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Carbone's Italian Sausage Market & Deli
Categories: Food Specialty Food Meat Shops Restaurants Delis Meat Shops, Delis [Edit]
1221 W 38th AveDenver, CO 80211
Neighborhood: Northwest
(303) 455-2893
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
99 reviews for Carbone's Italian Sausage Market & Deli
Review Highlights
"Denver's best Italian sandwich."
(in 8 reviews)
"1, and I love that they have sweet and hot peppers."
(in 6 reviews)
"...is a fantastic little old italian lady who will lecture you..."
(in 4 reviews)
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99 reviews in English
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Review from Ken K.
1/23/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I hate Carbone's. It forces me to choose between a ton of awesome-sounding sandwiches, and each one is as good as the last. I went with the Italian #2, a medley of Italian meats including prosciutto and mortadella. I added lettuce, provolone, hot peppers, tomatoes, etc.
Unfortunately, my girlfriend and her cousin had to order the meatball sandwiches. I tasted a meatball and was envying their absolutely delicious sandwiches while I munched through my own absolutely amazing sandwich. SO UNFAIR!
To further tease you, the famously eccentric proprietors of Carbone's price their sandwiches cheap. It's so diabolical and cruel -- you realize you could EASILY afford to eat 3 or 4 more sandwiches if your stupid stomach weren't "full". -
Review from Mandy G.
1/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
What to say that hasn't already been said?
Outstanding meatball sub on the smushiest, softest pillow of a roll made by the most awesome little old italian lady I've ever met.
While making my lunch she informed me she "works for free as charity to her children".
I love her. I wanted to go back inside and hug her after I finished my sandwich.Listed in: 100 in 2012!
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Review from Carl K.
Denver, CO
12/29/2011
Carbone's has a place in my heart. Perhaps its the old school refrigerated displays that haven't been replaced in about 40 years, or it could be the Jesus shrine lining the wall above the shelves. I just get this nostalgic warm fuzzy when I walk in. It could be the fact that I was introduced to Carbone's by my family when I was a kid - its like going back in time. Rose is a big hit - she has great life experiences she shares while also sharing barbs back and forth with her son.
The food - The sausage has always been a hit. Get it in the sandwich if you want to put it down fast - or bring home a link or bulk for a great home-cooked meal. The sauce and meatballs are also on my list of favorites. I give them four stars as they could use a higher quality dried and cured meat selection - but this was a tough one.
I really dig Carbone's - what you would expect of an Italian deli, people with a passion for food and life. -
Review from Michael T.
Denver, CO
1/24/2012
While this may make the decision on which sandwich to choose, make sure that you are very, very hungry when you come here. Also a good place to grab dinner ingredients along with your lunch.
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Review from Ae b.
Basehor, KS
1/31/2012
The food is wonderful. The atmosphere is old school. Sandwiches are HUGE and cheap! Went about 2pm and waited 10 minutes for our lunch. Not a dine in place - no seats. Take and go ENJOY
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Review from Tim M.
Denver, CO
1/16/2012
this place is awesome. no frills, just real people, real food, great prices. I love this spot!
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Review from Ray C.
Denver, CO
10/26/2011
If you want a REAL Italian deli this is the place to come.
This family has been running this business the same for at least 50 years.
Every Italian in North Denver knows and appreciates this deli...they have never been greedy or over priced and will always shoot you a fair deal.
If I could give them 6 stars I would! -
Review from Reed N.
10/5/2011
Jesus H Christ! I am now damned for using the Lord's name in vain. But it was not in vain. I promise. It was like saying hallelujah!
If you are in Denver and need a sandwich and are north central... GO HERE and you will be singing praises as well.
"Why?" says you.
Because a few Italians will fresh slice whatever you want (meat and cheese) after you order (on the menu or off) for $6.50 and top it with perfectly distributed items of your own desire and serve it with a helping of gratitude.
