A Little Place ‘Worth’ Checking out ~ Worth Takeaway

The Place: Worth Takeaway
The Location: 218 W. Main Street, Mesa
The Dishes: Crispy Chicken Sandwich, House Made Sea Salt Potato Chips, Banana Pudding
By: Camryn Dilger

You would never guess that (quite possibly) the best sandwich in Arizona resides in a simple, ever-so-small restaurant in the middle of downtown Mesa. If you didn’t know what you were looking for, you would walk right past it. However, make no mistake — the crispy chicken sandwich from Worth Takeaway is not to be overlooked. Fried chicken, sriracha honey and house made ciabatta bread (baked fresh daily) melts in your mouth and truly creates a perfectly satisfying sandwich.

We suggest pairing the crispy chicken sandwich ($10.50) with the house made banana pudding ($5) and sea salt potato chips ($2). The banana pudding, enveloped with real banana pieces and topped with vanilla wafers, frequently changes to highlight different add-ins such as Nutella, peanut butter or cheesecake bites. Try them all! We won’t judge. Check their Instagram page or give them a call to find out what pudding is being featured at the moment.

Although gluten-free bread isn’t an option (yet), any of Worth Takeaway’s sandwiches can be ordered sans bread, over sweet potatoes and a bed of greens. Breakfast menu items, such as sammies, burritos, the pastrami croquet madame and the chicken veggie hash, are served all day from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Complimentary water bottles are also provided; a definite perk, with summer temperatures on the horizon.

The bold flavors of Worth Takeaway’s food contrast with the minimalist style of the restaurant, where you’ll find dark wood tables, tiny potted cactuses, white subway tiles and fresh flowers (available for purchase). A letter board on the wall displays food-related puns and sayings that change on the regular, so you’ll find a new one each time you come in. ‘Last name hungry, first name always’ was the saying during our visit, in case you were wondering. Seating is limited inside, but a large patio space is available in front with overhead umbrellas and outdoor market lights. The restaurant is within walking distance of the metro rail as well.

The staff is welcoming and especially helpful in deciding whether you should order the crispy chicken sandwich or the chicken salad sandwich (it’s the crispy chicken, obviously. Always get the crispy chicken). So, take a drive to downtown Mesa this week and treat yourself to an outstanding sandwich and some pudding. It’s WORTH it! (See what I did there?)

eat | drink | share | worth takeaway