Searching for the perfect Italian sub?
The Original Gonella’s isn’t just a deli; it’s a portal to a world where sandwiches reign supreme and Italian flavors dance on your taste buds!
Step into The Original Gonella’s, and you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret society dedicated to the art of sandwich-making.
This unassuming corner store, with its iconic green, white, and red striped awning, has been a Detroit institution since 1946.
That’s right, folks – this place has been slinging subs longer than most of us have been alive.
It’s like the Betty White of delis, only instead of golden quips, it serves up golden-brown, perfectly toasted bread.
As you approach the building, you can’t help but notice the bold lettering proclaiming “THE ORIGINAL GONELLA’S” across the facade.
It’s not bragging if it’s true, and boy, is it true.
This place is as original as they come, a culinary fossil preserved in the amber of deliciousness.
Push open the door, and you’re greeted by a symphony of aromas that would make even the most stoic food critic weak in the knees.
The interior is a testament to the old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
The decor hasn’t changed much since the ’40s, but that’s part of its charm.
It’s like stepping into your Italian grandmother’s pantry – if your grandmother had an industrial-sized refrigerator and enough cured meats to feed an army.
The shelves are stocked with an impressive array of imported Italian goods.
From pasta to olive oil, from canned tomatoes to jarred peppers, it’s a veritable treasure trove of Mediterranean delights.
You half expect to see a “Made in Italy” stamp on the floor tiles.
But let’s be honest – you’re not here for the decor or the grocery selection.
You’re here for the sandwiches.
And oh boy, are you in for a treat.
The menu at Gonella’s is a work of art in itself.
It’s not fancy, it’s not pretentious, but it’s a masterpiece of simplicity and choice.
You want turkey?
They’ve got turkey.
Craving some ham?
Say no more.
Feeling adventurous and want to try some mortadella? Welcome to flavor town, population: you.
The “Special Subs” section of the menu is where the magic happens.
It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure book, but instead of fighting dragons, you’re battling hunger.
And let me tell you, hunger doesn’t stand a chance.
You can stack up to four meats and a cheese on your sub, creating a tower of deliciousness that would make the Leaning Tower of Pisa jealous.
And unlike that famous Italian landmark, this tower is meant to fall… right into your mouth.
The beauty of Gonella’s is in the details.
Each sandwich comes with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and their homemade dressing.
It’s like they’ve cracked the code of the perfect sandwich formula.
And if you’re feeling saucy (pun absolutely intended), you can add mayonnaise and mustard upon request.
It’s customization at its finest – the Subway of the 1940s, if you will, but with actual flavor and ingredients you can pronounce.
Now, let’s talk about the bread.
Oh, the bread.
It’s not just a vehicle for the meats and cheeses; it’s a star in its own right.
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, it’s the Goldilocks of bread – just right.
You have the option of soft or hard roll, but let’s be real, the hard roll is where it’s at.
It’s got just enough crunch to make you feel like you’re really eating something substantial, not just inhaling a cloud of carbs.
But Gonella’s isn’t just about sandwiches.
Oh no, they’ve got a whole section dedicated to salads.
It’s like they’re saying, “We know you came for the subs, but we respect your life choices if you want to pretend to be healthy.”
The homemade pasta salad is a particular standout.
It’s the kind of pasta salad that makes you wonder why you ever bothered with those sad, mayonnaise-drenched versions at potlucks.
This is pasta salad elevated to an art form, each bite a perfect balance of pasta, vegetables, and dressing.
The antipasto salad is another gem.
It’s like they took everything great about Italian cuisine, chopped it up, and tossed it together in a bowl.
It’s a party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited.
Even the humble coleslaw gets the Gonella’s treatment.
It’s not just an afterthought or a sad side dish – it’s a crunchy, tangy masterpiece that could hold its own against any main course.
But let’s circle back to the sandwiches, because that’s really what you’re here for, isn’t it?
The beauty of Gonella’s is that they understand the importance of balance.
