El Salchichero — Local services in Santa Cruz

This is not a review about the meat here.

This is a review about crappy, snarky customer service.

I called several days ago to reserve a prime rib roast for Christmas. I wanted something in the 3-4 pound range. The "butcher" who I was speaking with told me that a bone-in prime rib roast ran "1 - 1 1/2 pounds " per bone. So, to be safe I ordered/reserved a 3 bone roast, and placed a $40 deposit.

So, when I showed up today to pick-up the roast - it checked in at 5.8 pounds. I told the "butcher" at the counter that this was much larger than I expected and contrary to what I was told when I placed the order.

I got several uninterested and unhelpful responses:

Response 1: "Three bones at 1.5 pounds per bone would be 4.5 pounds - so that's kind of close (to 5.8)."

Huh? In what math class? That's like 29% more! And at $17.45 per pound - that's almost $23 more...

Since this was much larger that I had expected, I asked if there was anything smaller or some other alternative - and I got Response 2:

"No. Nothing. This is your roast."

Hey! Merry Christmas to you too, buddy!

No apologies, no willingness to be helpful - just here's your roast - take it or leave it. And by the way, we're going to keep your $40 deposit one way or the other.

I know that these guys are very busy and popular - so customer service does not need to be a priority for them - but they should at least get the staff together and agree on how much a prime rib roast...

All the products are amazing, I've not had anything I didn't like. You can find all sorts of fantastic flavors and cuts here. The staff can be a bit pretentious and if you aren't up on your cuts of meat or meat terminology it can be a bit daunting. My own insecurities aside, I'll keep coming back because it tastes great. This week I had duck mousse sausage and I think I can honestly say that I've never tasted anything like it - it was exquisite and I would get it again in a heartbeat, except for the fact this was the end of a batch and the butcher said it may never be available again. A travesty if you ask me! I'm hoping he is wrong and it makes a comeback next...

This is by far the best butcher I’ve ever been to. Their meats are incredible, their spices amazing, the service is friendly, these guys know their stuff. Every two weeks I travel from San Francisco to Santa Cruz to visit the kids and my granddaughter. I stop in here for lunch meats (then on to Companion Bakery 1 block away for fresh baked breads and scones), their beef jerky is to die for, filet mignon, skirt steak, bacon, everything is so good, I end up buying gifts for everyone. Oh yes, they are reasonably priced, too. I love...