The Legend Returns! The Original Owners of "The Meat Slicer" Are Back! If you are looking for a truly superb deli sandwich or a Mams's fresh baked pizza, this is the spot. I'm not talking about chain places like Jimmy John's or Jersey Mike's--those are alright when you have no other options. But when you want a homestyle sandwich made to absolute perfection, you need to go to AJ's Original Deli (formerly known as The Meat Slicer). They changed the name to "AJ's Original Deli" specifically to let Apache Junction know that the original owners are finally back! This place holds a massive piece of my heart. My son and I had been coming here for 16 years before the owner, John Martino, sold the business during COVID. He used to own the ice cream shop right next door, too. Unfortunately, the previous management ran the deli into the ground, and the hygiene became completely atrocious. After a terrible experience where we literally witnessed a massive health hazard involving a diaper change and food handling at the same time, we walked out and vowed never to return. We hadn't been back in over four years. Fast forward to today. My son and I were running errands and he mentioned wishing the original "Meat Slicer" was still around. As we drove by, a new sign in the parking lot caught my eye. The outside was beautifully fixed up, looking incredibly inviting and nostalgic. I had a feeling the previous people didn't last, so I suggested we turn around. My son was incredibly hesitant, but the moment we pulled in, I could see positive changes that proved it was under completely new management. Since I'm currently on a strict 20g-carb keto meal prep for the next three months, this trip was strictly for my son. I am also dealing with severe hip pain and need a replacement, so I originally planned to stay in the car and let him go in alone. Seconds after walking in, my son ran back out with eyes as big as headlights, gasping, "It's the original owners! They bought it back!" Despite my hip pain, I knew I had to get out of the car. The moment I hobbled through the front doors, John Martino and his partner, Karen, met us with an absolute light of joy. They brought so much immediate warmth into the room. Incredibly, John recognized me right away. He couldn't believe how much my son had grown, saying, "As soon as you walked in, Pat, I knew that was your kid because you guys used to come in together all the time and always talk about how much you love the sandwiches." They completely hooked us up. They easily accommodated my keto diet by making my meal protein-style with their amazing deli meats. We sat, caught up, laughed, and giggled the entire time. This place is phenomenal. It instantly brought me and my kid back to when things were so simple and nice. Going out to have lunch together when he was a kid, and now doing it again as a 32-year-old adult at a place we have loved for nearly two decades is just priceless. This is exactly the kind of small, niche, backdoor, hole-in-the-wall community business that people love and search for. John and Karen are back, the food is incredible, and they have earned our business for life! (Check out my attached photos to see just how phenomenal the food looks!) read more

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**CASH ONLY - ATM on Premises** They hope to get a card reader in the future, but come by with cash in case! Upon arriving, I noticed two couples in front of me, and only one person (the owner) working. It's a Monday, but I came around 12:15pm which I imagine is their lunch rush. He greeted he would be with us shortly, a couple walked in behind me so the place was forming a line. Great for business, but not always great if you are in a hurry on a lunch break. Thankfully, I wasn't rushed and every patron seemed fine with the wait. Especially since a couple of us mentioned seeing how HUGE the sandwiches are as some have posted this place online. What I Ordered: - Roast Beef Sandwich: $16.99 and it was MASSIVE! The price point for this alone is insane, but how's the taste? Once you figure out how you can even hold it, you work to how you can bite this beauty of a sandwich. Very good flavor, though I was a little confused why a third slice of bread? I think it was a mistake as it was a slice I hadn't ordered. - Side of Potato Salad (included with sandwich): This was a decent potato salad and didn't taste like the usual store bought. Nice it's included with the sandwich! Price: $18 Definitely recommend this place as they make massive sandwiches you can share, or do what I did, eat for two meals. For only $18, that is one heck of a deal! read more

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I was told the portions are incredibly large, and that is in fact the truth. I cautiously order a 1/2 pastrami and cheese on Black Russian Rye bread. There was lots of meat and cheese, good flavor and the bread was fresh and soft. A really good tasting sandwich. Definitely worth trying, I got a 1/2 size and could only eat 1/2 of that. Service was slow otherwise it's perfect place. read more

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One of my favorite things about exploring Apache Junction is finding local gems like AJ's Deli! I love supporting small businesses in the communities I serve, and AJ's Deli was a fun stop on my local food adventures. There's something special about discovering neighborhood spots instead of always heading to the big chains. Sandwiches are amazing for the value and delicious If you're in Apache Junction, add AJ's Deli to your list of places to try! I'm always looking for my next local food adventure, so tell me, where should I eat next? read more

AJ's Original Deli - Turkey on french bread - Delis Near Me - Apache Junction, Arizona

Owners are very awesome and the sandwich was hands-down amazing! These sandwiches are massive! Definitely worth the money. Maybe even consider getting a half a sandwich. read more

