Bertha's Café

We're all too familiar with the Over Easy's and Hash Kitchens of the world, and while great, we expect them to be. Their ubiquitous nature, while not entirely fair to them, makes one take them for granted. That being said, maybe the scorn isn't entirely unearned, as the bigger a chain is, the less of a personal touch they potentially have. To that end, I'm more than a little fortunate to have found perhaps Phoenix's best kept breakfast secret, Bertha's Cafe!Bertha's has been here right under many of our unsuspecting noses for the better part of 20 years, surviving all the shenanigans of the aught years and more recently Covid. Bertha herself built up quite the reputation for the restaurant focusing on a customer forward and quality ingredient laden home cooking approach coupled with reasonable prices, and impeachable cooking expertise. My brother Steve and I, stumbled upon it doing a Google search upon finding out that they shuddered the doors of the Over Easy on Camelback and 24th St. of alternate breakfast spots. After agreeing to try it, and not expecting much, we were immediately and warmly greeted by Mary, whose family now owns the place after purchasing it from Bertha after she tapped out to enjoy other endeavors. Many folks would start casting side eyes after a sea change of management, but I'm happy to say the reputation that was built carries over into the new ownership through a redoubling down on all the core values that Bertha painstakingly implemented. Mary suggested the Chorizo burrito. Being no stranger to this at other places, I was pleasantly surprised by how refreshingly different in the best possible way, this one was, exuding such delicious flavor with it's perfect marriage of Chorizo, cheese and potatoes. Paired with a zesty but not overly spicy Salsa, you'll wonder where it went, you'll eat it so fast. With a large breakfast and lunch menu and a veritable goldmine of heavenly pastries, brownie and other dream bars, this diamond in the crowded breakfast rough is just begging to have it's untold treasures discovered by Phoenicians and weary tourists alike. So that hard earned cash you were going to give to the major breakfast chains? You would do very well to hand it to this hard working and well deserving family instead, whose sole purpose is to reacquaint you with homemade food prepared with that which is missing from the faceless giants. Care, comfort and quality customer service. All the staff is amazing, from the rarely seen, but hardest working cooks led by Joanna and James, to the front of house with our lovely hostess Mary and the dashing Douglas, who both welcome guests with the warmest of wishes and the biggest of smiles. Try Bertha's today. Arlen approved. 10/10

Had a business meeting here and it was perfect. Quiet, plenty of room and the sandwich was good and basic. Next time will branch out and order something bigger and interesting.

We stopped in for a quick lunch and ordered a few things. We got a club sandwich, Oreo bar, pesto pasta salad and potato salad. The sandwich was toasted and had plenty of fixings. It was simple but delicious. The pesto pasta salad was super tasty but the potato salad, while good tasted like it was from the grocery store. The Oreo cream bar was dreamy and delicious. This is a quick no frills spot with indoor and outdoor seating. Service was friendly and food was good!

TOP FAVE breakfast / lunch spot! Berthas Cafe is the best kept secret in Phoenix. If you know about it, ya know! If not, you need to hop on it!! Our favorites to order are the breakfast sandwich and the Turkey sandwich. So simple yet so delicious! If it's your first time you HAVE to try the turkey sandwich. The caramelized onions make it an easy 10/10 for me. Their lunch special is also a great deal! In addition to all their great breakfast / lunch options, they also have several baked goodies to choose from. Service is top notch every time. The manager is such a delight & everyone is always so welcoming. The space is actually great for groups large & small. Doesn't get too packed which is nice for days you want a nice place to dine in without having to wait long periods of time. Addthis to your list of places to try if you haven't already!! You won't regret it!

Bertha's is the best little cafe in the area. The sandwiches and salads are always tasty and fresh. Some of the bakery items are meh. But the sandwiches are always on point. Staff is friendly too

I ordered a chicken Caesar wrap and a 8oz broccoli cheddar soup online. The wrap was okay, I'm a bit disappointed in the quality though. The chicken was just sliced deli chicken. For $12 I'd expect it to at least be grilled chicken breast or thighs rather than cold deli chicken. The broccoli cheddar soup was not great. It had corn and carrots in it which I thought was interesting. I probably won't be returning. I'm also attaching a photo of the lettuce that was on the wrap. I'm unsure if it was old or if it is from the sandwich press.

This sandwich is to die for. Caramelized onions, avocado, cheese & turkey make the sandwich taste so good. It's not too overpriced, although I will say you get a coffee and a pretty small sandwich and your tab is over $15 already.The shop itself is very cute and seems like a nice little mom & pop store. I've been here multiple times to try other items, but I can't stop myself from ordering this sandwich because it's so damn good.4.5/5

This is a cute little place that reminds me of a small family owned cafe and or Bodega in New York. The food was great and really economical. I loved the photos on the wall. I recognized some of the places from childhood. They had a sign that says they offer half off breakfast deals too if you come before a certain time. What a great deal that is. Ignore Tim's one star review. The place opens at 7am.

It's just a turkey sandwich, but it's really good. By the reviews, I'm pretty sure everything else is too.

Great sandwiches! Highly recommend You can taste the quality and love put in Love this neighborhood spot!