McAlister’s Deli

I always remember back in the old days in college, McAlister’s is my to go place for quick lunch. Always love their pick 2 selection and never have enough of it.
Located along in Sawmill road, I would said this is a pretty convenience place to grab quick lunch/​dinner. Staffs are super nice and welcoming the customers. If this is the first time you try McAlister’s, make sure to try their Pick 2 menu.
Club sandwiches, spuds, soup, salad, and desserts. From all those selection in the menu, it’s worth your attention and give it a try.

I used to love McAlister’s. I ate there a lot when I lived in Cincinnati years ago. But I will not be a regular customer at the Columbus location.
The last time I went, I brought my two-​year-​old daughter, who hardly eats anything. For the two of us to eat dinner, the total was around $ 19. I got my usual chicken club and had the side of potato salad this time. I do enjoy the chicken club, as the bacon is crispy and the chicken doesn’t gross me out like at Subway and other rubbery-​meat places. The honey mustard is great and the wheat bread perfectly toasted. But the potato salad is heavy and very meh. As for my daughter, she got a bowl of Mac and cheese, applesauce, and milk, and I imagine it must have cost nearly $ 8, because my meal couldn’t have been more than $ 10 – 12. No way was her portion or quality worth $ 7 – 8! We get better kids’ meals at sit-​down restaurants for less dough.
Finally, I am so disappointed in their customer experience, especially where families are concerned! Specifically, there are no TRASH CANS or AVAILABLE NAPKINS! My daughter spills her milk approximately ¹⁄₃ of the time we eat out. She gets mac and cheese all over the table and herself. Her meal came with one napkin, as did mine. I looked all around the restaurant for napkin dispensers — none. When I went to the counter to ask the girl for more napkins, explaining that I have a messy toddler, she gave me TWO. I know it may sound like I’m over-​reacting about some napkins, but if I’m paying $ 20 for a sandwich and some mac and cheese, I’d like napkin access! I also just don’t find their staff to be friendly, or the service to be efficient. The quality of the food doesn’t make up for it enough. And giant $ 9 baked potatoes have never really done it for me, but to each his own.

Love this place. Staff always pleasant and swift. Potatoes and Soup are great. Best sweet tea I have found. Kids love it. Sandwiches that I have tried are great meat to bread ratio. Will be back many times

Love this place for a soup and sandwich! Many options, they even have loaded potatoes. Always good quality and great customer service. I order different items each time and they are all good.

Over time, I have found that I have not been a fan of deli’s. I saw McAlister move into the neighborhood a year ago and avoided it for the mere display of «Deli» in the business name. I was in search of a decent salad one evening and decided to give McAlister’s a try. They surpassed my expectations. I was pleasantly surprised. I’ve been several times now.
Walk up to the counter to place your order. Menu is placed overhead or paper copies available to peruse. Staff have always been quite inviting, pleasant and more than willing to assist. They all seem to enjoy being there and working together. Each time I have visited I have felt welcomed.
The menu offers typical items, hot, grilled, club and classic deli sandwiches, soups, salads, baked potato’s and entrée’s such as pasta dishes. Each item includes your choice of a side item to choose from. Drinks a typically $ 2.19, quite large with free refills. Love their lemonade! I like their «choose 2» option for $ 7.69. I usually get a combination of a half entrée salad and one of the spuds. My favorite salad is the Savannah Chopped Salad. I like their Veggie Spud. I have also tried their New Yorker that is loaded with corned beef and pastrami for $ 9.99. For what you get with your meals, I’ve found their prices reasonable and competitive.
I’ve definitely become a fan of McAlister and the menu. I’ll be back again.

Love this place! I am not big on a chain deli but this place really breaks the mold! We have ordered so many different things each time we visit with our toddler and have loved every single thing! Their iced tea is also delicious and they have a very friendly, courteous staff!

