This Maryland Hoagie Shop Is So Popular, People Drive Across State Lines To Get One

I’ll never forget the first time I drove past the Delaware–Maryland border just for a sandwich.

My friend swore up and down that Sonny’s Italian Market & Deli in Elkton, Maryland (125 W Main Street) was worth the trip, and honestly, I thought she’d lost her mind.

But after one bite of their legendary Italian hoagie, I became a believer — and yes, I’ve made that drive more times than I care to admit.

Here’s why this unassuming Maryland spot has people crossing state lines like it’s no big deal.

A Hidden Spot Just Minutes From The Border

Tucked away in Elkton, Maryland, this hoagie shop sits so close to the Delaware line that you could practically throw a roll across it. The location is perfect for folks living in neighboring states who crave authentic Italian hoagies without the fuss of big-city prices or pretentious menus. It’s the kind of place where the parking lot tells the story—license plates from Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey crowd the spots every single day.

What makes this spot special isn’t just geography, though. The shop has built a reputation that travels faster than word-of-mouth alone could carry. People genuinely plan road trips around stopping here, and honestly, I can’t blame them one bit.

If you’re driving I-95 and need a lunch stop that’ll make your whole day better, this is it. No GPS games required—just follow the smell of fresh-baked bread and cured meats.

The Hoagie That People Cross States To Get

There’s something almost magical about a sandwich that makes people drive thirty, forty, even fifty miles just to get their hands on it. This isn’t your average convenience store sub—it’s a carefully crafted masterpiece that respects the art of hoagie-making. Every ingredient is stacked with intention, and you can taste the difference in every single bite.

The bread alone is worth the drive. It’s baked fresh daily, with a crispy exterior that gives way to a soft, airy center that doesn’t fall apart halfway through your meal. The balance of textures and flavors is what keeps customers coming back week after week.

I’ve seen people order three hoagies at once—one to eat now, two for later. That’s the kind of loyalty this sandwich inspires, and honestly, it’s completely justified.

Layers Of Salami, Capicola & Sharp Provolone: The Signature Build

Let me paint you a picture: thin-sliced Genoa salami, spicy capicola, and sharp provolone cheese stacked so generously that you wonder how they even close the roll. Then come the fresh vegetables—crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced onions, and a drizzle of oil and vinegar that ties everything together like a culinary symphony. It’s simple, but it’s executed flawlessly every time.

What sets this hoagie apart is the quality of the cold cuts. They don’t skimp on the good stuff, and you can tell they source from suppliers who know their craft. The capicola has just the right amount of spice, while the provolone adds a sharp, tangy kick.

One bite and you’ll understand why people keep this place on speed dial. It’s not fancy, but it doesn’t need to be.

From Main Street Elkton To Hoagie Legend Status

Elkton isn’t exactly a tourist hotspot, but this hoagie shop has put it on the map for sandwich lovers everywhere. What started as a small, family-run deli has grown into a regional legend, with people making pilgrimages from all over the Mid-Atlantic just to grab lunch. The shop has stayed true to its roots, though—no corporate expansion, no fancy renovations, just good food and honest service.

Main Street Elkton has that classic small-town charm, and this shop fits right in. The owners know their regulars by name, and newcomers are treated like old friends. It’s the kind of place where community matters as much as the menu.

Becoming a legend doesn’t happen overnight, but when you consistently deliver quality, word spreads fast. This shop proves that small-town businesses can compete with anyone.

Why The Hot Italian Hoagie Has A Cult Following

If the cold Italian hoagie is the star, then the Hot Italian is the rockstar with a sold-out tour. This version takes everything you love about the original and cranks up the heat—literally. Grilled capicola, salami, and melted provolone are piled onto a toasted roll with sautéed peppers and onions, creating a flavor explosion that’s borderline addictive.

I’ve watched people order this hoagie and immediately close their eyes after the first bite, savoring every second. The warmth of the grilled meats combined with the melted cheese creates a richness that’s hard to describe but impossible to forget.

Fans of this sandwich are borderline obsessive, and I’m not exaggerating. There are social media groups dedicated to sharing photos and planning group trips to get one. That’s cult-level devotion right there.

Family-Owned, Full Of Flavor — No Frills, Just Great Eats

Walking into this shop feels like stepping into someone’s kitchen—if that kitchen happened to make the best hoagies on the East Coast. There’s no pretense here, no Instagram-worthy neon signs or trendy decor. Just a family working hard to serve great food to people who appreciate it.

The owners have been running this place for years, and their passion shows in every sandwich they make. They’re not trying to reinvent the wheel; they’re just making hoagies the way they’re supposed to be made—with care, quality ingredients, and a whole lot of heart.

In a world obsessed with branding and hype, this shop is refreshingly authentic. You come for the food, and you leave with a full stomach and a smile. That’s all you really need, isn’t it?

Fresh Rolls, Real Ingredients And A Reputation That Travels

You can’t build a legendary hoagie without a legendary roll, and this shop knows it. Their bread is delivered fresh every morning from a local bakery, ensuring that every sandwich starts with the perfect foundation. It’s crusty on the outside, soft on the inside, and sturdy enough to hold all those glorious fillings without turning into a soggy mess.

Real ingredients make all the difference. No processed cheese slices, no mystery meats—just honest-to-goodness quality products that taste like they should. The tomatoes are ripe, the lettuce is crisp, and the oil and vinegar are perfectly balanced.

Word-of-mouth has carried this shop’s reputation far beyond Elkton. People talk about it online, recommend it to friends, and even write articles about it. When your ingredients speak for themselves, the marketing takes care of itself.

Locals Know The Secret: Arrive Early For The Best Hoagies

Here’s the insider tip that regulars guard like treasure: get there early. By lunchtime, the line stretches out the door, and sometimes they run out of bread before closing. The locals know that arriving before the noon rush means fresher ingredients, shorter wait times, and a better overall experience.

I learned this lesson the hard way after showing up at 1 p.m. on a Saturday and waiting forty-five minutes. Now I plan my visits strategically, usually arriving around 11 a.m. when the shop is buzzing but not yet slammed. Trust me, it makes all the difference.

The early bird really does get the hoagie here. If you’re making the drive from out of state, plan accordingly and beat the crowd. Your taste buds will thank you later.