McAlister's Deli — Restaurant in Grimes

First time eating here, we live in the area and just thought we’d give it a try. I tried half of the Italian sandwich, half of their chicken salad sandwich and a full Caesar salad. Both sandwiches were fine—the Italian sandwich being the better option taste wise.

sigh🤦‍♀️

Unfortunately, I found both hair and a bug in my salad. Most of my salad was wilted and or full of old lettuce. I didn’t return the food for the simple fact that we went about 45 minutes before they closed, so by the time I got home and looked at my food-they were closed.

That said, I really hope this isn’t a regular occurrence for McAlisters. The restaurant itself doesn’t seem that much different than a Panera(this is what the restaurant most put me in the mind of) price point wise & food range wise—I mean there’s always jimmy johns, firehouse subs, etc. It’s just not that much more distinguishable than any other 'deli styled' restaurant. Though it is closer to home—I can’t see myself going much anymore—especially with the bug, hair sighting,wilted/old lettuce, that unfortunately soured my experience.

Customer service was fine, nothing out of the ordinary. We also used their windowsill pickup option which was fine as well.

Overall , if the restaurant is a bit more mindful about the food being served and doing quality checks, I would 6/10 recommend it to locals. If they don’t improve, then I would not recommend anyone eat here unless they like bugs, hair and...

Never in my life have we EVER been treated so disrespectfully in any establishment. My husband went up to order dessert. While eye contact was made numerous times with him by employees congregating behind the registers, he asked for someone to help him. When someone finally came to help, the most inconsiderate trashiest female walked by him and said some snide comment about some not working the registers, he said that’s fine, but you don’t need to be so rude. She then said “your mouth is rude.” Interaction #2: my husband asked for the manager from a kid bussing the tables. After no one came to our table, he went up to the counter and asked to speak with a manager again. When the manager comes around the counter and they are speaking, said female came out around the counter and proceeded to verbally accost my husband. I got up from the table and told her to stop speaking to my husband that way or we were going to have a problem, her response “bless you for being married to him.” It was then that she was physically forced and pulled to the back kitchen because her mouth would not stop. The food wasn’t great. The customer service was the WORST service I have ever had in my life. That employee needs to not have a job, or perform minimal duties with duct tape over her mouth. This location needs to learn from the Douglas location. It’s the furthest from us, but we will ALWAYS travel to that location from this...

I've only been here a couple times but as far as quick deli sandwiches go, I have no complaints, especially for a chain, all my sandwiches have been absolutely delicious and I'll definitely be back as I always leave wanting more.

Service was great too. They let me bring my folded e-scooter inside which they didn't have to and let me tuck it under a dining booth without any trouble. And when I accidentally spilled soda at the fountain on accident the staff were kind, reassuring and had it cleaned up quickly for me.

My only complaint is the price. On my first visit I bought their half & half lunch special for $14 which sounds great! But the sandwiches I chose (The New Yorker and The French Dip) incurred a upcharge that wasn't communicated or disclosed to me before paying which stung just a little as a new customer. I found out a single large sandwich would've been cheaper than the two half special which wasn't amazing and after I bought a drink I ended up spending over twenty dollars which was a little more than I'd like. (I could get a 16" Toasted Sub with all the freebies from Jimmy Johns for less!).

Overall though, pricing issues aside. The food was good. The building and staff are nice and polite and service was quick. It might not become my regular lunch sandwich spot because of the price but it'll definitely be a nice treat once in a while when I want...