If you know, you know. Goldmans Deli in Scottsdale is the kind of place that keeps comfort close and tradition even closer, and yes, the matzo ball soup is worth the drive.
One spoonful and you understand why loyal fans detour off the 101 just to warm up with that golden broth. Come hungry, leave happier, and maybe grab a cookie or two for the road.
The Legendary Matzo Ball Soup
You hear whispers at the counter, and they are all about the soup. A spoon dives through shimmering chicken broth and lands in a cloud light matzo ball that somehow stays tender yet comforting.
Carrots, celery, and dill add freshness, while the steam carries that nostalgic aroma you cannot fake.
Take a sip and the road trip feels justified. The seasoning is gentle but confident, layered with slow simmered flavor that tastes like home without the dishes.
It arrives fast, which matters when you are hungry, but it never feels rushed.
Pair it with rye toast or a half sandwich if you want the full deli moment. People mention it for a reason, and you will, too.
On cool mornings or hectic days, this is the bowl that steadies everything.
Pastrami On Rye, Piled High
Some sandwiches whisper. This one sings.
Thick cut pastrami leans into pepper and smoke, stacked between seeded rye that stands up to the juices without getting soggy. A swipe of mustard cuts the richness and sharpens every bite.
Order it hot and watch the steam curl up as the runner drops your plate with a grin. It is messy in the best way, the kind of sandwich you cradle with both hands.
Add a half sour pickle and you are in the sweet spot.
If you prefer leaner slices, say so, but the marbled bites are where the magic lives. Every visit tempts a repeat order, because few things compete with deli pastrami done right.
Simple, bold, and completely satisfying.
Corned Beef Classic
Corned beef at Goldmans is a study in balance. The slices are tender, gently brined, and neatly folded so every bite feels like a proper stack.
Rye offers a nutty backdrop, and a little mustard ties it together without stealing the show.
Ask for it warm for that soft, juicy texture fans rave about. Some folks like to crown it with Swiss, others keep it bare and honest.
Either way, it lands on your table quickly and disappears just as fast.
Pair it with potato salad or crispy chips if you want the full counter lunch experience. You can split one, but you probably will not.
The simplicity is what makes it memorable, the kind of sandwich that proves classics stay classic for a reason.
Chicago Style Hot Dog Fix
Craving a taste of Chicago in the desert. Goldmans nails the Vienna beef vibe with all the right toppings.
Mustard, neon relish, chopped onion, tomato wedges, sport peppers, and a crisp pickle spear ride on a poppy seed bun that holds its shape.
No ketchup needed or wanted. The snap from the dog, the heat from the peppers, and that fresh crunch make this an easy win for lunch.
It is quick, cheerful, and surprisingly filling for the price.
Round it out with chips or grab rugelach for dessert like so many regulars do. If the line moves fast, stay focused because your dog will arrive before you finish choosing a seat.
One bite and you are on Clark Street without leaving Scottsdale.
Brisket By The Pound
Planning for Shabbat, game day, or a cozy dinner. The sliced brisket by the pound makes hosting painless.
Rich, beefy slices glisten at the edges, tender enough to pull apart with a fork yet sturdy for sandwiches.
Warm it gently with a splash of jus and serve with onions on toasted rye, or plate it with mashed potatoes and green beans for a homey spread. It is a crowd pleaser that actually feeds a crowd without stress.
Regulars order ahead for holidays because it flies. If leftovers survive, breakfast hash the next morning is a power move.
This is the kind of deli staple that proves convenience and quality can share the same plate.
Bagels, Lox, And A Morning Fix
Mornings at Goldmans feel easy. A toasted bagel with nova lox, cream cheese, red onion, capers, and tomato hits that perfect salty tangy balance.
The textures line up just right, from the gentle chew of the bagel to the silky fish.
Add coffee and hash browns if you are lingering. Or grab a lox plate when you want extra tomatoes and cukes for brightness.
It is the kind of breakfast that keeps things light while still feeling special.
Bagel purists will want it barely toasted, and the crew will do that if you ask. Whether you are fueling up before errands or easing into a late morning, this combo delivers consistency and calm.
Simple, polished, and always reliable.
Lox Omelet With Rye Toast
When an omelet does not hold back, you taste it. The lox and onions bring savory depth that lingers, while the eggs stay fluffy and delicate.
Rye toast on the side adds a nudge of caraway you will appreciate between bites.
Hash browns arrive crisp at the edges, soft inside, perfect for scooping up any runaway bits. Coffee keeps refilling, and suddenly brunch feels like the easiest decision today.
It is unfussy, satisfying, and honestly kind of addictive.
If you want lighter, ask for egg whites, but the classic version is where the flavor really blooms. This order earns loyal repeats, especially from travelers who remember it months later.
Breakfast at a deli just hits different here.
Rugelach And Bakery Treats
You will smell the bakery case before you see it. Rugelach swirls with cinnamon or chocolate promise flaky bites that shatter, then melt.
They are perfect after a salty sandwich, the kind of sweet that feels friendly, not fussy.
Take a clamshell to go and warm them slightly at home for maximum comfort. Cookies vanish in car rides, so maybe buy a backup pack.
These little pastries carry that cozy deli heartbeat straight into your afternoon.
Balance them with coffee or milk, or stash a few for late night snacking. When someone asks what to bring to the office, this is the answer.
Simple joys wrapped in sugar and memory.
Breakfast All Day Energy
When breakfast cravings hit at lunchtime, Goldmans plays along. The spinach and feta omelet arrives bright and savory, with home fries that bring crunch and comfort.
Toast does its job beautifully, especially rye with a pat of butter.
Everything tastes freshly made, like someone cared about each plate leaving the counter. Service moves quickly but stays friendly, which helps when you are threading a busy day.
Sit, sip, and let the pace slow down a notch.
If you lean sweet, consider adding a side of fruit or saving room for a bakery treat. But honestly, this plate carries you for hours.
It is the kind of reliable breakfast that turns first timers into regulars.
How to find us
Plug the deli into your maps, then follow the scent of simmering broth as traffic thins and the sky opens wide. Look for the red stripe awning and the hand painted window lettering that catches late sun just right.
Parking wraps the side lot, and street spots flip quickly around lunch.
Step past the bell that jingles, and you are in the hum of clattering plates and quick refills. If lines peek out the door, do not worry, they move.
Weekdays after two are breezier, mornings are easy, and evenings feel neighborly.