Hilltop Market used to be just a small convenience store. They sold lots of live bait to fishermen headed out to the Rivanna Reservoir. They sold some canned goods, drinks, snacks and some really good and fresh produce. Then they opened a small deli. Since then, I’d guess about 20 years ago, Hilltop Market has become one of the go-to lunch destinations for many in Charlottesville. You’ll find men in business suits, construction workers and teachers from Albemarle High School all lined up at the deli counter to place an order.
I have eaten a number of things from Hilltop Deli and I’ve never ordered anything that wasn’t good, but I can say with certainty that their Chicken Salad Sandwiches are simply the best in Charlottesville. In a contest, they would take the Blue Ribbon every time.
When my Mom was in the Assisted Living Facility at Morningside, she’d often request a Chicken Salad Sandwich from Hilltop if I was headed her way. I’d stop and get three, two for me.
I don’t know what makes those sandwiches so good, but they really are. They are worth a special trip across town to get one.
Hilltop offers a complete deli menu including some pretty good fried chicken, sandwiches, soups, salads, barbeque and the like. There is usually a line at lunch time, but it moves quickly.
If you haven’t eaten a Chicken Salad Sandwich from Hilltop, it’s high time to visit their deli at 2808 Hydraulic Road, right across from Albemarle High School. For a call-ahead order, it’s 434-973-6480.