Readers' Choice Sandwich Shop: Marina Liquor & Deli

(Editor's note: If you came across this article by way of a web search or some other happenstance, this article reflects the results of a reader survey. Here's a in case you want to refer back to it.)

In 1992, Elena Lucarelli opened a sandwich counter in front of her parents' business, , at the busy intersection of Doolittle Drive and Marina Boulevard.

Two decades of hard work have apparently paid off. Elena's deli got 41 out of 112 votes to win a Patch survey of favorite local sandwich shops.

Elena was surprised and gratified to get word. She attributed the deli's showing to using fresh ingredients prepared daily. A great location with industrial, warehouse and trucking operations nearby helps. Top it off with humongous sandwiches for five bucks or six bucks and you have a formula for popularity.

got 28 votes and got 19 votes to distinguish these shops as San Leandro favorites.

Readers Gloria Amaral and Susan Criswell praised Estudillo in the comments. An Estudillio sandwich "is so big it's two lunches for me," Criswell said.

Joaquin Deli also has some dedicated fans. Patch reader Leah Hall said it was her daughter's favorite with sandwich shop "especially with the generous side salad included as an option."

I left a write-in slot in the poll, resigned to the fact that I would overlook some favorites.

Standing out in the write-in category was . "Most (of its) sandwiches, including the veggie option, are only three bucks," wrote Patch reader Jamie Radley.

In fact, I discovered a gap in my culinary experience -- I've never had a Vietnamese sandwich.

This was evidenced by the fact that two other write-ins were also shops that offered Vietnamese fare. They were (mentioned by Ruth Adar) and Mr. Bagel (cited by Angela Marrujo).

(Note to self: add Vietnamese sandwiches on my "to eat" list.)

One reason Patch is making surveys like this a weekly feature is to call attention to Places, a directory that allows you to find, rate and review businesses in San Leandro.

Thanks to everyone who took part in the debut of this experiment. Coming Monday: a survey of pre-schools.

(Readers: find San Leandro businesses in our Places directory. Business owners: learn how to use your free Places listing .)