This Arizona General Store Has The Best Homemade Sandwiches In The State
The first time I stumbled into Out West General Store, I was chasing the setting sun across the desert, a dust-covered traveler with little more than a tank of gas and a rumbling stomach.
Let me clarify—general stores don’t usually rise to the top of a foodie’s radar.
But something about the smell of toasted bread wafting from the open kitchen window, mingling with the tang of pickled jalapeños, tugged me in like a siren song.
I walked in skeptical, expecting a quick bite, but left with a revelation. A sandwich named the “Cactus Cruiser,” piled high with smoky grilled portobello mushrooms, house-made guac, and a drizzle of lime-cilantro aioli on fresh-baked sourdough.
It was a taste of Arizona itself. Bold, unexpected, and fiercely proud. If you’ve ever dismissed a general store as just a pit stop, let me be the first to say: Out West is not just a meal.
It’s a memory waiting to be made.
A Step Back In Time With Modern Flavor
Walking through those doors feels like stepping into a time machine, but one that serves seriously good food. Out West General Store has been holding down this corner of Waddell, just off Waddell Road near the intersection with 107th Avenue, since the 1950s, and the vintage charm hasn’t faded one bit.
The old-fashioned setup makes you wonder if you’ve accidentally wandered onto a movie set.
But don’t let the retro vibes fool you into thinking this place is stuck in the past. The kitchen cranks out sandwiches that would make any modern deli jealous, using fresh ingredients and creative combinations that honor both tradition and innovation.
You get the best of both worlds here. What really sets this spot apart is how it refuses to compromise character for convenience.
Sure, you could hit up a chain sandwich shop down the road, but why would you when this gem offers so much more personality. The building itself tells stories, and every corner has that authentic Western feel that makes Arizona special in the first place.
The Southwest Special That Lives Up To Its Name
Some sandwiches just get it right, and the Southwest Special is one of those creations that makes you understand why people drive out of their way to visit. Roasted turkey forms the foundation, but it’s what comes next that turns this into something memorable.
Crispy bacon adds that perfect crunch and smokiness you crave. Creamy avocado slices bring richness while pepper jack cheese delivers just enough kick to keep things interesting.
The chipotle mayo ties everything together with a smoky, slightly spicy finish that doesn’t overpower the other flavors.
All of this gets piled onto freshly baked sourdough bread that has the ideal balance of chewy crust and soft interior.
I remember the first time I bit into one of these beauties after a long morning exploring the area. The combination of textures and flavors hit different when you’re genuinely hungry and surrounded by that desert air.
Every ingredient plays its part without trying to steal the show, which is exactly how a great sandwich should work.
Burgers That Beat The Fast Food Chains
Forget everything you know about quick burger stops because Out West General Store completely rewrites the rules. Their burgers come out hot, juicy, and packed with actual flavor that makes those golden arches look pretty sad in comparison.
Plus, the prices won’t leave your wallet crying for mercy.
Local folks have caught on to this secret, with many choosing to skip the usual fast food suspects entirely. When you can get a better burger that’s closer to home and costs less money, the choice becomes pretty obvious.
The patties get cooked to order, which means you’re not eating something that’s been sitting under a heat lamp for who knows how long.
The fries deserve their own shoutout too, crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, exactly how proper fries should be. You can grab a burger combo here and actually feel satisfied rather than disappointed and still hungry thirty minutes later.
Sometimes the best meals come from the places you least expect, and this general store proves that point deliciously.
More Than Just A Sandwich Shop
Calling Out West General Store just a sandwich spot would be like calling the Grand Canyon just a big hole. This place stocks everything from horseshoes and motor oil to dog food and light bulbs, making it a true one-stop shop for the community.
Need a work light and some 100-watt bulbs that seem impossible to find anywhere else? They’ve got you covered.
The variety borders on impressive, with shelves packed full of supplies that serve both everyday shoppers and local ranchers.
You might come in for a sub and leave with treats for your dog, a new halter for your horse, and maybe some animal feed. It’s the kind of practical magic that only happens at authentic general stores.
