When I first moved to Brookline, I figured that the sub shop on the corner of Harvard and Homer streets would be little more than a liquor mart and the answer to my greasy-spoon cravings. First impressions — a tiered rack of chips, a cold-beverage fridge, and a lunch counter with vinyl-cushioned barstools — inspired about as much confidence as your local house of pizza.

But, as is often the case, so much for first impressions.

Given its small space, the Brookline Spa offers an extraordinary selection of sandwiches, soups, salads, snacks, and thin-crust pizza for surprisingly great prices (this is Brookline, after all): jumbo slices of cheese pizza won’t run you more than $1.75.

Catering to both smaller and larger appetites, most subs, sandwiches, and grill specials are available in a choice of sizes on one of eight bread options. But take note that their notorious "Gangster Wraps" will challenge even the heartiest appetites — whether you choose the Paulie Walnuts (roast turkey, roast beef, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, creamy cucumber-wasabi sauce, $5.50) or the Teflon Don (boneless Buffalo wings, lettuce, tomato, chunky blue cheese, $5.25), you won’t need an afternoon snack. And you’ll know the names of all the legendary Italian mobsters, to boot.

Brookline Spa, located at 75 Harvard Street, in Brookline, is open Monday through Friday, from 6 am to 9 pm, and on Saturday, from 9 am to 8 pm. Call 617.566.9446.