East siders know a secret spot where the food is great, the atmosphere is old-school, and the price is right. Koppa's, 1940 N. Farwell Ave., looks like your typical neighborhood grocer, but never judge a deli by its cover. The Fulbeli Deli, in the back of the store, is the real deal, serving delicious sandwiches that feed the mouth and the soul.

The deli has your typical staples, of course: meats, cheeses, condiments and the like. Two old-time plaid "grandma" chairs are conveniently placed by the counter. They're there for you to take a load off while your sandwich is being created.

The ambience may be plain, but the menu is flat-out amazing. A solar system of offerings is presented -- cold double deckers, submarines, vegetarian creations, home-style favorites, grilled specialties and soup all tempt the taste buds. Most sandwiches are named for a planet or some outer space thing.

Take, for example, "The Mercury." With its garlic summer sausage, pepper-jack cheese, red onions, hot pepperoncini rings, lettuce, Miracle Whip and secret spice on a potato roll, this little number makes the tummy smile.

You really need to experience Fulbeli in person to appreciate it, but here are a few other items from their menu:

• Saturn
  Shaved turkey breast, sharp cheddar cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, alfalfa sprouts and secret spice on a pita.

• Oogle-Nogle
  Shaved roast beef, swiss cheese, cucumbers, red onions, lettuce, mayonnaise and secret spice on whole wheat bread.

• Sunra
  Sharp cheddar cheese, green peppers, tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, alfalfa sprouts, Polish-style mustard and secret spice on a French bread.

Koppa's Fulbeli Deli claims it "feeds the planet." Who cares if they feed the entire solar system, just so they continue to serve sandwiches to the citizens of Milwaukee.

For work-week hot lunch specials or to order ahead, call (414) 273-1273.