Olives Gourmet Grocer — Attraction in Long Beach

A visiting friend asked where she might get some good sandwiches near where I live and I was drawing a blank, since sandwiches aren't really something I go for in the evening times. So I searched "sandwiches" on Yelp just to see what would come up and here was this place! OK, I think I knew somewhere in the back of my brain that they had good sandwiches, but I'd never tried them. Well I've sure been missing out these past few years! I was excited when I saw that they had the Muffuletta (a New Orleans specialty) on their menu--ever since trying one like 20 years ago I'm always curious to see if any outside of NO measures up. I'd have to say this is the closest it's come for me in terms of flavor, and it was very good. It does not come on the same round bread, though, but it wasn't a dealbreaker. The second sandwich I got here was the Spicy Steve--it was indeed spicy with great flavor; I loved it! Next time I think I'll try their egg salad, which is another favorite. Things aren't cheap here but you'll be assured of great quality. I'm so glad this location's the one that stayed open (the one on 2nd St is now closed)--I'll be sure to take advantage more often in the future. Oh, and I love it that they have McConnell's and Jenni's ice...

I am conflicted writing this review. I agree that the food here is delicious but it must be said — the staff is just not friendly.

I came in for the first time last week and the younger woman with the braid that handled my order was almost militant in her demeanor. No smiles, barely any eye contact, flat affect and tone. Get in get out. Gentleman with the white hair is kind but timid. Okay fine.

I come again yesterday and this time an older woman was present. She takes a looks at me and “what do you want? The menus are over there?” She was louder and less tactful, made me prefer the younger woman. My husband then turns to me and gives a chuckle. We just couldn’t stop laughing watching the way the staff interacted with the customers, the vibe was so dry, off, and awkward. It felt like we were all trying to stand as still as we possibly could to not upset the staff.

Love the food here but not exactly a pleasant experience. If I’m going to spend as much as I do here, I’d like to be treated better. A simple smile or how is your morning going would...

I really wanted to love this place however there a few things that bothered me starting with the expired raw chicken in the refrigerator. Basic food knowledge is raw chicken must be stored on the bottom and the fact that it’s expired concerns me. Another issue I had was how dirty the panini press was and the fact that the employees are okay with that. The third issue was when I saw an employee use the same tool to spread garlic spread then use it again to spread tomato pesto. Basic food knowledge will tell you that it’s cross contamination. The fourth issue was when new aioli was put on top of old aioli. Basic food knowledge is first in first out. All of these issues demonstrate that there is no real passion for culinary here at this establishment and it’s just a job. My final issue was when I ordered the number 1 my steak was thrown into a microwave which completely over cooked the steak and ruined the flavor and texture. I really wanted to love this place but the lack of passion here is so apparent and I will never...