70. Best Deli

This is a hotly-debated category. Everyone has a favorite. Preferences vary from non-nonsense standards to toasted offerings with chipotle this and angus beef that. The $5 war between Subway and Quiznos has been nothing but beneficial for the lunchtime crowd. This year’s winner, however, prides itself on unique sandwiches “with character,” and the crowds at lunch certainly back up its popularity. The 2008 winner is Erik’s DeliCafe in the newly renovated Milpitas Town Center.

Subway, offering inexpensive daily specials and low-calorie sandwiches, won an Honor Award. Close behind was Nob Hill’s deli, which recently upgraded its sandwich selections to signature themed offerings, named for locations all over Northern California. Its sandwich-makers know many of the customers by name.

Togo’s, 2001 winner, also returned as a runner-up, as did Quiznos, Save Mart, Lucky and Safeway. The large supermarkets offer great deli sandwich deals with a drink and chips for less than what most others charge for a sandwich alone.