need to plan your visit. Vivola have an extensive hot and cold sandwich menu with a variety of side dishes. When we arrived there was a short line but did move quickly and is definitely worth the wait. On a recommendation from the Yelp Army I ordered the hot roast beef and cheese sandwich on a French Roll. Vivola Express does have several spicy cheeses for anyone looking to have a little heat with their meal. Sandwich portion was very impressive and could share one sandwich by itself. Ingredients are fresh and made to order. Prices are reasonable but a little on the high end. Again, portions compliment pricing. Vivola has plenty of seating for those eating there and tables were serviced quickly. Best local sandwich shop to date in STL, definitely coming back. read more

Vivola Express - Inside Vivola - Delis Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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I mentioned it was my first time in and I couldn't choose between the spicy Italian or the spicy meatball, and the wonderful folks behind the counter immediately suggested the spicy Italian warmed up with a side of marinara and a free meatball to try! The meatball tasted homemade and went really well with the marinara which was on the sweeter side, and the spicy Italian was also really complimented by the marinara. It took the heat and rich meats and cheeses and brought it together with a warm, sweet finish. I also got the lobster bisque which is really thick, creamy, and lobster-y. I'm definitely coming back to try the hot meatball sub. Thanks to the guys behind the counter for making my first visit so welcoming! read more

I'm not really a sandwich lover, but I came here with a friend to try their sandwiches after seeing all the great reviews. We each ordered two sandwiches and a soup, and every single thing we tried was absolutely delicious. The soup and sandwiches are now my personal No. 1, especially the soup! No wonder this place has such high ratings. The staff here are super friendly and chatty, the service is excellent, and the food is amazing. Don't miss out on this restaurant! read more

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I used to come here when I worked in an office since it wasn't too far and I remember how amazing this deli was. I'm not a big sandwich fan out to eat because you can simply make it at home - Not this place! The bread is extremely fresh and and they slice the meat as you order your sandwich. It doesn't get any fresher than that! I ordered a Turkey sandwich with lots of toppings and I'm telling you. It was amazing! Yes, it was simple but because of how fresh the bread and meat is this place is amazing. Be prepared for a line because this place is always busy. And well worth the wait! read more

Vivola Express - Delis Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

This place is by far my favorite sub spot in all of St.Louis! Yes you heard me it is BETTER THAN Gioias. The atmosphere when entering the door just makes you feel like home. Amazing customer service from start to end. I ordered the Angry Bird which has a bit of heat on the pallet from the dynamite sauce. The amount of Turkey added to my sandwich was incredible considering I feel scammed everywhere else. I will say their roast beef is a sandwich that I highly recommend ordering! read more

Vivola Express - Angry Bird - Delis Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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We had an incredible lunch from Vivola! We arrived around 1pm and there was a huge line covering the entire front of the store. To me, this is a good sign because it means the food is going to be amazing. The line moved at a good pace, and our sandwiches were made as we ordered them. The food is definitely worth the wait. I ordered Brett's Original (roast beef, onion cheddar, mustard thousand island, hot honey glaze, pecorino romano) and added onions. I like the option to add some fresh veggies to the sandwich if that's your jam. My fiancé ordered Joe's Spicy Italian (salami, pepperoni, capicola, sopressata, ham, pepper jack cheese, creamy Italian dressing, spicy dynamite sauce, spicy cream cheese, hot giardiniera, lettuce, onion) with no modifications. Brett's Original was amazing. The serving was huge and came with a container of au jus. The sandwich itself was pretty wet because the beef came straight out of a container of au jus. I don't mind this at all because it adds so much flavor, but if a little bit of a soggy sandwich bothers you this might not be the order for you. Joe's Spicy Italian was spicy (duh) but not too overwhelming. I only had a few bites but I loved the flavor. I think eating the whole sandwich may be too much spice for me, but I am a weenie with spice. My fiancé loved it! There is limited seating inside, so we opted to take our food to go and enjoy at Creve Coeur Park which is less than 10 min away. read more

You're going to wait in line when you get here. 20 minutes... an hour? The answer is who cares. Every second of my life I've spent here waiting to watch these guys whip up the best deli sandwich I've ever had is worth it. The crazy thing is every time I go here I try something new and it's the best sandwich I've EVER HAD. No idea what the ambiance in this place is because I'm in line trying to make eye contact with the sauce guy to give him the "hook me up" nod. He always hooks me up. Go waste your time here, it's worth it. read more

Vivola Express - The best sandwich I've ever had - Delis Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Hats off to the fellas working hard no stop there today. I had a feeling I picked the right place to try when I saw how many people made the same choice. Lots of great sandwiches to choose from. I must have changed my mind 8 times while I was in line. Looking forward to go back to further sample the menu. read more

Vivola Express - Brett's Original - Delis Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

I love love love Vivola Express. Good Vibe- Good Food- Good People- 10/10 It was my second time here yesterday, but my partner usually came here to pick up for us.The only reason I can't come here often because they only open from 10am to 2pm M-F . If you don't live/work nearby it's kinda tricky to go here for lunch. The sandwiches here are absolutely amazing. I got the BYO sandwich - hot roasted beef, soppressata and Turkey with a couple kind of sauces recommended by Brett. It's chef's kiss!!! My partner got his regular Reuben since he loved it so much. Shout out to the lobster bisque too. Grab the 16oz bowl for better price. Honestly , you"ll never go wrong with any kind of sandwiches here. You gotta try it yourself. The queue can be long but it moves very fast. Joey and Brett are so lovely and engaging with their customers. They definitely treat customers as their family. Highly recommend!!! read more

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First time trying this spot and it gets 5 stars forsure. I just ate The Natty and I keep saying it was the best sandwich I've ever had. I'll be comin back 100%. Also, I don't really ever leave reviews and that says something, you gotta try this spot out lol. read more

Best sandwiches in Missouri. Family owned, friendly staff who love talking about the product and answering any questions. A real time capsule reminiscent of better days in this great county. They'll even make you a special one of a kind sandwich if you can't decide. Love these guys. read more

Very solid sandwich! I could only finish 1/2 which let's me know there was an ample amount of meat and cheese. I opted for the BYO with Turkey, Provel, Chipotle Sauce on a French Baguette. Very clear that all the ingredients were fresh. The Turkey was definitely a premium cut because you can see the shreds in the meat. Chipotle sauce was ok, could have more of a kick. They offer a seating area if you need to eat on-site and Pepsi fountain products along with a good selection of chips and cookies. The paper menu doesn't include the specials they have on the board, so be prepared to read thru that upon arrival. read more

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I've always heard that Vivola has some of the best sandwiches in STL, and by simply walking in the store, it smelled amazing. The staff were super, extremely friendly and everything was efficient. I could see the teamwork in their dynamic. Unfortunately, I had taste for chili and so I didn't get to try any of the sandwiches, but as soon as I got home, I was upset with myself haha. However the chili was really good. They put cheese in my chili, gave me crackers and I ordered Fritos. The store was very clean, and there were tables and chairs for you to sit and enjoy your meal. I will absolutely be back to try a sandwich. read more

Vivola Express - Bowl of chili - Delis Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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My only issue with Vivola is the amount of exercise I am going to need in order to burn off the calories. I'm pretty sure I will need to burn 4,000 calories to burn of the Chicken Parm sandwich I had today for lunch. At least I won't need dinner read more

Vivola Express - Chicken Parm - Delis Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri