McAlister’s Deli

Had a horrible experience but the manager made it right. Great establishment. Will come back again.

I stopped by here for the chili. I was very disappointed because it tasted like it was poured out of a can. I won’t be back.

We have eaten here several times and have never been disappointed. This is a chain restaurant, as stated earlier by another Unilocaler, it is not an authentic deli like Katz’s in NY. It is, however, better than Panera, in my opinion. We have enjoyed the baked potatoes, broccoli and cheddar soup, sandwiches, and mighty fine sweet tea! No complaints!

Wife and I both ordered sandwiches with Corn Beef & when they arrived at the table we each took bites and found that the Corn Beef was mostly fat & grizzle. 2 Stars for the quality of the meat & the response we got from the 1^st employee we talked with. Her response to our complaint was, «that’s the way we get the meat». The manager came to the table and agreed that the meat was unacceptable. He quickly prepared 2 new sandwiched that were perfect. Also received a bonus slice of NY Cheesecake… Excellent. The review is now 5*‘s.

Food was good, got the half salad and half soup. Didn’t get a receipt so I couldn’t figure out if I got the salad I actually ordered or if I got the cup of soup and half salad. I thought I ordered half of the same salad my daughter ordered. My wife got a cup of soup, which looked the same size as what I got. Food was good, just no way to verify what I got was what I paid for?!?

The mood was set when I walked into McAlister’s (this was my first visit ever to a McAlister’s Deli) and stood at the counter to place my order. No one came to the register immediately, although there were three people behind the counter. In a bit, a young woman came over and started fiddling with the cash register. I said «may I give you my order?» She looked at me and said «you haven’t ordered yet?» Instead of allowing me to answer, she turned to the young man behind her and berated him for not taking my order. They bantered back and forth while I stood there waiting to place my order. Finally, she turned to me and asked what I wanted. I asked for a roast beef sandwich with American cheese on white bread, as the menu stated I could have a classic deli sandwich on MY choice of bread. I was told they don’t have white bread and she recited a list of breads that I could choose from. I opted for a hoagie roll. «Hot or cold» she said. I said cold. She asked me what side I wanted. I asked what sides were available. She pointed to the sign behind her. I chose chips. She asked what kind of chips. I asked what chips were available. She pointed to the sign behind her. I paid for the sandwich and soon enough it was ready for me to take away. Something told me to check the sandwich before I drove away. I had ordered roast beef; it did not look like roast beef. I said «is this roast beef?» She said «yes.» I said «it doesn’t look like roast beef.» She looked at it and took it back to the kitchen counter behind her and told the prep guy it was supposed to be roast beef. He took it away and in less than 10 seconds handed it back. «Here you go, dear» she said as she pushed it toward me. I looked again into the container. It was roast beef this time, balled up in the middle of the hoagie roll with the original pieces of cheese (two matchbook-​sized pieces) tossed on top. The pasty colored hoagie roll was refrigerator cold, and moist to the touch. I told the manager that the roll was literally COLD, and he told me it couldn’t be, that the bread is not refrigerated. However, the young woman interjected «I asked if you wanted it hot or cold; you said cold.» I had had a rough two weeks with my husband in the intensive care unit at a local hospital and this was the first REAL food that he had requested. «I don’t want this sandwich. I want my money back. I am taking this to my husband in the hospital and I am embarrassed to actually give this to him!» I (almost) yelled. At that point someone else, maybe the manager, came to the register and apologized. He handed me a register receipt and said the charge had been removed from my debit card. As I write this review, the charge is still pending on my debit card; there is no indication that the money was refunded.

Been here 4 or 5 times. Food is just «ok» and pales in comparison to Panera and most other chain sandwich shops.
Service has consistently been horrible, with staff that don’t greet customers, never smile and who can’t seem to get orders right. They always act like I’m imposing on them, especially when I go up to the counter for a refill on their sweet tea, the only standout feature of this chain.
If it wasn’t for «kids eat free Tuesdays», I wouldn’t return.

After letting McAlister’s know about an issue we had with posted closing times and staff response, McAlister’s was quick to respond with an apology and they corrected the situation as best as possible in a timely manner. I am very pleased to know that McAlister’s does truly care about customer input and experience.

Waited on our food and surprise they lost our order. We reordered they didn’t have it. The potato salad is awesome. Sandwich dry and salads ok. Once again not a good first impression. Not going back

Okay first off… this is a chain style deli. If you’re looking for a down home Katz’s Deli with home made corned beef and pastrami that you’d kill for, then stop reading this and start driving someplace else.
Now as far as chain style delis go, this really isn’t that bad. We’ve probably been here 3 or 4 times and I’ve never had anything bad here. We’ve had BLT, muffuletta (again if you want a real muffuletta, stop reading this and start driving) and a couple other sandwiches. Everything was pretty decent, but nothing that knocked my socks off.
So going by the Unilocal star rating, 3 stars is «A-​OK» this place is just fine for what it is. A chain deli that makes some reasonable sandwiches.
It has always been clean inside with friendly people. Bathrooms were clean.
So it is decent, we’ll stop by there if we’re in the area and want a sandwich, but not some place I would crave or go out of my way to get to.

I wish they would open one in Chester.
This place has some great sandwiches and soups. It’s true this does feel somewhat like a Panera (which I do enjoy on occasion) except this place has a bit more uniqueness with the type of sandwiches served along with a cheaper price and doesn’t feel like you’re in a library .
One of my favorite choices, if I’m starving, is called The Big Nasty. This sandwich (if you can even call it that) is a platter filled with a third of a pound of Black Angus roast beef open faced on baguette and covered in gravy and cheddar cheese. If you do eat this make sure it’s after the movie because it is an instant itis effect (AKA food coma.)
All in all this is definitely one of my favorite chain deli joints.

Horrible in every way. Typical fast food chain that is trying to be a Panera. Management seems non-​existent, a bunch of kids playing around at night. Overcooked potatoes, and pitiful sandwiches. Just another chain claiming to be a deli. Go to NYC and see what a real deli is, this is a joke.

When I think «deli» I think loads of meats, lots of cold cut sandwiches, tons of salad variations, etc. This place turned out to be somewhat like a Panera, but the food doesn’t seem quite as cookie cutter. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, because a lot of people like this place.
Variation of sandwiches, baked potatoes, and salads.
Had the chicken salad sandwich last time I was here and a huge glass of lemonade. Left satisfied with my meal and I wouldn’t mind dining here again when I’m in the area.

Never have had a bad experience at any of their locations. You’ve got to have the Tortilla soup; it’s very good… to bad they don’t have as many locations as Panera; much better

I was surprised how much I enjoyed this place. I was expecting another bland corporate «deli» The food was great, the service was fantastic. The value for the dollar was outstanding. I really enjoyed it.

I was expecting a little more «deli» from Mcalister’s Deli. It really kind of reminded me of Boston Market… which isn’t terrible, it just wasn’t what I was expecting. I ordered the «New yorker» sandwich with a side of mac and cheese. My wife got the pot roast and mashed potatoes and a side of mac n cheese.
You order at the counter, and they give you a number.
You go sit down and they bring your food, and will occasionally refill a drink for you. the place is clean, and the service is friendly and comes with a smile — all good!
My sandwich was good. It wasn’t piled high like I was hoping, but it was good. i wanted a little mayo on it, but a server never returned, I think I probably was suppsoed to go to the counter for it, as i think you don’t really get a waitress here.
the mac and cheese might have come from a can. it was basic cafateria style, no frills mac and cheese made with canned cheese sauce — i see this so often here in richmond, i don’t know what the deal is, but anyone with mac and cheese on their menu should go try it at the boulevard café in daly city, ca, and then bury their head in shame for serving this and calling it the same thing. /​macandcheeserant
The pot roast was tender and yummy on a bed of lumpy yummy home made tasting mashed potatos.
they have an extensive baked potato section with various toppings on the menu which look interesting, but we didn’t try them. If the mashed potatos are any indication, they are probably quite good.
all in all though, this place just didn’t do it for me. i doubt we’ll be back. If you like places like panera bread, or you love boston market, you’ll probably dig this place, and the prices are fair. I was just hoping for something a little more deli/​pub/​something special.

New location in Gayton Crossing Shopping Center, a good alternative to the other choices in the area.