I’ll never forget the first time I walked into Frank’s New York Style Deli on a scorching Phoenix afternoon, sweat dripping down my back, expecting just another forgettable lunch.
What I found instead was a room packed with locals who looked like they’d been coming here for decades, all huddled around the counter waiting for sandwiches that could feed a small army. The air buzzed with conversation, laughter, and the clatter of plates.
That day changed how I think about what makes a place worth returning to—it’s not the décor or hype, but the feeling of belonging. Arizona’s sandwich counters carry stories, flavor, and community in every bite, and once you discover them, you’ll understand why locals guard these spots like hidden treasure maps.
A Hidden Gem Where Locals Crowd the Counter
Tucked away on a Phoenix side street off 23rd Avenue just north of Camelback Road, Frank’s New York Style Deli doesn’t look like much from the outside. You might drive past it a dozen times without noticing, but step inside and you’ll see why locals have kept this place humming for decades…