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| - Outta Bronx just opened two weeks ago and it's already one of my favourite places in the valley! It's almost an hour round-trip for me from home, but when you have a craving... it's worth the drive (luckily they are much closer to my office). Bringing their unique sandwich recipes straight from New York, this place is the epitome of local greazy-spoon take out. This isn't some generic "not-from-Philly Philly cheesesteak" place, this is a unique and very NY take on classic street-style sandwiches and heroes/subs.
Customer service: top notch, which is obvious since they just opened and make an effort to connect with the neighbourhood and their customers. Definitely has a family-vibe to the staff, giving the impression that a family just moved their entire local Bronx restaurant to Phoenix, as is. They have also been doing a great job on social media trying to connect - I already know that one of the main guys (owner probably) is Aziz and he loves to interact with the customers. Aziz may have no clue who I am, but when a place just opens and you already know some of the names - that shows how they are putting themselves out there for the guests.
Location: located in a strip-mall at 40th & McDowell, with bright red paint outside - not the best neighbourhood so just be aware of your surroundings when parking and walking around outside. There are about 6-7 tables for dining-in, so if it's gets busy (and it does during peak hours) it can be hard to find a place to sit; be prepared to make it a take-out order. The interior is nice and very clean, with minimal decor. As of March 1st, they still haven't had a soda fountain installed - it's that new!
Food: the most important part by far... The menu is pretty simply, but has lots of options: signature hot sandwiches, cold sandwiches, wings, and a whole section dedicated to french fries - but not sides, these are entree servings. They have a bunch of different french fry recipes that involve meats and toppings and tons of gooey melted cheese. It's a big order, I could not finish one on my own and that says a lot. The sandwiches are mostly made on french baguette hero rolls, and they are really excellent. The meats and toppings are fresh & ample, and overflow from the heavy-duty size they serve.
I have been twice now and each time got their famous signature Bronx item: the chopped cheese. I'm hooked! I never knew these existed, but apparently its a really popular item in the Bronx and Harlem - like NY's version of the Chicago hot dog or the Philly cheesesteak. And it lives up to its reputation - it's amazing. You'll just have to try it for yourself. But be prepared: be hungry and don't be on a diet lol.
So the first time I went, I had the chopped cheese and didn't have to think twice about going back. The 2nd time was last night and I got the same thing again, and also got a Hot Beef for my wife. It's described as "thin sliced" but I guess thin is a relative term - the beef was pretty thick, and it was tasty (of course I had to have a bite to try it), my wife really liked it. We also wanted a side, and I decided to ask for just cheese fries. Served in an entree dish, they baked a mix of cheeses over the crispy fries - it wasn't just a cheese sauce poured over it, it was actual baked melted cheese. Very yummy and satisfying! These people know how to make the food that perfectly comforts me.
I will definitely be frequenting this place as much as my budget and diet allows; I kind of want to try every item on their menu - they all sound so good! But it's going to be hard to not want a chopped cheese every time....
I think I have found my new favourite sandwich joint. Outta Bronx is badass and totally unique to Arizona. I wish they had a location in North Scottsdale - they would kill it there.
I look forward to Outta Bronx being a new tradition in the valley. They have the perfect combination of comfort NY food and great family hospitality. Totally feels like a local Bronx joint and looks like they could be a staple for Phoenicians. Can't wait to go back!
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