Pearson Deli on Shelter Island Drive in Point Loma is something you’ll miss if you blink as you drive by, but you shouldn’t.
It’s a small deli at the head of the Pearson Fuel Pier (an odd combination, I know) where many of the local yacht brokers and boat repair yard workers alike will stop for breakfast or lunch. If you’re a regular, Oscar and Lydia will get to know you by name and greet you each time you come in to grab something to eat or drink.
It’s definitely a no-frills deli, but it offers really good food in large portions at reasonable prices. My two-inch high half a ham and Swiss cheese on rye with the works (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mayo, and mustard) plus a can of soda was $6.00. I saw Lydia prepare a full turkey club sandwich, and it was the size of a Nerf football. Seriously. Their pastrami—especially served heated—is quite good, and their TBA—turkey, bacon, and avocado—sandwich is one of their more popular. My only minor criticism is that I wished they used more robust, European style bread.
In addition to the sandwiches, they’ll typically serve chili and will have pre-made salads and even deviled eggs available for those wanting lighter fare. They’ll also have a lunch special which is typically half a sandwich and chili or a salad for $6 or $7. Also available are bottled water, soda, and beer.
I’ve had a breakfast there once or twice, and they’ll serve up breakfast sandwiches and bagels and cream cheese (it was more like cream cheese with a bagel on the side—just the way I like it!).
You can enjoy eating your meal on their deck overlooking the Shelter Island Yacht Basin and dream of how you can own one of those multi-million dollar behemoths, or you can just take a five minute drive and pull up a picnic table overlooking the harbor from Shelter Island, watching sailboats and destroyers gliding past.
If you happen to be hungry and in Point Loma, take a drive out to Shelter Island and explore Pearson Deli.
What You Need To Know
Location: 2435 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
Hours:
Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.–4 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m.–3:45 p.m.
Cost: $5 and up
Phone: (619) 222-2234
Website: None
Tips: There’s a very small parking lot that holds about 6 cars; street parking is metered. Sandwiches are huge, so they can easily be shared.
Gallery
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Visited:
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