Scott's Generations — Restaurant in Phoenix

I walked in at 1pm today because I had heard good things. It wasn’t as busy as I expected, but it was busy enough. I wasn’t greeted by anyone when I walked in even though there was a man that looked at me at the cash register. I looked at what was in the deli, but had no idea what some of it was because nothing was labeled. I walked up to the cash register to get an order to go and ask what the balls of dough were filled with. Two ladies were up there but said nothing to me. One was putting in an order and the other stood buy and looked stressed. So I waited patiently. Finally, one of the girls asked me what I needed. There was a couple behind me who needed to pay their bill. The lady looked at them after I told her what I wanted and she said she was going to take them first. Ok. Whatever. So she took care of them and they asked the balls of dough were too. So when it was my turn to order I ordered and waited to pay, but the woman who rang me up told me to sit down instead and I didn’t have to pay yet... ?? Why? No idea. The lady who came up behind me wanted two bagels to go and was told the same thing- that she didn’t need to pay yet. It would have been much easier to pay after we ordered because when our food came out there was a line of customers waiting to pay their bills and of course the lady at the register wanted to let them pay their bills first. So, of course I wanted when I could have already paid and just walked out and been out of the way. While waiting I saw one of the waitresses pick up a bagel with her hands. Not that I truly care, but I think a lot of people would. She pushed the bagel down on the cutting board with her bare hands and cut it. It just seemed really unreasonably hectic in there. Maybe I’ll go on another less busy day...

It’s good, but it’s not Sherman’s. I came here today for the first time; recommended by a friend. I started with the matzah ball soup. Very good. It was packed full of vegetables, chunks of chicken, and a dense ball of matzah. I wish there was more broth. I loved the rustic presentation and flavor. For lunch I ordered the Reuben sandwich — 50/50 corned beef and pastrami. Breaking it down: the meat was piled high; it was tender and juicy; and had great flavor. The cheese and sauerkraut were good, but the sandwich could use a touch more dressing. As for the rye bread it held up well; had good texture; and toasted properly. The sides were a mixed bag of tricks. Loved the coleslaw that was creamy, and had a good crunch with the cabbage. I didn’t try the fries (home style?); so I can’t say much about them. I do wish there would be an option for kettle chips, or a different style of french fries. The pickles… THE PICKLES! They were the worst part. They were limp, soft, and had no taste at all compared to dill pickles that offer a good crisp, and dill flavor. The server said they’re homemade. I would ask that they try and do better. That was a shame putting those pickles on the plate. When I started this review I mentioned Sherman’s. Sherman’s is the benchmark for comparing delis here in Phoenix. I’d drive to Palm Springs to dine at Sherman’s. I wouldn’t say the same about Scott’s. Yet living here they’re better than Chompies, and Jason’s. And I’d drive the distance to eat here. Other notes to add: the service was fine. Always there when needed, and very helpful. The bathroom was clean. And ample parking though I parked further away having missed this...

Update: I really want to like this place but they miss too often. Breakfast Service with 3 people in store - Waited and waited. Ordered knishes from counter once owner decided to get off the phone. These things are bomb! Chicken liver - meh, maybe better than meh. Bagel chips blah. Why in the world is there bell peppers in the corned beef hash? Ruined it and it was the reason for a trip to the deli to begin with. Potatoes - super. Scott’s must be doing something right - they’re still here. I just can’t figure out what.

hot pastrami & swiss on marble rye with deli mustard and a $3 side of coleslaw. Bread and meat were dry, cold and flavorless, as was the cold, gelatinous Swiss cheese slice. The $3 coleslaw was a soggy scoop of commercially produced cabbage. I called the restaurant and a very rude person answers, and when he hears that the sandwich was of very poor quality, he gets mad and puts the phone down. He checks with the cook and when he returns he spits out "The bread is fresh." When I point out temperature, quality, etc - Rude Guy gets super defensive and actually says, "What do you want me to do about it?!" I asked for the owner. Rude Guy says, "I'M THE OWNER." Rude Guy-Owner says fine, he'll bring me another sandwich and wants the first one back. No problem. He delivers another cold, flavorless sandwich, but with mustard. Rude Guy-Owner is short with my wife at the door, huffs back to his car (personalized plates) and stops to dig through my trashcan. Astonishingly bad food and manners. Sure Rude Guy-Owner was cartoonishly funny, but I'm out $25 and...