Best sandwiches in bread pockets: Ike’s Deli & Bakery

There was something so perfectly Rancho Cordova about Ike's Deli & Bakery being located next to a strip club. But then the deli decided to go all sophisticated on its bluest of blue-collar roots this year and move down the street, where it's now got windows without any security bars and a new logo. The most important thing, I suppose, is that it's still serving up sandwiches in its singular, housemade bread pockets—something like a cross between pita and focaccia. Adding to the kitschy (and delicious) experience is the eponymous and gruff Ike, who mans the register and may or may not take your order if you call 10 minutes before the shop's 2 p.m. closing time. The deli opens at 9:30 a.m. and is only open Monday through Friday, but these strict hours of operation are well worth adhering to. 11210 Sun Center Drive in Rancho Cordova, (916) 635-9808, www.ikes deli.com.