McAlister's Deli — Restaurant in Florida

EDIT: Went back months later from this review. (two or so weeks ago). Nottttt good. Staff has got to get it together. Lots of standing around and staring. What seemed like the front of house manager is busy barking orders at the young ladies working but not willing to lift a finger and bring the order line own. Whatever was on her phone was soooo important. Food isn't worth the price. And service isn't worth your time. Lemonade is good....that's really about it.

Alright! FINALLY got to try this place that everyone has been buzzing about. Heard alot of good and bad reviews.

To start finally got to try this today because my company put in a take out order. Arrived at 11:15, fairly busy but not crazy by any means. That of course is what I have been hearing , "if you want to go and get good service, GO EARLY." Atmosphere was nice for the less than 5 MIN I was in there. Love the look of the place. Seemed clean. Gal up front quickly waived me over and asked how she could help. Then directed me over to the end of the counter and brought my food and tea out! So over all take out was a super seamless operation. But again , from the countless stories, I think it was because it was right before lunch rush. I had heard of people not getting their food orders right, so I took it out to the car, checked. Everything was there. (did however get back to the office to find missing chips with the one combo we got , but I guess my mistake for not checking the box). Smelled good. Co-workers and I had a variety of their menu ordered. Did the pick two, and I will say the sammy/ wrap portions are TEENSY TINY! But not necessarily a bad thing I guess. Our spuds were dressed on top but once you started getting into it , quite dry and bland. (maybe would have been different if we sat down to eat maybe?) Soup review was good from the gals.

All n all, for the price, ehhhh not my first choice. To go was super easy. I would like to give sit down a try, just to see. But not bad! I think once they get the kinks worked out it'll be a nice addition to that...

Our experience this evening at the Port Charlotte Florida location was not good. We don't usually complain. Also I know the place is newer so I would usually understand a bit of issues. However, we ran into a lot.

We placed an online order to pick up at pickup window. Our wait time was about 23 mins. We arrived 3 mins past our wait time and was told our order was not ready. They didn't even see it until I was there asking about it. They told me to drive around or something because there was no parking in the pickup places. They said come back in about 10 mins. We noticed other cars were also leaving without their orders. We came back in 11 mins. Our order was still not ready! This time there was parking in the pickup places so we parking. About 10 more mins later they brought out our order. Right away we noticed there was no plastic wear or napkins so we went and asked for some. Instead of 3 like we asked for they threw in 2. Anyhow, we went to eat and we were even more disappointed. My chicken Caesar salad had NO chicken! My spuds with roast beef had no butter, no butter packets, just a small half slice of roast beef, and the skin was burned and hard. The sandwiches were good but could have been warmer. The best thing in the whole order was the Mardi Gras cookie. We paid almost 45.00 for this order.

.We were so happy that there was a location now closer to our home. However we will not go back there unless there are a lot of changes.

The girls at the window seemed oblivious and didn't know how to speak to customers. I have a son who worked in customer service for years and he couldn't believe how clueless they seemed. Their supervisor needs to work with them on communication and customer service skills. They seemed very overwhelmed and blamed everything on others which may have been true but they could have handled it...

We went to McAlister's at 19570 Cochran Blvd, Port Charlotte, for the first time this Friday afternoon. The first thing we noticed was the place was large, bright and clean. We walked through the front door and straight ahead was the ordering counter, with their large menu selection on the wall. We were greeted immediately and the counter staff were VERY helpful and polite. I ordered half Reuben and half Chef's Salad. My wife ordered the Savannah Salad and my grandson ordered the Garden Turkey. We got our drinks and sat down. It was only a few minutes and we were served. For those who have not gone there, you get a number card when you order and you can sit anywhere and place the number on the placard holder at your table. Much like they do at Culver's. It works well. My Reuben had bread that was soggy. I felt that they had prepared it beforehand. The taste was ok, but it was not outstanding. The Chef Salad was good, but there was little texture since they used sliced deli turkey meat and ham and then chopped that. So the texture was much like a chopped salad and not like the Chef Salads I have had before at other places. My wife did say her Savannah Salad was delicious. It's a solid choice for eating, but I have to say I was a little disappointed on the flavor. I thought it could be better. The corned beef in the Reuben was not as good as some other places I have had. Don't get me wrong, I'll go back again. It may have been that my expectations were too high. At any rate, I have no problem recommending that you check them out. Their menu is substantial and I am sure I will try other items there. I think you will find them a good choice....