Phoenix’s sandwich scene is full of unexpected finds and local flavor, whether you’re hungry for a classic deli sub or a modern twist with house-baked bread. If you’re searching for a new lunch spot or a reliable favorite, these local sandwich shops deliver serious taste with every bite.
Let’s get to it.
Brooklyn Mike’s Subs
At Brooklyn Mike’s Subs you’ll find genuine East Coast sandwich craftsmanship right in the heart of Phoenix. Tucked into a strip mall at 44th and Oak, this spot stands out the moment you step up to the counter. Every morning their team bakes rolls in-house—sourdough is even on the menu—and sandwiches range from classics like the Meatball Parmesan to hefty creations such as the Brooklyn Bomber or the “Beast,” which is big enough to satisfy a serious appetite.
Cold cuts, artisan cheeses, and crisp veggies are all sliced fresh when you order. You can custom-build salads or tweak any sub with vegetarian or gluten-sensitive options.
Indoor seating is casual and bright, with enough buzz to keep things lively without turning up the volume. Counter service moves at a brisk pace, perfect for quick lunches or small groups on the go. Prices generally run between $14 and $20, matching the generous portions and quality ingredients. Rooted in family traditions that trace back to Brooklyn in the 1960s, this deli is all about authenticity—grab a sub, savour the homemade bread, and get back to your day.
Zookz Sandwiches
When you’re craving a lunch upgrade, Zookz Sandwiches delivers pressed-hot flavor in every bite. The menu centers on artisanal bread pressed around thin-sliced turkey, spicy pork chorizo, or crisp bacon. A gluten-free loaf is available for a small upcharge, and the vegetarian and vegan offerings come with plenty of customizable toppings.
Portions are hearty but never overblown, with most sandwiches and salads priced between $9 and $12. Guests often comment that they leave fully satisfied—no midafternoon snack runs needed.
The kitchen stays open from early morning into late afternoon daily, serving both Uptown and Biltmore strip-mall spots. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs or grandkids, while the interior keeps things simple and friendly. House-made sauces like Sweet Heat Mustard and Picante Buttermilk add signature flair, and local produce and cheeses rotate through the menu. Takeout and delivery are seamless, though you’ll need a two-sandwich minimum for delivery orders. Zookz blends quality ingredients with speedy counter service, making each meal feel fresh and easy.
Niccoli’s Italian Grocery-Deli
Stepping into Niccoli’s Italian Grocery-Deli feels like finding a neighborhood secret that’s been around since 1955. This East Phoenix gem bakes its bread in-house Tuesday through Saturday, laying the foundation for subs that have earned local legend status. Order Joe’s Original Italian Sub and you’ll get four Italian meats, provolone, and a herby house dressing on a perfectly crusty roll.
Cold plate options include capicola, mortadella, and Genoa salami, all sliced to order. Pick a mini or large size, depending on how hungry you are. If you’re in the mood for something hot, the menu offers eggplant or chicken parm, Italian beef with giardiniera, and even Philly cheesesteak variations. Fresh spaghetti and pasta dishes come with daily-made sauces, plus a handful of simple salads for lighter appetites.
The setup is all counter service with a small dine-in area that has a cozy, living-room vibe. Prices hover in the teens, but the portion sizes mean you’ll leave satisfied. No fuss, no frills—just reliably good Italian deli classics.
WHAT-A-SUB
Over in Maryvale Village, WHAT-A-SUB brings authentic East Coast flavor to Phoenix without any pretense. You’re greeted by the scent of fresh-baked hoagie rolls and the sizzle of cheesesteaks grilling behind the counter. Hot Philly cheesesteaks—made with beef or chicken flown in from Philadelphia—sit alongside Italian hoagies, meatball marinara, and unique creations like the Got Avocado? with turkey, bacon, and plenty of avocado.
Every loaf and sub ingredient is prepared on-site. Deli meats are sliced fresh, cheeses are generous, and toppings like mushrooms or red peppers get the attention they deserve. Signature combos such as the Industrial Special showcase all the best flavors in one hearty package.
Inside, seating for 20–30 guests fills quickly at lunchtime, but the counter moves fast. A whimsical wall of hats lends the place its own quirky charm. Family owned and affordably priced, WHAT-A-SUB nails the details, from speedy service to comforting, big-flavor sandwiches that hit the spot every time.
