Doug's Deli Downtown — Restaurant in Rome

The food is five stars, in theory. Kitchen timing is off.

I really love this place and since I do, it's tough to be disappointed two visits in a row. Last week I waited 15 minutes for a half-sandwhich and soup which wasn't not warm. There were only 2 people in front of me but the staff was focused on large catering orders. People buzzing around but not serving the customers in the store.

I was in three days ago, this time there were a few more people in line but again - cold sandwich. Sad bc I really like em toasty...and they're so good! Especially the chicken salad-mmm!

The kitchen appears to run in a way that each person has a singular, narrow task. So the sandwich maker puts the sandwich on a rack when it's done but someone else is responsible for getting the soup and a third person is responsible for confirming everything is done and ok-ing it to go out, and a fourth then has to bring the food out. I actually think there is a fifth person in there somewhere.The system works in theory but it hasn't been working to get hot soup and toasty sandwiches coming out hot and toasty. Melted cheese that is already cooled? Whomp.

Despite these things, I'll definitely be back.Best deli in town, super friendly folks, flavor is on point and nothing is weighed down or heavy, great fresh food!

Two additional observations: It makes total sense that some people are preparing things for the next day or doing other tasks but with the open kitchen it's hard not to notice people sipping drinks or wrapping cookies or chopping produce or chatting behind the counter when 15 minutes has passed for a half-sandwich.These lovely people aren't in charge of how the kitchen runs or the sandwiches in that moment but visually add to the - come onnn hurry uppp vibe.

Lastly, I don't know the ins and outs food safety but it doesn't seem like the best idea to have iPhones and catering binders on the same surface where someone is preparing food, even if a foot or so away. We all know where are phones...

UPDATE - I don't come to town often. In fact, the last time I was here and wrote my review was 2ish years ago. That said, the Rueben was so delicious the last time I was here I decided to get it again. Let me preface this with the food was still delicious and the staff was great! HOWEVER, this time I had to get the food to go as I had to rush back to the jobsite for a big meeting. I ordered the Rueben and a cup of the chicken noodle soup. I must have gotten the very bottom of the pot as there were about 5 carrots, 1 actual noodle and no chicken except for some very tiny shreds. The broth and carrots were delicious though. No doubt the rest of the soup would be too. I understand the soups are made fresh which I love. I just wish I wouldve gotten a little more substance and not all broth. Like I mentioned earlier, I ordered a Rueben, but this time didn't get what I ordered. Instead, they gave me the Turkey with Avacado, Sprouts, and Red Onion - SURPRISE! This sandwhich is also delicious, but I was really looking forward to the Rueben. For those of you who are wondering about the Turkey avacado - get it, I promise you wont be disappointed. Like I said, the food here is delicious, the staff is great and the atmosphere is relaxed and very comfortable. I will be back the next time I'm in town. If I have to get my food to go I'll make sure I check...

Every time I go to this place most of the people at the window are rude or just suck on customer service. I usually stop by while I’m on lunch and get the same thing every single time. Well today I’m on lunch and I get the same 2 items. I handed the lady (whose customer service sucks) a $100 she tells me that my change is $92 and some change. I start to pull over and count my money that she handed me and I realized that she handed me $72 and some change. I turn around and go back in and another lady that’s always been nice to me asks me if I’ve been helped and I told her the situation. She asked the rude lady and she replied yes and told her to just give me $20. She didn’t even look at me and apologize for her mistake. The nice one did. I say all of this to say this please make sure you count the change before giving it to a customer and some of y’all need a lesson or two in customer service and I will NOT come back to this...