Phoenicia Bakery & Deli — Restaurant in Austin

I’ve seen a number of reviews mentioning racial bias at this store, and after my visit, I felt it was important to share my experience.

I’m a 30-year-old white man. As soon as I walked in, the shop owner began following me—clearly and closely. The store is small, with no other customers, so it was very noticeable. I can absolutely understand how someone might feel racially profiled in that environment. Honestly, I felt uncomfortable too.

That said, I believe this is a small, family-run shop doing their best to manage security and inventory in a tough part of town. Over the past two months, I’ve witnessed multiple thefts at the CVS across the street. I don’t think the behavior I experienced was racially motivated—I think it’s a cautious response from a local business trying to stay afloat.

The good news? I picked up some bread and olives—great prices, and I’m convinced this is the best pita bread in Austin.

To the owners: Please consider how your approach comes across. If loyal, paying customers—regardless of race—feel watched or assumed guilty, they won’t come back. You have something special here, but the vibe matters. A little trust could go a long way in keeping your community with you. Especially the older man behind the register. I think probably the owner. You can be very cold and perceived as a bit rude. A little customer service, and just a smile goes a long...

I go here regularly to buy fresh pita and some of the baked desserts--this is what the 3 stars are for. On my most recent stop here (June, 2019), I decided to buy some canned garbanzo beans and a big container of tahini since my local HEB at the time seemed to be perpetually out-of-stock of these items for some unknown reason. When I got home, I put the grocery Items I bought from Phoenicia Bakery and Deli in my pantry for later use. Several weeks later, I opened the tahini and discovered that all the sesame oil had risen to the top--which is a normal occurrence--but the paste below it was as solid as a rock, and neither my husband nor myself could get it to budge. I looked at the date on the container and saw that the expiration date was JUNE 2018 and threw it all away. Since I did not save the receipt, I was unable to return this expired item to PB&D to get my money back. I'll still go here for the pita and baked goods but absolutely nothing else, since the store apparently does not clear-out their shelf goods when...

Here is what you should know before coming here:

I have been passing by this place for over ten years and finally found time today to come in and visit it.

Clean restrooms towards the back next to where you can order fresh hot food to go.

They close by 6 p.m. on most days

Relaxing music and organized with even a fresh deli area and bakery with variety of bread items, meats, and cheeses to go.

Also have frozen items to the back unique in this area you will not easily find in Austin

Also noticed most items not in English so I am sure I am missing alot here in my review.

:)

Parking lot:

For some reason this whole time I thought the parking lot was for the massage school but instead of massage schools right behind this location and has their own designated parking!

Somewhat picky to turn in and out of off Burnet road depending on traffic but keep that in mind on the northbound Lane to get in and...