Jewish Delicatessen and Then Some at Chompie’s in East Tempe, AZ

I found myself at the Chompie’s Deli on the north side of University Drive and just East of Rural road in Tempe, Arizona, the other day to eat after watching my younger brother’s graduation ceremony from Arizona State University, and I must say while they have a lot of food items that you can order from their menu, they are lacking in some areas and excelling in others. So without further ado, here is the low down.

The place was clean and nice inside, the service was friendly and prompt, but it was empty and still it took a while to get seated. When we finally were seated the server was nice and took his time to explain the menu, but they did not bring us the traditional pickle platter that all guests are served, and we had to ask for that as well. I tried the Jewish Sliders, latkes and brisket on Challah bread and doused in gravy – amazing, but nine bucks for three? I also noticed that nearly everything on the menu was at least twelve bucks, for a sandwich, what do they think that they are New York City, or better yet, Manhattan? 

I ended up ordering the brisket sandwich, which was misplaced and I ended up getting the wrong sandwich. But I eventually got my sandwich and found it to be okay. The service was prompt and upon realizing that they made an error with my food order, they immediately remedied the situation, but did not offer a reason or apology. I suppose the place is all right to eat at, however it cost about sixty dollars with gratuity for myself and my wife; I had two beers as well. Okay food, decent service, really lame prices that make you wonder how they get off charging so much money to eat there. In the end, I do not see myself dropping another chunk of change to eat here when I could eat at other delis for far less money and better service.

Rating: *** Three stars for restaurant cleanliness, prompt and friendly service, location and menu selection. However, it took a while to get seated even though there was nobody else there. Additionally, they messed up my order when I placed it and I had to wait for another fifteen minutes for them to replace it with what I originally ordered; they made the entirely wrong item. But when I did get my food it was delicious. I would have to say it’s a good place to eat, but don’t except the world, even though you will be paying about twenty five bucks per person plus tip to eat here.

My Opinion: As far as Jewish delicatessens go, this place is okay. However, I have been to far better delis that had much more to offer in the realm of meat selections and service, not to mention presentation and overall taste and quality of the food. In the end Chompie’s is just another chain deli trying to play down the corporate theme – you are better off finding a one of a kind corner deli to get the true and more authentic experience.