Antone’s Import Co Original

It been at least 2 years since I had a Green Wrapper and I missed it badly. I grew up eating this po-​boy made with the incredible chow-​chow. It’s shame that there is not a Antone’s in my area of town. I was during some chores in the Medical Center, so I had to stop by Antone’s for lunch and pick up some for dinner also. I had the Cuban for lunch since I read the good review in Unilocal and I picked up a Green Wrapper and Piggy for dinner. The Cuban was good but not as good as the ones I had in Cuban eateries of Houston or Florida. I think it was missing something, spices and cheese? The piggy was excellent with the jalapeño cheese and the Spam tasting pork spread (I like Spam). The winner was the Green Wrapper, tasting the same as 40 years ago when I had my first one at the original Antone’s off Memorial Drive by downtown. The Green Wrapper had the perfect balance of ham, salami, and cheese inside that perfect po-​boy roll. The sweet/​sour chow chow spread was addicting. I should had brought a couple more for next day’s lunch.

I remember the Antone’s of yore. And while the location has changed, the sandwiches are still top notch.
You can find faster subs (Jimmy John’s), fatter subs (Quiznos), and less expensive subs (Subway). You cannot find BETTER subs. Why do you think Antone’s are the subs carried in the Randall’s and Kroger supermarkets in the deli aisles?
I tried the roast beef and wasn’t disappointed in the least, even though I am not a huge fan of roast beef or sauerkraut. The roll was fresh, the sauerkraut wasn’t overpowering and the roast beef was salty. I believe it may have had mayo. I couldn’t figure out the type of cheese, otherwise I would try making this same sub at home. It was a perfect balance of bread, meat, cheese and fillings. Just all around great.
This location is a little threadbare and nothing like the old traincar location that used to be across the street. Whatever happened with that?!?
The baklava looked inviting, but I opted for baked chips.
If you want to know what a real sub is supposed to taste like, check out Antones. This is a Houston institution that may be out-​gunned on locations, but not on taste.

Super po’boy special from refrigerator case. Bread smooth top. Nice pull. Absent flavor. Meats are many. Thin slice and packed tight. Homogenized flavor. Chow chow is a unique sweet and sour. I’m telling ya; this place is no better than an average Subway.
May try a hot Cuban next time but, I doubt I’ll be back.

This location was my first Antone’s I ever visited; well, actually, it was when they were across the street on the parking lot where they shared it with a Fiesta, Office Depot, and other stores. Anyway, I’ve been patronizing them off-​and-​on since then.
As for the food, it’s very simple and sometimes I just want that kind of sandwich. I usually go for the smoked turkey with cheese. If they don’t have it already-​made, the staff will make it for you. The bread is fresh-​tasting and has enough crunch in it even when there is more «fixings» (e. g., lettuce, tomatoes, etc.) to be added.
The staff is always courteous and helpful.
I’ve never had a bad experience with both food and staff.
One of my go-​to places for a quick meal.

While visiting in Houston for medical purposes, I found this little gem hiding in the strip mall corner!
When I walked in, I was pleasantly surprised at the variety of salads, sandwiches, soup and grocery items.
I ordered the Falafel Sandwich for my husband, who is on a restricted diet of no roughage and he said it was delicious! Actually said it was a must have again.
I ordered the Cuban Po-​boy and it was fabulous! Easily could have enjoyed another one! This place is delish and we will definitely return whenever we are back at the MD Anderson.
Definitely give them a try! I don’t think you will be disappointed.

I decided to try this place out given the number of reviews and that everyone is so positive about it. I went with the hot cuban po-​boy since it’s one of their more popular items and looks pretty good from the Unilocal pictures. And you know what… it is pretty good. But it’s not amazing. I enjoyed it, but it didn’t blow my socks off. It’s about $ 7.50 and doesn’t come with anything… not even a pickle. So while it’s tasty, it wasn’t that filling. I probably won’t rush back here, but it’s not a bad option if you are in the area.

Best Cuban poor boy I have ever had. Will be back as much as possible. Very nice people.

Best Cuban sandwich outside of Miami, I’m guessing. The bread was sweet and delicious, the ham was good, the pickles crisp and just the right amount of cheese. My only complaint is I wish it was Cuban pork instead of barbacoa. I found the service to be friendly and welcoming. I will definitely be back.

Always great! I usually get the original or the Piggy. I usually will get it to go and I am long overdue. Their sides are delicious and baklava is good too. The Chow Chow makes the Original sandwich! I love the fast service, good food and friendly people. Just to note… The sandwiches in the grocery store are NOT the same people here at this location. Some things are different. on those. Bread tastes different to me. I live over 50 miles away from this Gem. Wished I were closer. Lebanese people are always good cooks!

