DeFalco’s = DeLicious

With Julie being from Pennsylvania, and me being a New Yorker, it’s pretty rare that we walk into a place out here that reminds us of being back home on the east coast. That’s especially true if that place is an italian deli and market, something there’s plenty of back in Philly and NY but not so much out here in the desert of AZ. DeFalco’s Italian Deli & Grocery is something of a rarity out here, and a hidden gem. Although maybe it’s not so hidden considering every time i’ve been in there, whether it be lunch time or dinner time, there’s always a line. I guess you just gotta be in the know. Luckily for me, a friend of mine took me there for lunch a few years back, thus showing me the way. It’s a no frills place, half italian deli, half italian market. That’s part of the charm though, this place has character unlike so many places out here. The already small space is made to seem even smaller with metal shelving all over the place stacked from floor to ceiling with italian foods and groceries, produce and over 100 different bottles of wine to choose from. Wherever there was enough open space, they threw in a table and some chairs for those choosing to dine in. It’s like a maze in there, one maze i wouldn’t mind getting lost in. Between all the delicious sights and savory scents, it’s an all out attack on all your senses as soon as you walk in the door. On the right wall is the deli counter, where you can pick up all your sliced meats and cheeses, sausages etc. The counter on the far back wall is where people line up to order sandwiches, pasta, pizza and one of who knows how many different hot and cold salads in the glass case. Everything looks so fresh, authentic & delicious. Whether you’re in the mood for a hot or cold italian hero, pizza or pasta….or if you’d rather go buy all the things you need to cook up an italian feast for yourself at home DeFalco’s is the place to go. The DeFalco family originally came over to North America from Italy in the early 1900’s. After successful deli/grocery stores up in Toronto and Michigan they moved down here to Phoenix retire, but just couldn’t give up what they loved doing. They opened up the Phoenix deli in 1972 and 38 years later people are still lining up for their home made pasta dishes, sauces, sausages and other italian foods.

So this post is actually a combination of 2 separate trips to DeFalco’s. We love food, but if you see the photos below there’s NO way just Julie and I could even come close to putting down 2 heros AND a large cheese pie in one sitting. The first time we went there we were craving a good, big sandwich. The guys sitting next to us had ordered a pizza which looked and smelled absolutely freaking mouthwatering delicious. Before we even left DeFalco’s we had already planned our next trip back and we knew exactly what we were getting next time. This was our first time though, and we were in the mood for sandwiches. Turkey and provolone with lots of green leafy lettuce for the lady, i went for the italian combo hero. Ham, salami, pepperoni, mortadella, provolone, lettuce & mustard on a 10” sub roll. Both sandwiches were fresh-cut, stacked high and delicious. I’d say they were the best $5 footlongs i’ve ever had, but they weren’t $5 and they were only 10” long. Nonetheless, very good sandwiches. As i mentioned earlier, the entire time we were enjoying our sandwiches, i was eyeing the pizza on the table next to us. It looked so warm, saucy, bubbly and cheesy. Not exactly as pretty as the pizza looked at DiFarra, but mouthwatering nonetheless. The next time we went back to DeFalco’s we obviously had no choice but to try the pizza. A BIT of a letdown if i’m being honest. Not that it was a bad pizza by any means, but i just had such high hopes for their pizza. I though maybe i had finally FINALLY found real east coast NY style pizza. It certainly looked the part, but something was missing flavor-wise or maybe texture-wise. I think possibly the crust was a little too thick and doughy. The sauce was good. My biggest complain however was how greasy it was. This pizza was absolutely covered in grease. Obviously when eating pizza i expect SOME grease but this was a little excessive. So once i drained the pizza of the pool of grease sitting on top of it, it turned out to be a decent pizza…still definitely not NY pizza though!

Would i go back? Kinda stupid question considering we already have been back. That being said, i’d go back a 3rd time and probably 4th and 5th time. Good sandwiches, decent pizza…i’m curious to try the pasta and an entree or two next. I hear they also serve a decent cheese steak which i can never say no to…

Italian combo hero

Turkey & provolone hero

Pizza Pie

DeFalco’s Inside

DeFalco’s Exterior