At Hoagies and Hops Butler-Tarkington, the Pennsylvania connection runs through the ingredients: Liscio’s rolls shipped from South Jersey, Dietz & Watson cold cuts and Seltzer’s Lebanon Bologna. The shop has served Pennsylvania-style hoagies, cheesesteaks and Dutch specialties in Indianapolis since 2015, with house sauces and vegetables sliced in-house.
The traditional cheesesteak starts with shaved ribeye, optional fried onions and a choice of Whiz, American or provolone; Cooper Sharp American and aged sharp provolone are upgrades. A regular costs $14.25 before additions and tax. For a different direction, The Very Best adds house spicy sauce, American cheese and fried onion. Diners frequently praise the meat, bread and helpful counter service, though seasoning draws mixed responses.
The cold hoagies deserve equal attention. Zern’s combines sliced ring bologna, a house red beet pickled egg, Muenster, mayo and whole-grain beer mustard with lettuce. Dutch Country pairs Lebanon bologna with Muenster and the same mustard, while Hog Island stacks Black Forest ham, salami, prosciutto, capicola and provolone. Round out an order with Nan’s Red Skin Potato Salad, made from a grandmother’s recipe, or Herr’s chips.
Beer, wine and outdoor seating make this an option for a sit-down lunch or dinner as well as a sandwich pickup. The address is 4155 Boulevard Pl in Indianapolis; hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with Monday closed. Takeout, delivery and catering are available; reservations are not accepted.