REVIEWS FOR 2025
Chop, Block & Brew Restaurant
Chopp, Block & Brew Restaurant is located inside Harrah's Ak-Chin Hotel and Casino at 15406 Maricopa Road, Maricopa, AZ 85139.
480-802-5000
For more information, visit
https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin/restaurants/chop-block-brew#.W2M89dJKg2w
The restaurant offers an extensive menu featuring wood-fired and grilled beef, seafood, and handcrafted cocktails. However, while the menu is available on their website, it does not display pricing, and the in-house menu can be surprising in terms of costs.
My guest and I visited for an early dinner on a Friday night. Although only three tables were occupied, we had to wait 20 minutes to be seated, as the hostess was engaged but seemed to be managing the situation slowly.
The staff's attire felt overly casual for what is advertised as an upper-quality restaurant. The seating consisted of booth tables and standard tables with chairs for two, and the furnishings appeared inexpensive. The lighting was set for a dinner ambiance, but it reminded me more of a diner like Denny's, with a low-light setting.
Restrooms are located outside the restaurant area, off the hallway. This is typical in casinos, but it could pose an accessibility issue for handicapped patrons needing to navigate to and from the facilities.
The Meal
The menu features a wide selection of cocktails, wines, beers, and other beverages, though the prices are quite high, with one drink requested costing $80.00.
The food portions are more than generous, and the dishes offer a delightful aroma and rich flavors, all beautifully presented.
Their salads are absolutely delicious, showcasing vibrant layers of flavor and served chilled.
The prime beef steak fondue, served with bread, was fresh and hot—it's a meal that one would want to recreate at home.
The quality of the drinks and tea matched the overall standard, though the prices remain steep.
The portions of food are more than generous, good aroma and flavorful, with exceptional presentation.
Their salads are absolutely scrumptious with colorful layered flavors and chilled.
The drinks and tea were on par for quality not withstand the price.
The Bottom Line
The Bottom Line
Although the food was very good and well-presented, there were several issues that marred the experience.
First, having to wait for a table when the restaurant was relatively empty was frustrating. The ambiance and the casual demeanor of the staff did not convey a sense of quality that one would expect from a reputable establishment.
The cleanliness of the restaurant was only moderately satisfactory; the floors showed wear, and there was dust on the chairs and table legs.
The silverware, which was wrapped in cloth napkins, appeared worn and spotted.
When taking our order, the server stood in the center aisle and made some recommendations, but no water was provided; instead, we had to order other drinks.
The ambiance was dismal at best for what they portrayed seemingly like Denny's.
The food was delivered by the expediter half an hour later than expected. She approached from the main aisle rather than from our left side and was not pleasant; she didn’t say a word during the delivery. If I had the authority, I would have sent her home for the night.
Overall, I’m not excited to return to this restaurant.
- Quality of Food/Beverage 4
- Service 1
- Ambiance 2
- Cleanliness 2
- Value for the totality 1
- Total of 10 points out of 25
Pies in disguise
Pizza Hut
The Bottom Line
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut, 21101 N. John Wayne Pkwy, Suite 102 Maricopa, AZ 85139.
520-316-6116
https://www.dominos.com/en/restaurants
This is a franchise restaurant that has recently moved from suite 106 just four doors down. The newly designed floor plan and equipment allow for a seamless flow of production in a more efficiently controlled work environment. This is a pickup and delivery location only with a single bench to sit on while waiting for your order.
The exterior windows and ledges were dirty, and the interior ones had construction wallboard dust on them. There was no entryway floor mat.
The restroom was partially cleaned but still had construction dust in it. The east bathroom wall facing the glass window has pink fiberglass insulation touching the glass, and did not have a finished wall between the glass.
My pickup order was boxed with perfect timing. The young girl at the counter was so softly spoken you could not hear her. After providing a cash payment to her she did not count the change back.
The Meal
The Bottom Line
Pizza Hut
Pizza scoring and reviews are normally conducted and customarily done on a 14-inch regular crust pepperoni. Being a new restaurant we had a 12-inch pepperoni pan- pizza prepared for the test.
The pizza had just come out of the oven and boxed, it exceeded 200 degrees. The bottom of the crust was cooked well but was too oily.
Pizza Hut utilizes a rocker cutter to slice its pizzas to save time. The slices are not evenly cut, and the edges were not cut all the way through. This is the most common complaint within the pizzas industry with the slices sticking together.
The number of pepperoni slices was correct but not evenly placed. The cuts may go through the pepperoni but the individual at the cut table did not pull up and rearrange the pepperoni for even distribution and seamless presentation. This is Pizza Hut's normal procedure as they do not have a simple tool as tongs or take the time for good presentation of their product.
The crust is not even with an inadequate edge lock and has sauce spattered on it.
