Two-minute Review: O'Connell's Deli

Hungry for the city's best-kept sandwich secret? We've got the place. For lunch tomorrow, head downtown to O'Connell's Center City Deli (212 W. McDaniel St., 417-866-6315). You'll find it hidden in the back of O'Connell's Center City Grocery, which is just west of South Avenue. Despite its façade of a mini-grocery, this joint doesn't offer just any old meat, bread and cheese sandwich.

On the menu today? Whatever you want. With three varieties of wraps and four types of bread (all of which is cooked down the street at the Bakehouse) you're certain to find a sandwich to suit your fancy. Choices include everything from roast beef, turkey and peanut butter and jelly to banana and avocado-there are few things you could want that O'Connell's doesn't offer. Speaking of filling, the sandwiches are huge, looking like a sub on steroids once they're done stuffing it with all your goodies. The add-ons are mostly free: lettuce, tomatoes, sprouts, etc. More exclusive toppings, like sun-dried tomatoes or bacon, will cost you an extra 50 cents. For around five dollars you're certain to leave satisfied and we're sure you'll make it back.

Expect a warm smile from the help, but be warned: You'll be keenly aware of the fact that you're sitting in the back of a grocery store. The atmosphere really doesn't do the experience justice...until you bite into your sandwich. The taste is good enough to make you comfortable eating a row over from the dry goods aisle.

Need more incentive to become a regular? Order your own original sandwich often enough, and you'll get a place on the menu. Now there's another reason to head downtown during the lunch hour.