Too often, delis fall into the trap of thinking bigger is better, piling on the meat until you need to unhinge your jaw like a snake to take a bite.
Not Gonella’s.
They know that a great sandwich is about harmony – the perfect ratio of meat to cheese to vegetables to bread.
It’s like they’ve got a sandwich sommelier back there, carefully curating each bite.
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Take the Italian sub, for example.
It’s a symphony of flavors – the salty bite of the salami, the richness of the mortadella, the tang of the provolone, all complemented by the crispness of the vegetables and the zing of the dressing.
It’s not just a sandwich; it’s a culinary experience.
And don’t even get me started on the corned beef.
It’s so tender, so flavorful, it makes you wonder if they’ve got a secret farm of magical cows hidden somewhere in the back.
Paired with some Swiss cheese and a dollop of mustard, it’s enough to make you forget about every other sandwich you’ve ever eaten.
But what really sets Gonella’s apart is the sense of history that permeates every bite.
This isn’t some trendy pop-up or a chain trying to cash in on the latest food fad.
This is a place that has stood the test of time, serving up deliciousness to generations of Detroiters.
You can almost taste the decades of experience in every sandwich.
It’s like each bite comes with a side of nostalgia, even if you’re a first-time visitor.
The staff at Gonella’s are another part of what makes this place special.
They’re not just employees; they’re sandwich artisans, guardians of a culinary tradition that stretches back over 75 years.
They move with the efficiency of a well-oiled machine, slicing meats, assembling sandwiches, and ringing up orders with a speed that would make a NASCAR pit crew jealous.
But despite their speed, there’s no sense of rush or impatience.
They’re happy to answer questions, make recommendations, or just chat about the weather while they work their sandwich magic.
It’s like they know they’re part of something special, and they want to make sure every customer feels it too.
And let’s not forget about the prices.
In an age where a “gourmet” sandwich can set you back the price of a small car, Gonella’s feels like a throwback to a simpler time.
You can get a fully loaded sub for less than the cost of a fancy coffee drink.
It’s like they’ve found a way to bend the laws of inflation, creating a bubble of affordability in a sea of overpriced eateries.
But don’t let the low prices fool you – this isn’t fast food.
This is slow food, made fast.
It’s quality ingredients, prepared with care, served up with a side of Detroit history.
As you sit there, savoring your sandwich (because trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite), you can’t help but feel a connection to all the customers who have come before you.
The workers grabbing a quick lunch during the heyday of the auto industry.
The families picking up dinner on a busy weeknight.
The late-night revelers looking for something to soak up the evening’s excesses.
They’ve all stood where you’re standing, ordered from the same menu, enjoyed the same flavors.
It’s like being part of a secret club, one where the password is “extra pickles, please.”
And here’s the thing – Gonella’s isn’t just a great place to eat.
It’s a piece of Detroit’s soul, a testament to the city’s resilience and character.
In a city that’s seen its share of ups and downs, Gonella’s has remained a constant, serving up comfort and deliciousness through good times and bad.
It’s more than just a deli – it’s a landmark, a time capsule, a living piece of Detroit’s culinary heritage.
So the next time you’re in Detroit, do yourself a favor.
Skip the trendy bistros and the hipster cafes.
Head to The Original Gonella’s instead.
Order a sandwich (or two, or three – we won’t judge).
Take a bite.
Close your eyes.
And for a moment, let yourself be transported to a simpler time, when a good sandwich and a cold drink were all you needed to make the world feel right.
Because at Gonella’s, that time isn’t just a memory – it’s deliciously, gloriously alive.
For more information about The Original Gonella’s, including their full menu and hours of operation, visit their Facebook page.
And when you’re ready to experience this slice of Detroit history for yourself, use this map to guide you to sandwich nirvana.
Where: 295 Oakwood, Detroit, MI 48217
Your taste buds will thank you, your wallet will breathe a sigh of relief, and you’ll understand why Detroiters have been saying “Meet me at Gonella’s” for over seven decades.