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    McAlister's Deli

    3.3 (92 reviews)
    ModerateSalad, Delis, Sandwiches
    Closed 10:00 am - 9:00 pm

    McAlister's Deli Photos

    MCALISTER'S DELI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

    Recommended Reviews - McAlister's Deli

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    Reviews With Photos

    Sweet and smoky chicken sandwich
    Christine W.

    The food was okay! I got a sweet and smoky chicken sandwich. I wish it came with more vegetables, but the BBQ sauce was tasty. Their lemonade is really good, too. The employees didn't seem very happy, hence the four star review. It was also a tad chilly in the restaurant. Music was okay, ambiance just seemed like typical fast food restaurants. There were a lot of tables left uncleared, too.

    This is my pick 2 with the Broccoli Cheese Soup & Ultimate Nachos.  you can't tell from the pic but it's a huge portion of nachos!
    Surelyne L.

    We've been to McAlister's many times over the years and the food has always been fresh and consistent. It's not fancy since it is quick service but there's plenty of seating for smaller and larger groups. Service can be a bit slow but like many places, they are short-handed. My personal favorite is the Pick 2. It's a take on the other popular quick service chain that also offers this but the biggest difference is that the quality is much better at McAlisters and the portion sizes are much more generous at a fraction of the cost.

    David A.

    Been a few years since getting anything at McAlister's and my buddy was looking for something other than fast food, so I talked them up and figured I'd grab a sandwich as well. What a difference a few years makes. $15 got me a 6" sandwich(They called it Big & Bold ) and $9 got him some canned chili. I guess that's a microcosm of the world today. Good things just don't last..

    Grilled chicken salad
    J S.

    Ingredients are fresh but the service was disappointing. I ordered a salad to-go and it wasn't made as I had ordered or described on the menu. Also the staff was huddled inside the kitchen, gossiping and not paying attention... maybe that's why my order lacked care? The grilled chicken salad is usually extremely crisp with mixed greens and I specifically ordered extra cucumbers. What I got was 95% spinach with zero cucumbers and barely any tomatoes as well. The whole experience/excitement was deflated because it really is the little things sometimes! Right?! It's a tricky parking situation sometimes but a great spot for typical lunch fare. Ambiance is clean and spacious inside, even some outdoor seating.

    Grilled Chicken Club ($8.49) with extra bacon (+$1.59)
    Jillian S.

    Customizable items, reasonable prices, and curbside carryout? Yes please! I recommend their Choose 2 deal. It's affordable and you receive a good amount of food. Ordered: -Cinnabon Cheesecake ($4.49): delish, cheesecake part is basically just Cinnabon frosting (frosting is the best part right??) -Choose 2 (1/2 spud, 1/2 salad for $8.89): filling, nutritious, and fresh -Grilled Chicken Club ($8.49): small portion of sandwich and side, leaves you hungry Pros: -curbside and in restaurant takeout available -orders made quickly and accurately -online menu is easy to use -payment accepted online -employees bringing out orders are wearing masks -menu items are incredibly customizable -varied menu, you are bound to find at least one item you will enjoy Cons: -full size sandwich is mainly bread. Leaves you hungry. We would prefer more meat. We enjoyed this meal and previous delivered meals. We continue to recommend this restaurant to others!

    Turkey Reuben
    Tammy M.

    I thought I had already written a review so I didn't take any pics. I'll be back soon and will add some later. This is my GO TO McAlisters. It is too close to my house ! Walking here is an option and based on the size of my Rachel sandwich , our next visit will require a walk. Hubby and I both were craving a Reuben. We opted for the (slightly) lower fat version that they call a Rachel. Turkey instead of corned beef. I couldn't believe how much meat was on the sandwich !! YUM !!!! We probably should of split one. Their new SPUDS chips are delicious. Service is always quick and friendly. We will be back. They have nachos now !!!! Gotta try them !

    McAlister's The McAlister's Club
    Kathy G.

    COVID dinning experience- Stopped in for a quick bite. Masks are required upon entry. Hand sanitizer throughout the restaurant. Ordered a you pick two- sandwich with salad. Party of 4 and we all enjoyed our food. Don't forget to sign up for their rewards program!