The Bottom Line
The Bottom Line
The Bottom Line
This pizza has different-sized slices. The crust is too thin towards the middle and in spots to thick on the outside.
The slices of pepperoni were not pulled back after being cut. The gel line between the crust and sauce is good with no bleeding of toppings.
The pizza smelled great, had a good texture while consuming and excellent flavor balance between the crust, cheese and pepperoni.
This pizza scored an overall 7.
We did not notice any current discrepancies with any direct food safety issues and employees. The major issue is with the bathroom wall between the glass not being finished. This is not only unsightly but creates a health hazard for mold. It is unknown why the health department allowed them to open with this discrepancy and with the construction residue.
The restaurant overtime should improve, and we will do a follow-up.
- Quality of Food/Beverage 4
- Service 3
- Ambiance 3
- Cleanliness 2
- Value for the totality 3
- Total of 15 points out of 25
Asian in january
W & Z Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar
W & Z Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar
W & Z Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar
The W & Z Asian Bisrto & Sushi Bar is located at 2157 N. John Wayne Pkwy
Ste. 101 Maricopa, AZ 85139
520-568-8277 https://wzmaricopa.bobog.com/
This quaint Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar is located on the West side of JW Pkwy in Karstene's Plaza.
This restaurant has a menu that is packed with great food selections for Chinese, Japanese, and Sushi rolls. One can order online for dining in, catering, pick up, and for third-party delivery. https://wzmaricopa.bobog.com/
I have eaten here several times, and W & Z is usually busy. They get the orders out very quickly, both in-store and for pick-up. The staff is very friendly and energetic, especially Jen Jen.
The seating is at booth tables, tables with chairs and a small counter with bar stools to watch the Chefs prepare meals.
They have a short list of beers and cold drinks and hot tea to complement your meal.
The ambiance is warm, with light Asian decor, and it is well-lit. However, the seats are not very comfortable, and the backrests move around.
The Meal
W & Z Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar
W & Z Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar
They utilize restaurant-grade drink cups not throw away plastic or styrafoam for dining in.
The Happy Four Seasons as above was $19.20 and will fill you up just like everything else on the menu. No worries...they have to-go cartons.
The interesting thing is that the food is infused with good flavors, well paried and layerd for your delight. You can have them make your food spicy hot on request, the Asian way.
They have a diet and gluten free menu selections as well.
The desert menu is light a pictured with the Lava Cake. The menu for the location in Payson has Cheese Cake, Fried Cheese Cake and Coconut Rolls.
The Bottom LIne
W & Z Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar
The Bottom LIne
My previous vist to this location was with great service and food.
Unfortunately, the restroom then was a disaster. It was cleaner on this visit but still had issues with heavy dust on top of the towel dispenser, and mirror.
The front counter was cluttered and staff holding and drinking from take-out cups while preparing to-go orders.
The service was great and the food was superb. The server was attentive and returned three times. to attend to any additional requests.
Tips are suggested on the check. They also have a tip jar at the counter.
for pickup orders. Usually in China, Japan and Korea it is an insult to tip a server. It is nice that they are able to adjust to a better way to make an honest living.
In the future we hope the restroom is in better condition, the benches are repaired, and they move to utilize paper cups instead of styrofoam for carry-out.
- Quality of Food/Beverage 4
- Service 5
- Ambiance 3
- Cleanliness 2
- Value for the totality 4
- Total of 18 points out of 25
At The G-G
Gyro Grill
Gyro Grill is located at 20987 N. John Wayne Pkwy Ste. B102 on the west side of JW Hgwy in the north part of Fry's.
520-217-4418
This is a proud family owned and operated restaraunt situated in the plazza with simple casual amenities, and service with a smile.
It boasts a family setting and atmosphere, has table seating in three rows and child booster seats are available. The condiments are on a rack set on each of the tables for patrons.
The menu is described as authentic Healthy Gourmet Greek and Mediterranean foods using highest quality of ingredients, freshly served, with a guarantee.
Patrons are able to dine in, party platters/catering, and take out from their extensive menu.
https://gyro-grill.com/online-order-menu
The Meal
This restaurant has been frequented on several occasions, and it never fails to please the visual, olfactory and pallet senses. The portions are more than generous and will most definitely fill you, especially the Greek fries.
Once you order your meal you can watch it being carved from the rack and masterly prepared fresh off the make line by the owner Aazad.
It is then artistically placed in a to-go container or carefully placed on a plate/container and arranged on a tray for dining in.
If the individual at the register is not busy assisting on the make line, they will bring your tray to your table with a smile.
We always utilize the fountain drink machine for reviews to test its operation and the Dr. Pepper’s 23 flavors balanced with the carbonation. Their machine is spot on and so far is best in flavor and balance over other restaurants. They utilize three different sizes of drinks and provide paper cups not plastic.