Case in point... my beloved loves the Columbus salamis we get at Trader Joe's. They use Columbus brand here. I did not see a straight up salami sandie, so I quickly told the gentleman my story and he said "If that's what you and the lady want, that's what I'll make." So he starts slicing salami and cheese. Out comes another gregarious Italian guy. Gloves up. he commences topping our bread as the slicing continues behind him. He squirts the vinegar, drizzles the oil, and deposits the line of mayo per my request. Now... get this... he picks up the halves and rubs them together gently... deftly. No... a flippin' Jeanie didn't pop out... silly rabbit! But he perfectly spread everything out so the right amount was in each bite. Stylin'? You're damn right!
This is what a deli is supposed to be like. -
Review from Bethany W.
Denver, CO
Updated - 1/24/2012
Even though the hygiene issue is super gross, I'm still hooked, and it wouldn't be fair to leave up a 2 star review on a place I still go. Love me some hot Italian sausage.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/4/2010
I'm so torn. Everything everyone says about the food is true. It's amazing, authentic, and oh so… Read more »
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Review from Tony P.
Arvada, CO
12/26/2011
This is Italian. Nuf said.
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Review from Mallory T.
Denver, CO
1/21/2012
The lady at the counter is always so helpful and full of personality! I love going there, it makes me feel like I'm part of a community
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Review from Rachael B.
Boulder, CO
Oh Carbone's. I've heard soooo much about you. Finally made it across I-25 to this delightful Italian deli. As other reviewers have said, you basically walk through a time portal into the 1950's. It's very small inside with a big meat case/counter, a couple of refrigerators and a few shelves loaded with imported pasta, tomato sauce, peppers, olives, olive oil..you know, the good stuff.
Rose is sweet. It was great to hear her talking with some of the other employees in Italian, "go get me more sausage" and "be sure to put the cheese back in the case". Music to my ears.
Me and Hot Mike split the Italian Combo #2, grabbed a couple of quarts of Rose's Marinara, a pound of spicy and a pound of regular in-house sausage and a Coke. No frills, no gimmicks, this place is legit.
The sandwich was just fantastic. Peppers, provolone, prosciutto, salami, tomatoes, olive oil. Glad we were there during off hours because Rose crafts the sandwiches lovingly, one by one and believe you me, you don't rush Rose. -
Review from Ali M.
Denver, CO
1/9/2012
Best sandwich in town. Best value in town. For under 8 bucks, you get a massive sandwich on the freshest bread, a soda, & chips. Decent deli if you are just looking for some good Italian meats and cheeses!
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Review from Graham S.
9/2/2011
Carbone's certainly produces one of Denver's best Italian sandwiches, and I love it because its built off the classic formula.
Great quality of meats, nice cheese, good bread, and the shop/staff have the personality to match.
However, you need to be careful here as getting it with everything means mustard and maybe mayo as well. Its a shame to hide the quality of these meats under yellow mustard.....really a true Italian sandwich should be choice of meats (capicola and sopresseta being my favorite), tomatoe, onion, lettuce and oil/vinegar.
So in summary - a very solid Italian sandwich which would benefit from slightly better bread and never being touched by mustard. -
Review from Greg H.
Denver, CO
7/8/2011
The Westword gave this place the award for 2011 Best Sandwich...and if you love freshly cut meat, soft Italian bread, and delicous fresh cut cheese with a plethora of toppings, then you will agree.
We arrived around 11:15 am on a Friday and there were at least 8 other people crammed into what is little more than a deli counter filled with canned peppers and bottled giardinera (which I love). Most people ordered more than one sandwich and the 3 behind the counter, who appear to be from the Italian Old Country, keep the meat and cheese machine running pretty quickly considering the lack of space and the amount of people waiting.
At one point Grandma Italy told Grandpa Italy that she was going to fire him. He mumbled something and continued to spout things while he churned out the fresh cuts of capicolla, mortadella, prosciutto, and sorpressa. I am not entirely familiar with what these meats are, but when you add them together, they are a mixed bag of savory and salty goodness.
I ordered the Italian Combo #2 per the recommendation of the Westword with provolone cheese and was amazed at the sheer size of the sandwich beast. The bread was soft and the staff was not stingy with the delicious meats. The only sandwich I've ever had that comes close to this is Ozzie's in Chicago. Make sure you arrive early, by the time we left, the line was out the door.
