Here are a couple of new places in Hamilton's core that are quick off the mark with sandwiches and such. They fall short of express service but certainly trump fast-food alternatives.

Three 16 Lounge at 316 King St. E. is an agreeable little eatery-bar that is reasonable and fun, while Maxim's Deli, a few blocks away at the corner of Walnut Street, is a busy little throwback to the classic deli, though it has a limited menu.

Three 16 is eye-catching with an eight-foot female mannequin dominating the room and a big Mona Lisa print watching dinners. A collection of black-and-white photography populates other walls.

It, too, has an abbreviated menu with a series of sandwiches and a daily special served on small tables and at a three-stool bar.

I checked out the special on a first visit, getting a big platter of seafood lasagna with caesar salad and lightly toasted bun for $7. The big square of pasta was five layers thick with creamy salmon and shrimp.

That rich and hot main was offset by the crisp caesar, which was substantial and tossed with a restrained amount of dressing. Only the store-bought croutons and bacon bits disappointed, but it was a $7 platter, after all.

Three 16 offers a wide array of bottled foreign beers at good prices, and I sampled a crisp New Zealand Steinlager for $5.

On a second visit, I tried the Italian Moretti ($5) with the Wellington sandwich ($7), an eight-centimetre thick wad of thin-sliced roast beef between too-delicate wafers of toasted Portuguese bun. It was great but hard to negotiate with the generous beef spilling out, especially after I removed toothpicks skewered with piece of Swiss cheese and olive garnish to secure the two pieces. A tub of horseradish gave the platter some jump, and a pile of chips some crunch.

Still, it was very filling and good value with quick, engaging service and a view of the passing parade on King fleshing out the experience.

In sum, a good place to meet friends or make them, over a quick bite and brew.

Maxim's, in contrast, is a no-frills deli with classic smoked meats and coffees and non-alcoholic beverages.

While ordering at the counter recently, it was surprising that a soup on the menu wasn't available "until it gets colder." And no potato salad or pasta sides.

By contrast, there were about eight varieties of LaRocca desserts, and a homemade baklava showcased.

I tried the corned beef on rye, which came with a side salad for $6.95, and the protein portion was liberal and freshly carved. The salad was a fresh mix of greens with balsamic vinaigrette, and from the enthusiastic carver at the counter to two attentive servers, there clearly was a mission to please.

My guest and I checked out the desserts, a heavenly caramel cake ($4.95) and nice baklava ($3.50), and left satisfied, if a bit mystified at the want of choices beyond the desserts. Maxim's has also crammed one too many tables into a tiny space, making it a challenge if two tables try to vacate at once. But it was quick and fairly good.

jkernaghan@thespec.com

905-526-3422

Three 16 Lounge

316 King St. E.

905-253-0316

The look: Small and lively

The feel: Relaxed

What you'll pay: The antipasto plate, cheese plate and chicken caesar and Greek salads are $7. So are sandwiches such as The Rebecca featuring Genoa salami and Swiss cheese grilled on light rye. The King William boasts shaved corned beef with Swiss cheese.

Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday; 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., Thursday and Friday; 3 p.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible.

Maxim's Deli

202 King St. E.

905-296-8115

The look: Small and modest

The feel: Welcoming

What you'll pay: Montreal smoked meat, pastrami and smoked turkey on rye with side salad is $6.95.

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Saturday; 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible.