If the Bubbe is visiting, and you're thinking, "Great, let's take her out for good pastrami," she'll enjoy, but perhaps she'll wince when she sees shrimp on that other part of the menu. "What kind of place is this again?" she asks. But then she thinks about her nice Italian friend, and wouldn't it be nice if she could take her here for lunch sometime? That's kind of what this place is all about—a bridging of two deli cultures that happens to make a good deli breakfast and a fine pasta dinner, too. Don't get too caught up in this food paradox. It works; it's good; and Bubbe's happy.
Runners up:
2. Rincon Market
2513 E. Sixth St.
327-6653, rinconmarket.com
3. TIE
Fifth Street Deli and Market
5071 E. Fifth St.
325-3354, www.5thstreetdeli.com
Jason's Deli
5420 E. Broadway Blvd., No. 260
790-7000
4545 N. Oracle Road, No. 121
407-1100, jasonsdeli.com