Viva Italia! -
Review from Artmeus M.
Surprise, AZ
7/30/2011
Finally tried Carbone's for first time!
I stopped in today and tried the recommended No. 2 Combo with everything on it... Just like everyone here on yelp mentioned there is quite a show, with "Rose" as she went on about never taking drugs and never getting drunk like so many other folks do. She said that that's what keeps her going strong, "no drinking no smoking...especially the other stuff!"
Anyhow...I really liked the sandwich plenty of meats & cheese, and plenty of tomatoes lettuce and sweet peppers etc. the bread was very nice crunchy and a little chewy just right... so overall it is truly the best sandwich in town, better than "subway" better than all the rest, I just don't like the fact that it is so far away from where I live.
I don't mind making the drive to get an outstanding sandwich!!
God Bless you Rose !!!!!!! -
Review from James M.
Aurora, CO
3/22/2011
I went here on the recommendations of my fellow Yelpers, Gitana particularly, and others, too! Per usual, a great call!
It really is like stepping back in time some 50 years or so.
The smell of the meats made my mouth start to water from the get go.
But to start from the beginning! I walked in and was greeted by a set of eyes and the top of a head from behind a deli refrigerator. With heavy accent I was asked what I would like. With a look of what had to be amusement at the fact that I appeared to be talking to a refrigerator, I said I would like the Italian Meatball Sandwich... but with mild peppers please, ma'am.
"I tella you... some kids havah no respect. But you said "please ma'am" to me. You havah respect. You're a nice boy!" She replied.
"And I only give you the mild peppers. You will taste them for days. I don't think you woulda like that. No, probably not"
The sandwich was freaking to die for. The spices were just perfect. There was just enough sauce on the sandwich to compliment everything without making it seem like i was eating a tomato soup sandwich.
It was like being privy to a family's personal kitchen. Momma Carbone rattled something off to the short gent I assume is Poppa Carbone. And, like a couple married for 50+ years, he rattled something back with a hand wave and the sound of "if you want to help, then maybe you can open the door". She retorted with a moan and a roll of the eyes. It was awesome!
As the sandwich was being put together like a piece of artwork, she turned to me and asked me questions that I wouldn't have expected to have asked. "Wherah you from? You never come here before, why not?"... segue back to respect "I see these girls, maybe 15-ah or 16-ah, I don't know. One of them tell me to be quiet. I tell them, you need to be quiet. You need to respectah your elders. You have no respect, I told her. But you..." she pauses and shakes a pointed finger with Robert Deniro-esque precision, "... you have respect. You called me ma'am. I like you, you're a nice boy"
To which I could ONLY reply... "thank you, ma'am. My parents..." and she interrupted and went off on a tangent about how "nowadays, you can say nothing to kids. They tell on you. No like when I was a girl. I respected my father..." and on. It was like my grand-mother was standing there talking to me! It, once again, was freaking cool!
My sandwich came, she said "now you eat this while it is warm. It tastes too good to eat cold." Yes, ma'am.
The food was great, the interaction with Momma Carbone, was priceless. -
Review from Tres B.
Denver, CO
Entering this magnifcent little shop is amazing. Its suddenly 1950. The glow clock, the refrigerated cabinet, the slicer and the staff all harken to a slower time when food was relished, not stuffed.
They are famous for their meatball and sausage sandwhiches, and their provolone to cut, sliced with diligence by the fiesty and witty Rosa, Carbone's matriarch.
This is a must go! -
Review from Brian T.
Denver, CO
10/12/2011
So looking at the sandwich sign i was a little disappointed with the lack of ingredients. Most places that you go to today have all sorts of ingredients and sauces for you palette. Then i just went ahead and got a simple pastrami and swiss. When i bit into the sandwich it hit me! Its not about fancy sauces or pushing the limits of your palette with different varieties of ingredients ITS ABOUT THE SIMPLICITY AND QUALITY OF INDGREDIENTS! every thing is freshly cut and prepared and its that simple. I love this place and crave there sandwiches. A must see
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Review from Dave A.
Adams, CO
10/18/2011
Best sausage in the world. I was raised at this place. My family has been coming here since they opened.
