Popular deli Little Pickle reopens in Phoenix. What to know

When Little Pickle launched as a pop-up, it quickly gained a loyal following. Now it's back with a permanent home.

May 19, 2025

Image: Little Pickle serves New York-style bagels and house-smoked salmon.

Little Pickle serves New York-style bagels and house-smoked salmon. Dominic Armato

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Little Pickle, the Jewish deli that temporarily delighted diners, returned to the Esplanade in Phoenix on Monday.

“We never imagined a pop-up would spark this much passion, but the response was overwhelming. People connected with it – it felt like a slice of New York,” founder Rick Phillips said in a press release. “The Little Pickle is the kind of deli food I grew up with, it’s our love letter to the East Coast, reimagined for Phoenix.”

When Little first arrived at Esplanade, the Biltmore-adjacent office and shopping complex, in December 2022, it quickly gained an enthusiastic following for its pastrami sandwiches, house-smoked salmon and New York-style bagels.

The business park, however, was slated for a massive renovation and the deli closed in April 2024.

After just over a year, “we can’t wait to welcome everyone back – this time for good,” Phillips said.

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Little Pickle’s popular bagels, salmon and pastrami are all back on the menu. Several sandwiches are available, including a breakfast bodega-style egg sandwich and classic deli stackers with egg salad or house turkey.

The fast-casual restaurant is open daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to counter service, Little Pickle offers online ordering and catering.

This is the first of three side-by-side Esplanade restaurants from 151 Hospitality, the group from Phillips and Peter Hearn. A new American bistro and martini bar called The Mercer and a luxe, high-energy Mexican restaurant called Camello are in the works.

Little Pickle

Opens May 19
2501 E. Camelback Road

Sara Crocker is a staff writer for Phoenix New Times where she focuses primarily on food. She began freelancing for New Times in July 2022 and joined the staff in February 2023. Prior to New Times, Sara worked for publications such as The Denver Post, Phoenix Magazine, Phoenix Home & Garden and Colorado Life Magazine. When she’s not reporting on the Valley’s dining scene, Sara brews beer at home and is an avid cook.

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