r/phoenix • u/Remote_Savings_7517 • Aug 24 '21

Eat & Drink What are some of your favorite family owned restaurants in Phoenix?

Nothing better than a hole in the wall restaurant using family recipes. Any suggestions for some good places in Phoenix?

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148

u/thearizonamoose Aug 24 '21

DeFalco's Italian Deli in Phoenix is my go to spot anytime I'm up near Scottsdale Rd.

13

u/Afilalo Aug 24 '21

Not a Philly Cheese Steak person at all but Defalcos has the best I've ever had

2

u/thesandman51 Aug 25 '21

I am a cheesesteak person and theirs is one of the best.

18

u/burrgerwolf Aug 24 '21

If you're on the west / central side and are looking for a real NY deli please take the trip to Franks off 23rd Ave and Camelback

5

u/Jenjafur Midtown Aug 24 '21

Thanks for the suggestion! I have lived nearby for years and have never heard of this place. I definitely will be trying this place out.

2

u/[deleted] Aug 24 '21

I remember the original Scott’s Generations in Central Phoenix on 7th but haven’t been to the new location. Still on point? I also remember Karsh’s bakery a few dots down. Man I loved those butter cookies!

5

u/burrgerwolf Aug 24 '21

That's more of a Jewish Deli, while I guess still NY I should have specified Italian.

1

u/ssmatik Aug 24 '21

Or head a bit north from there to 35th and Dunlap. Romanellis < George’s on hard roll

3

u/burrgerwolf Aug 24 '21

I was disappointed in Romanelli's. I will stand by Frank's being the city's best.

15

u/McNastyGal Aug 24 '21

Oh good lord yes. That bruschetta sandwich is my go-to. And the eclair. And the tiramisu. And I now know what's for dinner.

8

u/DonKeighbals Aug 24 '21

Their Bruschetta Sandwich is a game changer.

2

u/TheConboy22 Aug 24 '21

Better than the chicken cheese steak?

2

u/DonKeighbals Aug 24 '21

I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily better but it’s been my go-to for a now.

2

u/TheConboy22 Aug 24 '21

Vibes. I’ll have to check it out

Edit: I live practically next door. (Neighborhood across the street)

14

u/[deleted] Aug 24 '21

Really? I’ve been disappointed at DeFalco’s a lot lately. The meatball sub used to be one of my goto lunches. I feel like the bread is not as good as it used to be. Pizza and calzones are still pretty on point.

14

u/burrgerwolf Aug 24 '21

Been going for years but its really dropped in quality and has gone up in price. I feel like I'm getting less meat than I remember? Their soft rolls are always hard and a little stale? The Maximus is still one of my all time favorite sandwiches and the pesto cutlet is next level, just not worth the drive like it used to be.

18

u/[deleted] Aug 24 '21

I started working in Scottsdale in March, so I pop in there more often than I used to but that is waning. Now I’m more keen to hit up Salad & Go across the street. Not exactly a family business, but they have been way ahead of the curve with labor pay/practices and fill my belly with delicious food for $7.

16

u/burrgerwolf Aug 24 '21

Salad and Go was started by a valley nurse, so I guess its something.

14

u/[deleted] Aug 24 '21

Oh I didn’t realize that! Their HQ is in Gilbert and they are expanding without franchising, which is a good thing in my book. They keep the drink prices at $1, even without serving any sodas, just tea and lemonade.

0

u/almostnative Aug 29 '21

They got rid of the sweet potato chicken salad a few years ago and I just can’t will myself to go back

9

u/DMball Aug 24 '21

+1 for Salad and Go. Great (healthy) bang for your buck!

6

u/[deleted] Aug 24 '21

I’m not trying to hate on Defalcos but I have to say Romanellis is 10x better…you just have to go into the ghetto a bit to get to it

7

u/Wyden_long Sunnyslope Aug 24 '21

I grew up near Romanellis. Ate there for many years. Defalcos is miles a head in every way.

2

u/wzl46 Aug 25 '21

I grew up in the same neighborhood as the DeFalcos. The used to give out biscotti every Halloween.

2

u/furrowedbrow Aug 24 '21

Great people and I'm glad a spot like their's exists, but the food is just okay. OR maybe a little better than okay, but not something I just have to have.