What makes this setup so brilliant is the convenience factor for folks living in the area. Instead of driving to multiple stores or dealing with crowded big-box retailers, you can handle several errands in one friendly stop.
The small-town feel and the ability to find random necessities you didn’t even know you needed makes every visit feel like a little adventure in practical shopping.
Thrifty Ice Cream Makes Every Visit Sweeter
Anyone who grew up on the West Coast knows the magic of Thrifty ice cream, and finding it at Out West General Store feels like discovering buried treasure. That distinctive cylinder shape and those classic flavors bring back memories for so many folks.
The ice cream counter alone makes this place worth visiting, even if you weren’t planning on dessert. After polishing off one of their hearty sandwiches, grabbing a scoop or cone just makes sense.
The prices stay reasonable, which means you can treat the whole family without breaking the bank. Whether you go for chocolate malted crunch or stick with vanilla, the quality stays consistently good.
Last summer, I stopped in on a brutally hot afternoon and that mint chocolate chip cone might have saved my life. Okay, maybe that’s dramatic, but it definitely saved my mood.
There’s something special about enjoying ice cream in a place that feels authentic rather than corporate, where the staff scoops your order with actual care and the whole experience just feels more genuine and satisfying.
Cinnamon Sugar Fry Bread Worth The Trip
Native American fry bread gets the spotlight it deserves at Out West General Store, and their cinnamon sugar version is downright addictive. The dough gets fried until golden and puffy, then gets generously dusted with cinnamon and sugar while still hot.
Each bite delivers that perfect combination of crispy edges and soft, pillowy center. This isn’t some trendy food truck interpretation or watered-down version.
The fry bread here tastes authentic and satisfying, the kind of treat that makes you close your eyes and just appreciate the moment.
The sweetness level hits just right without going overboard, letting you taste the actual bread underneath all that cinnamon goodness.
Plenty of visitors mention the fry bread specifically in their reviews, which tells you something important about its quality. You can grab one as a snack, share it with friends, or claim the whole thing for yourself without judgment.
It pairs wonderfully with their ice cream if you’re feeling particularly indulgent, or stands perfectly fine on its own as a sweet ending to your meal.
Family Owned Means Family Friendly
Corporate chains might have their systems and procedures, but they’ll never match the heart that goes into a family-owned operation like this one. Out West General Store has that mom-and-pop charm that makes you feel welcome rather than like just another transaction.
The staff knows their regulars, and they treat newcomers like future friends. Kids love this place because it offers so much to explore and discover.
Parents appreciate the reasonable prices and the fact that they can accomplish multiple tasks in one stop.
The seating area inside provides a comfortable spot to enjoy your meal, while covered outdoor tables give you that fresh air option when the weather cooperates.
Supporting local businesses like this one matters more than ever, especially when they serve the community so well. Every dollar spent here stays in the neighborhood rather than disappearing into some distant corporate account.
The general store acts as a genuine hub for the area, a gathering spot where neighbors run into each other and life moves at a more human pace than usual.
Pizza And More Round Out The Menu
While sandwiches might steal most of the glory, Out West General Store slings some pretty solid pizza too. Fresh slices or whole pies come out of their kitchen, giving you even more options when sandwich fatigue sets in.
The pizza gets made to order, which beats the pants off those sad slices sitting under heat lamps at gas stations. Beyond sandwiches and pizza, the menu includes other surprises that keep things interesting.
Coffee flows for those early morning visits, and various snacks and drinks stock the shelves for whatever craving hits you.
The deli counter handles custom orders, so you can get creative with your lunch if the standard menu doesn’t quite scratch your itch.
What impresses me most is the consistent quality across different menu items. Whether you order a burger, sandwich, pizza, or just grab some fry bread and ice cream, the food comes out tasting fresh and satisfying.
They clearly take pride in what leaves their kitchen, which shows in every bite. For a general store in a small Arizona town, the food quality punches way above its weight class.