The food is decent, a bit pricey for what you get. Every time I’ve been there, they’ve been both slow and rude. I wouldn’t mind the slowness too much if they didn’t give so much attitude for no reason at all.
I started ordering my sandwiches — I hadn’t been there in a while and asked for fries as a side since it didn’t matter what it was and that’s a staple side for most sandwich places. The woman got agitated, pointed at the entrance and told me to go read the menu before trying to order.
A previous time, I tried calling in an order before picking it up and no one answered the phone for 20 minutes. Eventually decided to just go over there and 5 employees were sitting at tables taking a break while the phone kept ringing. Had to wait several minutes for someone to end their break and help me at the counter.
The food is definitely not worth the service they provide.

Had lunch with a friend here recently. The iced tea was really freaking good. The BLT I ordered was edible, but not great. The bacon was like fast food bacon from Wendy’s or something, I expected better from a deli. A little expensive for what you get.

We love McAlisters in other cities and couldn’t be more excited that there is one in town now. It’s a great stop for salad and sweet tea, a southern lunch favorite. The restaurant was clean, the food was great, and the staff was really friendly. Columbus has lots of heavy-​fare chain restaurants. This is a nice break from the crowd. I foresee us stopping in every time we are near Sawmill.

Great place for lunch or dinner! The staff is helpful and knowledgable about the menu. The soups are fantastic and there about 6 different ones everyday. The savannah salad is a favorite. My son had the big and nasty roast beef sandwich and loved it.
Their ice tea is freshly brewed and refills are free. Just put up your refill sign on the number holder and a staff member will come and get your cup.
Food is freshly made to order and brought to your table.

This place is great. I came here the day that it opened and was back the next three days. They gave me 50% off and a free cookie my third day. I come here a few times a month and all of my friends and coworkers know I come here all the time. I usually get the italian which is phenomenal, but I tried the big nasty which is a little expensive but still worth it. The owner and his wife are also very nice people. The only thing that might be bad is if you go when it’s busy because it will take forever for you food. I try not to visit restaurants during their busy times because of this so it’s usually not a problem. All sandwich shops are dead between 2 – 4 so that’s the time to go.

Sadly, our visit did not live up to all the hype.
The man before me waited 10 minutes for the kitchen to remake his carryout sandwhich.
Sadly. The kitchen needed 3 atempts to make my club with no tomato. I finally picked the tomato off my 4^th sandwich and ate it aftet I had waited 15 minutes for my food while my family was fed timely.
Then I wasn’t impressed. The ingredients lacked flavor, it was very bland.
My husband ordered the Southwest Griller. The corn ruined it for him. (Strike 2)
Mcalister scored a home run with the Mac and chese… so creamy and favorable! The potato salad had the perfect balance of mayo and mustard to give the dish a perfect creaminess. The tomato bisque was perfectly seasoned, thick but not creamy.
Finally, the carrot cake with cream cheese icing was to die for and offered as an apology for the sandwhich problems.
Im not sure if I would return; there are too many delicious options out there.

While I lived in the South, I became a fan and glad that Cbus finally has one. Their menu has a wide variety of sandwich choices to catch almost anyone’s attention.
Time and time again, I come back to the McAlister club. It’s a good sized portion that could be easily consumed for dinner or split into 2 lunch meals. Don’t forget to grab some extra chips if you decide to split your meal.
Sweet tea — that’s what everyone raves about. I haven’t tried it at this location but for those looking for a Southern sweet tea, this place is known for it.

As a rule, I am not Down with Chains. Unless you’re talking about pizza (I am an unapologetic Donato’s devotee), Panera, or Starbucks (of course). I avoid chain restaurants (Applebee’s, ugh) and would typically prefer to seek out a local option. But when McAlister’s Deli opened up RIGHT on my route home, I thought well, I may as well try it. I might someday wish for a quick and dependable chicken club.
I was pleasantly surprised by the food. The staff were very friendly and helpful, and obviously had been prepped for newbies who aren’t familiar with the menu (this location — north Sawmill next to the new Wal-​Mart) is the only one in Columbus so far; the chain began in Mississippi and is still primarily a southern chain). They are (apparently) famous for spuds — baked potatoes with a wide variety of unusual toppings. But the typical deli fare was also present, with a pick-​two option, which I had. I had the Black Angus club and a cup of chicken & dumplings soup. The soup was very good; it tasted homemade. The club was also tasty. On a subsequent visit I had a reuben, which wasn’t my favorite but wasn’t bad, either. The restaurant was comfortable and pleasing, and very clean.
I will go back. There are a lot of sandwiches on the menu I’d like to try — they have a muffaletta that I’m curious about given how strongly Southern that sandwich is — and at some point I’ll have to give those spuds a whirl.

