The mark of a good deli counter is often signified by a parking lot filled with trucks. These are the vehicles that belong to the hardworking men and women who make our city tick: electricians, plumbers, construction workers, tile layers, wallpaper hangers, installation and delivery men, painters and the like.

These are the people looking to refuel from their mornings with something hearty enough to get them through the afternoon. In my opinion, their presence at a deli counter means the food is fast, amounts are generous and the price is right. Alkobar Quick Stop and Deli, located in the heart of Cook Street's industrial area, is one of these places.

Cin, the cashier oversees the general convenience store portion of the joint, eventually knows everyone by name after their third or fourth visit. The guys in the back working the grill and lunch counter are constantly busy cooking up made to order fare for the perpetually packed house.

Aside from the regular sub sandwich fare, this place has been chosen by Palm Springs Life's Reader's Choice poll as the best place in the desert to buy a Philly Cheese Steak. I haven't tried this yet but have watched many a friend down the boat-of-a-sandwich filled with meat, lettuce, cheese and peppers with long-breathed oohs and aahs. There's even a version with added bacon.

For myself, I am a slave to the chorizo breakfast burrito, which comes in a massive tortilla filled to the brim with diced potatoes, egg, generous amounts of chorizo, and cheese. But they also have an assortment of traditional salads for those seeking lighter cuisine. Extras like gyros and fish and chips and teriyaki chicken rice bowls round this out as a quick stop for just about every taste bud.

To top it all off, the prices are great. For a hefty salad filled with chicken and sesame dressing, you pay $5.99. And it's only a little over $3.00 for burritos bursting at the seams. Can't go wrong when looking for cheap, satisfying eats!