This Small Ohio Sub Shop Makes 16-Inch Subs Big Enough To Stretch Into 3 Meals
A single sub here can stretch a full 16 inches. That is longer than most kids’ forearms, and it comes stuffed.
The menu leans hot and hearty. Think Philly cheesesteaks, chicken Phillies, hot Italians, and meatball subs piled on soft French-style bread.
Cold subs get a house-made vinaigrette, and some of the meats are made right in the shop.
I like how plain the place looks from the road. It’s the kind of small Ohio counter you could drive past a hundred times without blinking.
Then someone hands you a bag that smells like melted cheese and grilled beef, and everything changes.
I can’t imagine finishing one of those long subs in a single sitting. Lunch, dinner, and maybe a next-day snack?
That sounds like a smart way to feed a hungry family.
A No-Frills Counter On Mentor Avenue That Feeds A Crowd
Tommy’s Old Fashioned Subs is a small sandwich shop in Mentor, a Lake County city in Northeast Ohio. It doesn’t try to dazzle anyone from the street, and that’s part of the fun.
The building is simple and the focus stays on the food. Inside, it feels more like an old-style deli than a modern sandwich chain.
So what makes a plain little counter worth a detour? The answer is size, mostly.
Subs here can come in a whopping 16-inch length, and the bread gets loaded with meat, cheese, and toppings.
That makes it a handy stop for families who want real value. One long sub can cover more than one meal, which is a nice trick when you’re feeding kids on a budget.
Mentor sits east of Cleveland near the Lake Erie shoreline. That puts the shop within easy reach for Cleveland-area families and road-trippers cruising through on Interstate 90.
Hot subs get most of the attention, especially the cheesesteaks. Still, the menu covers cold classics, deli salads, and a few creative combinations too.
Think of it as a neighborhood sandwich counter with big ambitions and even bigger bread. Your hunger will figure out the rest pretty quickly.
Sixteen Inches Of Sandwich Means Leftovers Are Part Of The Plan
Sixteen inches. Lay that on a kitchen counter and it covers a surprising amount of real estate.
The long sub at Tommy’s Old Fashioned Subs is the reason this shop earns its reputation. A 16-inch chicken Philly or cheesesteak arrives packed from end to end, not skimpy in the middle.
Here’s where the math gets fun for parents. Slice one into thirds and you may be looking at lunch today, dinner tonight, and a snack tomorrow.
That depends on appetites, of course, because teenagers play by their own rules.
Half subs are generous too. A smaller size still offers plenty for one hungry adult or two lighter eaters splitting a meal.
Planning for leftovers works best with sturdier choices. Cold subs and hot subs both travel, though hot ones taste best soon after they’re made.
If you’re saving a portion, keep it wrapped and reheat it gently later.
Big families can also mix and match. Order one long hot sub and one long cold sub, then cut everything into sections.
Everybody samples a little, nobody fights over the last bite, and the cooler might end up holding tomorrow’s lunch. That’s a pretty great return on one stop.
The Philly Cheesesteak Steals The Spotlight
Melted cheese draped over chopped beef. That’s the picture most people carry around after a Philly from this shop.
Cheesesteaks are the headline act at Tommy’s Old Fashioned Subs. The menu offers more than one take, including a Philly cheesesteak and a beefed-up Super version for bigger appetites.
The Super Philly is the one to choose when you mean business. It’s served piping hot, with plenty of meat tucked under the cheese and soft bread doing its best to hold everything together.
Expect it to be messy in the best way. Grab extra napkins before you leave the counter, especially if little hands are involved.
Are these exactly like a sandwich from South Philadelphia? Opinions vary, and East Coast purists can be particular.
The Mentor version leans toward a cheesy, hearty, Ohio-sized comfort sub.
For families, a cheesesteak can be a safe bet for picky eaters. It’s beef, cheese, and bread without too many surprises.
You can usually ask about toppings, so plain-food fans can keep things simple. The rest of the table can load theirs up however they like.
One long Philly could easily become the main event of your whole afternoon.
Chicken Phillies Built For Big Appetites
Not every family member wants beef, and that’s where chicken saves the day. The chicken Philly gives the cheesesteak treatment to grilled chicken instead.
Tommy’s Old Fashioned Subs offers a Super Chicken Philly as well. In the 16-inch length, it comes stuffed enough to make even a confident eater slow down halfway through.
That size makes it a natural candidate for splitting. Two people can share one long sub, or one person can save a generous chunk for later.