For this review Karen took the order during rush for Gyro Grills’s Chicken Shawarma Wap #2 with a small drink priced at $10.20 before tax and tip. You can tip on the register app with card or place your tip in the jar for convenience.
The order was finished in four minutes and was then called to pick it up at the counter.
The hot chicken was infused with just the correct blend of spices, as it was layered over the melody of salad, placed carefully in a pita bread and topped with sour cream. It was more than enough to satisfy one’s hunger and taste buds for a delicious experience.
The Bottom Line
The Bottom Line
The meal and service were outstanding, which continues to represent this family owned restaurant well. One can only anticipate the variations in the menu to explore from, towards the next visit.
The meal is so large it is difficult to pick up. A fork is provided as knives would be helpful to prevent a mess and be more attentive to enjoy the meal more fully.
The ambiance and mood of the restaurant was pleasant as other patrons seemed to enjoy it. Customers for pick-up orders were processed quickly with smooth and friendly interaction.
The restaurant’s eating area tables and floor was generally clean and very orderly during the rush.
The cooler for bottled drinks was clean and orderly. The fountain and tea machines were clean, and sundry items were in order. The kitchen area and makeline was clean and in order.
The racks for catsup and hot sauce condiments placed on tables needed some dressing up.
Both public restroom doors were open, and did not have the required automatic door closers. The one bathroom was clean with only dust on the towel dispenser and mirror top.
The dry storage door was open, and the room was clean and orderly.
A gem of a spot to take your family or guests and enjoy great food reasonably priced, and service with a smile.
- Quality of Food/Beverage 5
- Service 5
- Ambiance 4
- Cleanliness 3
- Value for the totality 4
- Total of 21 points out of 25
Savor the Flavors - a Catered event for the Lunar new year
Catered by Mekong Palace
This special event for the Lunar New Year of the Snake was a Cultural Food Presentation put on by the OCA Greater Phoenix 27th Anniversary.
7121 E. First Avenue Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480-990-1222 https://www.ocaphoenix.org/contact-us
This event was catered by and at the Mekong Palace, Mekong Plazza 66 N. Dobson Rd. Mesa, AZ 85202
480-962-0493
The event was to celebrate the richness of Asian culture throughout time-honored traditions, and exquisite cuisine of which to view the future with a renewed purpose.
OCA is passionate about supporting all Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) in advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of those cultures, and promoting civic engagement and developing leadership within the youth through educational programs. An important aspect of this endeavor is through current legislating
The Asian American Education Project: K-12 Asian American Curriculum.
Your support in this endeavor is apreciated.
Unique Asian Flavor Combinations
The exquisite delight of Asian cuisine was developed with individual recipes contoured specifically for each of the twelve courses. You read this correctly, twelve courses!
Each course represented a different aspect of the New Year bringing good fortune, smooth sailing, a bright future, blessings, and wisdom, a soaring future, joy, longevity, ambition, a bright and boundless future, wishes comming true, peace all year, and one's body and mind to find peace.
The colorful table place settings and surroundings promoted a well-organized event and meal setting.
Mekong Palace and staff prepared each of the twelve courses flawlessly and served the tables promptly for each course. This was not their normal menu and recipes to prepair. They were attentive to each of the 150 guests.
Each course was a delightful presentation as it was placed on the rotating center piece. The aroma grabbed your senses as you waited patiently for the course to come before you.
Everyone was feed well in abundance with food left over. It did not go to waste as guests were encouraged to take home this delicious feast.
The Bottom Line
The Bottom Line
Without a doubt, this was the best Asain meal depicting the combined regions of Szechuan, Cantonese, and Northern Chinese Foods that I have embraced all at once in one sitting.
The soup above was the first course, the best Seafood Tofu Soup I have had the pleasure to pass my lips and savor, while hoping for cultivating blessings for this year.
This was the perfect event to enjoy the fine cuisine in this setting with such a remarkable restaurant as the Mekong Palace at the helm. The food and service was in fact phenomenal.
Everone should come here, We will no doubt return to a well-managed and clean restaurant.
More importantly, why the event was held by the OCA.
Contact them today.
- Quality of Food/Beverage 5+
- Service 5
- Ambiance 4
- Cleanliness 4
- Value for the totality 5
- Total of 23 points out of 25
standing corrected
McDonald's
The Bottom Line
McDonald's
The location of this review is
from the McDonald's restaurant located at 41710 W. Maricopa-Casa Grande Hwy. Maricopa, AZ 85138
520-568-6714
This franchise location 1 of 2 in Maricopa, AZ south of Walmart has been a problem child for a very long time.
McDonald's Corporate has drastically changed over the years building relestate through franchising over that of building good and healthy food for the consumer.
This location has previously been plagued problematicly with poor management, training, high turnover rate, dismal customer service and food product quality, and most of all, sub standard hygeine and sanitation.