Never was I aware of what fandom a simple food chain could bring, but after eating at McAlister’s I whole heartily understand.
I’m ashamed… okay, maybe I’m not ashamed to admit this, but I seriously ate here like like three times in one week. How could this happen? It’s a chain. It’s not even the best deli in the area, but it doesn’t have to be. It suffices as a great place for lunch or what have you.
Remember a really freaking long time ago when Panera bread was actually good and not serving hot pocket quality sandwiches? I bet I made your brain hurt thinking that far back, but that’s the vibe I get from McAlister’s. It’s on par to when Panera Breads were few to the state, but still provided good, hearty sandwiches.
Ordering concept here is simple. Walk in, order at the counter, grab a seat, place your Number on the metal rod thingy, and wait for them to bring your food. What I found to be a treat was the refill option card. I can’t tell you how much my lazy butt really likes this and the kids here are right on it.
My favorites so far are the Classic Cobb sandwich, and the Smokey Peppery Jack sandwich. Side option are plentiful. Chips, potato salad, mac n Cheese (also a fave), fruit cups and other options. So, if you feel like a glutton, then be one, or if you feel like being more on the health conscious side, then get on with your bad self.
The spud thing intrigues me, but not being a large fan of baked potatoes, I passed. They look good, but meh.
I totally wish I could rave about the cookies, but I tried a new one each trip, and while it wholly satisfied my sweet tooth. I just can’t rave about them. I’ve had better. The cookies are very large, very flat, very soft and very sugary!
Welcome to Columbus, McAlister’s! You have not disappointed! I guess I can join the McAlister’s fanclub now!

So, here’s the bare bones on McAlister’s:
–Yeah, it’s a chain. But as chains go, it’s on the higher end. Better than Panera as far as their sandwich offerings.
–The service we had was excellent, including a chat with the owner. She was really friendly!
–They bring your food out to you on actual (plastic, but hey) plates and bring you drink refills as needed. Their sweet tea is legendary but they also have unsweet tea, which is what I drink. Their unsweet was the slam. Enjoyed.
–Try a sugar cookie. I know, I thought it was weird when Bryant M. suggested it – sugar cookies, really? but they’re good. Not life-​changing. But really good.
My sandwich was just-​ok but the nachos and the Spud Olé were both good for chain food. The prices are fairly reasonable, especially if you get the spuds (they bring you a ton of food). The drink cups are also super-​huge. If I lived in the area, I’d probably stop in all the time just for iced tea.
Verdict: I may not make a special trip up here very often, but if I lived in the area, I’d come here fairly frequently.

My first impression of McAllister’s is it is GREAT! The service was excellent. I have three kids and a baby. While I went to the counter to order, an employee offered to help my wife take a high chair to our seat. After I ordered, an employee helped carry our drinks to our table and then got us straws. While I was ordering my wife said several employees came to check on her and offered to take her order. In short, they make an effort to take care of you at McAllister’s.
The food was great. Perfect for a beautiful day. We ordered the Spicy Southwestern Chicken Griller and the Savannah Chopped Salad. The spicy griller could use a little more spicy. Otherwise, it had a good flavor. The Savannah salad was very good. The dressing was flavorful.
Our kids had the kid’s pb&j and the kid’s mac and cheese. both came with applesauce and teddy grahms. Over all the kid’s meals were pretty plan. Honestly, that is exactly how tgey should be. My kids ate them without complaint and it doesn’t get better than that.
I recommend trying McAllister’s out.

