Hudson Street Deli — Restaurant in Providence

I went in today (7/31/2023) and ordered a cold sandwich. When I went in, nobody was waiting for their food - I was the first to order something. I waited 25 minutes before walking out empty handed to get back to work. The only reason they get one star is because it won’t let me submit the review with zero.

What’s interesting is that getting a response to my review was quicker than the sandwich that was apparently not meant to be. The owner is right. The staff was busy taking new orders and giving them sandwiches. I must have watched 10-15 people enter after me, order, and receive their food before it was time for me to chalk it up to a loss.

Update: I ordered at 11:59 and walked out at 12:23, my name was never called. Allen was called, Carissa was called (yes, Carissa, not Chris, I saw her pick up her food), but no Chris. I was seated by the counter the entire time aside from the few instances where I stood up to sneak a peek at what sandwich was being wrapped up (I need to learn how to mind my own business). All good - it’s not the first time my expectations were shattered (looking at you...

I tried to go today for a late lunch, around 130pm. One of the sandwiches I wanted was so out so I was looking at the menu and the person behind the register walked away. I was not greeted when I came in or when I walked up to order. Someone else came over who seemed equally uninterested in helping. I asked what kind of bread options they have, which I don’t think is a crazy question to ask a sandwich shop. The worker proceeded to whisper them to me and the only option I heard was sourdough. I asked for the rabbit on sourdough. They tried to put my order in and I was then told they don’t have sourdough and the worker just stared at me in silence. After about 30 seconds of sitting in awkward silence, I asked what kind of bread do you have then? They proceeded to whisper the options again and they seemed bothered when I told them I couldn’t hear them speaking. I’ve never walked out of somewhere before without ordering until today. There were three people behind the counter, it wasn’t busy inside. None of them seemed to be happy to be there or a clue what...

The staff was very patient and friendly. A+ The atmosphere is lacking (think old world butcher shop) - but it's very nostalgic for me as I grew up in the neighborhood eating from here since the 80's. I've visited through it's many owners and iterations. This most recent visit I ordered an adorably named 'Armory' (pastrami sandwich) and a water - $13.37. The sandwich was a modest size compared to the girthy giants of yesteryear, but that was not the problem. It was literally the saltiest food I've ever eaten. It was so salty in fact that it almost burned. I kept eating because 1) I already paid for it and left; and 2) I really wanted to like it. I kept hoping maybe it's just a bad section. I had one bite of pastrami at the end that was fine. I think maybe because it didn't have any sauce on it. Great memories of great sandwiches over the years but I think my last time here is my last time here. If you do go here and try something, my advice - avoid the Armory. As for me, once bitten,...