I live 40-45 minutes outside the city. I'm almost never downtown unless it's for a game or a club. Havent gone to many restaurants in Phoenix. Kudos to chili.
I think the closest thing to a Phoenix Jewish deli within driving distance for me is Chompie's Bagels. My mom likes bialys, so I drop in there on Sundays and snag her a couple. Best thing I've ever heard there was the old Jewish geezer arguing with the pretty counter girl about "Why should I have to pay extra for extra cream cheese when not every customer is getting cream cheese in the first place?" It sounded vaguely familiar, somehow....
Yeah, Chompies isn't too shabby. I go the one in Chandler on a regular basis to get my Hebrew National soft salami sandwich fix, and the Borenstein family that owns it offers an excellent bakery as well. But it definitely doesn't have the feel of a Cantor's Deli in LA or Billie's in Glendale, where schmoozing with the old Jewish waitresses was part and parcel of the dining experience.
I like the Park Central Deli, formerly the Miracle Mile Deli for pastrami. The other location at 20th and Highland closed and is now a Corner Bakery, a decent chain place.
AND, for a place with more local flavor, who can resist the TexAz Grill at 16th and Bethany Home? Their chicken fried steak is like a meat blanket hanging over the plate!
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last commentBut it ain't on Central.
No shai, Cici's management has never been that innovative.
Come on Phoenix PLs. Where are all the guys who usually spout a lot of info about the city and strip club scene?
Time to show up or shut up.
CP
http://www.tommypastraminydeli…
CP, any good?
Despite having so many people from back east living here, we really have a poor selection of legitimate Jewish & Italian delis.
CP
My hometown and where I live now HAD great multiple delis. Sadly, they have all disappeared.
It's one thing to never have had the pleasure of eating great Jewish deli food, a bigger loss to have once tasted what you can't get now. Oy!
CP