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Tucked inside a shopping center at 742 E Glendale Ave in Phoenix, Scott’s Generations has been serving up NYC-style deli sandwiches so massive they barely fit on the plate. This family-owned gem has earned a loyal following across Arizona, pulling in food lovers from all corners of the state who simply refuse to settle for a skimpy sandwich.
With a 4.4-star rating and decades of history behind it, Scott’s Generations is the kind of place that turns first-time visitors into lifelong regulars. Whether you’re craving a towering Reuben, a loaded pastrami on rye, or a hearty breakfast skillet, this Phoenix deli delivers every single time.
The Brisket Beef Sandwich That Started It All
One bite of the Brisket Beef sandwich at Scott’s Generations and you will completely understand why people drive hours just to get here. Thick, tender slices of freshly prepared brisket are piled so high on pillowy rye bread that you might need two hands just to pick it up.
Customers rave that this is the biggest brisket sandwich they have ever seen, and the flavor lives up to the size. The bread is baked fresh, giving each bite a soft, cloud-like texture that perfectly balances the rich, savory meat.
Pair it with a side of chunky homemade potato salad and a classic Dr. Brown cream soda for the full New York deli experience right here in the desert. This sandwich is not just a meal — it is a full-on event worth planning your day around.
Pastrami So Good It Earns Return Trips
Ask any regular at Scott’s Generations what to order first and nine times out of ten, the pastrami will come up immediately. Hand-sliced and piled generously onto your choice of bread, this pastrami hits that sweet spot between smoky, peppery, and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
One customer who tried the pastrami on sourdough called it “amazing” and said it was worth every penny of the price. Another loyal fan mentioned visiting three times in two weeks just to keep coming back to the pastrami options.
Scott’s makes their meats fresh in-house, which is what sets this deli apart from chain sandwich shops around the Valley. You can taste the difference the moment you take your first bite.
If you have never experienced properly made deli pastrami, this Phoenix spot is absolutely the place to change that.
Corned Beef Made Fresh Every Single Day
There is something deeply satisfying about corned beef that has been made the right way — brined carefully, cooked low and slow, and sliced fresh every morning. That is exactly what Scott’s Generations has been doing for decades at their Phoenix location.
Reviewers consistently highlight the corned beef as one of the standout items on the menu, praising its tenderness and bold, savory flavor. Whether you stack it solo or combine it with pastrami for the legendary “Rosswich,” this meat is the real deal.
The deli also offers corned beef as part of their catering menu, and one out-of-town customer was so impressed by a catered order that she called the bread “incredibly fresh” and the corned beef “delicious.” For anyone who grew up eating at East Coast delis, this is the closest thing to home you will find in Arizona.
The Reuben: A Classic Done Right
Few sandwiches in the deli world carry as much weight as a well-made Reuben, and Scott’s Generations takes this classic very seriously. Grilled to golden perfection on rye bread, the Reuben here comes loaded with your choice of corned beef, pastrami, or a 50/50 mix of both.
One reviewer described their Reuben as “grilled to perfection,” gushing over the bread, the meat flavor, and especially the divine coleslaw served alongside it. Another customer who ordered the 50/50 version praised the tender, juicy meat piled sky-high between slices of properly toasted rye.
The sauerkraut and cheese round out every bite with just the right tang and creaminess. Scott’s also serves two homemade dill pickles with the meal, adding a satisfying crunch to the experience.
This is the kind of Reuben that makes you rethink every other Reuben you have ever had.
Philly Cheesesteak Big Enough to Share
Ordering the Philly Cheesesteak at Scott’s Generations is basically a commitment — this thing is a shareable meal on its own. Stuffed with steak and smothered in melted cheese inside a soft, generous roll, it is the kind of sandwich that makes you loosen your belt before you are even halfway through.
One customer brought their sister along specifically to split the Philly, and both left completely satisfied. The portion size alone makes it one of the best value meals at the deli, giving you far more food than most restaurants would dare put on a single plate.
Scott’s has been feeding Phoenix families for generations, and dishes like this cheesesteak show exactly why. Hearty, filling, and packed with flavor, it is a crowd-pleaser that works perfectly for lunch or an early dinner.
Just make sure you arrive hungry — and maybe bring a friend.
Breakfast That Hits Different at a Real Deli
Scott’s Generations opens at 7 AM every day of the week, and that early start is not by accident — their breakfast menu is seriously worth waking up for. From loaded skillets to classic egg dishes, morning at this Phoenix deli feels like the most important meal of the day.
The All American Skillet has been a popular choice among regulars, and the Greek omelet earned high praise from at least one happy customer who left completely full. Steak and eggs, breakfast sandwiches, and freshly brewed coffee round out a morning menu that punches well above its weight.
One reviewer mentioned wishing they lived closer just to try the breakfast items more often, which says a lot about how good the morning spread is. Whether you stop in before work or treat yourself to a lazy weekend brunch, breakfast at Scott’s is a genuinely special start to any day.
Freshly Baked Bagels Worth the Drive Alone
Ask locals around the Phoenix area where to find the best bagels in town and Scott’s Generations comes up again and again. Baked fresh on-site, these bagels have the chewy interior and slightly crisp exterior that bagel lovers dream about — a texture that is genuinely hard to find outside of New York City.
Multiple reviewers have called them the best freshly made bagels in the entire Valley, which is no small claim in a city full of breakfast spots. Customers often grab a few extra to take home, knowing that a good bagel is a rare and precious thing in the Arizona desert.
