Interbay Meat Market: Good Sandwiches S.O.G.

On Saturday we ventured South of Gandy (SOG) to Interbay Meat Market about a stone's throw from MacDill Air Force Base. I had never been to Interbay Meat Market before but knew it was well-known for its sandwiches. I did some quick reading before our trip and found out that Interbay is owned by the Shoubaki family and has been a SOG staple for the past 20 years.

Now if you're looking for an upscale deli in a fancy neighborhood then Interbay Meat Market is definitely not your place. However, if you're looking for oversized and tasty sandwiches at great prices (one of the specials on Saturday was a large fried chicken sandwich, fries and a drink for $4 bucks!) than you'll love Interbay. The place is a combination grocery/butcher shop/deli and it was busy on Saturday when we stopped by for lunch.

I ordered a grouper sandwich "all the way" in Interbay lingo (with everything on it) and my fiancee Traci ordered an Italian sausage sandwich. We also split a side order of black beans and rice. The crispy Cuban bread Interbay uses is some of the best I've had and the black beans and rice were tasty.

Next time I plan to try one of their Cuban combo plates. I had a few bites of Traci's sandwich and thought it was good too, although the sausage was milder than I like. Both sandwiches were stuffed and for being "regular" size were more than enough to eat.

My grouper sandwich was easily one of the best I've had since I've lived in Tampa (keep in mind I've been here about a year now after living in Orlando for seven years), although I must admit that I'm just not a big fan of the grouper sandwich. Fish sandwiches to me in general tend to not have enough flavor and are too mild. Now fried shrimp, oysters or soft shell crab poor-boys (on French bread of course for this New Orleans native) are a different story.

Bottom-line: This no-frills sandwich shop & deli serves up great sandwiches at equally great prices. Most people get their sandwiches to go, but there is also picnic tables outside.

Comments

[RIck]

I know im going to be struck down fo rthis one, but the cuban was mediocre at best..one lsice of boiled ham folded in half, one slice of roast pork, tons of mustard on one half and mayo on the other half, and not many pickles...poor in my book.

[matt]

I liked Interbay's sandwiches the two times I've tried them, but Traci (my wife) is less of a fan.

She far prefers Wright's and Castellano & Pizzo's sandwiches. Haven't been back to Interbay in several months- wonder if they are inconsistent.

Thanks for the feedback.

[gin]

I used to go to the interbay meat market occasionally to buy some of their meat. The last time which will truly be my last time I got some hamburger that was really grey on the inside. I asked the lady about it that was behind a counter and she got VERY hostile with me and made smart remarks about me bringing up the whole grey meat thing the next time I walked past while I was looking for another item. I will never go back there again. Albertsons in Britton plaza has much fresher meat.

[matt]

Gin.

Thanks for your note and sorry to hear about your experience at Interbay. I've never tried the meat section there before.

As for the deli/sandwiches at least, they do enough volume each day that I don't worry about the food being fresh etc.