Claro's Italian Market — Restaurant in Covina

I've visited Claro's a handful of times since discovering their Covina location about a month ago. My first visit was a positive one, even though I didn’t interact with any staff. I was pleasantly surprised by the wide variety of items available and how amazing the food at the deli smelled.

After a few more visits, Claro’s quickly became my go-to spot for lunch, snacks, and last-minute groceries. My experiences—both with the store and the staff—have generally been positive.

However, my most recent visit was unexpectedly chaotic.

I stopped by before 11 a.m., hoping to avoid the lunch rush. I took a number as expected and waited in line. After some time, a young woman behind the deli counter skipped over those of us waiting and asked a customer who had just arrived if they needed help. (I don’t blame the customer—they probably didn’t realize we hadn’t ordered yet.) I stepped behind them to wait my turn, but once their order was taken, no one came back to help me.

Eventually, someone else began calling out numbers, so I returned to the line. We were able to place our order—only to have our number called again a few minutes later. Apparently, the first person calling numbers hadn’t been keeping track and had restarted the count.

When our number was finally called for the third and final time (they never took names), we got our sandwiches—only to realize later, at home, that they were the wrong ones.

Though my overall experience with Claro’s has been positive, that visit left a bad impression. I’m giving a 3-star rating because, despite the quality of the food, the service during my last visit was frustrating and disorganized. I’m not sure I’ll return to the deli anytime soon, which is a shame—those sandwiches are seriously good.

One more thing: the cashier almost charged us $120~ for a dozen cookies. My heart dropped. Thankfully, she caught the mistake and corrected it—but after everything else, it was definitely a “what on earth?”...

Talk about poor customer service, food is ok as expected from a deli but the customer service is hit or miss. I’ve worked in the restaurant and customer service industry a good bit. So I have experience. As a customer this place has 2 employees that made my experience extremely horrible and unwelcoming. I walked into Claros in downtown Covina late one evening to grab a sandwich for dinner. As I walked up to the counter, the employee behind the counter asked me what I wanted to order and I said I needed some time to look at the menu. I noticed everyone behind the counter stare at me as I was looking at the menu. They didn’t look happy to see me and I don’t know what there problem was. Seconds later a large white lady either glasses said your gonna need to hurry up and order in a rude tone and she was trying to rush me and make me feel uncomfortable. I was the only minority in the restaurant at that moment and they made it clear that they were trying to make me feel uncomfortable. As they were staring at me impatiently they tried to rush me to hurry up and order. I have never felt so unwelcomed into a business. There tone of voice, staring me down was so uncomfortable and they kept rushing me. I got home and ate my sandwich. It was so salty, I know for a fact the gave me extra salt sprinkle in my sandwich. If your a minority please don’t come to this claros. They will rush you, stare you down, make you feel uncomfortable, and purposely make your food extra salty. This location is unwelcoming of...

This deli takes you back! Authentic Italian, old world. Delicious sandwiches served at the deli meat counter, they take your order (by ticket number, of course) & if you wandered in during high traffic lunch hour they'll tell ya "okay- go shoppin'"... continue said wandering, you'll find small kitchen wares, baskets, small assortment of Italian caps, tees & CLARO's own t*shirts. Amongst the wares you'll find an impressive array of European jarred food items i.e., mustards, pickles, horseradishes. There's an open fridge with your everyday & not so everyday beverages. Sparkling water, juices, Peroni beer. Across the store you'll wander upto their enclosed refrigeration, offering a smattering of Claro's ready to cook "homemade" by them, cooked by you, Italian meals. The bakery is no slouch, either! I absolutely recommend a visit & bite to Claro's. The only one I've been to (lots & lots) is the one on College, & the experience is so dang true to itself- it's hip, lit, fire, da bomb, sweet, all dat & a...