If you think sandwiches are just an afterthought to your lunch routine, think again—Scottsdale is packed with spots that take bread, meat, cheese, and veggies to bold new levels. Whether you crave a classic deli sub, a toasted creation with all the fixings, or a gourmet twist, there is a neighborhood shop ready to satisfy every craving.
Let’s get to it.
Croque Famous Sandwiches
If you’re craving a truly satisfying sandwich near Scottsdale’s Airpark, Croque Famous Sandwiches delivers. Since 1999 they’ve been baking French baguettes in-house, turning out dense, chewy loaves split open to cradle generous fillings. You’ll find European classics like the Madame, stacked with ham, salami, a runny egg, mozzarella, and fresh veggies, or adventurous picks like a tangy Korean barbecue sandwich.
Their Monsieur doubles down on ham and mushrooms, while the Paris layers grilled red onion and pepperoni. Choose from footlongs or standard loaves… either way, portions won’t leave you hungry. The produce is hand-cut each day, so you’ll see crisp lettuce and bright tomatoes even in the large toasted vegetarian “Mademoiselle.” Meats are hand-trimmed, chicken is baked on site, and nothing feels like an afterthought.
Prices hover between $6 and $7. Inside, the vibe is casual, mostly counter service with a handful of indoor and outdoor tables. Whether you’re running errands or catching up with friends, this low-key spot offers reliable, high-quality sandwiches without the fuss.
DeFalco’s Italian Deli & Grocery
Settled in a modest Scottsdale strip mall, DeFalco’s Italian Deli & Grocery has quietly charmed locals for over 50 years. The magic starts with bread—choose from six fresh varieties sturdy enough to handle layers of Italian Combo or the celebrated Muffuletta. Every cold cut and slice of cheese is carved to order, and you’ll taste house-made sausage, meatballs, and sauces brewed daily.
Hot sandwiches range from $7 to $10, with half and whole sizes that almost always guarantee leftovers. While the menu leans classic Italian-American, vegetarians can dig into Portabella Mushroom or Eggplant Parmigiana options. Service is strictly counter-style with just a few tables, so most customers grab a takeaway bag.
Don’t forget to browse the grocery shelves for imported pastas, olive oils, and canned treats. Beyond sandwiches, DeFalco’s turns out pizza and pasta dishes packed with locally sourced ingredients. Family-owned since 1972, this deli stays loyal to its roots… no flash required to serve an exceptional meal.
JJ’s Deli
You won’t find bagels quite like JJ’s Deli anywhere else in Scottsdale. With over 20 varieties flash-boiled and freshly baked each day, its bagel lineup steals the show. Start your morning with a classic schmear or build a full bagel sandwich—lox, Greek, or Southwest-style. They even offer a do-it-yourself omelet board when you want breakfast to last until lunch.
When noon rolls around, the sandwich menu reads like an American deli’s greatest hits with a twist. Try the Monte Cristo on challah, the grilled knish sandwich, or cold classics like egg salad and roast beef on an artisan roll. Soups rotate too, including matzo ball and a seasonal Thanksgiving Everyday turkey-cranberry special.
Prices stay modest, and you can order half portions if you like to sample more. Indoor seating is spacious, plus there’s a heated patio that welcomes kids, dogs, or even your own Tupperware for leftovers. No alcohol here, but if you’re after variety and that neighborhood vibe, JJ’s delivers consistency day after day.
Rinaldi’s Italian Deli
For a taste of New York-style deli fare, Rinaldi’s Italian Deli in Scottsdale never disappoints. The star of the show is the hand-sliced Boar’s Head meats… plus their in-house roast beef, cooked daily. Subs and sandwiches are built to order on everything from Kaiser rolls and croissants to classic rye. Favorites include the Italian Combo and a hearty brisket sub.
Rinaldi’s doesn’t stop at cold cuts. You’ll find hot daily specials like Eggplant Parmesan, Meatball Parmesan, and stuffed pasta shells. Breakfast regulars love egg sandwiches on croissants or hearty burritos. Then comes the lunch rush—subs flow out the door for takeout and catering orders.