So, I may not have all the romantic nostalgia about McAlister’s Deli that Bryant M. does… but I’ve been a fan for at least 15 years.
I didn’t know I was missing it until we took a recent trip through Cincy and stopped at a McAlister’s there. Now… I don’t have to go nearly as far to enjoy a Spud!
Columbus’s first McAlister’s is located half-​way to Michigan.
Okay… not really… but when you are coming from Bexley, it sure does feel like it. Once you get there… you are rewarded with Spuddy goodness and wonderful Sammies!
My friend, Susie R. asked me when we entered «what must I try», as it was her first visit, and I replied… «it’s been so long, I’ve forgotten what I liked here.»
So, I jumped in with a Spud Olé. The best part is that you get to enjoy saying «Spud Olé» and be taken seriously. Second, you get to enjoy a potato with chili (vegetarian option available), cheese, and jalapenos. Olé? More like «Oh yay»!
Since this was my first visit in forever and I can’t remember what I like, I picked at random and settled on a Spicy Southwestern Chicken Griller, as it sounded like it would pair well with an Olé! I did not chose poorly. It was cheesy and delicious and a great compliment to my spud.
Before we left, we tried a sugar cookie… and I must say that unless you have a thing against wheat or processed sugar… you must try this cookie. It was wonderful.
Last two things… get the sweet tea. Unless you don’t like sweet tea (How can you NOT?).
Get the nacho basket… you get Rotel Cheese Dip with it!
ROTEL. CHEESE. DIP. AT. A. RESTAURANT.
That makes it classier than doing it my microwave at home. And it helps control the portion, so you can enjoy without fear of feeling filled with shame for polishing off an entire pack of Velveeta and Rotel in one sitting. (I’ve totally never done that. More than once)
So… it’s worth the trip up to Dublin to check it out. The staff is super nice and friendly and you’ll feel rewarded for making the journey!

I have been waiting 10 years for McAlister’s to come to Columbus, and oh happy day — it’s finally here!
So here’s the deal with me and McAlister’s:
I grew up on a dirt road in the middle of nowhere Louisiana, so eating out was most definitely a treat. I’m tellin’ ya – traveling an hour to Olive Garden was my jam, yo.
Well fast forward to when I turned 18 and moved to the «big city» of Monroe (population ~50k). I thought I was in heaven when I found McAlister’s Deli. My friends and I were there at least once a week having their delicious deli sandwiches, giant baked potatoes, sweet tea, and sometimes (read: always) a cookie.
And here I am, in my 30s, and super excited that my favorite chain restaurant has finally come to town. Sure, Columbus has loads of amazing, local restaurants — please don’t put McAlister’s in the same category. If you come expecting Wolf’s Ridge or The Sycamore, you’ll be sorely disappointed.
But if you come here wanting simple, delicious food — you’ll leave a happy camper. In addition to the aforementioned items, McAlister’s is famous for soups, salads, and hot sandwiches.
Is a chain deli *really* five-​stars worthy? Probably not. But is a walk down memory lane and a dash of nostalgia worth five stars? Absolutely.
This particular McAlister’s is shiny and new, and the staff are all fantastic — very sweet and helpful. Sure, they have some kinks to work out, but I’m confident they’ll get there. I even met the owner, Purvi (spelling?), and she could not have been lovelier. She’s proud of her restaurant, and she genuinely loves what she’s doing.
As for the food? Just as I remember it, maybe better. Now they have gluten-​free options — perfect for the 30-​something Bryant who can’t eat wheat.
Before you make the trek to McAlister’s, please remember that much of my experience is based on nostalgia, so don’t be all: «BRYANT TOLD ME TO DRIVE 30 MINUTES FROM THE CITY…»
I, however, *will* be making the trek often. Yep, I love it that much.
TL;DR: McAlister’s is a chain deli with delicious options, such as baked potatoes, salads, soups, and sandwiches. Be sure to get their sweet tea and a sugar cookie.

I stopped here yesterday to get some lunch. It just happen that this was the first day they opened. After browsing the menu, I settled on a club sandwich and a sweet tea. It was a mediocre sandwich although the potato salad it came with was okay. Besides sandwiches, they also have baked potatoes, and soup.