McAlister's Deli — Restaurant in Roanoke

Placed our order at the counter from a hard to see overhead menu. Given a number, and self seated. Two of our entrees came pretty fast, and one entree that did not belong to our table arrived. Received a spoon for soup, but no forks for potatoes. I started up the counter but saw our server and mentioned we all needed forks. She quickly came with one fork, but we needed three. She seemed a little irritated with our request for 1 fork per person! One entree had still not arrived, so we all waited, while other tables received their orders. I overheard our server trying to give the sandwich we had ordered to another table, so spoke up and we finally got our final plate. Chicken salad sandwich seemed a little on the small side. Topped half spud and soup was tasty, but had to remove long stringy stems on spinach topping, and broccoli pieces were chunky and uncooked. The 1/2 potatoes were very large, and were not just a potato cut in half. The toppings were good and the cheddar broccoli soup was rich. I noted a full size spud at another table, and it was huge, taking up the whole plate. We needed "to go" boxes, and I inquired of our server, who was now at the front counter. She again showed an irritated face, but gave me the boxes. A few outdoor seating tables are available in front. Food was good, service was mediocre and disorganized, prices were a little high for lunch, restroom had trash all over the floor, but facilities seemed clean.

2/16/23 Much better experience today. The place was busy, but all diners were served efficiently. Got the veggie spud and it was absolutely delicious. My dining buddies reported their food was good too. Clean and pleasant surroundings. Added a star!

9/20/25 McAlisters was very busy on this Saturday for lunch. The line to order was backed up, but another station was soon opened, making the line move more quickly. Order taker was pleasant, and tried to upsell as I'm sure she's suppose to do. We received the food after a wait that seened a tad long. The extra big spud was two smaller potatoes put together, but I didn't mind that. The potato was very tasty with fresh toppings, but without the advertised spinach on this particular potato. My dining partner got the cup of soup and regular sized porato,, reporting the potato was delicious, but the potato soup was runny and thin, with ok flavor. Everywhere signs indicated a free ice tea with sign up to email, but order taker did not mention this until after our order was placed, prompting this offer could be used on the next order. I needed a to go box for half of the huge potato, and indicated the need to the server. She passed by our table several times with no box. My dining partner got up to get a box after a significant wait and was seen by the server, who immediately remembered and brought the box. No big deal, but these small situations add or detract from the whole...

I ordered a Harvest Chicken Salad with extra chicken salad. I was charged $2.50 additional for the extra chicken salad. It appeared to be two scoops of less than one tablespoon each of chicken salad. I complained to an associate as I was requesting more chicken salad or a refund. The associate spoke with the manager and was instructed to give me a refund. The initial associate and the associate that attempted to process the refund both agreed after looking into the container that the fee did not match what was in the container. After requesting a manager several times she came to the front to speak with me. I informed her I just wanted to make sure she was aware of my complaint. She informed me that she was aware. I asked her if she thought the fee matched the amount and she said yes. She told me she had been there 9 years and she likes it so she does not mind paying more for it. (Obviously I do not mind paying more for it either since I ordered it). But I should get what I'm paying for. She never looked into the container to verify or discredit what I was trying to tell her. I have ordered Harvest Chicken Salads before without extra and the portion appeared to be more than what was in there today after paying $2.50 for extra. I will not be returning to this location. July 14th update. As expected the refund was not properly processed. Just had to dispute the transaction with my credit card company. Thumbs down all the way around on...

Sandwiches are good. I have tried the French Dip and the Italian. The app makes it easy to add jalapeños and roasted peppers and see all of the toppings choices.

The half sandwich and half salad deal is a pretty good portion. They fill the plate with the salad, and a half sandwich is pretty light. So I would order that if you are more hungry for variety, or want a decent sized salad and to taste test a small sandwich.

The potato salad can be substituted for chips on the full sandwich meal for an upcharge and is worth it. The potato salad is pretty good and homemade it appears.

Their tea is pretty good. I am not really into the flavored tea products, but they have several to choose from if you are.

They have a monthly tea club where you can get a glass of tea daily for 30-day price of $7.99 from the date of purchase it looks like, so you dont have to start at the first of the month.

I plan to try more of the sandwiches and salads with the combo special to see what sandwich I like best and to have some variety to look forward to when I visit.

Their takeout is convenient as well. They put the order on a shelf area by last name. They are pretty quick with their service and restaurant...