Uncle Sam's proud to be a 'classic old-school sandwich joint'

Mike Hanley admits he initially was concerned about the prospect of opening an Uncle Sam's Sandwich Bar in a corner of Waterworks Mall near Blawnox that is “kind of tucked away” from the other stores.

“People found us though and stuck with us. The movie theater is almost directly behind us, and it's been a nice location for lunch and, at night, for dinner,” says Hanley who, with partner and co-owner, Jerry Dilembo, opened it in 1998.

The first Uncle Sam's was opened in 1971 in Oakland by Hanley's father-in-law and Dilembo's father, Sam Dilembo.

The concept is as it always has been. “We're a classic old-school sandwich joint. We haven't changed a thing since it opened,” Hanley says. “We use all local purveyors. We get our bread at Mancini's and our produce is delivered from Nino Sunseri in the Strip. We don't skimp on the product or the quality.”

Customers tell him they appreciate the quality and consistency “and the fact it is not made by some formula from some corporation somewhere else,” he says. “It's made right here every day, day in and day out, with local products. We slice the steaks and meats every day in the restaurant, basically, right in front of people.”

The restaurant is decorated with signs with messages such as, “We serve all kinds here, even lawyers and vegetarians” and “Clean restrooms … if you have the time.”

Five televisions show various sporting events, while classic rock plays in the background.

Patrons can choose counter service or eat at tables or a long booth. The restaurant seats about 75. “We pack a lot into a small space,” says Hanley, who also co-owns Burgatory next door.

A signature offering is Uncle Sam's Special cheesesteak sandwich ($7.45), topped with mushrooms, sweet peppers, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and onion. The classic Italian ($6.95) is a huge seller, loaded with extra cuts of Genoa salami, capacolla and provolone cheese.

The Filet Mignon Steak Sub ($11.55) features the finest cut of steak sliced at the restaurant and cooked to order, Hanley says. It comes with “an endless combination of toppings,” he says.

There also are a number of popular vegetarian sandwiches, such as the Mediterranean ($6.25) with fresh zucchini, tomatoes, grilled onions, black olives, cucumbers and lettuce; and the Roma Vegetable ($6.25), with broccoli, green beans, mushrooms, zucchini and sweet peppers.

Salad lovers can choose the house salad ($4.65), mixed field greens tossed with tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, Bermuda onions and California black olives, a Chef Salad ($6.35); and a Philly Steak Salad ($6.45).

Various craft beers are available. Nonalcoholic beverages include Boylan's root beer and creme soda.

Credit cards are not accepted. “It's old-school ‘cash only.' Now, it's back in style,” says Hanley, laughing.

“The great thing about Uncle Sam's is we have such a diverse crowd, old and young and professional and blue-collar workers sitting elbow to elbow and enjoying their sandwiches. That's what makes the restaurant fun,” Hanley says. “It's fun to see generations of families come in and enjoying the sandwiches. They appreciate the fact we are local and are recognized when they come in, and they appreciate the genuine service.”

Uncle Sam's Sandwich Bar, ‪936 Freeport Road, Pittsburgh, is open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays; 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Details: 412-781-3460; www.unclesamssubs.com

Rex Rutkoski is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at: rrutkoski@tribweb.com.