Cheese 'n Stuff — Restaurant in Phoenix

Delicatessen Experience: A Mission Aborted

I visited this establishment on Saturday around 1:00 PM, and my experience felt more reminiscent of a bygone era than a welcoming dining venture. Parking was limited, but I managed to snag a spot in their designated 30-minute free parking area.

Upon entering, I noticed the staff engaged in a casual conversation with a customer ahead of me while another employee was busy preparing orders. I wasn’t greeted upon entry, which was my first indication of the lack of customer service that would follow. Instead, one employee casually said, “I’ll be right with you,” which felt more dismissive than welcoming.

When the customer before me finished their order, a new customer walked in and was instantly greeted with a cheerful, “Hello! How are you doing today?” The contrast was stark and disheartening, leaving me feeling invisible. My appetite quickly waned, but my friend decided to place an order. Five minutes passed without any acknowledgment; the staff seemed to prioritize a transactional interaction over genuine hospitality, as if they wanted me to simply pay and leave.

Before retreating to my vehicle, I took a moment to absorb the ambiance. While I noticed some vintage decor and interesting articles on the walls, the overall smell was overpowering—more dirty than charming, far from the nostalgic vintage vibe I had hoped to experience.

My friend joined me shortly after, sandwich in hand.

What was ordered:

Cactus Jack

The sandwich featured Boar's Head meat, which raises red flags given the brand’s history with food safety concerns, including traces of listeria. To make matters worse, the sandwich itself was bland and lacked depth, with the hot pepper cheese being more sour than spicy.

Given the lack of warmth in the service and the disappointing quality of the food, I have no intention of returning. I even encouraged my friend to reconsider future visits, as their meal was equally underwhelming. Overall, the experience felt unwelcoming, leaving an unsettling impression reminiscent of Jim Crow-era service—where some customers are treated with warmth and others are left in...

I had meant to get a photo of my sub, but after my first bite I just couldn't stop eating it!! It was an amazing sub!! This was my first time here and so the menu (while not huge) was a little overwhelming but the #6 Italian caught my eye. The bread was soft and fluffy and the Italian dressing was not overly applied to make it soggy. The meat and cheese was plentiful. The pricing is very decent as well, I was able to get a sub (roughly 12"), soda can, pasta salad and a bag of chips for under $13!! The location is quaint (read small) but has everything you need to be focused on in plain view. As a family man and business owner also, it warmed my heart to see the kid playing towards the back in the play house. I used to do the exact same thing when I had my retail front previously as well. I love subs, sandwiches and while there are plenty of decent chain shops now, it is always amazing to find authentic small businesses that serve traffic food. I wish I kive closer to...

I first discovered Cheese 'n Stuff as a Central High student, around 1987, at the age of 15; Stan, and his father Emil, were making their great sandwiches and always offered a hello as we'd walk in. I have always enjoyed the #6 Italian Special, with extra meat, with vinegar and oil........I'm 41 now, and have seen three generations of this family in the deli.

If you want a place that becomes a part of you, like it's a part of Phoenix, then come pay a visit. Oh, as far as service is concerned.....It doesn't matter that I moved to the east coast 9 years ago; when I walk in, even if several years have passed, Stan still says, "Hey, Mike" ......WOW......and, believe me, I don't look like I did in 1987......it's like home to me and, yes, I still order up...