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Review from Teresa L.
Arvada, CO
4/3/2011
I can't say anything else that hasn't been said about Carbone's. A friend and I stopped in for some pizza makings. Mama Rosa told us what we wanted and how much. And she was right. The sausage was delicious, the roasted peppers were tangy and sweet, the pasta/pizza sauce was fantastic, and the dough was soft and chewy.
And let's not forget the cannoli cream. We had to cut that puppy open and sample it before we filled the cannoli. It was creamy and sweet and reminded me of my mom's. Thankfully, Carbone's chose to stick with the chocolate chips instead of adding the nasty gummy fruits that some places like to add.
I've never had the sandwiches but absolutely would come back to try them. -
Review from Ian K.
Colorado Springs, CO
7/26/2011
Great meats, great bread, really nice owners and Sammy makers. Go here if you get a chance- reasonable price for the quality. Hole in the wall but in my experience that's usually a plus. Better than any chain place you could ever go to. The character is informed as much by the older woman making the sandwiches as the old-school building they're made in.
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Review from Brian C.
Denver, CO
2/4/2011
A great place for Italian sub sandwiches. Their menu is simple and they are open to changes.
The price is fixed, $6.45/sandwich. 0.50 for a can of soda and 0.30 for a small bag of chips.
In addition to the sandwiches they have home made italian sausage, a variety of cheeses and italian products.
Their service is always friendly. -
Review from Amanda M.
Updated - 8/22/2010
I may have jumped the gun when I only gave this place three stars. I did that because I had not yet had the cannoli filling they sell there. That's right, not cannoli, but cannoli filling.
They sell it by the pound ($5.99/lb) and it comes in a little package shaped like a tube so you can pipe it into cannoli shells yourself. I didn't have the patience to make the actual shells, so I have been squeezing the tube directly into my mouth and eating it that way. Gross? No. Amazing and gluttonous? Yes.
I have tried to curb my eating of the cannoli filling by keeping it in the freezer, but now I just find myself holding it in my hands until it's warm enough to squeeze some out of the package...
Even if you're not into their sandwiches, stop by and pick up some cannoli filling, it's kind of like eating cookie dough straight from the tube, only Italian. Fancy.Listed in: Pour some sugar on me!, Want to go out to eat on a…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/22/2010
Honestly, I feel bad giving this place only 3 stars when so many others love it...
BUT I was not… Read more »
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Review from Geno V.
Golden, CO
11/16/2011
chika chika yeah .....denvers finest ...
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Review from Kyle M.
5/12/2010 ROTD 5/31/2010
If the cast members of "Jersey Shore" were to ever grace Denver with their presence, they would surely find out about this place and eat there for lunch. "G.T.L." would become "G.T.L.C.": "Gym, Tan, Laundry, & Carbone's." FIST PUMP.
This place is really a gem. It honestly and truly is. You walk in, and you feel as if you've been transported to a 1954 local Italian deli. There are sadly few, if any, places that will still give you that historical and family feel. The second you enter the door, you know it's 100% authentic and legit, and you know you're gonna get quality service and good quality product.
They have nearly everything imaginable: meats, sausages, cheeses, pastas (fresh and dried), gnocchi (fresh), sauces (imported from Italy), olive oils, etc. You can walk in there and get every ingredient necessary to prepare a fully authentic Italian feast. What's even better is that the prices are quite reasonable for what you're getting (which is not some crappy Prego sauce or cheap sausage like you can find at any grocery store). It's the real deal.
While I didn't buy any of this deliciousness, I did buy an Italian meatball sandwich (because I am obsessed with finding the best meatball sandwich in Denver....if you have any suggestions, PLEASE let me know). It was great, but imperfect. The bread was fresh. The cheese was freshly cut. The meatballs were WHOLE (which is a MUST in my book....none of the chopped or sliced meatball shenanigans). You can order mild or hot peppers (I obviously got the hot ones, which were warmly spicy). The sandwich was good, but a little on the dry side. Next time I'll ask for extra red sauce on the side, and I'm sure it'll rise to the level of "fantastic."
I will be back, with or without copious amounts of hair gel. G.T.L.C. 4-eva. -
Review from Kathy B.
