This Steer Inn/Tony's Whatever location has seen its share of changes over the years. First it was the known and tolerated Steer Inn before it turned into Tony Ferraro's Burgers and Italian Bistro. The Ferraro family is behind the Steer Inn shops, so the fact that the new compromised name now is Tony's Steer Inn ("Ferraro" name out, "Steer Inn" in, "Tony" still there)... Well, one can wonder what happened behind the scenes.
Tony Ferraro's Burgers and Italian Bistro was for all intents and purposes different from Steer Inn. The selection of Italian dishes set it apart, and the spot was by no means bad. Not amazing, but a step above what the greater Hillyard area has to offer.
Tony's Steer Inn is not particularly different from it's previous incarnation. If that's a good thing or a bad thing is up to the individual to decide.
The meatball sandwich, for me, has its ups, though also its down...
Yeah, that's a real mess.
As far as the flavor goes, it's not too bad. The bread might not be a religious experience, but it's better than any other sub shop in area. Granted, Subway and Sparky's might not set the highest bar, but you know what I mean.
The somewhat spicy meatballs fares better, and go well with a tangy tomato sauce. I'd skip the cheese -- oddly priced at $0.79 -- as it adds very little. The sauce completely overpowers it.
Really, there isn't that much to say about the sandwich. It's decent enough. I would try it again when in need of something to eat in Hillyard. I wouldn't travel out of my way to try Tony Ferraro's Burgers and Italian Bistro Steer Inn, but I wouldn't avoid it either.
Glowing recommendation? I guess not, but it's better than the neighboring Zip's at least.