Cero's Heros

(817) 488-8800

Drop into Grapevine, Texas—just north of Fort Worth—and take a stroll down Historic Main Street. Make sure to check out the vintage hearse stored in a glass room at the mortuary, climb on the old Tarantula steam engine at the depot, and have a glass of wine at the tasting room (it’s called Grapevine for a reason!). But don’t stop for a nibble at any of the cafés or restaurants, because when you get to the very north end of Main, you will find Cero’s Heros, a mighty fine sandwich shop still going strong after 37 years!

This tiny shop puts out some Texas-size heros that are as tasty as they are big. Half size is a fat 8 inches. And don’t even think of trying the whole size, a massive 16-inch sandwich that could feed a whole pack of working cowboys.

Each hero is available either regular (lettuce, tomato, onions, mustard, ketchup) or spicy (oil, garlic, crushed oregano, green and red crushed peppers). The spicy version is so deliciously heaped with peppers and oregano, that it is the only way to go if you choose the Italian (salami and provolone cheese; $4.40) or the International (ham, turkey, salami, sausage, American cheese; $4.40)!

The wheat or white rolls are soft, chewy goodness, and packed so full that they are literally brimming with “stuff.” The Hot Italian Sausage (provolone cheese, sautéed peppers and onions, pasta sauce, spices; $4.65) and the German Sausage and Swiss cheese ($4.40) both explode over the edges and are a serious challenge to eat. But, the mess is so worth the effort!

The guys at the counter know everybody’s first name, so you know it’s a serious locals hangout. If you sit outside at the old-fashioned school desks, you will get a chance to hear what the locals order. (Besides, there are no tables inside!) Or take your sandwich and go west a block to the botanical gardens�a welcome oasis of greenery and coolness in the Texas heat.

Don’t for get to ask for lots of extra napkins. You will need them!

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