Chicken can feel a little lighter than steak. It’s still a hearty sandwich, though, with melted cheese tying the whole thing together.
Kids who like chicken nuggets may warm up to a chicken Philly quickly. It’s familiar enough to feel safe, yet tasty enough to impress grown-ups too.
If spice is more your style, look at the buffalo chicken sub. It brings a tangy kick that works well for adults or older kids who like a little heat.
Either way, chicken options broaden the menu for mixed groups. One long chicken sub and one long steak sub can cover a family of four with room to spare.
Your car might smell amazing for the drive home, too.
Hot Italians And Meatballs For The Comfort-Food Crew
Think of the hot Italian as the cheesesteak’s spicier cousin. Layers of Italian meats and cheese get warmed up on soft French-style bread.
It’s one of the most talked-about subs at Tommy’s Old Fashioned Subs, right behind the Phillies. Fresh-cut meats, cheese, and fresh veggies fill it out, making a single sub feel like a full spread.
The meatball sub is another warm, cozy pick. Saucy meatballs on a long roll are hard to argue with, especially on a chilly Lake County afternoon.
There’s also a Hot Italian Burger Sub on the lineup. It’s a fun twist for anyone who can’t decide between a burger and an Italian sub.
These hot sandwiches are filling, so plan your order thoughtfully. A long hot Italian can easily stretch past one meal for most people.
Meatball subs can get messy for younger kids. Cut them into smaller pieces, and consider eating at a picnic stop rather than the backseat.
Sauce and car upholstery rarely get along well. Still, the flavor makes the cleanup feel worth it.
Comfort food this hearty tends to win over even the pickiest passengers by the second bite.
Cold Subs Get A House-Made Vinaigrette
Here’s a detail that sets this counter apart from the chains. Cold Italian subs can get a splash of the shop’s own house-made vinaigrette.
That dressing adds tang and moisture to stacked meats, cheese, and fresh toppings. It’s a classic East Coast deli move, and it fits right in at Tommy’s Old Fashioned Subs.
Some of the meats on the sandwiches are made in house as well. That’s unusual for a small sub shop and shows real effort behind the counter.
Cold subs travel well too. They’re a smart pick for families heading to a park or beach, since they don’t need to stay warm.
A long cold Italian makes great leftovers. Keep the vinaigrette light if you plan to save part of it, so the bread holds up longer.
Freshness of bread can vary from day to day, as it does anywhere. If you love crusty, sturdy rolls, ask what’s freshest when you order.
The country club sub is another cold-leaning option on the menu. It offers a familiar deli flavor that works nicely for kids who prefer milder sandwiches.
Cold subs also give parents a quick, low-fuss meal on busy travel days.
Corned Beef, Country Club, And Other Menu Surprises
Corned beef in a sub shop? It shows up here, and it’s a welcome choice for anyone who loves a salty, savory deli classic.
Tommy’s Old Fashioned Subs keeps a menu that stretches beyond the usual suspects. The country club sub, buffalo chicken sub, and corned beef options give regulars plenty of rotation.
Variety matters when you’re feeding a carload. Not everybody wants the same sandwich, and a deep menu keeps everyone at the table happy.
Fresh toppings are a big part of the appeal. Crisp vegetables on a hearty sub make a real difference compared with sad, wilted fast-food fixings.
Consider building a family sampler. Order a few different long subs, cut them into pieces, and let everyone try a little of each.
It’s like a sub buffet with no steam trays involved.
Menus can change over time, so check what’s available when you visit. New combinations sometimes appear, and old favorites may shift.
Ask the folks at the counter for suggestions if you’re unsure. They know which subs travel best and which ones shine straight off the grill.
That’s handy guidance when you’ve got a hungry crew waiting in the parking lot.
Deli Salads That Round Out The Order
Sides at a sub shop can feel like an afterthought. These ones add a homemade touch that pairs nicely with a long sandwich.
Tommy’s Old Fashioned Subs offers mac salad, pasta salad, and potato salad. The potato salad tastes like something from a family cookout, and the mac salad leans a bit on the sweet side.
That sweetness can be a plus with kids. Little ones often enjoy a creamy, mild salad more than tangy or spicy sides.
Pasta salad brings a different texture to the table. It’s a nice change of pace if you’re sharing several hot subs that already feel rich.
Chips and drinks are also available for quick, easy pairings. Grab a bag or two and you’ve got a complete lunch in one stop.
