Crossroads Deli (UTC)

Thanks for stopping to read this food blog, mmm-yoso!!!  Cathy is writing this post while Kirk (and His Missus) are doing some research for future posts.

So.  It has come to pass that in addition to The Mister needing to go to Scripps Torrey Pines for medical appointments, I, too, have a physician in the same building.  We have been coordinating our appointments so that we can drive together, saving some fuel costs.  This means that we get to stop somewhere 'on the way home' when we are finished.  Kirk wrote about Crossroads in 2014 and again in 2018, so I had an idea of where we could stop.

Crossroads Deli is located on the first floor of a group of three apartment complexes.    Each of the buildings has an underground "Guest parking" area before their respective security gates.  Step inside, there's a menu on the wall before you have to walk up to the register.  Many people seem to pre-order and just walk in to pick up.  The coffee is an exclusive blend made by local roastery, Cafe Moto.  It is excellent.

 There is usually a soup of the day, always Mom's Chicken Soup and always Mom's Beef & Bean Chili.  Here's the chili ($5.75).  An excellent, from scratch chili -not too spicy and very flavorful- the coarse ground beef and fresh cooked kidney beans make the texture of the chili very pleasant. 
Here is the Rachel Specialty Sandwich ($10.75).  Similar to a Reuben, made with heated Boar's Head pastrami (smoked corned beef), Swiss, mayonnaise and Mom's Cole slaw (excellent flavor), on toasted rye.  The breads here are all from local companies; I do like seeded rye.  An excellent, filling sandwich.  At the bottom corner of the menu board are Monday-Friday daily specials.  

 We were here on  Falafel Friday.  ($10.75).  The family recipe- vegan falafels (look at how green and delicately fluffy) wrapped in a large, warm pita with hummus, tahini sauce, lettuce, tomato and chopped pickle.  This is my favorite falafel in San Diego.
 We also were here on Meatball Monday ($10.75) Mom's from scratch meatballs (five) covered in a from scratch marinara, melted Provolone and served on a toasted French roll.  Excellent.  The large meatballs were light, meaty and flavorful with basil, garlic and parsley.  

Crossroads has been in this location since 2012; it is run by Al and Nelly and their son, Rob.  For 30 years before that, it was Park Boulevard Foods in University Heights, one of San Diego's original Mom and Pop Sandwich Shops.  All of Mom's recipes are tried and true.  Everything here, from the food to the people is simply wonderful.

Crossroads Deli 9085 Judicial Drive Suite 100 San Diego 92122 Open Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed Sunday (858) 458-0921 website

Comments

[Dereck]

My office used to be right in that area, and I don't recall ever hitting this place. Best falafel in San Diego??? I'm for sure going to meet someone for lunch here.

[Soo]

Good looking place.

[Som Tommy]

Been going here regularly since Kirk wrote it up a few years ago. A hidden gem.

[Cathy]

The falafel here is excellent, Dereck; the rare-ness of only being available on a Friday along with the unique family recipe made discovering it even more of a treat.
It's a great place, Soo!
A very hidden gem that withstood Covid-19 and so much more, ST. 40 years in business says a lot.

[Dereck]

I'm trying it tomorrow. I don't waste any time. :-)

[Cathy]

I hope you liked it, Dereck!