Zoccoli's Delicatessen

Sitting right on Pacific Ave in downtown Santa Cruz, Zoccoli’s Delicatessen is a true local staple. Its story began back in March 1948 when Robert Zoccoli Sr. and his family turned an old grocery store into a deli, eventually passing the torch to the second generation in 1962, and then to brothers Craig and Russell in 1989. As one of the oldest family-run businesses in town, they’ve seen it all—including the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake that leveled much of downtown. Despite being forced to close for the first time ever, they kept the spirit alive in a temporary trailer for 18 months before moving back to this very spot. Everything from the sauces and soups to the tiramisu is made right here in-house. The drill is simple: head to the counter and take your pick from the three massive menu boards featuring cold subs, hot sandwiches, and a "create your own" section. You can choose from six different rolls—sourdough, sweet, wheat, onion, prairie, or ciabatta—as well as sliced toast or rye, with a gluten-free whole grain option available for a small upcharge. Your sandwich comes wrapped in foil with a classic shop sticker, ready to be enjoyed at the mesh tables out on the patio. The Italian Sausage sandwich is a fan favorite, featuring grilled sausage slices with sautéed peppers and onions on a sweet roll, all drizzled with an Italian sauce that soaks into the bread just right. Their Tri-Tip—a popular California-style marinated beef cut—is sliced thin and paired with roasted red peppers, onions, and mayo on a roll that perfectly absorbs the savory juices. Beyond the classics like Meatball Italiano, French Dips, and Reubens, they also offer seven or eight different vegetarian options marked with a "V." Perfect for family meals, dining with kids, a quick solo lunch, or grabbing a picnic for the road.