Bites Nearby: Ryan's Red Box Deli Known for Delicious, Fresh Sandwiches

Overview: Once you locate Ryan’s Red Box Deli, the bright, contemporary style automatically prepares you for the fresh, fun deli sandwiches and soups served here. Just don’t overlook it since it’s tucked in and behind shopping malls – the food is too good to pass by.

Decor: Ryan’s Red Box Deli is a contemporary, stand-alone building set off by itself. It is fresh and bright inside with primary colors, hardwood floors and lots of windows. The large silverware set on the wall is fun and the clean lines are carried through even to the restrooms!

The drinks: Ryan’s Red Box is a deli and that is what you should expect. Drinks are traditional Coke products, Snapple brand drinks and coffee. There isn’t much else. But hey, it’s a deli.

Appetizers: You may want to start your meal with a soup or salad. The day we visited, the soup special was roasted tomato soup. They also offered a wedding soup. There are several salads on the menu and a “Pick 2” offering, but we were there for the deli sandwiches.

Entrees: Ryan’s is fast becoming known for its delicious, fresh sandwiches. Ryan’s Signature sandwiches are a bit more costly than the traditional sandwiches [$7.99 - $8.99 versus $6.99], but well worth it. I had the pastrami and Swiss and it was delicious. I could have sworn I was at a New York deli, honestly. They can also make it a Reuben if you prefer. My gang also had the balsamic chicken sandwich, the roast beef and cheddar, and the grilled chicken. All received rave reviews.

Side dishes: Ryan’s offers a few side dishes and be forewarned, they do cost extra. We had the homemade potato chips, a favorite of mine and I think they are the new favorite of my favorites. The deli also offers potato salad, fruit salad, potato salad, and macaroni salad on the day we visited, but the huge sandwiches made it hard to eat more.

Desserts: Chocolate chip cookies were the only offering the day we visited, although several yummy-sounding desserts are on the catering menu.

Services: Ryan’s is self-serve for ordering and then they bring your food. The counter help was quite nice and happy to be at work. A real treat compared to some places. They put takeout meals in a red box – too cute.

Signature dish: Ryan’s signature sandwiches – all of them!

Address: 1342 Old Freedom Road, Cranberry Township, www.redboxdeli.com