Denver, CO
10/29/2011
Been buying sausage here since I was a kid. It is the sausage I compare all other sausage to. It is always great. Nothing comes close. With all these little places disappearing this one has been able to last. I hope it stays forever!
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Review from Ray W.
Denver, CO
6/25/2010
I went in there with high expectations... I had in mind a nice Italian Sausage sandwich, like one you'd get on the Chicago south side, but...
When it came to my turn, they ran out of sausage. No prob, the guy goes in the walk-in cooler just behind the counter, walks out with a tray covered in foil, and goes in the back with it. He emerges a couple of mins later, and puts the contents of the tray into the red sauce. I asked for hot peppers, assuming they would be the the same italian giardinere peppers that were in the numerous jars on the counter and all over the store.
When I got home, I pulled the sandwich out of the bag, still with high expectations.... Boy, was I crushed! What I found was a soggy microwaved sausage patty sandwich with jalapenos!!!
I don't get the raves about this place... the sausage is definitely just "meh", all the meat, cheese, etc. were all industrial/commercial stuff, I mean if they don't make the stuff themselves, I'd at least expected it to be from smaller specialty places. I guess I should blame myself for expecting a Molinari type place in Denver.
Definitely expectations crushed! -
Review from Curtis G.
Denver, CO
4/23/2010 ROTD 8/18/2010
this place is a very cool place to grab a very authentic Italian sandwich or some cold cuts. After a recent 36 hour fasting, this is where i wanted to have my first meal from. And i was hungry. There sandwich filled me up. The meats are very fresh tasting and the peppers have just the right amount of bite to be enjoyable. Great place to go if you are not a fan of the supermarket deli counter, but there is no poultry here. Only old world Sausage!
The old lady who works there is great, really adds some old world charm to this place. They also have hand made frozen Ravioli and Tortellini that I want to try. -
Review from John P.
Parker, CO
5/31/2010
Finally! The genuine Italian sausage that I've been searching for since coming to Denver!
'Bout time I got my a** to Carbone's to check the Yelp recs. Not at all what I envisioned. I hoped for about a four aisle, wood floor, "go to" shrine for what I've so missed of the hoods in CLE. Well, no aisles. However, it's a shrine, albeit a one kneeler.
It looks like an architect's comic relief for function dictating form. "We don't need aisles in here! Just stick the front door at the counter!! Why the hell would we need aisles?! They come here to buy meat!"
And buy meat I did. Gramma was the only one behind the counter when we arrived. I was a little stunned by the surroundings, to say the least, but I got my legs under me quickly enough. I knew that I was in goods hands- as good as they get. And I could tell immediately by the color and texture of the meats on display that I was now back in my element. It was kinda like Google Maps street view when you double click a few blocks down the street and everything in between just blurs out of the way and you got there without all the crap in between. I was forgiven for loping along with Sooper's sausage all this time and Gramma was there to welcome me.
I had given up Italian meat pronunciation long ago. Using it was futile and was as embarrassing for me as it was for the clerks. God bless them- they'd never been to a real deli. But I pulled it out and tried it on her. She never blinked, knew exactly what I meant and continued with what she and I were born into. Familiar. Instinctive. We didn't need to ask "Where ya from?". We were both at home with the experience and my soul was at peace.
The little space began to get busy and as quickly as the crowd rolled in behind us, the Carbone family members rolled out to assure everyone immediate attention.
We passed on the sandwiches and decided to take everything and throw it open on the table, just like back home. We had just come from another disappointing deli visit across town (we were in foraging mode) where we were fortunate enough to find a couple nice loaves of bread and a hot gardiniera spread. So we were giddy that our afternoon took shape so nicely after Carbone's.
In addition to a full bag of delicious sandwich meats, we took home a few pounds of hot and mild sausages for dinner the next day- and leftovers thereafter. I lived a fat and happy, nostalgic several days for the rest of the week. The quality of Carbone's meats was everything I could have hoped for. Every bite of it.
As we were leaving, Mama Carbone came from behind the counter and talked with us for a few moments. So fitting. We had never met and she didn't know our names but she knew who we were. This may have been our first visit to Carbone's but we had all been here before. -
Review from Gina T.
