J P Mc Gurkee's Sandwich Shop - Phoenix, Arizona

sigray2734

8/17/24 - Short version: there was not anything about this sammy shop that wowed either of us. The best part, IMHO, was the bread: it was a sesame seed toasted bun and it did not take the sandwiches hostages. Meaning there was not an overabundance of bread; it was less bread and more guts. It was not too far of a drive for us but there was nothing about the experience to warrant a return trip.

Longer version: the south parking lot is not much of a lot, maybe three or four spaces. The north lot is off the busier street and not where I would want to park my car.

There is an outside dining area, but it was dark, looked quite overgrown, and as if it had not been cleaned in a good long while. Not even sure if they allow seating back there - we def did not ask.

It has a nice old-feel interior decor. There were two gals behind the counter and only one other customer (it was about 4 o'clock, so early for dinner). The male customer conversed with us, asking if it was our first time there. He then proceeded to tell us how great it was.

Meh, not so much. The gal who took our order was polite. One thing we noticed but also failed to ask about was for pizza. Their online menu mentioned pizza but neither of us saw that option on the printed menus.

The potato salad side was creamy, the pickle spears were good, and both sandwiches were also.

Again, there was nothing about the experience that really stood out to make us feel like a return visit is needed. Been there, done that.

Sammi Su

I waited almost an hour for my order which is fine if the food is good no problem. When I got my order it barely had any meal it was rather disappointing to say the least. The taste is okay but not worth 13+ dollars for a sandwich. I pretty much paid 13 bucks for really toasty bread. There is a slice of meat that is the size of a quarter and the meat only covers about half of the actual sandwich. This was my first and last time ordering from here.

Chris Mulford

The place exudes serious nostalgia. From the wood-laden decor to the 80’s rock playing in the background. There is even a black-and-white tintype photo of the “founder” hanging above the counter. The servers are super friendly and glad to see you.

The day I was there they were very busy but they consistently checked in with me to update me on the progress of order. They had lots of locals coming in picking up big orders. They were working hard!

The sandwich was huge. It was not packed to over over-flowing with meat but well balanced over the expansiveness of the large roll. Every bite was yummy. Some have said the bread is burned. Mine was appropriately toasted. The potato salad was savory and tangy.

I would go back there to step again into a more simpler time when restaurants cared about taking care of their customers and providing high quality food at reasonable prices.

Andrew Bouley

This is the least amount of meat I have ever seen on a sandwich. Like, maybe half an ounce?

I ordered the $15 "Super Sicilian" which is supposed to have "Genoa salami, cappicoll a, imported ham, Swiss, pepper and provolone cheese, cotto salami and spiced ham." Instead I got a tiny slice of ham and a tiny slice of salami. Look at the pics!

Bread was good. And the service was fine. But seriously? Look at the pics.
Did they accidentally give me vegan or something?

Sophia Ehlers

Pretty good sub! Mostly disappointed In the amount of meat on the sub. The potato salad was also good but the Caesar salad was not good at all. The chicken seemed slimy. I do not recommend. I got the super Sicilian!

Erika B

Recently visited this restaurant by phoenix college the food was amazing! I tried the Sicilian sub it was our first time there the service was great ! The restaurant gives Italian vibes definitely must stop by if you haven't yet !

matt dougall

Great locally owned business. Got a Super Sicilian sub on Saturday night and it was so delicious. The toasted sesame hoagie was perfect. The owners are so kind and appreciative. I just drove by and my stomach started rumbling- I will be going back soon!

Stephani Berry

BEST SANDWICH OF MY LIFE!!!!!! Very happy to write this review, especially knowing it’s their 50th year of business! When my late husband was a young boy, he would come here to get sandwiches with his parents. Back in the day they had small little tables that people could carve their names into. He did that once, but I still haven’t been able to find the table yet. He also continued to go there throughout his high school years and then, once we got together, we ate there pretty frequently. Even when we lived in Prescott, and he was working in Phoenix, he would stop by there and order four sandwiches, and then bring them home so we had some for a few days. It is by far the best sandwich I’ve ever had in my life. I say it every time I have it and it is still true to this day. Every. Single. Bite. Every time I go to Phoenix now, my Ma and I always make it a point to stop there and eat! I recommend it to all of my family and friends and people that I hardly know if they’re looking for a great sandwich shop. Trust me.