    Dining area
    Patrick B.

    McAlister's is an establishment where you can get great, wholesome sandwiches, soups and salads. I will say that their proportions have slightly decreased over the years but the food still is packed with quality ingredients. In terms of cost -- I'd probably give it two $ our of $$$$. It's a little steep for what you're getting. But hey, the food is enjoyable. Staff at this location was incredibly kind and top rated customer service. Love all of their menu items -- especially the brookie.

    Tomato bisque soup and Southwest salad

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    4 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    Matt J.

    Thanks David! Glad you enjoyed!

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    Matt J.

    Glad you enjoyed!

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    7 years ago

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    Matt J.

    Thank you, Tammy!

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    6 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Love this place. Sandwiches are exceptional. Corn beef and pastrami are lean, tender and flavorful.

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    Greg P.

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    Matt J.

    Thanks Cindy! Glad to hear you enjoyed!

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    7 years ago

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    Matt J.

    Thanks Anne-Marie! We appreciate the great review!

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    4 years ago

    My wife and I can always count on getting great sandwiches from McAlister's and it's our go-to for a quick lunch.

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    Matt J.

    Thanks for the great review Dale!

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    Ask the Community - McAlister's Deli

    Sassool

    Sassool

    4.3
    (476 reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $$

    I absolutely love eating the fresh salads and sides at Sassool! It can get pretty busy during…read morelunchtime, so plan ahead if you're in a rush--but that just shows how good the food is. I usually order the two chicken skewer kabobs with rice, a super salad, and the jalapeño cilantro hummus. The hummus is *so* good that I often grab a small container to take with me when I travel. Everything tastes incredibly fresh, and you can really tell they use quality ingredients, especially with olive oil as a base. They offer both fresh pita and gluten-free pita, which is great for anyone with dietary restrictions. Honestly, I could make a meal just out of all the sides--they're that good. The menu is consistently solid, and I feel like you really can't go wrong with anything you order. It's a perfect spot for a low-key lunch or dinner. Also worth noting: on Tuesdays, kids eat free with a paying adult, which is a great bonus for families. Highly recommend!

    The ambiance is nice and welcoming. This is an order and pay restaurant where you place your order…read moreat the counter, receive your food, and can sit anywhere you'd like. The portions are very generous, so if you can't finish your meal, it's easy to take the leftovers home. They conveniently provide to-go containers and bags for customers. One thing I found a bit challenging was the ordering process. There is a huge selection of food, which can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. I would have appreciated a little more guidance from the staff when making my choices, as I think it would have helped me order more confidently. Overall, it's a good place with plenty of options and great portion sizes.

    Photos
    Sassool
    Pistachio Baklava
    Pistachio Baklava
    Storefront

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    Storefront
    Chicken Salad Chick

    Chicken Salad Chick

    4.4
    (132 reviews)
    2.9 mi
    $

    I had such an amazing experience at Chicken Salad Chick today that I felt the need to share it. My…read moredaughter and I stopped in for lunch, and my daughter had previously worked there. The franchise manager immediately recognized her -- not only by face, but by name as well. He asked how she had been doing and was genuinely excited to see her. As a parent, that absolutely blew me away. This is someone who has worked with countless teenagers over the years and has likely experienced plenty of turnover, yet he still remembered my daughter personally. That kind of leadership and genuine care for employees is rare these days. The manager was just as incredible. A while back, my daughter needed to step away from work for personal reasons, and I encouraged her to have that conversation with him herself. One of the values I try to instill in my kids is taking ownership and learning how to communicate directly and responsibly. When she spoke with him, he was kind, welcoming, and willing to truly listen. He made her feel comfortable, reassured her, and simply told her that whenever she was ready to come back, she only needed to let him know. Then today, when we walked in, he greeted her with the same kindness and excitement. He called her by name, asked how she was doing, and even asked if she was ready to come back to work. Moments like this say so much about a company's culture and leadership. Great food is one thing, but great people are what truly make a business stand out. In a world where many workplaces barely know their employees, it speaks volumes when leaders take the time to genuinely know and value their staff -- especially young employees just starting out in the workforce. Thank you for creating an environment that makes people feel seen, remembered, and appreciated. That leaves a lasting impression. Tara J

    Here again and I highly recommend the new flavor they have. It has chopped dill pickles in it and…read moreis wonderful!! They also have a new tea.,,peach!! It's great! Clean, great people, healthy food....its a win every time!