Wonderful little gem. Great sandwiches but even better customer service. Bought a nice little spinach pie. Was gonna get it To go and eat at home but the kind man working there offered to toast it for me. Toasted, cut, added feta, side of olives. That’s someone who goes out of their way to be kind.

I tried their falafel hot sandwich and it was really good. The falafel itself was not too dry or too soft and mixed well with pickles and lettuce. The pita itself was hot pressed and crispy soft. The portion is perfect for a regular lunch meal. They also have hummus and other dips which can be enjoyed with variety of chips.
The staff is polite and the service was fast. The group of people at lunch time are from the medical center area so it gets busy and noisy but there is plenty of space for people to sit and enjoy a quick lunch meal.
I will try their cold sandwiches on my next visit.

The Cuban Po Boy here is one of the best Cuban sandwiches I’ve ever had. Each time I’m in the area I try to stop here to pick one up. They have a very large menu with all kinds of interesting sandwiches and lots of little snacks and desserts as well. If you’re a sandwich fan you’d be a fool not to try this place!

Staying in a hotel not too far away, and I did not rent a car this trip. Last night’s hotel «manager’s reception» was bad enough to make me not even give it a thought tonight.
After reading reviews for all restaurants within a mile of the hotel, I settled on Antone’s. Normally when staying near the Medical Center, I head to Rice Village as there are many decent restaurant options there. But with the heat and humidity, did not feel like walking that far tonight.
The reviews mentioning the «Cuban Po’Boy» had sparked my cravings, so that is what I ordered. The friendly woman behind the counter suggested one of the homemade sides, and her description of the tabouli made it sound like the perfect refreshing accompaniment. I have to say that it was the best tabouli I have had (granted, I have not had more than 20).
The sandwich was delivered to me in a few minutes, and it was delicious. Hot pressed bread, with cheese oozing out, tangy crisp pickles, flavorful pork, and just the right amount of mustard and mayonnaise. I devoured all but one bite, and that was just so I could say I left something on the plate (or to be more precise-​in the basket).
I ordered a baklava and a 7 layer bar to take with me. At the hotel, I tried the baklava. It was okay– nothing special. Have not tried the 7 layer bar– way too full.
I would definitely come to this restaurant again. Be advised that they close at 7 PM, and I believe 5 PM on Sundays, so come early.

Love this place! Been coming here since I was a kid! The bread and meats are great. Lots of great spices too!

I’ve always seen Antone’s pervasive po’boys in grocery store deli cases since I was a kid, but never knew all of them were coming from. When I discovered their origin, I had to see for myself what made them so popular.
Part of me was expecting a magical meat and cheese wonderland, but the other part knew such a thing could only exist in heaven (PLEASE correct me if I’m wrong and I will be eternally grateful). It was not as I hoped, yet still a departure from the typical Subway assembly line model we’ve become accustomed to. All of the jarred goods lining the shelves and a vaguely old-​world feel really make the place seem like an «import company.»
The woman at the register sometimes creepily hovers around me, telling me the life story of any item I make a slight motion toward. The only useful knowledge she imparted was that even though there are many prepared items in the deli case, any of them can be freshly made. Want the sesame dressing instead of ranch with your salad? Done. Don’t likemayo? Gone. The ladies at the deli counter are always happy to oblige your requests with warm smiles.
You can’t go wrong with the super po’boy with their signature chow chow (cabbage relish). The real star, however, is the Cuban po’boy. It’s the perfect marriage of ham, pulled pork, Swiss, pickles and mustard hot off the panini press. Simple yet effective.
This is how sandwiches should be made, not like the yoga mat subs Jared eats.

I’m a huge fan of Antone’s. I remember when I was a kid my grandmama used to take me there to get poboys.
Today I ordered a gyro sandwich. It was actually good. Prior times I’ve gone I’ve always just ordered the Super. I like getting it from the actual Antone’s shop vs. the grocery store. For some reason the grocery stores don’t taste the same.
The gyro sandwich was actually good as well.
I really like this place. Great service, same great taste for years!

Out of towner staying in one of the local hotels and I walked here for dinner. Tony waited on me and steered me toward the Cuban and I’m so glad he did! It was beyond delicious! I grabbed a canned drink and fruit salad and sat down while my sandwich was being made… no pressure to pay right away. Tony checked in with me to make sure I liked the sandwich and offered to make me a different one if I didn’t like it but there was no need.
I splurged and bought some amaretto cookies and as I was paying Tony did a «magic trick» for me with the rice paper wrappers. Real sweet family-​run shop that serves great food and made me feel welcome from the get-​go!