There’s limited seating, a few casual tables indoors and out, but the straightforward service keeps lines moving. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and keto options all get genuine attention so no one feels left out. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or catering a small gathering, Rinaldi’s combines hearty portions with friendly, family-style hospitality.
Goldmans Deli
At Goldmans Deli, classic Chicago-style sandwiches take center stage. The Reuben inspires hushed compliments, while the brisket is sliced fresh daily and the pastrami delivers full-flavored satisfaction. Seafood fans will reach for whitefish spread on a bagel, and matzo ball soup arrives with generous, hand-rolled matzo balls. Vegetarians will appreciate beet borscht and mushroom barley stew.
Bagels, challah, and hand-sliced rye make up the sturdy bread selection. Family-owned since 2000, Goldmans sits in the Hayden and Indian Bend strip mall. With nearly 100 seats indoors and out, it’s easy to linger over breakfast, lunch, or dinner, but takeout and delivery remain popular. Catering options cover holiday feasts and office lunches, thanks to portions that never cut corners… latkes come hot and oversized.
Price points feel fair for the generous servings, and the hours run early through supper on weekdays, shorter Saturday afternoons, and closed Sundays. No frills here, just reliable, hearty deli fare served with friendly neighborhood energy.
Casella’s Italian Delicatessen
Hidden in a strip mall on Granite Reef Road, Casella’s Italian Delicatessen has been serving up substantial subs and classic deli fare in Scottsdale since the Carter Administration. The family-run vibe is obvious as long-time regulars mix with quick lunch crowds grabbing staples like the meatball parmigiana, a creamy chicken salad sandwich or the Italian Special loaded with imported prosciutto and capocollo.
Nothing here is store-bought… sausage, meatballs and sauces are all made in-house. Roast beef simmers to tender perfection out back, and the bread, from pillowy sub rolls to panini loaves and stuffed pockets, arrives fresh each morning. Vegetarian eaters can dig into eggplant parm, a broccoli rabe panini or meatless subs that feel just as satisfying.
Prices feel like a time capsule. Cold sandwiches start around five dollars, and hot subs rarely top eight. The dine-in room hums with energy but takeout is always an option if you’d rather bring that Italian deli aroma home. Keep in mind the shop is closed on Sundays when the Casella family takes a well-earned break.
Baggin’s Gourmet Sandwiches – Scottsdale
Opening its doors in June 2024, Baggin’s Gourmet Sandwiches has already settled into Scottsdale’s lunch landscape. Nestled in a strip mall, it feels like a local fixture. Every sandwich is made to order… from a Prime Baggin’s piled high with slow-roasted, hand-sliced meats to an Almost Reuben on marbled rye. A Southwestern Tuna Melt or California BLT arrives on Italian white or hearty 12-grain loaves sourced from a Tucson bakery.
Gluten-free bread options are available, and all dressings and desserts are crafted from scratch daily. Portions are generous, which helps justify the ten- to seventeen-dollar price range. Vegetarians will find plenty to love, and staff happily accommodate special diets.
The main vibe is grab-and-go, perfect for busy lunchers picking up box lunches and bags of cookies. There’s also enough seating for anyone who wants to linger a bit. Hours focus on lunch and early dinner, and a full-service catering menu is on hand whether you’re feeding a small group or a larger crowd. For straightforward, thoughtfully made sandwiches in Scottsdale, Baggin’s hits the mark.
The Lunch Bag
For over four decades, The Lunch Bag has called North Scottsdale’s Village at Via Linda strip mall its home. Its focus is simple… handcrafted hot and cold sandwiches made with fresh-sliced deli meats and local produce. Regulars rave about the New Yorker, stacked with hot pastrami, Swiss, coleslaw and Thousand Island on rye, while Mom’s Homemade Hot Meatloaf sandwich taps into classic comfort.
Bread choices are thoughtful: toasted rye, sourdough, ciabatta and multigrain. There’s also a build-your-own counter stocked with toppings and spreads to satisfy the pickiest eater. Vegetarians have the Veggie Freak, plus dairy-free and egg-free options on request. Portions are generous, though half sandwiches are available if you prefer something lighter.
