FIRST LOOK – Little a
Southside Village gets a delicious sandwich spot
🥪 a Sandwich is a Sandwich, but… No, this is not a piece extolling all of the wonders of the Manwich®. Maybe that’s a story for another day. No, this piece is about a Sarasota fine dining establishment that turns over the shingle at 11AM and transforms into one of the area’s best new lunchtime sandwich spots.
Enter Little a. I know I’m not alone in my love for all things sandwichy. It doesn’t really matter the style. A giant Chicago Beef, maybe a Bahn Mi, or how about a Monte Cristo? There are LOTS of ways you could go. I don’t think John Montagu, the Earl of Sandwich, knew what he was unleashing “back in the day.”
Adeline (the former Meliora) always had a little sandwich-side waiting to emerge. They serve a mean cheeseburger (yes, that’s a sandwich!) for dinner, which you can only get at the bar, and its supply is very limited. 📝 We wrote about that delicious burger on our Burger A Week adventure. If you missed it, READ IT HERE! 🍔
👀 Let’s Take a Look at Little a
🟰 THE BASICS
• WHAT: Little a
• WHERE: 1920 Hillview St. | 941- 444-7692
• WHEN: TUES – SAT, 11AM TO 2PM
• GET MORE INFO: Little a Website | dineSarasota Info Page
🤷 WHAT’S THIS PLACE LIKE?
Things on the inside don’t change a whole lot when they swing open the doors of Little a for their midday meal crowd.
The dining room still says Adeline.
And, yes, the funky bathroom hallway is still there.
But the plates coming out of Chef Drew Adams’s kitchen contain something a little more casual.
📄 WHAT TO ORDER?
If the goal here was to create sandwiches that uphold their reputation for creative, interesting, and delicious dishes, then that goal has certainly been met. These sub-like creations hit on all counts.
I know that men have a reputation for never asking for directions. But, in this case, a little guidance was in order. My server, Anthony, let me in on a bit of inside menu info. The Cheesesteak (Sharp Provolone, Little A sauce, Spicy Pepper, Grilled Onion) was the most popular choice. And the Lamb (Hummus, Sofrito, Arugula, Pickled Watermelon Radish, Mint, Feta, Tzatziki) was his “sleeper” pick. It was now decision time!
➡️ HERE’S A LINK TO THE LITTLE A MENU!
My Lunchtime Dilemma. I really want the whole sandwich, but I know in my heart it’s going to just be the trigger for a 2PM nap. The solution – Little a offers all of their sandwich options in half-size portions! The perfect remedy for a sleepy little problem. 💤
📝 You can get any sandwich listed on the menu above as a half for $10 to $12.
📷 PICTURES ARE WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS
So, here we go. We got two half sandwiches (so much for nap avoidance! 😁)
First up…
Yes, that’s a cheesesteak. No, it’s not the traditional Philly type. This one has some kick to it! It’s nowhere near five-alarm heat. But its zip will certainly get your attention.
Next up…
I went a touch-off script here and went for the Italian. (Anthony seemed OK with me calling the audible 🏈.) It’s a well-thought-out combination of classic Italian hoagie components. The flavor of the prosciutto is not overrun by the other toppings. Sometimes, this style of sandwich is served “overstuffed” (see Piccolo’s and Fiacco’s). What’s nice here is that the more reasonable size means you can taste each and every ingredient. It’s a less-is-more approach to sandwich making.
No, of course, we didn’t forget the sides.
🍟 My love of French Fries is well documented. And this version is right towards the top of the list. Crispy, salty, and potatoey. Perfect. 📝 I hope these will be available to accompany that great burger off the secret bar dinner menu. 🤞
This Pasta Salad was a home run. The pillowy shredded cheese covering the top makes it next-level great. It’s a side that, if you added a little bit of protein to it, could easily be a lunchtime main course.
👀 RANDOM OBSERVATIONS
• Little a is upscale casual for lunch. It’s not super expensive but the atmosphere feels like it.
• If you’ve never had Chef Drew’s culinary creations, this would be a good place to start.
• If you work anywhere in the Southside Village area (looking at you, SMH!), this would be an excellent choice for a quick carryout.
• Parking can be tricky in this neighborhood, so go a touch early (11:45AM) or late (1:30PM) to avoid circling for a spot.
✅ BOTTOM LINE
As people discover Little a, it’s going to get busier and busier. Yes, we have lots of good lunch options around town. But this one will stand out for any sandwich lover. And, to make things a little more interesting, they’ve just added a house-made pastrami sandwich to the menu. OK, it’s time to get out there and scratch that sandwich itch!
~ LH
🗓️ SARASOTA FOOD EVENTS 🗓️
Here are some upcoming local food events that we think you might find interesting. All you need to do is make that reservation. We’ve provided you with a link to more info.
⭐⭐ If you have an event, we’d like to help you spread the word. Let us know! (EMAIL IT)
📖 BUY A COPY OF OUR 2024 SARASOTA DINING BOOK! – ORDER HERE 📖
😋 MICHAEL’S ON EAST – MONTHLY EPICUREAN MENU – NORTHERN ITALY🌍
📆 WEEKLY POP-UP KITCHEN EVENTS – 99 Bottles Taproom & Bottle Shop
We’ve got a few things for you to do in the next days, weeks, and months. Get out there and take advantage of what our Sarasota restaurant community has to offer! ⬇️
DEC 15 – Breakfast with Santa – Arts & Central 🎅
DEC 31 – Speakeasy New Year’s Eve Party – Pier 22
DEC 31 – Neon Nights NYE Party – GROVE Restaurant
DEC 31 – NYE 2025 Party – Mean Dean’s Local Kitchen
🧑🌾 FARMER’S MARKET INFO 🌾
EVERY SUNDAY – Siesta Key Farmer’s Market – DETAILS
EVERY SUNDAY – Farmer’s Market at Lakewood Ranch – DETAILS
EVERY SUNDAY – The Meadows Farmer’s Market – DETAILS
EVERY WEDNESDAY – The Phillippi Farmhouse Market (Oct-Apr) – DETAILS
EVERY THURSDAY – Englewood Farmer’s Market (Oct-May) – DETAILS
EVERY SATURDAY – Sarasota Farmer’s Market – DETAILS
EVERY SATURDAY – Downtown Bradenton Public Market – DETAILS
EVERY SATURDAY – Venice Farmer’s Market – DETAILS
THIRD THURSDAY EVERY MONTH – UTC Night Market – DETAILS
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