He Said: Phoenix’s best turkey sandwich may be at Bertha’s Cafe

Bertha’s is a small cafe in the usual Phoenix strip mall.

It’s situated next to a Pilates studio. Who would have guessed it would house the best turkey sandwich I have ever had?

I lead with this sandwich because it is one of those foods that feels comforting and brings back memories of Thanksgiving with my family.

I kid you not, they cook a fresh turkey daily. Not just any turkey, but a rosemary-rubbed turkey that is moist and juicy.

Because that isn’t enough, it is covered in avocado, lettuce, tomatoes, mixed greens, pesto mayo, havarti cheese, bacon and balsamic onion marmalade. What I find amazing is that, even with all these flavors, you still get the taste of the rosemary turkey clearly on your taste buds.

Are you convinced yet that this sandwich is enough to pay a visit to Bertha’s? If not, consider they have a good selection of other sandwiches, wraps and salads, all worthy of trying. But, until I get tired of turkey, I will have a hard time moving past this sandwich.

The service is quick and friendly but be prepared to wait during the weekday lunch rush. There is normally a line out the door.

They have a great half-and-half deal for lunch, letting you combine a half version of your favorite sandwich or salad with soup. It’s perfect for those days you just can’t decide what you want to eat. It also includes a small cookie that gives you a preview to the quality baked good available for you.

On the weekends, breakfast is the popular time to visit Bertha’s. My favorite is the brioche egg sandwich. It’s a classic breakfast sandwich with a nice twist of flavors — bacon, arugula, pesto and parmesan cheese on top of an egg.

After a filling sandwich, it is hard to think you could eat more but their pastry case is full of a ton of sweet treats. One in particular brings childhood memories back, only this time in a more adult version — homemade pop tarts.

Trembling with anticipation yet? They only make these treats on Saturday, so time your visit right. The flavors do vary each week, but when I visited it was a cinnamon filling in between two flakey pastry pieces. It even had the hard frosting on the top piece — just like you remember from your childhood — but this take on the breakfast pastry is far and above anything I had as a kid.

Whether you live in the neighborhood or are just passing by, Bertha’s is sure to become one of your favorite spots.