This past Saturday, we had planned on having lunch at Wright’s Gourmet, but after walking up and seeing the line to the door, we switched to a back-up plan. A friend of Traci’s had told her about a little German deli on Manhattan so off we went in search of it. A few minutes later we came upon the fore-mentioned deli, Schiller’s German Delicatessen, at the corner of Manhattan and El Prado.
It turns out that Schiller’s is one of the oldest delis in Tampa. The deli was opened by the Schiller family in 1952 and has been owned and operated by the Trunk family for the past twenty-three years. There are a few shelves of German foods and a German beer section in the back of Schiller’s, but the main attraction at the little place is clearly the deli and its long list of German sandwiches.
I decided to give the trademark Schiller sandwich a try- piled with meats, cheeses and cole slaw on rye – and Traci decided upon a turkey sandwich on an onion roll. I also ordered a side of cole slaw. We sat at one of the handful of tables and both enjoyed our sandwiches. Traci said it felt like we were eating a sandwich in grandma’s kitchen and I couldn’t agree more. Everyone was friendly.
On the way out, we noticed that Schiller’s also offers a lunch plate special, which includes your choice of two different types of sausages, and also offers all-beef hot dogs. Schiller’s is also open for breakfast. While the sandwiches weren’t as big as what you’ll get at Wright’s, they were tasty and cost a few bucks less. I hate lines so not having to wait forever was a big plus as well.
We’ll definitely be adding Schiller’s to our list of local sandwich joints that we visit. While my favorite remains Wright’s, Schiller’s has its own charm and is a good second choice, as is Italian market and deli Castellano & Pizzo down the road on Manhattan. The no-frills Interbay Meat Market, south of Gandy (SOG) on Interbay and MacDill, also turns out good, hefty-sized sandwiches.
Three other local sandwich shops I have on my list to try out in the coming months includes Zudar’s on Platt near Bayshore Blvd, Mott & Hester Deli on Dale Mabry, tucked into a strip center almost across the street from Wright’s, and the well-known Mazzaro’s Italian Grocery on 22nd St. in St. Pete. What places am I missing? What’s your favorite local sandwich joint and why?
Bottom-line: The next time you’re faced with a long line at Wright’s, consider heading over to Schiller’s German deli for tasty sandwiches in a homey setting. You’ll save a few bucks, too.
joe positive
3 years ago
Does Traci ever eat anything but chicken or turkey? Sometimes it’s good to branch out, especially at a German deli or a sushi restaurant
dreaming
3 years ago
schillers is one of the better kept secrets in so tampa. the sandwiches are extremely fresh. if they are cheaper than wrights, then that also makes them better. their stock of imported foods is actually a little more than the afterthought you mention. take a second look. theyve got a lot of stuff thats hard to find elsewhere. of course, the best german beers are there, as well. after lunch, step across the street to the little java hut for some great coffee. they also make excellent breakfasts there, too.
theres a deli up on fletcher, or fowler – i always get them confused – that makes what are probably the fattest sandwiches in tampa. i wish i could recall the name. someone? its always full. and fairly cheap, too.
Gregory
3 years ago
Love Schiller’s, and you picked the right sandwich. If Traci DOES leave the fowl world of chicken and turkey, try Robert’s Meats at 3435 S. Westshore (not far from Schiller’s at all). Some of the best barbecue in town. Robert used to have a stand outside of Hydeaway, at least on Friday nights…man that was good drunk eating.
matt
3 years ago
Ha Traci told me before that everyone is going to think all she eats is chicken/turkey based on my reviews.
While it’s true she does eat alot of chicken and turkey, she also likes burgers, good steaks and even greasy sausages etc (the Dome Grill in St Pete and the fancy Egg Platter off Gandy come to mind). Seafood not so much…
As for Robert’s, we live close by and I’ve been there once for lunch, thought it was good, cue was a little dry and kitchen was running slow. Might give it a try again, except FirstChoice in brandon has become our regular bbq place. jimbo’s ok in a pinch, don’t like kojak’s, hickory hollow in ellenton (near the outlet mall) good.
matt
3 years ago
dreaming, something we agree on
thanks for the java hut idea. don’t know about that other deli you mentioned, try to avoid that area ha
kleetampa
3 years ago
If the line at Wrights is long, try Barrow’s, just around the corner, north of Dale Mabry, on Henderson. Nothing overly fancy, but basic good sandwiches, with fresh ingredients, piled high, and served by two friendly Scandanavians!
Traci
3 years ago
Don’t worry, I’m not going to turn into a chicken anytime soon. Like Matt said, I love a good burger or sausage, mostly the kinda stuff you can get anywhere and that matt doesn’t write about, since the places are too ordinary. Thanks for all the suggestions. You’re lucky eating out less wasn’t one of our New Years resolutions!
dcdave
3 years ago
You’ve gotta eat at Jazzy’s on Waters and Benjamin. The place is a straight dump, but the food is off the hook. Tender chicken, perfectly messy pork sandwiches and juicy sausages. I haven’t had their ribs, but in NC, BBQ is a noun.
Kathy
3 years ago
Don’t forget Antranik’s Deli on 5710 E Fowler Ave. IT’s an Armenian Deli that’s been around . . . .well, for a long time. It has incredible sandwiches with great quality meat on homemade bread and a ’special’ sauce. THey also have assorted microbeers from various regions, and definately try the Armenian bread with black seasame seeds. Last time my husband and I went, we split one of their huge, pilled high sandwiches and sat under some trees in a vacant lot next door – our own picnic in a ‘park’. You won’t regret it.
jason
3 years ago
“Antranik’s”
Sorry, they closed a year or two ago.
Chris
3 years ago
Robert’s meat market is off the chain. Try the 8oz filet mignon sandwich. You will not be disappointed.
BMiddaug
11 months ago
Does anybody have an old Antanik’s menu they could part with?