Latest visit: Mar 2025
First visit: Dec 2022
It's Friday and I'd been digging all morning at various estate, garage, and thrift sales. It was a warm and sunny morning, and I was mostly on schedule. Just as I left the last shop before lunch, a cold front blew through. Well there goes the downtown option (again), because that requires a lot of walking. While looking at where my next stop would be, Mollica's popped up as "on the way". Time to get in the annual review, now our 4th visit, almost exactly one year later.
I ordered what I did last year, the Combo, which is a meatball and Italian sausage submarine. I continue to forget that it comes with pasta salad. If there's one thing I don't like, it's cold pasta. I need to remember to substitute for something else. Nonetheless I tried it, and yea, not for me. As is often the case, I forgot to photo the meal. Why? Because I was starving. Not the best excuse however. At least I got the building this time.
The sandwich was loaded per their custom, especially the house made Italian sausage. Unfortunately on this visit the casing was too tough, and you couldn't breakthrough it with your teeth. This isn't a knife and fork meal, and the basket is not convenient for cutting with a knife. So it was a bit of a messy affair eating everything with your fingers (which were super clean as I washed up upon arrival, since they have a nice bathroom). The meatballs were much more cooperative, and I like their firmness. All was very tasty, though they tend to the porky side of the meat ingredient equation. Hence, Mrs. RJG doesn't like it (see below updates).
Mollica's is an expensive option, costing about $18 for a sandwich and a drink, and daring to ask a tip afterward as well. But the crowd was decent, so many folks are allocating a few extra dollars to enjoy a meal out of the house.
Next time, I'm determined to try one of their Italian meat subs. Mollica's remains in the RJG rotation.
---3/2/24 update
This is my 3rd time to Mollica's, back again on my own since Mrs. RJG didn't enjoy it last year. I combined my last two meals and had the Combo which is their meatball and sausage sub. I enjoyed everything about it - the meats, the crunchy roll, the red sauce, the temperature, you name it. I don't like that they ask for an unearned tip at the credit card machine. I really wish counter serve and drive through restaurants would stop this practice immediately. I feel bad to leave zero tip, but I'm not handing even more money out, considering it's not cheap to begin with. The only demerit on an otherwise excellent revisit.
---8/12/23 update
Managed to get Mrs. RJG out to Mollica's for the first time but sadly it didn't resonate with her. She tried the meatball sub which I was certain she would like (see below), but no such luck. Her viewpoint: Bread was too chewy and moist; Meatballs are too porky. Sigh. I went with the Italian sausage sub. A full sausage and a half cut into 3 slices. Still love their sauce and bread. I was at least happy. :-)
---original 12/30/22 review
Mollica's is one of those places that I drive by often, declare that I want to try it, and subsequently forget all about the event. Each time. I never did write it down, but fortunately it came up on a search for best subs in town, and finally I was reminded during lunch time.
I was a bit lost when first entering, but figured it out quickly. There are paper menus to your right when you walk in. I missed that. So now you won't make the same mistake... I had looked online and the menu was the same. My intention was to order the Dominic, which is their hot meatball sub. And that's exactly what I did - full 8 inches. I wasn't interested in the red bell peppers, and that will also take away the onions as they're blended together. Probably for the best. They give you a number on a stand, and find any open table to display it on. Red and white checkered no less. Perfect.
My meal came out much faster than expected, hand delivered. Oh wow - we may have our best meatball sub in town! Back East Bar may have to step aside. Can't wait to evaluate next year who is best. Why so great? Well first the Italian roll was toasted just right. Mrs. RJG would have loved it. The meatballs are homemade and very firm. And a superb taste on its own. No bland meatball here! The cheese is appropriately gooey. And that takes us to the best part - the sauce! I must try a pasta here. Very delicious.
It's a good sized space, so there were plenty of tables to choose from, even though the crowd was decent. As noted by the name, it also serves as a real delicatessen. Might have to get a pound of Italian meats next time as well. I'll insist Mrs. RJG joins me to get her take.
Just to note that if you're heading west on Garden of the Gods (which is likely, especially if from out of town coming off I-25), I would take the left exit before Forge and make a right in the shopping center. The left at Forge is a bit dicey to maneuver. Almost better to make a U-Turn there. Google will take you to Forge, so keep your eyes peeled for the last exit before it (Forge has a traffic light, so you won't miss it).
12/30/22 (new entry); 8/12/23; 3/2/24; 3/7/25
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