The classic liquor deli is usually underrated. Hardly anyone ever thinks that going into a liquor store filled with mini vodkas in plastic bottles, standing next to trucker-style spiced pumpkin seeds and packaged gummy bears typical of road trips, could yield a juicy, satisfying sub. But lo and behold, a liquor store deli always has its secrets.
Park Place Liquor & Deli, on – you guessed it – Park Place, has been recommended to me by locals and Reddit users alike. And because those two groups are the ones I trust the most, I had to go see for myself what the hype is all about.
When I walked inside, the place was teeming with workers, sailors and the like. There weren’t many tourists in February, though I fully expect to see bikinis, board shorts, and flip-flops come summer. I felt my appetite stir as I was reminded of hot summer days at the beach when you grab a sandwich only for it to turn crunchy from grains of sand.
Park Place Deli has an extensive, maybe even overwhelming, menu displayed on a large board. Beside: sandwich staples – BLT, turkey sub, the Italian, etc. – the place has a few innovative options like the Park Place Special, featuring pastrami, corned beef, ham, and melted Swiss cheese on a French roll.Â
The Diablo sauce, another specialty, is a spicy blend of smoky chipotle peppers, roasted onions, roasted garlic, and mayonnaise. It caught my eye, as I am a sucker for bold peppers.
When I ordered, a queue of customers spilled around the counter. I hurried and chose what I know best: the California, with turkey, bacon, avocado, Swiss cheese, lettuce, sprouts, tomato, mayonnaise, mustard, and sourdough bread. I added the Diablo sauce for heat.
The price point was nothing that made me wince, but nothing that felt like a steal, either. Around $14 without tip. After only a few minutes, I was given my sub with a smile.
A good sandwich can really spice up a dull day, and this one was a midweek treat for a midweek lull. The sprouts, tomatoes, and lettuce made my first bite feel fresh. The meat quantity, something sandwich makers often struggle to balance with other ingredients, was just the right amount; I didn’t have to pick anything off in disappointment. On soft sourdough, it was juicy, crispy, and flavor-packed.
The Diablo sauce lived up to its name and may have painted my lips a bit too red. It zhuzhed up the sub enough to spark some dopamine, and I seldom complain about a chipotle sauce.
Overall, it was an impressive, hearty sandwich that gave me that boost I needed. It didn’t completely knock me out with amazement. I just left feeling satisfied and pleased.
And dear reader, please let me know if there are any meals, cocktails, coffees, or pastries you want me to review. I’d love to see what you all are eating and drinking.
Park Place Liquor & Deli is located at 1000 Park Place in Coronado, California. The store is open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday from 7 a.m. to midnight, Saturday from 8 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The deli itself serves sandwiches on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and on weekends from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