Seems evident at this visit during evening rush that things all around have changed for the better.
This is why restaurants are inspected and reviewed.
The Meal
The Bottom Line
McDonald's
Arrived at 17:46 to shop this location. They were moderately busy mostly with drive-through customers and four people waiting on pick-up orders for third party delivery.
A young lady, Arriane was at the one open register. She took my order for a freshly made quarter pounder with cheese, pickels on the side and fresh medium fries and a medium soft drink.
She was very cordial and read the order back correctly. After paying with cash she returned the remainder counting it back to me....such a rarity.
When retrieving the Dr. Pepper both dispensers were out. I returned the cup back to her and she had the other girl at the window get me a fresh cup from their dispenser while she waited on another customer, multitasking.
The meal was brought to my table and served nicely on a tray.
The quarter pounder was hot and fresh with good aromatic sense. From the photo above it is evident that they still need work on the placement of toppings and presentation. The pickels were in a separate container with a lid nice and cold. The burger was at 139 ⁰ and fries at 135 ⁰ and both were lightly salted...done right and flavorful for once.
The Dr. Pepper was better than previous visits at this location as it appears they had the machine at the drive through adjusted since last visit for balanced soda and carbon dioxide.
The Bottom Line
The Bottom Line
The Bottom Line
Overall this location has made improvements in the training of staff at the front of the house. Some work remains at the back of the house with the presentation of food. The meal was a much needed and good improvement.
The main counter was remodeled to accommodate shelves to the left for the large amount of third-party delivery pick-ups. This prevents one from viewing portions of the back of the house.
Amazingly, the restroom was clean for once. The front of the house's main floor had several safety markers placed as it was recently mopped.
All of the table tops and chairs had been cleaned as well. The counter area for the soda machine and sundries was clean and uncluttered but required soda, as Dr. Pepper is the only one we test for consistency.
The soft booth cushions throughout the restaraunt need reupholstering or replacement as in the photo above.
One can only hope that they keep up this good progress and continue to improve and develop valued employees like Arianne.
It remains abysmal for our precious environment that Corporate refuses to move away from utilizing plastics throughout the chain globally.
Unfortuanatly McDonald's products overall are not worth the price financially or physically that customers pay for fast food-addiction.
We will return for another review.
- Quality of Food/Beverage 3
- Service 5
- Ambiance 3
- Cleanliness 4
- Value for the totality 3
- Total of 18 points out of 25
grocieries galoor
Fry's Foods
The Bottom Line
The Groceries
Fry's Food Stores #21997
Fry's Maricopa #627
20797 N. John Wayne Pkwy
Maricopa, AZ 85139
520-568-6200
https://www.frysfood.com/stores/grocery/az/maricopa/john-wayne-pkwy-edwards-ave/660/00672
As an Executive Chef and Culinay Consultant it is necessary to source food items to test or develop recipes, and of course...eat. Being in Maricopa it is at times difficult to obtain needed items locally with only a few stores in town. Most of the time simple items can be sourced here in town, or limited quantity needed.
Yes we review F & B establishments as well as grocery stores and suppileres.
We wanted to obtain a verity of only food items. Fry's has a food pick-up system and wanted to put it to the test to see just how seamless it was, any issues with products requested,
as to quality, how the items are bagged, and lastly how they are placed in the vehicle.
We placed the order around 15:00 for pick-up between 19:00 and 20:00, and arrived at 19:30.
The Groceries
The Bottom Line
The Groceries
After announcing our arrival for pick-up a young lady (Hope) came out with the order in about two minutes. She was very energetic and helpful with placing the order in the vehicle on her own.
The vegetables were in small separate bags and neatly placed in a single large reusable bag.
The order was in both high-density reusable plastic bags and reusable paper bag, and then placed neatly in the vehicle.
One could always hope for such good service with a smile.
We ordered five different items of meat, three of which were pre-packaged. The other two are discussed here.
The first was one pound of Black Angus Ground Sirloin 90/10 fat content from the meat counter at $8.49 lb, and weighed 1.04lb and was $8.38. It was well wrapped.
The second was a pre-packaged selection of Petite Sirloin Steak, super value pack was $8.99 lb and weighed 3.75 lb originally priced $32.09 on sale @ $28.52. The photo depicts about 0.7oz trimmed off of the pieces, the remainder portions were prepared
for cooking...yummy.
The Bottom Line
The Bottom Line
The Bottom Line
The order that we placed was complete without any substitutions. Four coupons were utilized seamlessly from the app.
The items were properly separated, and neatly organized in the bags with attention to detail then placed in the vehicle with care.
Fry's utilizes a large composite plastic bag that is more durable than in-store bags, able to be reused 120 times. The paper bag with handles is also a reusable bag which both promotes sustainability.
