A liquor store might not be the first place you look for beach lunch, but The HUB has a deli tucked inside. We stopped in for a hosted visit and found the kind of neighborhood shop where a sandwich run can turn into picking up half your errands.
The shelves held liquor, wine, champagne, candy and Japanese chips, plus everyday essentials such as toiletries, napkins and tissues. There was a lot more to browse than we expected from a quick deli stop.
We tried a warm turkey, bacon and avocado sandwich and a cold Classic Turkey, ordered the HUB way with oil and vinegar. Kyle liked both. Lana leaned toward the cold turkey sandwich.
The best part of this lunch plan? The beach is right across the street.
We also picked up a massive Coke Zero. With sandwiches and a cold drink in hand, the useful move is to take lunch to the beach, less than a five minute walk away. It is a simple local tip that makes the stop more than just another sandwich counter.
The deli was a local tip long before our visit.
The HUB has been part of Mission Beach for more than 30 years. Back in 2010, American Libraries magazine included its deli in a San Diego dining guide, recommending the sandwiches and breakfast fare. This lunch stop has been getting passed along for years.
Read the 2010 dining guide ↗One warm, one cold.
We tried both styles, and the cold turkey was Lana’s pick. Here is what was in our lunch lineup.
Classic Turkey
Our number one was served cold and ordered the HUB way with oil and vinegar. This was the sandwich Lana preferred.
Turkey, bacon and avocado
We ordered this sandwich warm. Kyle enjoyed it as well as the cold turkey, so the warm versus cold choice comes down to what you are craving.
Snacks, drinks and a little more
Our extras included a massive Coke Zero, Man Candy beef jerky, Sour Strips, passion fruit Japanese Red Bull, an açaí bowl, Dirty potato chips and Mexican candy. All the snacks and drinks fit into the same stop before heading across the street to the beach.
Kyle’s take: He liked both sandwiches.
Lana’s take: The cold Classic Turkey was her favorite of the two.
The details worth knowing
Take lunch to the beach
The beach is right across the street, less than a five minute walk from the shop. Pick up lunch before heading to the sand.
Choose warm or cold
Our two sandwiches came in different styles. Tell the deli how you want yours served and ask what the HUB way adds to your order.
Check deli hours separately
The shop and sandwich counter may keep different hours. Confirm current deli service before planning your lunch stop.