Week 43: D.Z. Akin's

Week 43: October 22-28th, 2023

You know those places or signs you drive past that become familiar, and you'd notice if they were gone, but you never consider going to? These things become a part of our routines, and we come to expect them on our drives. These mysterious places that aren't so mysterious because they're familiar scenery staples. I've lived in San Diego for six years, and for six years, I've driven past a section of the I-8 East, between SDSU and La Mesa. I am happy to report the big, red sign reading "D.Z. Akin's" is no longer one of these familiar mysteries.

Earlier this year, a coworker of mine suggested I check out "one of the best delis in San Diego," and I finally put two and two together. The D.Z. Akin's suggested by my coworker, confirmed to be a historic La Mesa specialty, was the same D.Z. Akin's I've been driving past for years. This week, I finally ventured over to check it out.

The parking lot was pretty full

I'll admit, there is something about going to long-standing local businesses that makes you feel like you're almost intruding on their routine. These people have their service down to a science. They expect their regulars, and I felt slightly uncomfortable going in at first because I wasn't one of them. My discomfort quickly disappeared when an older woman working behind the counter managed to say "Welcome in, honey" even as she was mid-transaction. It was crowded, and chaotic, but not stressful. There were a ton of families in line for the sit-down restaurant, and the hustle and bustle of the bakery and deli felt fun and productive.

TONS of bakery items

I pulled a number from the machine and waited. The father and son with the number before mine ordered a ton of pastries. The son was about eight or nine years old, and was practicing his ordering skills. He stumbled over some of the quantities, and his dad gently corrected him with encouragement. The woman behind the bakery counter must have been really touched by the kid's bravery because she slid him a chocolate chip cookie, and said "Good job" with a wink. He was thrilled. It was really cute.

When my number was called, I didn't have a plan. I had been too busy watching the moving parts of the D.Z. Akin's machine go to work. There were so many options. Did I want baked goods? A sandwich from the deli? A loaf of bread? Soup made from scratch? I was getting overwhelmed. I wasn't that hungry, but I wanted to try everything. I panicked, and honestly don't remember ordering. I must've blurted out something understandable, because I was handed two tickets.

While I waited for my last minute decision of what appeared to be a lox bagel and loaf of challah, I got to look around a little. It was a classic, New York-style deli, just like everyone said. Attached to the bakery and deli section was a sit-down restaurant, with a ton of goodies to choose from. There was even a very full gift shop.

A bunch of stuff to buy alongside the fresh bakery items or deli foods

They have kosher wines!

The gift shop at D.Z. Akin's

My trance-like observation was interrupted when the the deli guy, (who was quite handsome), called my name and handed me a big brown bag. I took my tickets to the cashier counter, and while paying, was surprised to see a familiar face on the wall.

Sam the Cooking Guy loves D.Z. Akin's!

Next to the Specials board, was a photo of Sam the Cooking Guy, one of my favorite YouTube chefs. He is a San Diego local. I've been to a couple of his restaurants, but this is the first time I've seen a signed photo of him somewhere. It reminded me of the autographs Guy Fieri leaves when he visits places during Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. The wall behind the counters were filled with signed photos of famous people who have visited D.Z. Akin's over the years. It felt like a little peek into their history.

SDSU Athletics!

After I left, I looked in the bag and saw my challah loaf was already sliced. It was sitting on top of a big, white container, which I assumed held my bagel. I got home and took the challah out of the bag, along with a surprise!

Gorgeous challah.

The MASSIVE spread for a bagel.

I expected just a regular, lox and cream cheese bagel. But no, the handsome deli man went above and beyond and gave me an entire spread of tomatoes, onion, lettuce and pickles. There were even capers and olives, and I was half hoping to find a piece of paper with the deli man's phone number on it. Maybe next time. They really do it properly at D.Z. Akin's! Maybe I'll become a regular.

See you next week.