Dining Review: Mama Dilo’s Deli

I can live off subs. I can live off of sandwiches. I love whatever you may call them in your neck of the woods. They are the best. They are cheap. They are flavorful. They are best at little holes in the wall or Publix. Not that Publix is a hole in the wall, but you get what I mean. I can’t get enough of them. 

A while ago, I was craving a nice Reuben. You know the Reuben you get from Jason’s Deli, but there is no darn Jason’s Deli in Winter Haven, FL. How dare they not have one here. Of course, I could drive to Tampa or Orlando, but who wants to drive an hour to get a sandwich?

Mama Dilo’s in Winter Haven

The only possible thing I could do is Google for some great sandwich shops in Winter Haven. That’s when I stumbled upon Mama Dilo’s Deli. Mama Dilo’s Deli is located in Downtown Winter Haven on First Street S.

It is when I say it’s a little hole in the wall. They don’t even have an official Facebook page or a website. I’ve never seen it advertised over the years I’ve lived here. I only knew about this place when I drove past it going to the library or heading off to I-4.

I wanted to try out a little hole-in-the-wall sandwich shop for a nice Reuben since I had the extra cash. It was narrowed down to a few places, but I ultimately headed to Mama Dilo’s Deli.

When walking into Mama Dilo’s Deli, I was greeted by the cook, who was also the only one running the shop. He was a very nice gentleman and allowed me to look at and take a menu (pictured below). He even said next time, I could call in the orders, and he’ll have them ready by the time I got there, which I honestly didn’t know!

Of course, I ordered two Reubens for my mother and myself. It took maybe 10 minutes from when I ordered to when I walked out of the door. The inside was like an old diner. There was only one patron in there at the time. It was small yet cozy. The place looked pretty clean too, so if you want to eat in, it’s good too!

How Was the Food? 

As I stated above, mom and I both got Reubens, for which the total was $16.88 with tip, which, to be honest, wasn’t that bad of a price for dinner for two.

The Reubens were great! My only complaint was the bread was a little soggy where the sauerkraut was and that the sauerkraut was clumped in the middle. But you did get a ton of meat, the thousand island dressing was great too! It was well worth the price, and you couldn’t beat how fast you got your food!

I will certainly be back there in the future to try another one of their sandwiches since the Reuben was great! Now I know when I am craving a different type of sub, unlike our famous Publix subs, I will be going to Mama Dilo’s Deli!

More Polk County Restaurants?

In the Polk County area, there are many different restaurants to fill your appetite. I have compiled a great list of restaurants in the area that you NEED to try while you are in the area.  What’s your favorite restaurant in the area?