Denver, CO
5/28/2010
This is the real deal, folks.
From the faded collection of thorny-crowned Jesii gracing the walls to the whimsical menagerie of ceramic pigs, this crowded, run down little sandwich shop turns out the best sub I have had in Denver.
The little old lady behind the counter thumbed her chin at a grouchy patron who had griped at the sandwich people and left. She said, in a loud, sassy voive, "he give-a me heck, I kick-a him out!" She then proceeded to hand me my sandwich, a big black "X" the only visual evidence whatsoever to differ the sandwich's identical white butcher paper wrapper from my husband's. "I give-a you the cross on yours because women have more cross to bear then men," she informed me, looking me squarely in the eye. I agreed quickly (this matriarch was not the kind of person you argue with) and accepted my cross bearing Italian Combo #2 gratefully.
Heavy on the meat, light on the veggies, full of flavor and gigantic, the sandwich was everything I had been told it would be. However, I would come back to this place for the entertainment alone. If you are one of those people who like to spend several precious moments of your life being boggled by the infinite number of choices in the world, don't go here. However, if you are in the mood for a no frills, authentic italian sandwich from a charming little shop run by honest people, then go.
Go now. -
Review from David S.
Denver, CO
6/5/2009 ROTD 8/8/2009
I swear I went back in time, entering this shop. This place could just as easily have been down the street from Floyd's barber shop in Mayberry, in Little Italy NYC, or my hometown in Wisconsin. Rosa and staff are real people, working to offer a real product at a real value.
While we were waiting for our orders to be taken and filled, Rosa was behind the counter and talking about how parents should build something to be able to pass on to their kids. Work towards something for the people you care about, make their life better, etc. Now, I've never met Rosa before today, but I can tell that she is a quality person, and the people in her life are lucky to somehow be connected to her.
This is the kind of place that makes me love Yelp. Finding the mom and pop shops that give you high quality and value, just because that's who they are.
What I ordered doesn't really matter, because I doubt you'll find anything bad. But, just for the sake of the review, I had a #2 combo, which basically an Italian sub (can't remember everything that was on it, sorry). Not one bit of it was processed food. Sausage that they made. The cheese was top quality. The bread crunchy and flaky on the outside, moist in the middle. For $6.25 or whatever I paid, a superb value.
Go there and try it. Sure, it's great to send business their way, but the favor being done here is for you. Honestly, it's worth your time and money. -
Review from Art S.
New Haven, CT
8/9/2007
This place was a saving grace for an east coast kid with Italian heritage living in Denver. Trying to find decent Italian food in Denver is like trying to convince your girlfriend that it's not "cheating" if you're out of the state.
Carbone's is great. The food is solid, the people who work there are really nice, and its simplicity is its charm.
The old lady who works there is super awesome. I once went there just to buy some cold cuts for the weekend, but she "forced" me to try a meatball, and then when I was about to leave, she insisted that I take half a loaf of bread with me as well. For free.
I'll be honest, if this deli were on the east coast, I'd probably only give it 4 stars, but in Denver, it's about the best you're gonna get, so I'm giving them the extra one for doing something that seemingly nobody else in Denver can do. -
Review from Jon K.
Oakland, CA
8/6/2007 ROTD 10/6/2007
I love hole-in-the-wall, no-frills places that serve one purpose, but do it well. And I also love places that are stuck in time, and have been the same for decades. And that is the beauty of Carbone's.
The inside of the shop is very unassuming - it's about as big as my living room, and consists of nothing more than a single glass deli case, a few shelves of dry goods, and a walk-in and meat slicer. There are no glossy ads, flat-screen TVs tuned to ESPN, or even soda dispensers. It's just sausages, olives, and a little board with a dozen sandwich choices.
The sandwiches - I got the Italian meatball, and it was the best damn sandwich I've ever had. The sauce: amazing. The bread: perfect. The mozzarella: absolutely fresh. The combination was absolutely perfect. And it was $6, plus a 50-cent can of Coke. Usually if I get a foot-long sandwich, I will stall out about halfway through the second half, but with this, I ate the entire thing and wanted to turn around and go back for another.
