Village Heros reopens in Syosset

Syosset's Village Heros is back. The sandwich institution that closed in 2023 after more than 50 years reopened last week at 575 Underhill Blvd., right across the street from where it began in 1972.

Fans of the original shop, which closed after the land it sat on was sold to a developer, will welcome back its menu of heroes large and small, hot and cold, as well as salads from Greek ($12.25) to Caesar ($9.25) — all of which can be chopped for an extra $2. Sides range from mozzarella sticks ($7.25) to french fries ($5.25) and chicken fingers ($11.25). Whether you’re partial to turkey, salami, ham, bologna or roast beef, Village has you covered.

According to Bill Casey, now a Village Heros business partner as well as a lifelong friend of the original owners from the '70s — the Gold and Flaum families — the reopening of the shop is a full-circle moment. "Once we saw that Mother Kelly’s [the previous tenant] went out of business, we knew this was the place," Casey said. The new space is small and spare — white walls, a counter for service, tables for those who want to sit — but mighty. "We had to hire three more people — totally unexpectedly — after our first week," he said. A testament to the deli’s popularity, a recent lunch rush offered standing room only for patrons awaiting their orders to-go.

In the hot department, it’s the Italian heroes — cheesy, saucy chicken and meatball Parms, sausage and peppers, Philly cheesesteaks, and a flounder filet with tartar sauce — that will guarantee a return visit. Past the basics, Village’s super combination heroes are popular favorites. Perhaps it’s the Wild Willy, loaded with crispy chicken cutlets, lettuce, tomato and mayo, that you crave? Maybe it’s the Italian Stallion Bomber with mortadella, pepperoni, proscuittini, salami and provolone with the works (tomato, lettuce, onion, and dressing)? Wraps ($12.25) round out the bread-based offerings, and include the decadent Elvis Wrap made with chicken cutlets, bacon, mozzarella sticks and seasoned fries with ranch dressing. Heroes are available in both junior and large sizes and range from $7.99 to $23.25.

Open for breakfast, Village also makes killer bacon (or sausage and ham), egg, and cheese on a roll ($7.25), but don’t sleep on the potato, bacon, egg and cheese option ($9.25), which enhances the classic with the addition of spuds.

A bit hard to find, the new location is in an office building on the corner of Underhill and Jericho Turnpike, with the shop’s entrance accessed through the south side of the building.

Village Heros, 575 Underhill Blvd., Syosset, 516-716-4376; Open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed Sunday.

By Marie Elena Martinez

marieelena.martinez@newsday.com@mariesworlds

A global freelancer who has checked her suitcase to raise her young daughter on her native Long Island, Marie Elena will always make time for good mezcal, even better tacos and killer conversation. Preferably, in a corner bar seat. She can be found on Instagram at @mariesworldeats.