Wright's in South Tampa: Top Sandwiches in Tampa

On Saturday we decided to pick up lunch at Wright's Gourmet House on S. Dale Mabry.  I had just received two complimentary gift certificates from Wright's and they were already burning a hole in my pocket.  Wright's owner Jeffrey Mount graciously mailed out gift certificates to the Diploma-see volunteers (of which I was one recently) for Franklin Middle School.

Wright's has been serving up some of the best sandwiches, salads and desserts in south Tampa for over 40 years.  The restaurant was founded by Marjorie and Pete Wright in a tiny storefront and is today run by grandson Jeffrey who has significantly expanded the restaurant's operations. 

When we arrived at Wright's on Saturday, the line was long as usual but moving at a solid pace.  I ordered a turkey & pecan salad sandwich on wheat and Traci ordered a turkey breast sandwich on white.  We also picked up two bags of Zapp's potato chips.  I had my fair share of Zapp's spicy kettle-cooked chips growing up in New Orleans.  If you've never had them, you should try them.

We were "forced" into selecting two dessert items as well since they were included with the gift certificate.  We picked a brownie and a slice of chocolate cake.  Wright's registers are set up so you have no choice but to walk past the refrigerated case filled with desserts begging to be bought.

When we got home we realized that we had received two turkey breast sandwiches instead of a turkey and a turkey & pecan salad.  After a few bites of the turkey sandwich I forgot all about this mistake.   The brownie was solid, but not outstanding.  The slice of chocolate cake, on the other hand, was knock-out.  We liked the peanut butter frosting even more than the moist cake.

Wright's remains my favorite sandwich shop in south Tampa.  I'd have to give second place to Interbay Meat Market on Interbay.  You really can't compare the two, though.  On my short list of sandwich shops and delis to try out next is Castellano & Pizzo Italian Foods on Henderson Blvd. 

Bottom-line:  If you want big delicious sandwiches and great home-made desserts, it's hard to beat Wright's Gourmet House.  Here's hoping they're around for at least another 40 years. 

Inspection Scorecard: Last Inspection - June 2006 - Critical (1), Non-Critical (6).