Rose is the woman who works there, and she will start talking to you, even if you try to avoid her. If you watch the movie Goodfellas, Marty S's real mom plays the role of the mom cooking them dinner, and Rose is exactly like her: very old-school and sincere, yet she might ask you far more personal questions than if you bought a meatball sub at a Subway. But it's cool, and it's always nice to see people rather than droids serve your food.
There's no place to sit, and there's just sandwiches, unless you want to buy a whole salami and gnaw on it in the car. There are no vegan or gluten-free options. There are no low-cal options. There are no low-fat options. It's just sandwiches, done right. Good stuff. -
Review from Evan B.
Denver, CO
6/20/2010
Every time you go here and get a sandwich, the world gets a little brighter; life will be a little better for you, a little better for me, and a little better for Denver. The shop is small, the people are charismatic and the food is brilliant.
The Italian woman who runs the joint is everything everyone says she is: a bit like an oracle - often mumbling things in a language that is part English, part Italian, and all her own. You'll sometimes be forced to just nod and smile, but a few minutes after you leave the conversation will find its meaning.
They make Italian sandwiches. If you want one - go get one. Just pick a number and witness a sandwich constructed through experience refined by millennia. -
Review from Hungus A.
Denver, CO
7/15/2008
Two things keep bringing me back:
A perfect meatball sandwich
The old ladies continually asking me if I am married, and then why I'm not.
If you have some sort of subconscious need to eat and be nagged, I can't think of a better place than Carbone's. -
Review from Gitana G.
Arvada, CO
5/4/2009
Everything and more that has been previously written.........A slice of "flava" in NW Denver. After reading Hamilton's review, I had to check this place out.
Mama Carbone was there; we could barely see each other over the deli refrigerator case. And yes, I was given a piece of salami with cheese; Thank you Mama Carbone.
That was before the interrogation started: You gotsa kids? Hows many? Whatsa their age? Quote from Mama Carbone "Itsa best to only hava one these days. Boys, they get into lotsa trouble." It went on for several minutes. In her own way, it was customer-service, above and beyond my expectation. She quickly wins your favor.
I ordered the meatball and Italian sausage sandwiches. Delicious. They threw in some red sauce too, which was F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S.
Yes with a capital Y.Listed in: In the 'hood (NW Denver), Exotic Locales......Locally
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Review from Carrie C.
2/13/2010
Pastrami, soprasata, prosciutto, mortadella, OH MY!
$6.49 (includes tax) for a sliced to order, foot long sandwich!
The bread is fresh and has the perfect chew to crunch ratio. Sometimes the wait can be long. At about 1:30PM on a Saturday, the line was out the door but well worth the wait. We waited about 15 minutes outside and i would definitely do it again!
I got the pastrami and provolone with everything on it. So So good! My boyfriend got the Italian combo #2 i think had mortadella, proscuitto, and soprasatta with provolone and everything on it. We traded halves. Not sure which one i liked better. Maybe next time ill order the Italian sausage. -
Review from John M.
Littleton, CO
3/7/2010
Grazie mille Carbone's.
CAUTION, be very careful - one fresh Italian Imported Meat Deli Sandwich from Carbone's and you will never be able to eat at another local sandwich shop again. Truly Colorado sandwich shop perfection.
A true gem.
My recommendation is to go for a sandwich and by a dozen of their fabulous homemade Italian sausages, and some sliced imported deli meats/cheeses to get you through the rest of the week.
Learn or share more cool Colorado experiences at "Coolsville Colorado" blog or FB. -
Review from christopher c.
Manhattan, NY
6/10/2010
i have been here before years ago, and since going to mona lisa's deli in san diego i figure i give this place another try.
I honestly think there was nothing outstanding about this place. the meat was nor boarshead or from a really good italian salumeria. the cold cuts were cut too thick and there was hardly any oil & vinegar, making for a dry sandwich. the bread was good, what you should expect from a real deli, but coming from NY i think this place would last about 6 months there. price is very good for the size of the sandwich
this review is based on the #1 italian sandwich