    Photos
    Chicken Salad Chick
    Chicken Salad Chick
    Chicken Salad Chick

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    Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery

    Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery

    4.3
    (305 reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $$

    Cozy neighborhood café-bakery with a sprawling chalkboard menu and a pastry case that's hard to…read morewalk past. I went savory: a chicken salad croissant (flaky, generously filled, with a side of bow-tie pasta salad and a creamy poppyseed slaw) and a pressed caprese-style panini with tomato, mozzarella, and basil grilled to a deep golden crisp. Both solid, satisfying lunches. On the drinks, the cold brew made with Joe Van Gogh beans was great--smooth and well-balanced. The iced café au lait was acceptable, nothing memorable but it did the job. The bakery case alone is worth a stop: cannoli, cranberry almond muffins, strawberry streusel coffee cake, cinnamon rolls, brownies, and a rack of croissants. Friendly counter service and a comfortable spot whether you're grabbing a quick bite or lingering with a coffee. Worth a return visit. Prices are very reasonable.

    Chanticleer is a hidden gem in Cary! I don't know why it's taken me so long to discover it…read more The staff are all super friendly and welcoming. They helped me navigate my coffee order and executed it to perfection. They also answered all of my gluten free questions and took extra precautions for my allergy. The egg white and cheese sandwich with turkey bacon was great. Pro tip: Order it with a double portion of egg white for added protein. I also got an iced cafe latte with caramel. You can get a punch card for every coffee and get one free on your tenth purchase. They have a great pastry selection. I got an almond croissant to go for my mom on a recommendation from a friend that said it's a can't miss! (I can't try it due to my allergy but it looks amazing) The ambiance has a cute cafe with plenty of seating.

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    Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery
    BLT Salad
    BLT Salad
    Lemon bar Almond Croissants

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    Lemon bar Almond Croissants
    Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen

    Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen

    4.1
    (1.1k reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$

    As always the food was excellent! The Campfire Steak was cooked to perfection! Pork Schnitzel and…read morethe Brick chicken was amazing! Hot, fresh, and large quantity. As always had to take home. Jessica our Server represented the restaurant in a very professional manner. Attentive, knowledgeable, and engaging. Great sense of humor. The ambiance was welcoming. Great for date night! One of our favorite go to restaurants! Will keep coming back!

    Lucky 32 is a southern inspired kitchen that puts a creative spin on its food that you can't miss…read more We went for a friends birthday and started with cocktails. I had the bourbon berry crush and it was a perfect blend of bourbon and fresh berries and mint and was not overly sweet. We also had the spicy peach margarita and I highly recommend trying this spin on a classic. It was a very refreshing margarita that was freshly made and not overly sweet. The shoestring okra is an appetizer that you have to try. I honestly could have eaten two plates, it is perfectly crispy and a bit spicy with a great aioli dipping sauce. We also had the heirloom tomatoes with goat cheese and the pork rinds and pimento cheese. They were all devoured and enjoyed by all. I ordered the cornmeal crusted catfish with grits and blistered okra. I honestly can't remember the last time I enjoyed a meal so much. The catfish and the grits paired together perfectly. We also had jambalaya and pork schnitzel. I can't wait to return. The waitress was very knowledgeable and the ambiance was great for a girl's night. They even brought a cake out for the birthday we were celebrating.

