I owe an apology for each and every compilation article I've ever written about Arlington. Like this one and this one and this one. Seriously. So embarrassing. For some reason, I'd never been to Dino's Deliat 2221 S. Collins Street. I beg for forgiveness and extra mustard.
Dino's is an old-school New York-ish deli with mismatched chairs and tables that has been around since 1980 and has amassed a loyal following in the Arlington area. The menu is rapacious, and you'll probably want to sit down and study it for a minute before getting in line to order. Apparently being ready to order is preferred, just as a matter of efficiency, not so much surliness.
There are more than two dozen options on the menu that range from Italian combos with capocollo, Prosciuttini, salami and cheese to a veggie sub with marinated mushrooms and cream cheese. "The Dino" is made with peppered beef, ham, salami, extra provolone and Dino dressing. There's everything in between from meatball to tuna, served either on whole hoagies (enough for two meals) or halves, which are baked and delivered daily.
Pick your flavor then decide on a bread (white or wheat) and size. Important tip here: "the works" and "Dino dressed" are key. It'll get you onions, lettuce, tomatoes, wine vinegar, a blend of oils, Parmesan and spices; then a salad mix of bell peppers, garlic, olive oil, vinegar and more spices.
As you slide down the line a few other interesting things will catch your eye. Nachos seem out of place but they're there. There are a couple house-made salads and soups, pickles, fresh squeezed lemonade, old-fashioned sodas, and a tap wall with a sign above it that reads, "You can take your beer to go."
You can? Apparently. The staff at Dino's said that if you put a top on the cup, but don't put a straw in the lid, it's considered a closed container.
For dessert Dino's has cheesecake, cookies and baklava. Or if you're craving a banana split, they'll make you one of those too from the large ice cream case.
If you're headed out to a game soon, stop by Dino's, which is just about a mile south of AT&T Stadium on Collins. Or go for dinner tonight. Either way, just go. And accept the sandwich as my most sincere form of apology.
