I’ve driven by the unassuming building (it’s tucked between a home and a store) in Spotsylvania Courthouse many times. But I had never seen the restaurant until I went looking for it.

You might have missed it, too. Which means you may have missed some darn good sandwiches and friendly proprietors as well.

On a recent morning, I stopped by the tiny shop for the “Commuter,” a special that includes a breakfast sandwich and a generous cup of coffee for just $2.50.

I watched as the owner— Uncle Fred himself—cracked an egg over the sizzling hot grill, fried up a nice portion of fresh, sweet ham, then stacked them with cheese on a big roll.

The Commuter had some of the same ingredients as those fast-food sandwiches we’ve all stooped to, but this was a breakfast: fresh, hot and delicious. The big cup of coffee that came alongside was hot and strong, with real cream.

If you’re in the mood, get the Commuter with bacon. Like all the meats at Uncle Fred’s, it is Boar’s Head brand and is very high quality.

Don’t get the idea that Uncle Fred’s is a breakfast-only joint: The breakfast menu is limited to sandwiches, bagels and pastries with coffee, tea, hot chocolate or cappuccino.

But the lunch sandwich menu is extensive, and features the same high-quality meats and cheeses.

Uncle Fred and Aunt Beth—Fred and Beth Goshin—moved here from Long Island, N.Y., and they know how to make a great deli sandwich.

To test that theory, I tried the Reuben ($4.75). Golden grilled rye held a mound of freshly shaved, lean corned beef, Russian dressing, tasty Swiss cheese and sauerkraut.