Al Paso — Restaurant in Zurich

I’ve been coming here for years. The sandwiches are excellent, the prices fair, and the owners can be very kind. However, as many reviews mention, they can also be exaggeratedly harsh.

Today I waited about 30 minutes in line; and that's fine, because the food is worth it. When I finally got to the door, I entered with the couple ahead of me (three people total). I’ve done this before in groups of three without issue, and I honestly thought it would help if the owner only had to explain the menu only once instead of twice.

Instead, I was immediately yelled at to wait outside, the same situation many others have described here, and that I have witnessed myself often enough as a bystander. When the couple left and I was allowed in, we got into a full-blown argument. I tried to explain my reasoning, but was met with scolding and comments like “we make the rules, not you”, “it’s not going to go faster”, or“this is OUR system, and you have to do as we say” from both of them. They went at me like a pack of guard dogs. It was clear they were projecting from their other experiences. After years of being a loyal customer, I was shocked.

Dear Kerns, if you read this, here are some suggestions: Write the daily menu on a board outside. This would solve a lot of problems. Don't forget: Nobody knows your "system". We're not actively trying to break it. Try managing your stress feelings during lunch time. It's the only time you're open. Be kind to EVERYONE. Customers aside, we're all just humans. And it's just sandwiches.

I've had an emotional day, so, pathetically enough, I could tell I was about to cry, and simply left. No sandwich is worth having to feel humiliated just for trying to be helpful. I feel sad and kind of...

What a terrific chance find right next to the central library in the old part of the city. The linsensuppe was better than even my uncle's who makes damn fine soup, and the foccacia sandwich melted in the mouth. Has an amazing flavour profile with incredible grilled vegetables and goat cheese and other cheese. Everything just melds together but you taste each ingredient separately. The apple/berry cake was so fresh and delicious also - hearty food and wonderful service. This is such a great addition...

The sandwiches are overpriced and mediocre, but the real problem is the service and the complete lack of basic manners. I saw a young woman being shouted at in the shop until she cried, simply for walking in with two other customers. Food should never come with humiliation. Rude, aggressive, and unnecessary. If you can't treat customers with respect you should not work in this sector. In Zürich there are plenty of far better places where people are treated with kindness. I will...