The bakery at Scott’s is a real point of pride for the family-owned establishment, and it shows in every bite. Whether you eat yours toasted with butter at the table or pack it to go, a bagel from Scott’s is one of those simple pleasures that sticks with you.
Homemade Cheesecake That Becomes a Birthday Tradition
Some desserts are good. The homemade cheesecake at Scott’s Generations is the kind that people request for their birthday every single year.
One customer shared that her sister has been coming to Scott’s specifically for a birthday cheesecake slice for years — and honestly, that tracks completely.
Rich, creamy, and built on a perfectly golden crust, this cheesecake has the dense, satisfying texture of a classic New York-style recipe. It does not wobble or taste artificial — every bite feels like it was made with real care and quality ingredients.
After finishing a massive Philly Cheesesteak, this customer still managed to put away two slices of cheesecake, which tells you everything you need to know about how irresistible it is. Dessert at a deli might not always be the main attraction, but at Scott’s, the cheesecake absolutely earns its spot on the table.
Do not skip it.
Coleslaw and Sides That Steal the Show
At many sandwich shops, the sides are an afterthought. At Scott’s Generations, they are practically a reason to visit on their own.
The homemade coleslaw has been described as creamy, crunchy, and absolutely divine by multiple reviewers who could not stop talking about it even while raving about their main course.
The potato salad comes in big, hearty chunks that feel substantial and satisfying rather than just a filler on the plate. Home fries, roasted potato fries, and other rotating sides round out the menu with real variety and generous portions every time.
One long-time customer summed it up perfectly by listing the coleslaw, potato salad, and pickles alongside the sandwiches as reasons to keep coming back. When your side dishes earn their own shoutouts in customer reviews, you know the kitchen is doing something right.
Every element on that plate gets the same attention as the star of the show.
Catering That Shows Up and Delivers Big
Planning an event in Phoenix and need food that will genuinely impress your guests? Scott’s Generations has a catering operation that delivers the same quality and generosity you get when you sit down in the restaurant.
One out-of-town caterer who ordered on short notice called the results “magnificent” — high praise from someone who knows good food professionally.
The bread arrived incredibly fresh, the corned beef was perfectly prepared, and every condiment was thoughtfully included in the trays. Even the homemade pickles made the cut, connecting one customer to memories of Detroit delicatessens from her childhood.
Scott’s staff handled multiple confirmation calls with patience and professionalism, making the whole experience stress-free from start to finish. For family gatherings, office lunches, or special celebrations, their catering brings that beloved deli energy right to your door.
Few things make guests feel as welcomed as a generously packed tray from a place that genuinely cares about quality.
Off-Menu Sandwiches for the True Regulars
Here is a fun secret about Scott’s Generations: the printed menu is just the beginning. Long-time regulars know that the kitchen will make pretty much whatever you want, and a few legendary off-menu creations have become cult favorites among devoted customers.
The Rat Pack sandwich — grilled salami, roast beef, turkey, and cheddar on a sub roll — is one fan favorite that never officially made the menu but has been ordered countless times. The Godfather, loaded with salami, roast beef, pepperoni, provolone, mustard, and ketchup on marble rye, is another crowd-pleaser that regulars swear by.
Then there is the James Cagney, a brisket sandwich topped with beautifully grilled onions that adds a sweet, caramelized depth to every bite. Knowing about these hidden gems feels like being part of an exclusive club.
Ask your server, be adventurous, and let the kitchen work its magic for you.
A Family-Owned Atmosphere That Feels Like Home
Walking into Scott’s Generations feels different from walking into a chain restaurant — and that difference is entirely intentional. Founded by Scott Snyder and carried forward by family and dedicated staff, this Phoenix deli has built its reputation on personal connections as much as incredible food.
Reviewers frequently mention the friendly, attentive servers by name, calling out team members like Adela, Adelina, Jonathan, and others who make every visit feel genuinely personal. The owner himself used to make rounds greeting guests at their tables, a tradition that speaks volumes about the culture of care this place was built on.
The dining room is kept clean and welcoming, and a patio area adds a relaxed outdoor option for sunny Arizona days. After 30-plus years in business, Scott’s Generations has become a multi-generational tradition for countless Phoenix families — a place where good food and warm hospitality go hand in hand every single day.
Matzah Ball Soup Worth Every Spoonful
Comfort food does not get much more classic than a good bowl of matzah ball soup, and Scott’s Generations serves one that holds its own against any East Coast deli benchmark. Packed full of vegetables, tender chunks of chicken, and a dense, satisfying matzah ball, this soup is the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out.
One reviewer praised the rustic presentation and bold flavor while noting they wished there was just a bit more broth — which honestly sounds like the complaint of someone who was already deeply enjoying every spoonful. The ingredients feel honest and homemade rather than poured out of a can.
On a cooler Phoenix evening or a grey winter afternoon, this soup makes the perfect starter before your main deli feast. It is a small but mighty reminder that Scott’s Generations cares about every single item on the menu, not just the towering sandwiches that get all the attention.
How to Find Us
Finding Scott’s Generations Deli is easier than you might think, and once you know where it is, you’ll be back so many times you could probably get there with your eyes closed. Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, the deli sits in a spot that’s accessible whether you’re coming from Phoenix, Tempe, or further out across the state.
Plenty of parking makes the visit stress-free, so you can focus entirely on the good stuff waiting inside. You can also check their hours and location details online before heading out, because a trip this delicious deserves a little planning ahead.
