McAlister's Deli — Restaurant in Spartanburg

Too long, didn't read version: Aside from a long wait due to a kitchen error that was addressed, the food was delicious and not much more than other medium tier dining experiences.

We got there shortly after opening time and there had all ready been a couple orders being filled for catering as we came through the door, which means they were going to be slow to taking our order, but that was okay cause it gave us time to check out the giant wall of text that is their menu.

After finally ordering our food from the friendly gal behind the counter, we sat down and talked for awhile, the tables were clean and there was a positive feeling in the air, rushed but positive.

After waiting awhile we started to realize this was no ordinary wait time, after one of the managers clocked in and talked to his boss, he came over to apologize that the oven had shut off mid way through but that it would be out shortly afterward.

This was indeed the case, I would've docked them a point for this but they had the courtesy to tell us what had went wrong and that it wouldn't be much longer, what really secured them from losing a star is the fact the food was delicious.

So we'll get to the reason you're here, your items of consumption!

I ordered a french dip sandwich and some broccoli cheddar soup, now mind you that I don't broccoli, I usually test places to see if they can make a positive spin on items that I don't like, so that I may get to enjoy it for a change, this was in fact the case! The soup was delicious and even had bits of carrot strung throughout it.

My fiance ordered a grilled cheese and it came in a mixture of cheeses, it was enough to fill her up and she was able to take the second half to work, she said even after heating it up it kept the same level of flavor, something that is rarely upheld after going through the dreaded microwave.

My french dip sandwich although a bit messy, was very high quality and delicious, I even dipped it in the soup to make a cheesy delicious combo, nothing was greasy and I never ran into the problem of having a texture I didn't like, or having a piece of fat in my sandwich.

Overall aside from the wait, which was made up for?

We had an overall positive experience that morning, friendly service and...

I have rarely been so disgusted.

Firstly let me say the STAFF AT THE COUNTER WAS GREAT. They were all friendly, efficient, and clean. I ordered my food from a wonderful cashier, went to the bathroom, and then unfortunately had to cancel my order.

Now, the bathroom wasn't the disgusting part. It wasn't up to MY standards for a place I'll eat at, and that's why I went to get my refund. This certainly falls on whomever manages or owns this location because the entire bathroom needs to be redone. New caulking at the very least. I would have just gotten my refund (still waiting for it), but as I waited for it a lady (presumably a manager or owner) came out of the kitchen and caught my attention... and this is where things get disgusting. Not only was she wearing very obviously dirty and dingy LOUNGEWEAR, her sweatpants were rolled up to reveal her FLIP FLOP SANDALS. That's right, as I waited for my refund from the kind, courteous, and clean cashiers, some lady wearing sweats, with a drink in her hand she was obviously enjoying in the kitchen, AND FLIP FLOPS ON HER FEET, CAME FROM THE KITCHEN! I couldn't believe it! She might as well have been barefoot back there. I have never and will never eat here. I don't know who would after reading this. I'm going to report them elsewhere because this is simply unsanitary and absolutely unfair to the people eating there. I regret not bringing it to the attention of the diners eating that day. I hate to give one star because the cashiers really were great, but the nearly-bare feet coming out of the kitchen really earned this...

I usually have a good experience here, but every few months, it’s not so good. After tonight, I felt compelled to leave a negative review. Paid $34 for food, got home and was missing about $10 worth of food (bowl of soup, chili & rotel for nachos, & a cookie). After 30 minutes of driving home & back to get the items I paid for, “sorry” was all I got. I refused to accept just a sorry. Aaron (probably a teenager) was the manager on duty and was a good listener but not a good decision maker. I simply ask to make it right & he had no answer but “I’ll tell them.” I asked for a full refund & told him to learn from this experience.

Upper management at McCallisters, please take notice. This type of customer interaction/order problems could be easily prevented.

*Order was supposed to be ready at 7:22 p.m., after all said & done, I left after 8 p.m. I received a full refund, but that is not what I asked for initially. Your company lost money because of a lack of employees not following directions & a complete failure in customer service at the management level. And it’s probably not Aaron’s fault. Do better McCallisters.

*1 week UPDATE: spoke to the manager & I did not receive a full refund (company policy) but she did make it right. Thank you, Sylvia,...