Danny’s Deli — Restaurant in Riverview

A Taste of Home: The Authentic Philly Hoagie Stop in Lithia

Finding a truly authentic hoagie outside of the Philadelphia/South Jersey area often feels like searching for a culinary unicorn. But tucked away in the heart of Lithia, Florida, I stumbled upon a family-owned sandwich shop that doesn't just serve sandwiches—it serves up pure, delicious, Northeast nostalgia.

From the moment you walk through the door, you can tell this is the real deal. The owners, originally transplanted straight from Philly, have brought their culinary heritage with them, and it shines through in every aspect of their menu. This isn't just a sandwich place; it's a dedication to the craft of the authentic Italian Hoagie and cheesesteak.

The key to their success lies in their unwavering commitment to quality, starting with the foundation: the bread. They go the extra mile, importing their hoagie rolls directly from the Northeast, and the difference is monumental. These rolls are amazingly soft, with a perfect, slightly crackly crust that yields without tearing the roof of your mouth. It’s the kind of roll that cradles the generous fillings without getting soggy, maintaining its structural integrity and its delightfully pillowy texture from the first bite to the last.

Whether you order a classic Italian with sharp provolone and finely sliced cold cuts, or a hot cheesesteak dripping with Wiz, the authenticity of the flavor is undeniable. It’s that perfect balance of salt, acid, and fresh ingredients that you only find when someone truly respects the sandwich tradition.

Eating one of these masterpieces immediately transported me back to my childhood. As a kid who spent countless Saturdays hanging out in the corner New Jersey Delis, this experience hit all the right notes. The smell of the spices, the chatter behind the counter, the feel of that soft, imported bread—it's the exact sensation of being handed a tightly wrapped, heavy hoagie bag on a cold afternoon. It’s more than just a meal; it's a memory served on a roll.

If you are a fellow expatriate from the Delaware Valley, or simply someone who appreciates what a truly great, authentic sandwich tastes like, do yourself a favor and make the trip to this spot in Lithia. It’s not just the best sandwich in the area; it's a genuine taste of Philly soul right here in Florida. Five stars—I can’t...

I woke up craving a cheesesteak—not just any cheesesteak, but one that would put me in pure bliss with every bite. That craving led me to Danny’s Deli, and let me tell you, I found exactly what I was looking for.

From the moment I opened the door, I knew I had picked the right spot. The aroma instantly transported me back to my hometown of Lowell, Massachusetts, where walking into a local deli meant you were about to experience a truly unforgettable sandwich. The walls covered with Philly memorabilia sealed the deal—I knew I was in for the real thing.

I ordered the cheesesteak with a side of their loaded potato salad, and from the very first bite, I was hooked. The cheesesteak was everything I hoped for—flavorful, satisfying, and dangerously addictive. The potato salad was the perfect complement, creamy and loaded with flavor. My girlfriend ordered the Pastrami Ruby with pasta salad, and she loved it just as much.

When we arrived, the deli wasn’t too busy, but within about 10 minutes, the place was packed. Even with the rush, the two workers behind the counter handled everything like pros—welcoming, upbeat, and efficient. Their great personalities added to the whole experience.

Final Thoughts Danny’s Deli nailed it. Great food, great atmosphere, and great people running the show. This place has officially created a new “problem” for me because I know I’ll be craving their cheesesteak all the time. My girlfriend and I will definitely be regulars—they’ll know our...

Delicious hoagies and paninis. This is a much-needed addition to this section of FishHawk BLVD. Welcome to the Boyette and FishHawk corner, Danny's Deli! We needed you!

So far, we've tried the roast beef and roast turkey hoagies, grilled cheese panini, and banana pudding! All of these menu items are going to be on our reorder list when we return.

Danny (the namesake of the Deli) was so concerned for me and all of his customers. For instance, he asked me yesterday if I'd left my headlights on on my vehicle (showing he's concerned about me draining my battery). Another instance, today -- he opened the door for some elderly guests, and as I slipped out while they walked up, he said some words of encouragement for my husband to get better. His co-workers (could be family, but at least they act like a family) are all equally nice and caring. I hope this place has many years ahead!

It doesn't get any better than this! Go visit this brand-new restaurant! It's a welcoming option for a friendly place to sit, chill out, relax, meet together, and enjoy a nice lunch. Danny's Deli is conveniently located less than a mile West of...