Miracle Mile Deli
Few places in Phoenix match the old-school charm of Miracle Mile Deli. Family-owned since 1949, this spot serves pastrami carved fresh each morning from a time-honored recipe. Hot, juicy, and piled high on grilled rye, it’s the kind of sandwich that immediately reminds you what a deli can be.
The menu expands beyond pastrami: try brisket on French bread with onions and peppers, a turkey club stacked with bacon and avocado, or a veggie hero topped with crunchy house-made coleslaw. Each order can be paired with matzo ball or chicken noodle soup—both recipes feel like they came straight from grandma’s kitchen.
Open Monday through Saturday from 11 to 7, Miracle Mile offers counter service and a modest dining room that easily fits family gatherings. Sandwiches range from $10 to $15, with portion sizes that ensure nobody leaves hungry. Party trays and custom-baked rolls are available by advance order, making this deli a local institution for both everyday lunches and special occasions.
J P Mc Gurkee’s Sandwich Shop
Stepping into J P Mc Gurkee’s Sandwich Shop you immediately notice the vintage, well-loved wood and old-school Phoenix charm. The family has run this local favorite for nearly 50 years and you can feel that history in every detail, from the counter service to the steady flow of customers ordering lunch, takeout, or dinner.
Mc Gurkee’s menu features hearty subs including the Hero, the classic Italiano, a Sicilian, and the double-decker Super Sicilian. Cold-cut fans will love the thin-sliced pastrami, roast beef, and turkey. The French Dip comes with a rich au jus that prompts you to savor each bite. Bread choices range from onion roll to sesame sub roll, and you can swap in a kaiser for chicken options like the Athenian Chicken or the popular Chicken Cacciatori served with marinara sauce.
Vegetarian diners will find a cheese-and-produce veggie sub, robust salads like the Horiatiki, and pita sandwiches. Prices run from eight to thirteen dollars and portions are generous enough to satisfy even students. With an 80s rock soundtrack, outdoor seating, and a relaxed vibe, this shop remains a reliable Phoenix staple where quick service meets generous meals.
Shortys Sandwich Shop & Catering
Tucked into a strip mall off Broadway Road, Shortys Sandwich Shop & Catering surprises with sandwiches that pack personality. The heart of it all is that proprietary roll, soft and pillowy in white or wheat, which holds locally sourced meats and crisp, hand-cut produce.
Choose the #5 Italian Bomber for stacked layers of salami, capicola, and ham or go for the Beefeater with cold roast beef. Turkey is premium-sliced and chicken is seasoned and baked in-house daily. Don’t overlook the croissant sandwiches and Southwest-style burritos, even though the hot pastrami and Arizona Philly often steal the show.
For events, Shortys shines with box lunches and catering trays that easily feed a crowd. Their six-inch subs balance size and value, and salads, potato salad, macaroni, and garden greens add old-school charm. The atmosphere stays casual and efficient, a reflection of a family business fine-tuned over more than a decade.
Open weekdays for breakfast and lunch, this local favorite serves no-frills meals that taste anything but basic.
Tony’s Italian Delicatessen
Hidden in north Phoenix, Tony’s Italian Delicatessen keeps things simple and satisfying. This counter-service spot has a handful of tables and a steady stream of regulars chatting about the size of their subs or the color of the sausage in the display case. Soft wheat, white, and rye breads arrive fresh, and each meat and cheese, from Italian sausage to mozzarella, is sliced to order.
The menu emphasizes classic Italian staples: mortadella, salami, soppressata, and more. A top pick is Tony’s Special, piled with mortadella, Genoa salami, cooked salami, and both spicy and regular ham. It’s so tall you’ll need two hands and a napkin. Fancy something different? The Grandpa pairs pastrami and corned beef, while the Veggie Bella on rye layers tomato, avocado, roasted peppers, and Swiss cheese.
Prices range from fourteen to seventeen dollars for a large, and everyone leaves full. Breakfast is available for early risers and the lunch hour brings both hot and cold subs. You can also grab Italian grocery staples to go. With just enough parking out front and an old-school Phoenix vibe, Tony’s offers classic deli satisfaction every time.
