When I think of a pit stop, like at the races, I think of fast. At Deb's Pit Stop Deli, you'll need to slow down for a moment and savor the many fabulous flavors. 

This little eatery was Joe's Deli for years and had the usual deli grub such as turkey sandwiches, roast beef and the same old, same old.  Deb's is nothing like that; everything on the menu here is fresh.  They roast their roast beef fresh and offer a huge variety of delicious sandwiches, salads, soups and chili, as well as a full breakfast menu.

Open since last October, this is a to-go deli located right next to the Wood Bin, owned by Deb Arturi.  I would suggest calling your order in ahead because there are no tables or anywhere to sit to wait.  They do have one picnic table across the parking lot where people can relax and eat their lunch or breakfast, but for the working class population, it's much more convenient to take it on the run.

Visiting for the first time, I asked what their most popular sandwich was and was told the Texan (ribeye steak with American cheese and hot sauce) or the Californian (same as the Texan — minus hot sauce and add lettuce, tomato and mayo).  So of course I went with something different.

I ordered the Balboa for my husband, which was grilled roast beef on a garlic grinder roll with melted mozzarella.  I just have one word, YUM! The beef is roasted, sliced thin and very tender.  The garlic bread adds just the right amount of zing but not enough to scare off your co-workers.

I ordered the Chicken Philly Steak, which is just like a regular Philly Cheese steak but with chicken instead of beef.  This was a little too gooey for my liking, but delicious nonetheless.  The chicken chunks were big and tender and the thinly sliced peppers complemented the Swiss cheese nicely.

My husband and I shared both sandwiches and were very satisfied.  I can't wait to go back and try the ribeye, and their breakfast, and chili. 

The service at Deb's is very friendly.  It's nothing fancy here.  All of the food is made fresh to order and is definitely worth the wait.

They also sell chips, soda, cookies and other snacks to make your meal complete. Breakfast is served all day.

Sandwich prices range from $4 and up in the "Build your Own Sandwich" section of the menu and soups are $3.50 for a cup. Salads are around $7 and grilled wraps and sandwiches range from $5.75 to $7.50.

For two sandwiches, two bags or chips and two sodas our lunch came to $22. Yes, it is a few dollars more than those chain restaurants (that shall remain nameless) but it is worth the extra few bucks for a good hearty, fresh lunch with tons of flavor.

Deb's is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Call in your order by dialing 203-740-8800 or fax it to 203-740-8801. 

And don't forget to drop a couple of bucks into Jose's "Tattoo Fund."  I hear he may be getting inked with a picture of his brand new baby.