Don's Famous Hoagies — Restaurant in Melbourne

Don's Hoagies - Melbourne - 5 Stars

"There are some men who lift the age they inhabit."- Anderson

The man who owns this family-run and eponymously-named restaurant is a trendsetter in the restaurant industry. Don, who for many years could be seen manning the counter in his Marine flat top barking orders to his troops of employees, was a sight to behold. Don took a basic premise - make a sandwich on fresh bread with fresh, real ingredients - and made it his mission. Thirty years ago at its first location, the sandwich board was a smattering of several sandwiches, and it was run in a straightforward way. You want a hoagie? - "There is the list." Do you have a question? - "No questions allowed." Don knew he was providing the best product and no one could touch him. He has a wall of signed portraits, several of whom I know are now deceased.

The menu board is now bigger and Don's son currently mans the helm. Gone from the refrigerator case are the missives about working hard, contributing to America, and being proud of what you accomplish. Occasionally, there would be a hand bill written by Don excoriating the Melbourne City Council, The State Legislature, or the food distributors.

Although I am a loud, outgoing person, Don always managed to scare me. So I would smile, make brief eye contact, and then quickly look away for fear of angering this great man My perspective changed a few years ago, when I was with my mother at the local country club and, lo and behold, in walked Don and his wife. My first thought was "Hooray! An everyday hard-working guy had made it." He moved effortlessly among the financial elites with ease. Finally, after 25 years, I summoned up enough courage to approach Don. I shook his hand and introduced myself, telling him how much I admired him and his business model. To my surprise, he was a kind, easy-going person and we chatted for a few moments. For several years afterwards, I would go to his restaurant and find him in the zone - barking orders and yelling as per usual, but now I knew the truth of the man behind the mask.

Everything is good here. I have been getting the Challenger Hoagie (named after the Space Shuttle) for years. Nothing has changed - you get the same amount of meat you did 30 years ago. The price has gone up, but it is well worth it - loaded up with ham, turkey, capicola, and all the fixin's. If you are the lone person who has never yet been to Don's, I highly suggest you go. Big Boy says if there were a 6th Star, Don's Hoagies...

Hands down, the best sandwiches/hoagies in town! My coworkers and I try to go out to lunch once or twice a week. I saw this place in a Facebook group and decided to take the guys here to try. I was nervous at first due to peer pressure "this place better be good!". My coworkers and I were not only full, but were also not disappointed! I was the hero for the week due to how good this place is. My coworkers are hooked on this place to the point we were going almost two to three times a week. I then introduced my wife to this place and she is now hooked on it, making me come to this place almost 3-4 days a week. The quality/size of the sandwiches for the price is very fair, the staff are always so welcoming, and the homemade treats just tops it off. The #5 Super Italian and Pastrami are my go-to's. You won't be disappointed!

For those who are complaining how this place handles COVID precautions, maybe stay home and cook your own food if you're so concerned. Also, for those who are complaining about the price, $10 for a large sandwich that fills up my coworkers and I up, it's...

I first started eating at Don's in the early '90's. Don used to stand behind the counter while you were waiting in line to order, and he would tease people and banter with everyone about his political theories. All in good fun, and it was great entertainment. The food was good, heaping piles of meat on your sandwich for a very reasonable price. The ordering process was extremely efficient. Many of the people that work there are Don's relatives.

Well, I took a coworker there for lunch today who had never been, and I am delighted to report that everything that made Don's great in the past is still there. The ordering process is still efficient, food is great and cheap, family all working there, and Don, of course. Maybe not as loud, but still there greeting everyone. It's the same great place it has been for 20+ years. Don's is an institution not...