Located on 2900 West Cary Street, Copolla’s Deli has been servicing Richmond since it first opened in 1982. Having just moved to Richmond and looking for the best eateries, I asked around as to what was the best sandwich shop in the city. Several people pointed me to Copolla’s, and so it was with high hopes that I entered the 31-year-old restaurant decorated with red on the corner of Cary Street. Once inside, I noticed the mural that decorated walls and above the counter, the chalkboard menu seemed to promise a delicious lunch. 
      The deli offers several different sandwiches including turkey sandwiches and ruebens, several salad options, as well as pastas and side dishes. I placed my order, a three tiered rye bread sandwich layered with corn beef, sauerkraut, pastrami and Swiss Cheese dubbed the South Bronx Club. The deli claims to be taste of lil’ Italy and it had been highly recommended, but I was disappointed in my expectations of the sandwich. 

The overall sandwich was passable but not delicious. It lacked the burst of flavors a great meal delivers and the ingredients were mediocre. The beef wasn’t completely dry, but it also wasn’t the quality of what I would expect of little Italy. The service was also mediocre. The man behind the counter didn’t engage the customers or offer recommendations, but he did do his job of getting the orders down and passing them along to the cooks. 
        Expense wise, Copolla’s falls in the range between cheap and expensive, with each sandwich costing roughly eight dollars. It is not ideal for a family on a budget, as with a large family, the cost of sandwiches adds up quickly and is also not ideal for someone on the lookout for a delectable meal. My overall experience was neither pleasant nor unpleasant; the sandwich was passable, the service not exceptional but not horrible, and the venue nice enough. However, with so many other great lunch spots in Richmond, I will probably not be returning to Copolla’s in the future.