Go: Los Gatos Meats & Smokehouse

A Silicon Valley native and sandwich lover, I've wandered about aimlessly the past decade without a favorite deli to call home. Everything changed last week when my husband took me for lunch at Los Gatos Meats & Smokehouse. I'd passed by the unassuming storefront many times before and always thought it was a butcher shop—boy was I wrong, it's a delicious deli too! All the meats are prepared, marinated, cured, and smoked on-site, and their sandwiches are enormous. Their signature bread is dutch crunch (my personal fave), but they have a plethora of other choices. They also offer a low-carb option where they scrape out some of the bread, which made my loaded sandwich much easier to handle.

The heart of Los Gatos Meats' charm is that it's the antithesis of Los Gatos: unassuming, a bit run-down, and inexpensive. Having been around since 1891, it boasts a rich history and a devoted following. My husband and I devoured our food at the picnic tables in front of the shop while a chef smoked meat right next to us; the aroma was swoon-worthy. The next time I visit my new deli home, I plan to order the Roast Turkey sandwich ($7.99 ) and bring a friend to split it with.

Los Gatos Meats & Smokehouse is the very definition of hole-in-the-wall—watch closely, or you'll miss what just might be the best deli in all of Silicon Valley. Bon appétit!