Story By: Erin Zollars
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Alexandria, VA —
After some recent suggestions via our Instagram page, we decided to stroll over to Old Town Alexandria, King Street to be exact, for a lunchtime sandwich taste adventure and check out Eddie’s Little Shop and Deli.
Eddie’s is the product of Ed McIntosh, a CIA grad, who some may know from the Great American Restaurants and Hillstone Restaurant Group and most recently affiliated with tiny Chop Shop Taco—the edgy Mexican eatery he opened in a converted Alexandria Auto Body Garage in 2019. If anyone knows how to bring his New York roots to the D.C area, he is the guy.
Nestled in the historic streets of Alexandria, Virginia, Eddie’s Little Shop and Deli is like a culinary time capsule that will transport visitors and locals alike to a simpler era of delicious, no-frills yet flavor packed sandwiches. Perhaps, it’s the mouthwatering New York style sandwiches, or the old school MTV vibe all around, either way, classic rock and cutlets sounded nice way to enjoy a balmy 80-degree Thursday afternoon in January.
Eddie’s exudes a classic, no-nonsense vibe. The quaint interior, adorned with vintage signage and charming retro decor, creates a cozy atmosphere that pays homage to yesteryear of deli’s that were once a foundation around the DC area. While most of those have disappeared, the desire to bring back a solid sandwich with a blast of flavor is exactly what Eddie’s has done over the past year.
The menu at Eddie’s packs quite a few options, but the quality and authenticity might make it one of the best in D.C area. From classic deli-style sandwiches to specialty creations
Eddie’s prides itself on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and it shows in the flavors of their sandwiches. The roasted red peppers and the chicken cutlets along with the provolone cheese on the Van Nest certainly would have us coming back on Thursday or Friday without a doubt. The toasted sesame roll is an amazing compliment and gives it the Philly or NYC vibe.
Whether you are looking for a solid meatball sub, or a grilled sausage sub with peppers, onions, Calabrian mayo, provolone on sub roll, very few of their options will be a dud in your lunch plans. Our two subs were so filling we took half of each home.
The portion sizes at Eddie’s are generous, ensuring that you leave satisfied without breaking the bank. It’s clear that they understand the importance of providing value for money, and their sandwiches are a testament to that commitment.
The service at Eddie’s is friendly and efficient. The staff, who seem to be just as upbeat as the 80’s and 90’s tunes playing offer recommendations of what you might want from their menu. The small counter offers street viewing as you chow down on every amazing bite.
Eddie’s has been a hidden gem in Alexandria, Virginia for the past year, delivering a taste of tradition in each bite. If you’re a fan of classic, no-frills sandwiches served with a side of nostalgia, this is the place for you. While it may not have all those creations that some just build up for social media, Eddie’s dedication to quality, authenticity, and community charm earns it a solid 4.8 rating. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine sandwich experience in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. It’s just blocks from the King Street Metro making it a place everyone can check out without Uber or a car.
Eddie’s also offers plenty of that corner Italian market on the other side of the deli and has all the good stuff to make solid round of pasta for dinner. Pick up lunch, eat inside, then grab your dinner groceries to go, you won’t be disappointed. You can even sign up for one of Eddie’s pasta classes that he is offering through the winter and into the Spring.
Hours for Eddie’s Little Shop and Deli are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday and Monday.
Eddies Little Shop and Deli
1406 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
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