As someone who is native to the California coastline, I definitely miss the beach from time to time.
Going to the ocean, swimming in the salty sea and watching the surfers while the sun sets cannot be beat, no matter how much I adore Chico. Bear Hole just doesn’t cut it sometimes, especially when I am in need of a reminder of the beach waiting for me back home.
After complaining to a friend one night of my homesickness, I was clued in on a deli close to the Chico State campus that apparently “is exactly like spending an hour at the beach.” It’s no surprise that this restaurant also happens to be called Beach Hut Deli, and for good reason.
I decided to check out this sandwich shop in between classes one day to see if the atmosphere was true to my friend’s observations.
Beach Hut Deli offers not only sandwiches but salads, breakfast options and nachos. I would argue that nachos are not exactly a beachy food option, but to each their own. After opening in 1981, they claim to provide awesome sandwiches with an even “awesome-er” atmosphere.
Walking in, I definitely understood what my friend was saying. The whole restaurant was decked out in beach-themed decor. The tables, chairs, floor, ceiling, everything. Reggae and rock music was playing in the background and even the staff gave off a hippie vibe. Not exactly the same as an afternoon in Santa Cruz or San Diego, but I was impressed.
However, looking over the menu, I noticed that not a lot of the sandwiches were Starving Student friendly. Reluctantly, I decided to order the cheapest sandwich on the menu in the smallest size, the “La Jolla.” It was a 6-inch sandwich with avocado, blue cheese, tomato, spinach, onions, pickles, balsamic vinaigrette and mayonnaise on whole wheat bread for $8.61. Not the best deal but I wasn’t about to dismiss Beach Hut Deli just yet. I was still having a great time absorbing the atmosphere. After adding a $2 tip my total came out to $10.61, just under my budget.
When my sandwich came out I will admit that I was not being skimped out on the veggies. They were piled on liberally, which I appreciated. Biting in, a burst of balsamic vinaigrette and blue cheese flavor began to throw a party on my taste buds. I have never quite had a unique combination like that before and I was not complaining. Accompanied with the avocado and mayo, balanced by the bread, I was starting to think the sandwich was worth $10.61.
I finished my meal slightly wishing I had more but was impressed despite my moment of skepticism. Although I do think there are better deals on sandwiches hidden through town, I think this is a good option for students because it is close by and offers high-quality sandwiches and atmosphere, despite the narrow selection of affordable sandwiches.
I want to come back and check out the nachos and breakfast sandwiches.
Kendall George is a Chico State University journalism student. Each week she is asked to find a meal that costs no more than $11 (one hour at minimum wage), including tip, and then write about it. Email her at starvingstudentkg@gmail.com.