A sandwich becomes more than just a sandwich when it becomes an object of your affections. However not the Hallmark boy-​meets-​girl-​and-​gets-​married Moment. Objects of affection in #realtalk Life get a bit more complex and murky. Like falling in love with a prostitute — the thing that everyone, including the flying green dragon burninating the exurbs, told you not to do, and even the good guy red dragon repeated the same thing. This prostitute is not a prostitute in the Justin Bieber sense. Huehuehue. Instead she is a Cuban po-​boy. And the strong right hand keeping that Lil Bonita in line is Antone’s in the Med Centre. This is not your typical American Idol love story — this is real, son.
Antone’s has been a Houston institution for years. Their fortune has waxed and waned through the generations of sandwich-​eaters looking for a quick, but tasty fix for their habit. Of recent, this place came highly recommended by a number of people that know precisely what the 411 is on sandwiches right meow. They did not mislead me. This was an amazing sandwich-​lunch experience.
It is at the edge of the strip mall next to Freebirds. It is deceptively close to St. God’s hospital in the Med Centre proper. They even have a drive-​thru! But they also have tables for a sit down adventure if you have a dining companion that is not your Dark Passenger. It has a homey atmosphere, like a family-​run Jewish deli back home.
They have daily specials. Prepared sandwiches and potato salads among other things in the display towards the back near the soft drink refrigerators. But if you want something hot like the Cuban Po-​Boy then they assemble it after you order. You go pay and sit down and your food gets brought out to you. Nice. It just has that feel like it is a nice place that you matter as a customer, it doesn’t feel like it belongs inside the loop — this feels like a place you would find driving between Dallas and Houston.
The Cuban po-​boy obviously stood out on the menu for a number of reasons. My second family is Cuban. My favorite Hot Pocket flavor is the Cuban one. Meow listen here, the Cubans are rich in culture, spirit, and warmth. When it is politically appropriate to travel there as a private citizen that is the one place in the world I am jonesing to go, even more than Israel and Japan. Senpai and Schlimzael will have mega naches landing in Havana and doing best friend things of questionable legality under current Cuban law.
The sandwich itself comes out hot like a boss. The cheese is melty and delicious. The pickles slowly cool everything down as the mustard simmers on the warm cheese and meat, tantalizingly soaking the sandwich in its juices of love. Instead of Borat’s sexy time explosion this was just a culinary explosion enough to make you solemnly look over your shoulder before whispering «Cuba Libre» without a drink in your hand just like you were in a deliciously smoke filled bar in Miami in the way back machine.
This is a jewel in all of Houston’s crown, not just the Medical Centre. I could definitely see driving here from the exurbs just for a sandwich this amazing given the time. How often do you say that about a sandwich? Winner winner po boy dinner right meow.

I drive past this place all the time and see their sandwiches at Kroger but finally stopped in today for dinner. I am a huge sucker for a good deli and wanted to see if Antone’s would make the cut. Btw, their hours aren’t posted here but they close by 7pm everyday except Saturdays when they close by 5pm.
I came in and was immediately greeted by the owner, who was very friendly and helpful. I asked him about the different sandwiches/​sides people like and he recommended the Cuban PoBoy (one of their hot sandwiches) but I had read about the super poboy and wanted to try that. All sandwiches can be made fresh, and you can also request veggies (sprouts, onions, tomato, lettuce) on your sandwich (these normally don’t come on the pre-​made ones). The sandwich itself was $ 5.95 (probably 8 – 10 inches long?) but a combo with chips/​drink was $ 1 more, not bad.
While my sandwich was being made, I browsed the rest of the store. There’s lots of tables around the shop and shelves of canned/​dried Greek and Italian goods to check out. In the front there’s displays of pre-​made sides/​items to go. There were large salads (tuna, greek, chef), tabouli, deviled eggs, desserts (cheesecake!), hummus, pasta salad, and more all for really reasonable prices. I’d definitely come here to pick up a few pre-​made sides if I’m having a busy week so I can throw them into packed lunches or add them to sandwiches/​salads.
My sandwich was delicious and filling. It wasn’t the traditional Louisiana po’boy I think of (ie: fried shrimp or roast beef) and seemed more Italian to me than anything, but it was still very tasty. The white sub bread was chewy on the outside and fluffy on the inside and came packed with salami, ham, turkey?, provolone, veggies, mayo, and their special ‘chow chow.’ Chow chow is Antone’s special sandwich ingredient: pickled, vinegary cabbage with a slight sweetness and crunch. The tabouli was also quite good, lots of parsley and tomatoes with a pungent garlicky flavor.
The cashier was also quite friendly and told me about the history of Antone’s as she checked me out. So great to know that they’re a family-​owned Houston establishment going strong for over 50 years now! I’ll definitely stop by again to sample a hot sandwich (the meatball or Cuban po’boy!) as well as more of their sides.

Only two of these places left in the world to get the best po boy!
I love the super boy with extra chow-​chow.
Thank God they sell the chow-​chow so I can take it back to LA with me and make them at home. There’s nothing like these po boys in LA or anywhere else other than Houston.
Antone’s, don’t go out of business EVER!!!