The ordering and pick-up process is simple and operates seamlessly. We hope to use this process more often.
The food containers were marked well and not damaged. The quality of the Angus Beef was top notch as well as the Sirloin Steaks...yummy.
Who ever the individual was that picked our order in store did a superb job in selecting items that are top-notch, undamaged, and carefully separated and placed in the two different types of bags. There is not identification on the return receipt to their identity...but thank you.
The only issue like on previous visits was the high fat content to be removed from the Sirloin steaks. This may be one reason why the packages are usually marked down.
Fry's is a great source of quality products, where items are always going on sale. This store supports local restaurants as well as foodies here in town.
- Quality of Food/Beverage 4
- Service 5
- Ambiance 3
- Cleanliness 4
- Value for the totality 5
- Total of 21 points out of 25
to coffee or not to coffee
Starbucks
The Bottom Line
Starbucks
This Starbucks is one of three in Maricopa located in Fry's Foods #627
20797 N. John Wayne Pkwy Maricopa, AZ 85139
520-836-4400
This Kisko is inside of Fry's Foods is in a high traffic area at the entry of the main registers near the flower shop on the north end of the store.
It is a small shop that has a long list of hot coffee, refreshers, fraps, tea, chocolate, cold coffee, energy and bottled drinks; food items for breakfast and lunch, snacks and baked goods.
The counter is fully stocked with displayed food items and floor space is minimal for proper operation with two barristers banging into one another, which requires the two women, and not men as employees.
Though requested, this location has never provided a creamer other than half -and- half.
On several previous visits the employees were not cordial but rude, and did not count change back.
The Drink
The Bottom Line
Starbucks
Starbucks sources beans from thirty different countries primarily in Latin America, Africa and the Asia Pacific region. The beans are flavor blended then roasted and sent all over the world.
Coffee has three different brew types.
- Boilnig Water
- Perfect Temp to Brew 90-200
- Adjusted temp according to brew type
We placed an order for a small regular coffee with French Vanilla or similar. They only offered half-and-half.
It took about 10 minutes for the short order to be finished, as it was prepared in a paper cup with a paper insulator and plastic lid and then placed on the pick-up counter with a smile by Miranda.
Starbucks coffee is always a very strong bold flavored and pungent coffee that requires a different taste for it as compared with their competitors, Dutch Brothers and Dunkin Doughnuts.
This drink was no different.
as to flavor or aroma. The temperature was excessive.
Tempature of the coffee served is to be between 120 ⁰ and 155 ⁰ as the cup was difficult to hold onto.
The Bottom Line
The Bottom Line
The Bottom Line
The Kisco is overcrowded with food items and not enough floor space to work properly.
The counters were crowded and cluttered with store food items and operation equipment. The so-called work space is limited but clean, and the employees constantly clean the blenders and pots. The seating area was not in order.
It was good service and to have ladies that are approachable and friendly working in this environment, and haveing change counted back is appreciated.
Why do they not provide creamers other than just half-and-half?
The coffee was to hot to drink for 45 minutes. The aroma and flavor was dismal at best.
The company does utilize paper cups for hot items but blatantly refuses to utilize paper lids on them, and further refuses to utilize paper cups, lids, and straws for cold items. So much for sustainability and our environment.
As it remains, not a fan of their coffees or of the company.
- Quality of Food/Beverage 1
- Service 4
- Ambiance 3
- Cleanliness 3
- Value for the totality 3
- Total of 14 points out of 25
what's yummy today
Yummy Noodles
The Bottom Line
Yummy Noodles
20917 N. John Wayne Pkwy A104
Maricopa, AZ 85139
520-68-2965
https://maricopayummynoodles.com
This quaint Asian restaurant is located in the Fry's Plaza in the northeast section of the property.
This is home to another family-owned and operated lunch and dinner establishment with an extensive menu to satisfy your appetite.
The restaurant is advertised it as being Thai food outside but is consistent with Chinese as their brand.
The instore menu is large and colorful and consists of over 50 food items and drinks, starting with Ramen, Stir Fys Noodles, Apitezrs,
Drinks, Seafood, Mix & Match, and Sandwiches. Yes, even Phili sandwiches.
The online menu is also extensive.
We had frequented this location several times and it proved to be a good meal. They are known for its variety of tastes and high-quality fresh ingredients at a fair price.
On this ocassion entering to dine at 19:30 the place was empty. The server took me to the table close to the kitchen and provided me with the menu and inquired in broken English rather quickly as to my selection of drinks.
Most unfortunate it was not going to be the best of meals as the odor from the grease trap screamed to be cleaned or had just been cleaned .
The server came back within three minutes with my tea and to take my order. I placed one for their Seafood Noodle Soup..
The Meal
The Bottom Line
Yummy Noodles
The menu was colorful and extensive but was provided little time to absorb the items to make a good selection.