Honestly, a big hot sub may not even need a side. Some appetites tap out before the salads come out of the bag.
For families planning leftovers, deli salads add flexibility. Tomorrow’s lunch can be half a sub plus a scoop of pasta salad.
That’s a meal ready without turning on the stove. Busy parents everywhere will appreciate that kind of shortcut during a full week.
A Small-Town Vibe With A Friendly Crew Behind The Counter
Small shops live or die by the people at the counter, and this one leans on hospitality. The young crew often working here keeps things friendly, quick, and helpful.
Good service even close to closing time is a big deal for parents. Picking up dinner for the family shouldn’t feel rushed or awkward, and here it typically doesn’t.
Tommy’s Old Fashioned Subs has been part of the Mentor community for a long while. It’s a mom-and-pop style sub shop rather than a franchise, with a neighborly feel to match.
The space is modest and simple. Many folks grab their subs to go, which works well for families on the move.
Is it a sit-down, linger-for-hours kind of spot? Not really.
It’s a place to grab great food and get back on the road.
That suits road-tripping families perfectly. Order, wait a few minutes, and you’re off with a warm bag that makes the car smell incredible.
Ownership may have changed in recent years, so experiences can vary. Still, the shop’s spirit remains rooted in hearty portions and quick, personal service.
Kids tend to remember a friendly face behind the counter, too.
Easy To Find Along A Busy Lake County Corridor
You’ll find the shop at 7671 Mentor Ave, Mentor, OH 44060. Mentor Avenue is a main east-west route through town, so getting there is pretty straightforward.
From downtown Cleveland, the drive usually runs about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Families coming from Akron or Youngstown can expect closer to an hour.
Interstate 90 runs nearby, making it a natural stop for travelers heading east toward Pennsylvania or west toward Toledo. It’s an easy detour off the highway for a quick meal.
Parking is typically available close to the door. That’s a relief when you’re juggling kids, wallets, and a few long subs at once.
Not up for the drive? The shop has offered delivery through apps like DoorDash.
It has also handled larger orders, which can be handy for offices, parties, or team gatherings.
Bigger catering-style orders may require advance notice. Calling ahead or ordering early is a smart move if you need a lot of sandwiches.
Mentor also offers plenty to see nearby, including parks and the Lake Erie shoreline. A sub picnic by the water sounds like a pretty great plan for a summer afternoon.
Hours And Budget Tips Worth Knowing Before You Go
Timing matters here, because this counter doesn’t keep late-night hours. Tuesday through Friday, it’s typically open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Monday and Saturday hours run shorter, usually 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays are closed, so plan your Ohio weekend sub run for Saturday lunch instead.
Hours can change seasonally or around holidays. It’s smart to double-check before heading out, especially for a long drive.
Prices are friendly for the portion size. A long sub that covers several meals often works out cheaper than a fast-food stop for the whole family.
Here’s a practical idea for budget-minded parents. Order one or two 16-inch subs instead of individual sandwiches for everyone.
Cut them up, add chips, and you’ve fed the crew for less.
Leftovers stretch the value even further. Pack the extras in a cooler and you’ve already handled tomorrow’s lunch.
Arriving near opening can help you beat any lunch rush. Lunchtime on weekdays may get busier with nearby workers grabbing a quick bite.
Late afternoon pickups can be a calmer choice for families heading home after school or activities.
Why A Long Sub Here Makes Sense For Hungry Families
Big portions, a friendly counter, and a menu full of hearty favorites make a strong case for stopping. Tommy’s Old Fashioned Subs delivers a classic sub experience without fuss.
Families get real value from one long sandwich. A 16-inch sub can stretch into several meals, which is music to any parent’s ears.
Cheesesteak lovers will likely find their new go-to here. The Super Philly and Super Chicken Philly carry the shop’s reputation, while hot Italians and meatball subs hold their own.
Cold sub fans aren’t left out either. House-made vinaigrette and fresh toppings give those sandwiches personality.
Is every sub perfect every day? No sandwich shop can promise that.
Still, this Mentor counter keeps showing up as a favorite in Northeast Ohio for its hearty portions.
Plan around the hours, skip Sundays, and bring an empty cooler for leftovers. You’ll leave with more than one meal in that paper bag.
Small, independent spots like this give Ohio road trips their flavor. Next time you’re near Lake County, a long sub could be the easiest family dinner decision you make all week.
And maybe lunch tomorrow, too.