Location: 1425 28th St. NW
Readers’ pick: Jetties

In the age of social media, it is hard for hidden gems to stay under wraps. But Stachowski’s Market – a deli removed from the M Street craze of Georgetown – has somehow remained a well-kept secret.

The corner butcher shop easily blends in with the surrounding townhouses on the block with its red brick exterior, but once you step inside, you’ll most likely be greeted by a line and an abundance of offerings ranging from traditional deli meats like salami ($13.99 per pound) and pastrami ($17.99 per pound) to more uncommon options like duck prosciutto ($45 per pound) and stuffed quail ($11.99).

If you are looking for a deli to perfect your complicated sandwich order, Stachowski’s Market is not your spot. The shop does not stray from its sandwich menu – which is written in chalk on a pig-shaped chalkboard – and custom sandwiches are not permitted.

But the mostly Italian-inspired sandwich options that Stachowski’s Market does offer are sure to satisfy. Come with an empty stomach if you’re hoping to try the hot pastrami sandwich ($16.99), which is piled high on pumpernickel bread with thick slabs of cut-in-house pastrami and a hearty smear of mustard, or the butcher shop dip ($13.99) with hot roast beef, provolone and hot and sweet peppers.

Even the sandwich shop’s seemingly simple turkey club ($12.99) is massive and tasty, and it features two layers – one with thick slices of roast turkey, avocado and mayonnaise and the other with bean sprouts, tomato, Swiss cheese and crunchy bacon. While I expected this to be one of the shop’s lighter options, I was left walking back to Foggy Bottom with half of a sandwich leftover.

The sandwich shop’s traditional style and straightforward menu of ridiculously delicious sandwiches are what make it the best around.