NY Slicers Deli
Located in West Phoenix near 43rd and Roosevelt, NY Slicers Deli stays true to its New York roots. Sandwiches come piled high with Boar’s Head meats sliced to order and bread baked on-site. One whiff of their daily-baked rye and you know it’s authentic.
The Black & White Club layers turkey, provolone, and bacon while the Boss Lady stacks pepperoni and salami for a more Italian feel. If you’re craving coleslaw and Russian dressing, try the New Yorker Rachel. Beyond sandwiches, they offer grilled cheese, breakfast burritos, and composed salads when you want something lighter.
Lunch here typically runs between twelve and fourteen dollars, and portions match the price. Seating is limited to a counterside row and a few indoor tables, but there’s a small patio for anyone with a dog. The family owners came from New York and you can taste it in the snappy pickles and fresh flavors. Open weekdays until early afternoon, this spot is perfect for a classic deli fix to go or stay.
Sticklers cafe
Nestled on 3rd Avenue in downtown Phoenix, Sticklers Cafe strikes a balance between casual and refined. Since 2004, this local gem has stuck to a simple menu of big, warm sandwiches, easy breakfasts, and made-to-order salads and soups.
The Traffic Jam sandwich blends turkey, ham, salami, roast beef, and Swiss cheese on a French or whole wheat roll that offers just the right chew. For a classic deli taste, the Italian sandwich is loaded with capicola, mortadella, salami, pepperoni, and provolone. Smaller appetites can choose a half-sandwich combo with daily soup or salad that doesn’t feel skimpy.
Vegetarian and vegan guests get attention here, too. There’s always a rotating vegetarian soup and a cheese-and-veggie sandwich option, and every salad is built to your specs. Service feels friendly and unfussy whether you eat inside, soak up the sun outside, or take your meal to go. With sandwiches priced between nine and eleven dollars, regulars trust that Sticklers delivers hearty portions without going overboard.
AZ Sandwich Co. & Catering – 24th St.
Running errands near the airport can leave you famished, and AZ Sandwich Co. & Catering – 24th St. answers the call with deli-quality subs that taste homemade. This unpretentious counter-service spot has limited seating, but every sandwich comes piled high on bread that’s actually baked well, not like packaging. They slice their turkey and ham on site each morning, so the flavors stay fresh. The #25 Spicy Chicken Club draws a loyal crowd thanks to fiery jalapeños and smoky chipotle mayo. Meanwhile, the Italian Bomber sticks to classic deli staples: layers of ham, pepperoni, and salami with pepperoncini for a little extra zing.
Catering is another strong suit here. Boxed lunches and sandwich trays roll out daily by noon, with options for vegetarians and gluten-free diners. Their veggie sub skips the blah iceberg lettuce in favor of creamy avocado, crisp cucumbers, and a tangy oil-herb vinaigrette.
Build your sub on white or wheat, pick a croissant for catering orders, or choose gluten-free bread in your box lunch. Even with chips and a drink, most meals stay under fifteen dollars. Breakfast runs until two pm, featuring burritos and egg sandwiches on brioche or bagels, depending on your mood.
Chompie’s Restaurant, Deli, and Bakery
At Chompie’s Restaurant, Deli, and Bakery, bagels are more than just dough, they’re a daily masterpiece from an on-site bakery. Each one comes with that perfect chew and golden crust, setting the stage for sandwich creations stacked high with house-spiced pastrami or tender corned beef on sturdy double-baked rye.
The menu feels like a loving nod to classic deli comfort. Start with a bowl of matzo ball soup or snack on crispy potato pancakes and hearty knishes. The Reuben showcases perfectly tangy sauerkraut and Swiss cheese, while chicken and tuna salad fans keep coming back for their creamy, well-seasoned flavors.
Gluten-free diners aren’t left out either. You’ll find a selection of breads and breakfast items that cater to high-protein and low-carb preferences, plus classic lox bagels in several handy swaps.
With full meals priced between twelve and eighteen dollars, portions stay generous and satisfying. Chompie’s carries the spirit of a New York family bakery into every corner, offering comfortable seating, scratch-made desserts, and service seven days a week.
