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| - I'm giving a 5 to the outdoor BBQ they do FRI - SUN.
For $5, you get a freshly grilled to order burger. It is huge, on a fresh bun, and there is a help yourself fix-ins bar (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle - nothing special, but the burger is so good, you don't want to drown it). For $2 more, you can get two side dishes - cold salads, hot beans, fries, or chips. The quality is excellent and the burger is really, really, tasty. They also have bratwursts, pork, and chicken sandwiches.
I'm also giving a 5 for the pizzas. You wouldn't think AJ's was the go-to place for pizzas, but WOWZA. They will custom make pretty much any standard pie, and they also have some gourmet ones available as well. No matter what you choose, it is hand formed, brick oven baked, and don't even bother to order extra cheese as they are overly generous to begin with. All fresh ingredients for toppings, and humongous pizzas. You would be hard-pressed to eat 2 slices in one sitting.
But, the pastry has really slid in quality lately. I think because they don't do a bustling business, they don't have the turnover that commands fresher pastry.
AJ's is really the place to go if you need an unusual ingredient, as chances are they will have it, and if not, then they can order it. The meat, seafood and poultry are all top quality, but you'll certainly pay for it. AJ's isn't the place you go for your weekly food shopping (unless you have money to burn, then you won't care).
They also have a superb deli counter that has hot and cold items, and some really cool ones at that. Potato pancakes, chicken curry,turkey meatloaf, antipasto salad, etc. They also always have hot entrees for lunch and dinner that you can buy a la carte, or with side dishes for a full meal. Salmon, prime rib, those kinds of things.
But, this is also a cool place to hang and sit outside and eat and people watch, as it's North Scottsdale, and there's always something/someone interesting to look at. lol
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