[By Gary B. Gomez; Editor: Bargain Tucson]
I was invited to head over to East Coast Super Subs with some friends. Adjacent campus restaurants can be good, remarkable and/or mediocre. I was not too excited. My best friend in Austin, Texas makes the best subs in the world: Hoody’s Subs, at Round Rock, Texas. Check it out on Yelp.
So I was surprised when I had the 2nd best sub in the world right here in Tucson. Hoody is from Delaware, East coast for sure. East Coast Super Subs are New Jersey inspired (South Jersey to be precise).
Keith McNesby and his ex-wife Jennifer opened this establishment in 1998 (yes ex-wife!). I was so taken aback by the great taste of my sub, I had to return the very next day, after that great U of A victory over Washington. As you walk in, the interior is exactly as I expected; full of East Coast memorabilia and photos. It’s definitely a college hangout.
“Wow!” is my overall assessment. And the menu is even better than my friend Hoody’s shop. Lots of variety and in two days I can report 7 people plus me-twice loved every bite. On day-one I had the Pastrami: excellent. Two friends had the eggplant parmesan (yes it’s a sub), 2 friends enjoyed the Jersey Devil (sausage), while others ordered a cheesesteak, a BLT and ??? Sorry I didn’t take notes, I was too busy enjoying my meal.
On my second visit I had to try the Jersey Devil. However, I do understand you should never order the Dallas Cowboy (you gotta ask…it’s an inside joke and if you’re a guy…check the urinal). Everyone enjoyed the 8” subs. I cant’ imagine having their larger 16” subs. Most of the 8” subs are $7 to $8.25 (except of course the Dallas Cowboy at $38.50 LOL, ask about it, just don’t order it).
They have hot subs like a Cheese Steak, Prime Rib, Chicken Cacciatore, Chicken Parmesan, the Greasy Italian, Jersey Devil, Fat Bastard and more. Cold subs like Italian, Super Italian Stallion, Turkey, Ham, Tuna Melt, Turkey Club.
Now I am so anxious to go back to try an Irish sub like the #2 Jimmy McKenna, the Irish Sub (with ham, melted cheddar and sweet onion), the Irish HeavyHeavyweight, the Irish International and others. All subs are topped with lettuce, tomato, onions and red peppers (like Hoody’s). You gotta have the peppers, they’re as not “hot” as the waitress describes them, but they really make the sub.
The one thing is service can be a problem. On Saturday we went after the game and it wasn’t good. I had to ask but really, a bartender, maybe one server and one other employee (after a U of A game, and they are less than a mile from the stadium). I wasn’t in a hurry. The food is so worth it. The price is for the sub. Sides are extra but I just barely finished my sub. Recently, I went back again because I wanted to try the home made potato chips. They were ok, would have been better had they not had so many stuck together. But like I said, one 8” sub fills me up.
I also want to try their wings that I hear are marvelous. All in all I am really happy to have a “real” sub shop here in Tucson. WOW. Just time your trip to miss football or basketball games. This would be a 5 prickly pear if it weren’t for the service. They try…just not enough staff on duty.
East Coast Super Subs
187 N. Park; Tucson
520.882.4005
