What Comes Between

There's no table seating, but a rotating menu of a half-dozen panini might include housemade olive-oil-poached tuna with tapenade and pea shoots; roast beef with horseradish aioli and caramelized onions; or grilled chicken with pasilla peppers and jack cheese. The panini press turns out a slightly thin, dense, ridged sandwich that, again, might suffice for two light eaters, as did a recent masterpiece of excellent salty prosciutto, arugula, and provolone. Sides (available all day) include a layered spinach and potato gratin, or roasted Brussels spouts. If you arrive after 4 p.m., you can also pick up one of the monthly-changing daily hot specials (though Monday's lasagna bolognese and Friday's fried organic chicken are so popular that they seem to be on permanent duty). The specials come with a salad of fresh mixed greens. Rotisserie chickens are available every day.

The contents of the drinks fridges at these three places epitomize their owners' diverse philosophies: the recognizably homey Frappuccinos, Snapples, Cokes, and juices at Petite Deli; the hip Izze and Jones specialty sodas alongside organic energy drinks at Ike's; and the esoteric offerings of regional root beer, cream soda, and pricey imported Italian sodas in seductive shapely bottles at Avedano's. But all three offer quality sandwiches at popular prices to their eager clienteles.