Unearth The Voyage
If you think you know hoagies, Sonny’s Italian Market & Deli in Elkton, Maryland is ready to rewrite your expectations. Tucked on West Main Street, this family-run sandwich shop crafts towering subs on sesame-seeded rolls with flavor that travels well beyond state lines. With a 4.7-star reputation and lines of loyal regulars, Sonny’s delivers big-city Italian deli energy with small-town warmth. Come for the Hot Italian, stay for the old-school hospitality – and leave planning your next trip back.
1. The Iconic Hot Italian Hoagie
Sonny’s Hot Italian is the sandwich that sparks road trips. Built on a seeded Liscios roll that crackles outside and yields softly within, it’s stacked with thin-sliced Italian meats that balance salt, spice, and savory depth. Sharp cheese melts into the folds, while long hots bring a bright, peppery kick without overpowering. The result is a messy, glorious bite that feels both classic and distinctly Maryland. Reviewers rave about the generous portions – easily shareable, if you’re willing. Every layer shows intention, from the meat cut to the roll choice. Add lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of oil for the full South-Philly-meets-Elkton experience. It’s a hoagie you finish with napkins in hand and a grin you can’t shake.
2. Sonny’s Cheesesteak, Elkton-Style
Sonny’s cheesesteak has its own fan club, and for good reason. The meat is sliced thicker than many Philly shops, giving each bite a hearty chew and deep beef flavor. Onions are fried just right – sweet, soft, and integrated. The cheese can run a bit melty, which some love for its creamy pull. Ask for Cooper Sharp if you’re a purist, and a seeded roll to bolster crunch and structure. Pro tip from regulars: leftovers reheat beautifully – microwave then air-fryer to revive the crust. It’s not a Philly clone; it’s Sonny’s interpretation, proudly Maryland, deliciously satisfying. Grab one and take it to nearby Elk River Brewing for a perfect pairing and a taste of the local scene.
3. The Nicolai Chicken Cutlet Legend
The Nicolai chicken cutlet sandwich inspires devotion, stirring childhood memories for some and instant fandom for others. Hand-breaded cutlets are fried to a shattering crisp, then layered on a fresh roll with cheese and sauce that seep into the crust. The texture contrast – crunchy edges, tender center – is pure comfort food alchemy. It’s a sandwich that carries, too, holding up during long drives home. Regulars recommend grabbing a second one because the first disappears too fast. Whether you add greens or keep it classic, the balance of seasoning and breading is dialed in. If you grew up on Italian delis, this will feel like home. If you didn’t, this might be the standard you compare to forever.
4. Seeded Rolls and The Art of Structure
At Sonny’s, the roll isn’t an afterthought – it’s architecture. Seeded Liscios rolls provide the crucial crunch-to-chew ratio that keeps saucy, meat-packed hoagies intact. Many reviewers specifically call out the seeded option, noting how it elevates both Italian hoagies and cheesesteaks. The seeds add aroma, nuttiness, and grip for oily dressings. If you prefer softer, non-seeded rolls, speak up when ordering. But for the full house style, go seeded and let the crust carry the weight. The exterior resists sogginess while the interior cradles meats and cheese into a cohesive bite. It’s a small choice with major impact – one that defines why these hoagies travel so well and finish even better.
5. Family-Run Warmth You Can Taste
Walk into Sonny’s and you feel it immediately: this is a family-run deli where hospitality is part of the recipe. Owners and kids greet you, offer samples, remember regulars, and sometimes break into a happy-birthday chorus. That energy flows into the food – careful slicing, extra napkins, and little touches like Lenten specials. The vibe is old-world Italian with Maryland charm, and guests say they’re treated like family. Outdoor sidewalk tables add street-corner deli feels when the weather’s right. It’s the kind of place you recommend without hesitation because the experience is as satisfying as the hoagies. Even if you’re two hours away, you’ll plot excuses to return.
6. What to Order: Crowd Favorites
First-timers should start with the Hot Italian or the Lucas or Chopped Italian for a true house profile – thin-sliced meats, sharp cheese, and that signature seeded roll. Cheesesteak lovers can opt for fried onions and Cooper Sharp for extra tang. Turkey fans praise the Hot Turkey, while classic eaters rave about the American sub done right. Portions are hefty and often feed two; prices sit comfortably around $10–20. Customize toppings to your heat tolerance – add long hots if you dare, or keep it mild without losing flavor. The menu rotates specials (including Lent), so peek at the board. Whatever you choose, expect balance, freshness, and a sandwich you’ll think about later.
7. Plan Your Visit: Hours, Prices, and Tips
Sonny’s sits at 125 W Main St, Elkton, MD, with hours Tuesday through Saturday, 10:30 AM–8 PM; closed Sunday and Monday. Expect fair pricing in the $10–20 range and portions generous enough to share. Call ahead at +1 443-406-7126 for smoother pickup, and specify seeded rolls or cheese preferences. Seating is mostly outdoors on the sidewalk; many locals grab-and-go or pair sandwiches with a drink nearby. Parking along Main Street is straightforward, and the shop’s easy to spot. If you’re traveling, hoagies hold up well for the drive – wrap tight and reheat smart if needed. Bring an appetite, and maybe a cooler for extras.
8. Why This Hoagie Travels Beyond Maryland
What makes Sonny’s a must-try even if you’re not from Maryland? It’s the rare combo of top-tier ingredients, technique, and heart. Thin-sliced meats for clean bites, seeded rolls for structure, and a respect for balance that keeps flavors layered, not muddled. Reviews tell of four-hour drives and birthday serenades – proof the experience is memorable. Whether you’re chasing the perfect Hot Italian or a homey chicken cutlet, you’ll find a sandwich with a point of view. It’s Italian deli heritage expressed in Elkton, with standards high enough to impress out-of-towners. Come hungry, leave converted, and plan your next visit before you hit the state line.
