Slack’s Hoagie Shack
Capital City Plaza, 3401 Hartzdale Drive
737-9122

The menu for Slack’s Hoagie Shack reads “superior hoagies, cheese steaks, wings, catering and a whole lot more” and it’s the truth. Slack’s Hoagie Shack is all of that and more. A lot more — both on the menu and on the plates!

My lunch partner and I took to Slack’s with a mission: to find a good sandwich at a good price. And we were not disappointed. Following the heed of one of Betty’s nearest and dearest, we sauntered into Slack’s on a blistering hot day and took reprieve from the sun. Upon entering the Shack, one is immediately greeted by a slew of sports paraphernalia, with a special preference taken to that basketball team from Philadelphia. Someone at the top is a Philly fanatic, no doubt. Not to show bias, the wood grain walls are lined with other sporting memorabilia, as well, including photos of Lakers giant Shaquille O’Neal, my personal favorite Roberto Clemente, and pennants from our hometown Senators. Bet you never knew Betty was a sports fiend!

At Slack’s you place your order at the counter, so after taking a lingering look at the menu, that’s exactly what my friend and I did. But before I get to that, let me first take a minute on the menu. No one should go hungry at Slack’s! They have everything, from a wide array of hoagies, the normal fare — Ham, Italian, Turkey, Roast Beef, Tuna — and the specialties — the Italian Passyunk, the turkey and roast beef Richmond, and the Corned Beef — to club sandwiches, deli sandwiches, steak hoagies, hot sandwiches, chicken offerings, and wraps of every kind. Slack’s menu also boasts wings, burgers, hot dogs, salads, platters, seafood, children’s meals, and side items, including French Fries, onion rings, mozerella sticks, cole slaw, chicken tenders, and more. There is a menu item for every eye! As a veteran lunch goer, even I was impressed!

After ordering from our pleasant waitress, my companion and I sat at a booth and waited for our meals. Located in a plaza, the interior of the restaurant isn’t all that large. Though it is ample — slightly more than 10 booths and tables — during our lunchtime visit Slack’s was bustling, so it’s not hard to imagine that on some occasions seats may be hard to find. I also noted that the Slack’s staff was hard at work on a large number of take-out orders. So if you’re a fan of a great lunch and you’re in a rush, call ahead and arrange for pick up or delivery. My friend and I didn’t wait long, but we did wait.

When our wait was over, boy were we impressed! My companion ordered a half portion of the American hoagie ($3.85; all hoagies are available in half and giant sizes) and was overwhelmed by the monstrosity! I’d hate to see the size of a giant! The half portion was cut into two pieces, filling the entire circumference of a paper plate. The American was filled with bologna, kosher salami, ham, cooked salami and American cheese, garnished with her choice of toppings — tomatoes, onions, peppers, lettuce, mayonnaise, and oil were among the offerings — and secured in a freshly baked sub roll. Delicious!

As for Betty? I ordered the Royal Hoagie ($4.85). A spin-off of the American, my choice had all that the American had to offer with some additional meats and cheeses. But more than the excellent taste, my dears, was the size of these subs! My friend and I ate until our bellies were bursting and we still took the remaining half of the half portion home. Note to those whose eye is bigger than their belly — beware of the giant sized portion. When they say giant at Slack’s, they mean GIANT!

Barely untouched because our hoagies were so filling was a side order of Teezers. An odd dish — tater tots filled with cheese — the Teezers ($2.99) were more than tempting. The portion was large enough to share, but small enough for the lone eater who can’t stand the thought of eating just a sandwich … and they were a great diversion from the standard Fries.

My friend and I had the remaining portion of our sandwich wrapped and headed back into the hot sun, bellies full. Mission accomplished.

Be sure to make your next lunch (or dinner) Slack’s Hoagie Shack in Camp Hill. You won’t be disappointed. After all, has Betty ever led you astray?