Inside, the decor is unpretentious and the counter staff greets you with a smile. The shop operates Monday through Friday from late morning to early afternoon, mostly focusing on takeout and delivery. A small cluster of tables inside and out offers seating for anyone who wants to linger. Even after all these years, The Lunch Bag still feels like a family treasure.
Cheba Hut “Toasted” Subs
At Cheba Hut “Toasted” Subs, the menu feels playful and over-the-top from the start. You’ll find more than 30 toasted sandwiches with cheeky names like Jamaican Red, White Widow, Kali Mist and Humboldt. Each is piled high with deli meats, melted cheese and served on proprietary bakery bread available in classic white, whole wheat or garlic-herb. Some locations also offer jalapeño-cheddar or rosemary-parmesan varieties.
Vegetarian subs include the Humboldt and Silver Haze, and gluten-free bread is on hand as well. Side dishes lean into the theme… pretzel nugs for dipping, gooey Rice Krispy bars and snacky offerings called “Goo Balls” or “Bowl O’ Balls.”
Portion sizes range from a four-inch Nug to a full-foot Blunt, with prices in line with local competitors. The Scottsdale spots span more than 3,000 square feet, featuring colorful murals, a full bar and misted patios for warm days. A to-go window makes pickup a breeze. Whether you stay inside amid the counter-culture vibe or head out, Cheba Hut wraps casual fun around your toasted sub.
Potbelly
Known for its hearty toasted sandwiches, Potbelly specializes in layering premium deli meats and cheeses on freshly baked rolls. The A Wreck stands out as a signature favorite, stacking turkey, ham, roast beef, salami and Swiss all in one. You’ll also find a Cubano with slow-cooked pork and tangy house sauces or a Pizza Melt for cheese lovers.
Bread options include original white, multi-grain or flatbread, all supplied by Turano Bakery out of Chicago. For a lighter bite, you can ask for thinner slices without extra charge. The quick-service counter setup is usually tucked into a shopping center, with vintage-inspired décor and just enough seating to grab a seat if you like, but most orders head out the door.
Sandwich prices stay in the mid-to-upper single digits, and the menu also offers salads, soups and sweet treats. There’s something for everyone, including the Mediterranean sandwich for vegetarians and gluten-free salads. It’s fast-casual dining with a nod to tradition and a few modern twists.
Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop – Scottsdale, AZ
It’s a rare delight to find a sandwich shop with a lineup like Mr. Pickle’s. Folks often rave about those Dutch crunch and sweet rolls, shipped fresh from a San Francisco mother dough bakery… none of that squishy, factory bread business. When you step up to the glass counter at their Scottsdale Airpark location, you’ll see room for custom creations alongside familiar favorites.
The Mr. Pickle features warm chicken breast, crispy bacon and Monterey Jack, topped with avocado and every sandwich topping you could want. Then there’s the Goomba, layering capicola, pepperoni, salami and ham, brightened by pepperoncini and red wine vinegar. Portions range from half-size to a full loaf, with the handy “Sammie” for a Goldilocks–style portion.
All the proteins, whether turkey, roast beef or pastrami, are sliced in-house daily. Vegetarians will find a solid selection of meat-free sandwiches and salads, and wraps offer a gluten-free option. A crisp chocolate chip cookie arrives alongside almost every order, a simple signature touch. It’s a casual, fast-moving spot—most folks pick up or order out—and prices hover between $8 and $12 depending on size.
Sourdough & Co. Scottsdale
For a straightforward deli lunch in Scottsdale, Sourdough & Co. strikes a nice balance between tradition and small surprises. The French Dip, piled high on tangy, San Francisco‐style sourdough baked fresh each morning, is a local favorite. Barbecue fans will appreciate the brisket option, while those seeking classic Italian or Caprese flavors will find them here under a friendly deli flag.
Everything operates on counter service in a relaxed, old‐school setting. A few small tables are scattered around if you want to dine in, though many folks opt for takeout. Most sandwiches run $10 to $12, with some specialty 6‐inch options reaching about $16. You’ll also find soups, hearty salads and a clear emphasis on quality deli meats, each dressed with the house spread.
The strip‐mall location is busy at lunch and early dinner, offering sensible hours and catering for groups. Bread is clearly their calling card—freshly baked each day—so it’s hard to argue with a shop that puts that front and center.
