The Delicatessen by Chef Joey

The Delicatessen by Chef Joey Maggiore: Phoenix’s First True New York–Style Deli

Phoenix just got a major upgrade to its food scene: a true New York–style deli in the heart of the desert. The Delicatessen by Chef Joey Maggiore opened its doors in 2025, bringing fresh bagels, house-brined pastrami, a one-of-a-kind cream cheese bar, and a bakery lineup straight out of Manhattan. If you’ve ever wished Arizona had the kind of corner deli you find in Brooklyn or on the Upper West Side, this is it, but with Chef Joey’s signature creative twist.

For those who don’t already know the name, Chef Joey Maggiore is the force behind some of Arizona’s most recognizable restaurants: Hash Kitchen (the build-your-own bloody mary bar brunch spot), The Mexicano (modern Mexican with flair), and The Italiano (a neighborhood Italian eatery with family-style charm). With The Delicatessen, Joey turns his attention to the cuisine he grew up loving: hearty, no-nonsense deli food, elevated with craft ingredients and his playful personality.

The result? A restaurant that feels both familiar and fresh. It’s nostalgic for anyone who’s spent time in New York, but it’s also exciting for Phoenicians who’ve never experienced an authentic deli before. Bagels are baked fresh every morning, pastrami is brined for 12 days and smoked for 10 hours, and the bakery counter is packed with black & white cookies, mandel bread, and hamantaschen. And yes, there’s even an old-school shake bar serving egg creams and milkshakes.

What Makes The Delicatessen Stand Out

Before diving into the menu, it’s worth pausing to highlight why this spot is so different from most restaurants in Phoenix.

• Fresh-Baked Bagels Daily – Most bagels in Arizona are shipped frozen or par-baked. Here, they’re made in-house each morning, with that chewy New York texture that’s so hard to find outside the East Coast.
• The First Build-Your-Own Cream Cheese Bar – A playful touch that lets you customize your bagel with house-made schmears and toppings. Think jalapeño-honey cream cheese, sundried tomato blends, or even sweet variations.
• Serious Pastrami – Brined for nearly two weeks, smoked low-and-slow, then carved fresh to order. This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a craft experience.
• A Full Bakery Lineup – Cookies, cakes, chocolate croissants, and more, all made in-house.
• Classic Meets Creative – Sure, you can order a Reuben or matzo ball soup, but you’ll also find playful creations like the Antipasto Craft Bagel, which loads Italian meats and cheeses onto a bagel like no other.

Where other delis might focus on nostalgia alone, The Delicatessen balances tradition with innovation, exactly what Chef Joey is known for across his restaurant group.

Bagels & Breakfast Staples

If you’re the type to start your day with a bagel and coffee, this might become your new ritual spot.

• Antipasto Craft Bagel – Imagine everything you love about an Italian antipasto plate, capicola, mortadella, salami, provolone, roasted tomatoes, artichokes, peppers, olives, and red onion, layered onto a fresh, chewy bagel. This is just one example of what you can create. It’s decadent, salty, tangy, and unlike anything else in Phoenix.
• Build-Your-Own Cream Cheese Bar – Here’s where Joey puts his signature twist on tradition. Instead of being limited to plain, scallion, or lox schmear, you can create your own spread with mix-ins ranging from savory herbs to sweet jams. It’s interactive, fun, and highly Instagrammable — but also legitimately delicious.

The Sandwiches: Hot, Cold, and Chopped

When most people think “deli,” they think sandwiches stacked high. The Delicatessen delivers in a big way.

• Hot Pastrami – Smoky, tender, and piled sky-high on rye. The kind of sandwich where the meat is the star, juicy, peppery, and full of flavor from the brining and smoking process. Easily one of the contenders for best pastrami in Phoenix.
• Reuben – Corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and deli sauce, served with a classic half-sour pickle. It’s the kind of sandwich that hits every note: salty, tangy, melty, and crunchy.
• Turkey & Mozzarella Chopped Sandwich – A fresh twist on the chopped trend: turkey, bacon, avocado, herb aioli, tomato, romaine, and balsamic glaze, all finely chopped and stuffed into a hoagie. It’s light but still filling, perfect if you’re not in the mood for heavy pastrami.
• Da Bronx Sausage & Peppers – A nod to Joey’s Italian-American roots: chargrilled sausage with caramelized peppers and onions, heirloom tomato sauce, and melted provolone on a hoagie. It’s comfort food in sandwich form.