AJ's Original Deli - This is the Turkey, bacon, avocado, specialty sandwich - Delis Near Me - Apache Junction, Arizona

Another delicious sandwich from AJ's Original Deli! Mama's meatball sub is only available on Tuesday and Wednesday and for only $9.99 it's a bargain. There was plenty of meatballs, marinara and mozzarella cheese on thick cut wheat bread. Not on a sub roll. I managed to eat about a third of it and plan to use the rest to make spaghetti and meatballs tonight. The owner is very nice and the service was great. No seating inside but I enjoyed eating it outside on one of the outdoor tables. If you haven't been here yet it's I must try deli. read more

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5 out of 5! First time here and it was amazing! Owner is very friendly and the environment is very chill and welcoming. read more

AJ's Original Deli - Delis Near Me - Apache Junction, Arizona

Unbelievable amount of meat! Best turkey sandwich. Go see John, great conversation and food! read more

AJ's Original Deli - Best Turkey Sandwich! Unbelievable amount of meat! Highly recommend this place, John is great! - Delis Near Me - Apache Junction, Arizona

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Don't know where to start I ordered the works sandwich the name is not wrong. I'm a big guy that has eaten some big sandwiches this thing has its own zip code. Four bites into a half and I had to take a break this thing can feed two easily possibly 3 meals. Good quality bread and meats and cheese go there best sandwich around. read more

OMG we could not rave enough about this place!!! 1000/10 food, service, ambiance, and everything in between. The OWNER was so kind to open early for us and make us an extra large sandwich because we had a lot in common and had great talks. He went out of his way to show us the upmost amount of love. Plus, the sandwich itself was soooo great. The bread was yummy, the meat was fresh, and the cheese was delicious! We will be back 1 million times again!!!! read more

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The second you walk in you can smell the freshly cut deli meat and bread. We enjoyed a DELICIOUS sandwich. It was huge too!! Potato salad is incredible too!! read more

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First time flyer to this establishment. Heard good things on FB about them. To start John and his wife are absolutely AMAZING people. They definitely take pride in what they are serving. The sandwich was one of the best I've had in a decade. And the size of them, holy cow! John gets a big thrill out of blowing people's minds with his portions and flavor combos! Highly recommend everyone try this place at least once! I know me and my family of 4 will now be regulars! read more

AJ's Original Deli - Half of the turkey club I have left over! Things still as big as my head - Delis Near Me - Apache Junction, Arizona

So. I ordered a sandwich with NO onions and tomatoes! And i found onions and tomatoes on it. I guess they misunderstood. I didnt complain about it so i took them off. The sandwich was huge when i got it! It was just okay, no hard feelings. read more

Im glad to see that the original Owners of this place are back. its been a few years since I stepped foot in there ever since they left and another owner had it, the previous owners were awful, but you know what they say you can't beat the Original. Had a sandwich there today and it was just as I remembered it. read more

The people were very friendly but they didn't tell us before we placed our order and half was already made they don't take credit cards, Luckily that day we had cash with us. Also for us the sandwiches they made were absolutely impossible to pick up and eat. There is no way to get your mouth around these. Lol. We had to bring them home and remake them. You do get alot for your money and I do appreciate that. They started putting mayo on my wife's pastrami sandwich and she asked them not to. Her sandwich had partial mayo on it. Not sure why they didn't just replace the bread. They offer 2 free sides but they only had coleslaw and no potato salad so we got cole slaw we didn't care for at all. We probably will not go back. The sandwiches are just impractical to eat without modifications or a place to sit down and eat with a fork. Some may like this however but to us it seemed like a waste and the inconvenience of payment options and no sides in stock make it a no go for us and the fact they got the order wrong. read more

If you enjoy sandwiches, this place is awesome!!! We ordered Hawaiian, The Works and 1/2 Pastrami and each sandwich it comes with two sides.

Not only is the owner John a wonderful person, his sandwiches cannot be beat! I'm 57 and never have I had a sandwich so great! The meats and ingredients are amazing, We will be customers for as long as possible! read more

A friend of mine informed me about this sandwich shop in Apache Junction and said the sandwiches were real good and I should go by there one day. I did the very next day and spoke with the owner ,John, and we had a nice conversation about a variety of topics. I decided to test his sandwiches and ordered a turkey and ham, mayo, lettuce and American cheese- plus a Pepsi. This guy put together one of the largest sandwiches I have seen! I asked him "What am I supposed to do with that, I probably can't finish half! We laughed and I barely got it down but it was damn good. Explained to me that he only uses choice cuts of meat, real cheese from Wisconsin, for example, but no processed foods or ingredients. That impressed me. I live about 14 miles from his location but I will be returning on a regular! BTW, I read someones comment that they don't accept credit cards. They will be soon, trust me! read more