Carl's Deli — Restaurant in Cincinnati

I feel like I can't give this place the review it deserves...

So my boyfriend and his friends that were visiting come from a very small town where they're from where there are not really a lot of options when it comes to food or much of anything and with them visiting we figured it'd be fun to go somewhere local like a hidden gem of Cincinnati. We originally intended to go to Sugar N Spice but it was beyond packed so we decided to go to Echos in Mt. lookout and it was also packed and we we're all just desperate to find somewhere fun and unique to eat. We had made a quick stop in a local coffee shop to use the restroom and a local recommended we try the deli down the street and gave us directions. We headed on our way and when we got there we were originally dissapointed to see that they too were also packed but after feeling defeated we decided to wait it out.

I should mention I'm not really a big sandwich person and that's primarily what they sold even through I ordered the " Broccoli and chicken casrole with Alfredo sauce" it was still pretty good. My boyfriend ordered their Pulled pork on a bun w/slaw and I snagged a few bites and thought it was only okay, pretty good for all being made from scratch but not the greatest I've ever had. My boyfriend really liked it though and thought it was really good. One of his friends also had the same thing and he said "it was the best pulled pork sandwich he's ever had" and left a 5 start review himself today. The next time we go I plan on ordering a sandwich and I'll update...

First time, won’t be our last. The gentleman who rang up our order names the following numbers as the top 4 most popular in his opinion: The Reuben’s (#3 & #8), The Country Club (#23), and The Hot Heidi (#20). He also named The Crab and Artichoke (#6) one of his favorites. That’s what I ordered because I love crab, I love artichoke, and I love croissants - but sadly I didn’t ‘love’ this sandwich…it’s probably just me but the texture sort of put me off to it which was a bummer. I got a few bites in and had to stop. I don’t fault them though, I would just give a heads up to you that it is imitation crab and a pretty slimy sandwich. My husband got the #18 and it was delicious!! We also got a side of their ranch pasta salad, it was okay but I wouldn’t get it again. They have great pickles! Crunchy and delicious! Overall, I’d definitely recommend giving this place a try. We’ll be back to try some more of their sandwiches! A true deli with a massive array of options, I’d be surprised if they didn’t have something everyone loved. Great staff. The menu was a bit overwhelming at first but when I told them it was our first time they were more than helpful and made some great suggestions. They have a fridge with a decent selection of beverages, alcoholic included. They also...

I hesitate to say something negative about a small business, but every time I go to Carl’s it has been just long enough to forget how rudely I was treated on the previous visit. Today someone barked at me to step outside, moments after opening the door and within a foot of my face. If you want a deli sandwich seasoned with disdain, then by all means, please go to Carl’s. This restaurant has no posted policies about how it wants its guests to cue up, and the setup of the prep line works in opposition of how traffic should flow. Want an ice cream or cookie at the checkout? Fight your way through the crowd and hold it until it melts while you wait in in line or be prepared to blindly grab something because you won’t be addressed personally at the checkout or be given 30 seconds to make a decision. If Carl’s doesn’t want people to step inside, then just turn it into a walk-up window. But for goodness sakes, put some thought into improving the way your business flows is having a crowded space is so stressful to your workers. Apparently it is under new ownership, but it seems the same hateful person is sorely running the show. The sandwich was dry and...