Soups, Sides & Starters

Every good deli has more than just sandwiches, and Joey makes sure the supporting dishes are just as strong.

• Matzo Ball Soup – Comfort in a bowl: golden chicken broth, pulled chicken, egg noodles, fluffy matzo balls, and a side of bagel chips. It’s hearty, nourishing, and perfect for a rainy day or when you just need something that feels like home.
• Potato Latkes – Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and served with sour cream, applesauce, and mustard. A perfect side dish or appetizer, and a rare find in Phoenix.

The Bakery: Sweet Tooth Heaven

One look at the bakery counter, and you’ll realize this isn’t an afterthought, it’s a full-fledged feature.

• Black & White Cookies – Soft, cakey, and coated with half vanilla and half chocolate icing. A New York staple done right.
• Sprinkle Cookies – Chewy, colorful, and nostalgic.
• Carrot Cake – Moist layers of spiced cake with cream cheese frosting.
• Triple Layer Chocolate Cake – Rich and indulgent, for the serious chocolate lover.
• Hamantaschen – A Jewish deli classic, offered here with creative fillings like strawberry, Dubai chocolate, or lemon meringue.
• Mandel Bread – Crunchy, nutty, and perfect with coffee, a cousin to biscotti that feels right at home in a deli setting.
• Chocolate Croissant – Flaky pastry filled with Nutella, a playful nod to European cafés.

Drinks & Shake Bar

One of the most charming parts of The Delicatessen is its beverage program. Beyond the typical coffee and soda, you’ll find a full shake and soda bar.

• Classic Milkshakes – Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, thick, creamy, and hand-spun.
• Egg Creams – A throwback to classic New York diners. If you’ve never had one, it’s a fizzy mix of milk, soda water, and chocolate syrup, light, refreshing, and nostalgic.

This element makes the deli not just a place to grab food, but an experience.

The Atmosphere: New York Meets Phoenix

The vibe at The Delicatessen strikes a balance between nostalgic and modern. The décor nods to classic deli counters, glass cases filled with baked goods, big menus overhead, but with the clean lines and playful touches Joey is known for.

Expect big portions, a lively environment, and a menu that encourages sharing. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick bagel or sitting down for a full meal, the atmosphere is welcoming, casual, and family-friendly.

Why Phoenix Needed This

Phoenix has no shortage of Mexican food, steakhouses, or brunch spots. But a true New York–style deli? That’s been missing. While there are a few local bakeries and bagel shops, none combine the full package, bagels, sandwiches, matzo ball soup, bakery case, and shake bar, under one roof.

That’s why The Delicatessen fills such a crucial gap. It’s not just another restaurant opening; it’s the arrival of a category the city has been missing.

Practical Info: Location, Hours & What to Order First

• Address: 12811 N Tatum Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85032
• Hours: 7am - 8pm Daily
• Good for: Breakfast, lunch, family dinners, takeout.
• Pricing: Expect around $12–$20 for sandwiches, with bakery items $3–$7 each.

First-timer’s Guide:

1. Start with a bagel (go for the Antipasto if you’re hungry).
2. Order the Hot Pastrami, it’s the signature.
3. Add a side of Potato Latkes or a bowl of Matzo Ball Soup.
4. Save room for the Black & White Cookie.
5. Don’t skip the egg cream or milkshake at the end.

FAQ

Does The Delicatessen have takeout and delivery?
Yes, bagels, sandwiches, and bakery items are all available for takeout. Delivery options vary depending on third-party apps.

What makes the pastrami special?
It’s brined for 12 days, smoked for 10 hours, then carved fresh to order. That’s far more attention to detail than most delis in Arizona.

Is there vegetarian food available?
Yes, options like the chopped salad sandwiches, bagels with cream cheese, and bakery items work for vegetarians.

Is it kid-friendly?
Absolutely. The shake bar and bakery make it a fun stop for families.

Final Thoughts

The Delicatessen by Chef Joey Maggiore isn’t just a new restaurant; it’s a new category for Phoenix. By blending New York authenticity with his signature creative flair, Joey has created a spot that feels both nostalgic and fresh. From bagels and pastrami to black & white cookies and egg creams, this is the kind of place you’ll want to come back to again and again.

If you’re craving a taste of New York in the desert — or just looking for a new spot to add to your dining rotation, you have to try The Delicatessen.