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The Top 10 Places to Get Your Fix of Meatball Subs in Monmouth County

Meatballs can be made with any ground meat including ground beef, lamb, chicken, veal, pork…etc. Growing up in my neighborhood, the standard Italian meatball was made up of 3 different…

A pot of meatballs in sauce
RT

Meatballs can be made with any ground meat including ground beef, lamb, chicken, veal, pork…etc.

Growing up in my neighborhood, the standard Italian meatball was made up of 3 different ground meats. The perfect Italian meatball contains beef, pork, and veal. All the Italian moms and grandmothers had their own secret recipes for their signature meatballs and normally used these 3 ground meats.

I was taught by my friend’s grandmother, that you put a little extra ground pork in to the meatball mixture because that is where the real flavor is. I also had a neighbor who recommended making meatballs with equal parts beef, veal, and pork. I love it all!

As I got more familiar in the kitchen, I started experimenting with my meatball recipes. I have a standard recipe that I normally make, but in the last couple of decades, I have occasionally deviated from that recipe in order to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Anytime I needed to lose a few pounds without giving up meatballs,  I would make turkey meatballs with all kinds of spices for a real punch of flavor. With turkey, chicken, or any lean protein, you need to add a flavor bang of herbs and spices since the meat lacks fat, and you know what Emeril says, “The flavor is in the fat.”

I love making Italian Wedding Soup with ground chicken or veal meatballs made with a little spinach mixed into the meat.

I love meatball subs from a variety of places made in a variety of ways. I do make a decent meatball sub, but when I'm not in the mood to make a pot of sauce, these are the places I would choose to hit up when I do takeout.

If you want a kick ass meatball sub, here are 9 places in Monmouth County for you to check out.

Vinnie's Pizza and Subs - 1817 NJ-35, Wall Township, NJ 07719

Their sausage parm sub is my favorite. The meatball sub is my 2nd favorite tied with the chicken parm sub.

Belo Pizzeria - 17 Broad St, Eatontown, NJ 07724

I'm not sure which is better, the eggplant parm sub or the meatball parm sub? Why not get both?

Federico's Pizza & Restaurant - 700 Main St, Belmar, NJ 07719

The meat ball parm & the chicken parm subs are 2 of my favorites. When you're ready to place your order, add the Federico's salad, you won't be disappointed.

Taliercio's Ultimate Gourmet - #500, Red Bank, NJ 07701

These people make the most over the top subs in Monmouth County. When you're ordering your meatball parm sub on their incredible bread, know that you're not going to be able to finish it in one sitting unless you haven't eaten in 3 days. Don't skip their famous fried ravioli.

Vic's Italian Restaurant - 60 Main St, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720

Vic's needs no introduction unless you're from another planet. The meatball sandwich is what you need to order on your next visit.

Rizzo's Pizza - 1594 NJ-35, Ocean Township, NJ 07712 In Middlebrook Plaza

One of my favorites when I lived around the corner.  The eggplant parm is exceptional. Frank, my former neighbor, just loved their meatball parm subs.

Rockafellers Pizza - 421 Prospect St, Long Branch, NJ 07740

According to folks who have eaten here, the meatballs will remind you of home. Now that's a place I want to try a meatball sandwich from.

Esposito's Pizza - 233 E Main St, Manasquan, NJ 08736

I've been dying to try their sesame seed crust pizza! I also want to try their meatball hero. They called their subs heroes, like back home in New York. A listener highly recommended several things on the menu including anything that features their homemade meatballs.  We'll have to order Esposito's for lunch when I get back to the radio  station in the new year.

Bruno's Pizza & Subs - 165 W Sylvania Ave, Neptune City, NJ 07753

I used to have a personal trainer in the area, and on occasion, I'd stop at Bruno's to pick up dinner. The meatballs were soft and delicious. Everything I've ever ordered from here was always good.

Pastosa Ravioli - 315 NJ-35, Eatontown, NJ 07724

Michael Piazza makes some amazing meatballs on crusty Brooklyn bread to go along with your favorite Pastosa Ravioli. This is a such fantastic location, all 6000 square feet of it.

Located in the Plaza 35 Village, on the northbound side of Rt-35, near the Monmouth Mall. Pastosa Eatontown. It is a sister location of the Pastosa stores in Cranford and Florham Park, New Jersey.

Rockyn Robyn Lane is WRAT’s Music Director & Assistant Program Director. She also has worked as the on air goddess 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Monday Through Friday since 1996! Robyn loves to write articles and blogs mostly about food with an emphasis on local eateries. She says she loves shining the spotlight on local businesses, giving them the love they deserve. Not surprisingly, Robyn also loves to cook and bake herself. He recipes can be found on WRAT’s various social media pages. She also hosted a short series called “Rocker In The Kitchen” where she cooks with various rock artists.