After I placed the order with the server she was anxious to remove the menue from me. Had to check my watch to see if they were closing, but a table of four came in.
The owner came from the back area in about seven minutes and placed
the order on the table with a basket containing a napkin, chop sticks, a liattle spoon and a fork that had four bent prongs.
By closing my eyes I could taste the soup just from smelling it, unwrapping the sticks and started in for the gold. The lattle spoon proved valuable in absorbing all of the falvorfull juices at the bottom. Just look at the picture.
The tempature of the soup was perfect. The different ingredients of seafood and vegetables were well balanced with spices. The Asian Noodles for this soup is spot on in flavor and texture.
I was filled to the brim but was tempted to pick the bowl up and sip the remainder.
The ownere returned to refill my drink and one other time.
The Bottom Line
The Bottom Line
The Bottom Line
The restaurant's ambiance is casual with a light Asian flavor for its decor nicely seating 85.
The tables, chairs floor and the bathroom were clean, as well as the main counter. The condiments are kept on the main counter to aid in keeping them stocked and clean.
This family-owned gem is a must on your list to visit for their vast menu to select from, and to relax and enjoy a flavorful meal.
The tea was served in a restaurant grade plastic cup and they did not use any plastic throw away items in the restaurant for sustainabiliy purposes.
At the end, the server did not return as she was doing the daily receipts for closing at the register.
The owner brought the check for $20.41 and said if I paid in cash It was only $18.73. Cash it was and she returned with the change which was part of the tip.
Yes, the check has suggested tip percentages and the amount of that percentage.
The only issue with this visit was the unpleasant odor of the grease trap which disappeared over time and was not noticeable at the end of the meal.
Just maybey we we see you there on our next visit to the Yummy Noodle to enjoy one of their favorites or signature classes.
Don's forget they make sandwiches.
吃得好 (Good eats)
- Quality of Food/Beverage 4
- Service 4
- Ambiance 3
- Cleanliness 4
- Value for the totality 4
- Total of 19 points out of 25
Ooh...ooh... Domino's ?
Domino's Pizza
Domino's Pizza
Domino's Pizza
Domino's Pizza #7690
20024 N. John Wayne Pkwy Ste 100
Maricopa, AZ 85139
520-568-3030
This is the only Domino's location within 18 miles, though other brands are in Maricopa available for your patronage. The photo above is this store and symbolizes the serious distress it had in performing the start of this review on Saturday, March 1st 2025.
Domino's has an extensive and expanding menu and -stores are able to draft their own pricing. They offer ordering by phone, online or in-store, with delivery, carryout and third-party delivery. Some stores still have basic indoor seating as this one does.
The claim is made by the corporation that they offer Italian food but this remains unsubstantiated due to the company closing all stores there in 2022 due to poor market in favor of traditional/real Italian food.
The company has had smaller growth over the past few years and rebounding with over 40% of the US market share, with 99% of the stores being franchise. They are trying many avenues to regain lost customer due to product quality and service.
Question remains, are you 'Hungry for More'? You may not be after this review.
Making Pizza
Domino's Pizza
Domino's Pizza
Ordering a 14-inch regular crust hand-tossed pizza for carry-out during a rush is the norm for scoring and reviewing an establishment for consistency and fairness to to all.
Domino's utilizes an extensive list of ingredients for each of their products. This becomes unnecessary to develop quality with flavor that is preservable in food production that later reaches the store then the consumer.
We will not discuss how they manufacture products like the dough and sauce as these are extensive and overburdening, as well as part of their problem in a quality product.
While at this location we watched for over 15 minutes how they made lots of pizzas, ours as well.
An insider on the make line takes a dough ball out of the tray and places it in a dough press to flatten the dough ball out in the rough shape of a pizza.
Corn meal mix is dashed on the table and they place the flattened dough on the mix, and proceed to stretch the dough out the size of the pizza making the edge.
The dough is then placed on a 14 inch pan and passed down the line for toppings which are done in a specific order that is projected on the make-line screen.
When toppings are completed, as in our review - sauce, cheese and then pepperoni, then the order is bumped on the screen and placed in the oven.
As the pizza is coming out of the oven it is scooped up with an aluminum pizza peal, placed on a stack of opened-faced 14-inch boxes that are not labeled.
.
The pizza is cut and then the box is folded around it and then the order ticket is stuck in the front of the box , then placed on the ready rack for customer pick-up or for the delivery drivers.
Inside
Domino's Pizza
The Meal
So what goes on inside to see?
As in the picture to the left you can see the man in the middle, the manager and his assistant to his left. The manager has a red beard and his assistant has a grey mustache and goatee.
In the photo above you see an insider on the left at the cut table wearing a visor. He has a black beard and long hair hanging out of the visor down his back.
