LaSpada’s Original Hoagies

After word got out on Twitter I was in Ft. Lauderdale I received several DMs to my @sweeteaboubon account listing various restaurants I had to visit before flying back to Tallahassee.  One spot that was unanimously cited was LaSpada’s Original Hoagies.

LaSpada’s is a small chain of five shops that opened its first location in South Florida in 1973.  On my way to the airport I visited the newest restaurant located in a shopping center at 1495-D SE 17^th Street.  The sub shop is located on the right side of the plaza and since I was unfamiliar with the area took a little effort to locate.

From the outside LaSpada’s is nondescript with its deep beige interior, plate glass windows, and black lettered marquee.  Walking towards the front door I noticed the name on the side of the building omitted the chain’s apostrophe.  Pay attention to details sign guy.

The inside of LaSpada’s is classic sub shop.  A menu board was anchored to the left hand wall and a long counter ran the length of the back.  Several employees stood behind and assembled subs for the patrons who eagerly awaited their lunches.  Always on searching for an Italian sub that rivals ones from my childhood I ordered a small with a side of chips and a coke.

LaSpada’s Italian Special consist of boiled ham, Genoa salami, cappicola, and provolone cheese.  Tomatoes, lettuce, onions, pickles, sweet peppers, oil, vinegar, salt, pepper and oregano topped the sub.  An additional piece of ham tucked on top covered the sub like a comforting meat blanket.

I took a bite and was met with the flavors of a classic Italian.  There was a generous amount of meat and crisps veggies that worked well with the oil, vinegar, and oregano.  The bread, something that is usually lacking in quality below the Mason-Dixon line, was pretty good.  Some people complain LaSpada’s rations their meat, but I did not find that to be the case, and was very satisfied with my “small” hoagie sub.

The particular LaSpada’s I visited is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., and on Sundays from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.  The location can be contacted by telephone at (954) 552-3483.  For more information on LaSpada’s, including the locations of their other stores visit laspadashoagies.com.

Sweet Tea & Bourbon’s Rating:
Atmosphere: B
Taste: A
Presentation: B
Service: A
Cleanliness: A
Price: $