Stanlieo's Sub Villa — Restaurant in Huntsville

I came by on Monday to grab some lunch. I saw a lot of reviewers saying they didn't think this place seemed clean, and let me just say that wasn't my impression at all. It's definitely kind of a hole in the wall, and older, but that's NOT the same thing as dirty. The tables were wiped down, the counter free of grime and clutter, menus weren't sticky, drink machines looked fine to me. So that's good! The restaurant has an almost sort of a retro feel to it, with an arcade game and lots of sports team paraphernalia.

The staff was friendly and was working hard - a large crowd came in right after me and they worked diligently to get all our orders filled.

I had heard so many good things about the Kitchen Sink that I sort of felt like I had to try it. I got mine without ham and onions. I also ordered a side of fried mushrooms because they're one of my favorite things. :)

So here is my problem: I tend to not like hot subs, and I also tend to not like subs with a ton of different toppings (I'm usually a 1meat+1cheese purist). Kitchen sink is definitely not that. I personally didn't love it, but I didn't hate it, either! The bread had a really nice texture to it and the cheese was nice and melty. As you can probably imagine, I will stay in my lane next time and go with something that's more in line with my preferences.

That being said, those fried mushrooms were BOMB. Perfect serving size for a nice snack, delicious ranch dipping sauce, flavorful, crispy breading, and the mushrooms were the perfect size and shape. I'll definitely be grabbing these again, even if I can't find a sandwich that's to my liking.

Stanlieo's is definitely a Huntsville institution. I look forward to returning to try more.

ETA: the owner already responded super kindly and graciously to this review on Yelp. I love getting the chance to interact with business owners -- it really shows they care -- and I so appreciate that fact. Even more excited to try another sub and get another helping of...

#vegetarian. I recently visited Stanlieo’s Sub Villa for the second time—my first visit was about 10 years ago. This time, I ordered the Vegetarian Combo Sandwich to go, which includes veggie turkey, corned beef, wham, and chicken. I was genuinely looking forward to it, especially after hearing so many rave reviews over the years from folks in Huntsville and Oakwood University alumni.

Unfortunately, my experience was a major letdown.

When I got home to Atlanta and unwrapped the sandwich, I was shocked. The bread was torn and falling apart, and there were no condiments included—none on the sandwich and none in the bag. No one asked if I wanted any, and I had no idea I needed to request them. The only addition was a small portion cup of diced tomatoes and diced pickles… which did very little to help the situation.

To make matters worse, the sandwich cost $21.26 for two—and honestly, I’ve had far better subs for much less. Given the price and all the hype, I expected something that at least held together and had some flavor.

I know Stanlieo’s has a strong reputation in the Huntsville community, but based on this experience, I just don’t get the hype. Sadly, this was one of the worst sub sandwiches I’ve ever purchased.

Come on, Stanlieo’s—people are rooting for you. But at these prices, customers deserve quality and attention to detail. Until then, you all might be better off just heading to Subway.

To be fair, the ambience is fine. The place has been around for a while, and it carries a retro charm that likely appeals to those with fond memories of visiting over the years. It still looks much like it probably did when it first opened, and I imagine that sense of nostalgia is part of its lasting appeal.

But for me, nostalgia just wasn’t enough to make up for the lackluster...

Stanlieo's on Jordan Ln. has been a regular lunch spot for a couple of my friends and I for several years now. I usually get the same thing every time, the Veggie Steak Kabob (with grilled Worthington Fripats, as the veggie steak), which I prefer over the regular beef steak. My 2nd favorite is the regular Reuben (with real meat), although the veggie Reuben is also good, especially if you are a vegetarian and you want to try something a little different than the standard Black Bean or "Grillers" patties from Morningstar Farms, served at most other places. I also recommend asking for the Wham Kabob for the same reason. Note: Try any of the above with the sliced, fried jalapeños, if they are in stock. The fried mushrooms are tasty, served with the Ranch sauce that's made from buttermilk & the little packets, like those that my parents bought in the ranch craze of the 70's.They will usually start making my sandwich as soon as they notice I'm standing in line, so I have to wave at the griller in the back, if I want to change my order from the usual. Occasionally they get slammed at certain times, on certain days, but they always do their best. Occasionally they will get an order wrong in some way, but they always go out of their way to make it right, if you bring it to their attention. They will not get offended, and will strive to make sure you are happy before you leave. The place probably looks about the same as it did back in the 70's... Monkee's record on the wall, pinball machine in the corner, etc. It's not a shiny new Subway chain, bathed in bright fluorescent light. It's a local, old, family-run business, passed on from father to daughter, with sandwiches that are just a little different, but consistent, from week to week, year to year,...