Another girl on the makeline had her hair outside of her visor too.
These are Arizona and County health code violations as facial hair has to be covered with a net and head hair has to be covered fully with a hat or net, and not be hang out/down.
Arizona Health Services Code 2-301.11, and 2-402.11 https://www.azdhs.gov/documents/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/food-safety-environmental-services/az-food-code.pdf
While trying to exit outside the door at the register for a minute, the door was locked. The staff stated that it was locked because it was broken. When a proper inquiry was made as to why they did not have a sign posted inside, not outside, they had no interest and avoided he opportunity to correct the matter. This is a fire or safety egress issue, as well as not having "K" fire extinguishers properly located. OSHA, NFPA, AZ State Fire Code, and Maricopa Fire Code violations. https://dl.imenada.com/nfpa96.pdf
The men's restroom was filthy but will not post photos here. The toilet was encruted with a brown ring, the bowl, bottom and top of seat had fecal matter on it. The wall had old urine markings on it. The sink was stained and dirty and the surfaces of handrails, paper towels, mirror and soap dispenser were dirty with residue. The floor was a sea of debri and urine, a pungent odor to explore no more.
There were no sanitizer containers visible for the makeline or cut table.
When checking out for my order, the assistant manager counted my change back in reverse order with the the bills overturned and unmatched. When through he returned to the make line without washing his hands.
The Meal
The Meal Part 2
The Meal
The photo above depicts what I was given but did not order.
The pizza is a 14-inch but not properly round. This is because the
crust does not have a correct edge lock to define its shape, size and conformity. It has sauce on the crust and burnt marks.
The placement of peperoni is not close enough to crusts inner edge and is just thrown on. It has rows of 16, 12, 8 and 1. This would normally allow for each slice to have rows of peparoni 2, 1.5, and 1. on each of the eight slices.
The pizza was cut on a soft surface the top of a stack of boxes instead of a hard surface of the cut table.
The cuts are hap-hazard made and did not make evenly sized pieces. The cuts did not go all the way through the edge of the crust or the pizza itself. Only one cut went all of the way through.
The peperoni pieces were over-done and greasy as seen with the runoff from under the pizza with residue in the box.
The peporoni was not
taken out of the individual cuts with the cutter or tongs and rearranged for proper presentation, even though pizzza was overcooked.
The Meal Part 2
The Meal Part 2
The Meal Part 2
This is the part of peering inside a pizza for the remainder of scoring.
We cut the crust revealing the top of the crust which has a good air opening but poor edge lock.
The slices reveal the pepperoni transversing down the sides as they were not pulled up at the cut table.
The crust thins out towards the center at the point. The pizza did not have a gel or gum line. This is normally a visible line between the dough and sauce and toppings, and is just slightly uncooked holding distinctive texture and flavonoids.
As such, you can see the grease and toppings blead through to the crust indicating that it was overcooked as seen from the dark colorization on top of the pizza and bottom of crust, and scorched toppings.
The oven temperature and bake time allowed for the cheese and pepperoni to over cook and blead through, which changes not only its appearance but texture and flavor.
Only one slice of this pizza was eaten. The texture was a crunch edge and sauggy center crust. The pork & beef pepperoni was satuted in grease with portions burnt. The cheese lost its flavor and it was over cooked. The sauce was bitter and overpowering.
The pizza scored a zero out of possible 10 points. Two and a half hours after ingestion of just one slice my stomach flipped and had diarrhea.
I went back on the 2nd to get a refund and informed them why and no concern was given for their pizzas' or me was given.
April did return to the make line without washing her hands and hair hanging out of her visor.
The Bottom Line
The Meal Part 2
The Meal Part 2
No Excuses "D"
At the onset, we had ordered a 14-inch regular crust hand-tossed pepperoni pizza for carry-out.
From watching them make our pizza as well as others, the reality is that they do not make hand-tossed pizzas as advertised in print, online and TV and promoted in-store. This is alleged as a misrepresentation that is done knowingly and willfully in violation of consumer laws. ARS §13-2203 and §44-1452 and the FTCA 15 U.S.C. §§ 41-58, as amended.
Taking a cold dough ball and pressing it removes any chance of the dough rising with their process as previously mentioned.
Pressing a cold dough ball compresses the gluten which contains the yeast that produces carbon dioxide which makes the dough grow or expand.
The only chance of making this any better is to take the compressed dough and dock both sides with a needle docker, slap it out, and hand toss lightly. Over tossing stretches the gluten further causing more damage.
The skin is stretched out and then an edge lock placed. It is the docking that allows the crust to rise permitting a proper gell line to form if not over cooked.
A formal complaint was made to the Director of Operation for Domino's Pizza, LLC in Phoenix Arizona to allow them the opportunity out of fairness to respond and correct matters. As of Wednesday, March 5th @ 18:30, no response has been made or corrective action taken at the restaurant, only an email stating the complaint would be sent to the franchise owner.
This is the worst pizza I have had since 2006. The process was abismal for the product was gross. The store was filthy and employees not following health and safety protocols, still yet, and had a calloused disregard to protect customers from fire hazard as to an unmaked locked door.
This review was performed in good faith without malice with the hope of helping the business. It is up to them and Corporate to make way for change, as the consume holds the reins.
It is Corporate profit as greed over that of a quality product and the consumer being first.
- Quality of Food/Beverage 0
- Service 0
- Ambiance 0
- Cleanliness 0
- Value for the totality 0
- Total of Zero points out of 25
JIMMY JOHN'S - More than fast
Jimmy Jhon's
The Bottom Line
Jimmy Jhon's
Jimmy John's #4202
20320 N. John Wayne Pkwy Ste 110
Maricopa, AZ 85139
520-340-8137
https://locations.jimmyjohns.com/az/maricopa/sandwiches-4202.html
JJ's presents a formable menu for a variety of sandwiches on 4 different French breads, wraps, combos, sides, desserts and drinks.
The owner has three franchise stores, one located in Casa Grande @
1321 E. Florence Blvd. Ste. #1
Casa Grande, AZ 85122
(520) 836-6060
and their new store in Laveen @
4920 W. Baseline Rd. Ste. 111
Laveen, AZ 85339
(602) 368-4999
With 32 competitors they hold 4th in the US market and are owned by Inspired Brands with 98% as franchise stores.
You can utilize the online app to grab a coupon and sign up for deals. The store here offer the customers their own deals not advertised, so ask for them.
Offers are made to:
- The Sanoran Creek Market Place businesses.
- Veterans
- Seniors
- Police
- Fire
- Paramedics
Similar restaurants do not offer this!
Thomas, the franchisee has a passion for supporting the communities his stores are in, with a volunteer spirit.
We visited the store in Maricopa location in the Sanoran Creek Market Place on Wednesday, March 5th for carry-out at 18:18 to perform a Secret Shopping experience for review.
A great place to eat, fast and fresh!
The Meal
The Bottom Line
Jimmy Jhon's
We were greeted 'welcome in' as we walked in the front door with a smile from Mariah. An order was placed for their new Toasted Roast Beef Cheddar 8" sandwich with a regular drink for carry-out.
After a long busy day for the four employees, there was only one customer in the store and she was getting her order with her son. Our order was #133 for the day.
Toasted sandwiches are great to order as you can take in the pleasant aroma of the meats and cheese toppings as they sizzle up, taking only a minute more.
It only took a few minutes for the sandwich to be made then toasted, finished off, and carefully wrapped to be served to me.
Mariah took one of their boldly marked JJ bags and placed three napkins in the bottom. She then carefully placed the well-wrapped sandwich into the bag. She inquired if I would like any mustard or manynese or anything else. She closed the bag and handed it to me with the logo facing forward.
The toasted sandwich tested at 120⁰. After opening the French bread toasted well, the topings appeared to be squoze from the tight wrapping.
The sandwich exhibited good texture all the way through the French bread and toppings. It displayed good flavor with nothing overpowering the other. I could taste the different items as layers.
The sandwich is not so large that you can not get your mouth around it. Other brands make this error so as you gasp for air you can not taste you meal.
The drink was from the fountain machine, a Dr. Pepper as always to test the balance between the 23 flavors and carbonation. This was better than average over other restaurants.
The Bottom Line
The Bottom Line
The Bottom Line
The sandwich was $10.99 and drink came to a total of $13.83 before taxes. We would like to see more meat at this price point or a $9.99 sandwich over that of their basic Roat Beef 8".
The sandwich has great flavor, more so than a cold sandwich. Heat just brings out more flavor in the bread, meat and cheese, that's what we all want, right?
The meals here are different than others in the area and and market, the reasons are obvious when you eat here and savor the food. It took years for JJ's to change their bread to this point. Definitely the best in the market, setting them apart.
The staff was spot on, energetic, friendly and engaging and helpful, even after a long day. Great customer service.
We could not find anything wrong in the store. This place was spotless. As you walked in the wall tiles glistened. Tables and chairs were clean as the foor reflected light back. The restroom was the cleanest I have seen in a long time. The back of the house or food area was clean and orderly as well.
They received an "E" for Pinal County Health Department this week on their inspection. Can see why. Rarely see an establishment this clean!
All of this makes one want to return for good service and food in a clean establishment.
Take Aways: The only thing I would want is to see is a small cup of extra cheese and horse radish sauce to dip in...yummy.
- Quality of Food/Beverage 5
- Service 5
- Ambiance 5
- Cleanliness 5+
- Value for the totality 4
- A Total of 24 points out of 25