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    Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen
    Voodoo Deviled Eggs
    Voodoo Deviled Eggs
    Jambalaya

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    Jambalaya
    Great Harvest Bread

    Great Harvest Bread

    4.7
    (105 reviews)
    2.9 mi
    $

    An acquaintance shared his Great Harvest experience and how much he enjoyed the sandwiches. I…read morepopped in this afternoon after my midday appointment. I really enjoyed the Baja turkey sandwich on Dakota bread. This was very flavorful and every ingredient was so fresh and the sandwich is prepared and presented very nicely. My concern was the bread getting wet but it wasn't at all. I would have to agree with this being "the best sandwich on earth" as mentioned on Good Harvest website cafe menu. Baja Turkey is made with turkey breast with chipotle honey lime yogurt sauce, shaved cabbage, pickled red onions, avocado, and pepper jack cheese. I didn't get avocado and added bacon and WOW! What a sandwich this was. Every bite was bursting with excitement. Don't walk, run over there to get yours. You will not be disappointed. I can't wait to try Breakfast. Great Harvest is close proximity to areas I frequent and had never really noticed Great Harvest in all these years. I'm glad I have experienced what they have to offer. The service was pleasant. The staff were helpful. They offer all types of fresh baked goods and were also offering samples. I passed on the baked sweet goodies but I bet they're just as delicious. It's a small cafe style space and it somewhat reminds me of LaFarm.

    I always come here for my birthday deal because I love their breakfast sandwich with garlic aioli…read more I wish they were closer cos I'd def visit more often! I'm not sure what happened to the toaster to leave dots on the bread like this, but it was just so-so this time. A little slight on the filling and a bit dry. Otherwise, everything looked so tempting Employees are always Very nice!!

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    Bakery items
    Bakery items
    Maple scone
    Maple scone
    One of my favorites in town.

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    One of my favorites in town.
    Cape Fear Seafood Company

    Cape Fear Seafood Company

    4.1
    (87 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    We came to Cape Fear Seafood Company in Cary for a Valentine's Day dinner…read more We've been wanting to try this place for a while. Super excited to finally get in to check it out. We made reservations ahead of time online since it was a Holiday. First off the front staff was super friendly and got us to our table right away. Love the feel and the decor. The lighting was a tad dark but that's ok. It was still cozy and romantic. Our waitress was super friendly and knowledgeable. They had a special Valentine's Day menu. She ran down the specials by memory. She took our drink and appetizer order ( the calamari fritti) gave us time to check out the rest of the expansive menu. The drinks came and our app. The lemonades were very sweet and nicely tart from the real fruit purée and lemons. Delightful! The calamari fritti was a knock out, home run. The breading was delicious. The calamari was nice and tender. The marinara was so good. Get this is you like calamari! For our mains we got the Sea bass special with the creamy risotto and asparagus and the figure 8 stuffed Flounder. Lemme tell you...This place knows sea food. What an incredible experience. The sea bass Valentine's Day menu special was cooked to perfection. So flaked and moist. Seared and seasoned perfectly. They should add it to the main menu. The risotto was amazing. Creamy and flavorful. The asparagus was cooked perfectly. The figure 8 stuffed flounder was delicious as well. The crab stuffing was absolutely great! The sauce over top was creamy and worked perfectly with the flounder and crab. It came with the most delicious fresh green beans with a couple nicely seasoned tomatoes. The rice pilaf was also really nice. Around this time I realized the Valentine's Day menu had Oysters Rockefeller ... and I love oysters Rockefeller. So I put in for an order of those. Best oysters Rockefeller I've had in a long time! Add these to the menu! For dessert... we ordered the apple crumb at vanilla bean ice cream. Perfect way to end out meal. We cannot wait to come back and try the rest of the menu! Save us a table! Kudos to the staff and chef / cooks. Yall did an amazing job.

    Bottom line: A good meal experience here at the Cary location of Cape Fear Seafood Company. The…read moremini crab cakes were a perfect starter and I enjoyed their very flavorful but not spicy version of their popular shrimp & grits. Nice atmosphere inside, but recommend reservations as they fill up quickly. The Deets: Some friends/coworkers and I decided to catch up over a meal and we decided on trying out this location of Cape Fear Seafood Co. on Lake Pine Drive. I had been to the one located in the Village District (formerly Cameron Village) of DTR in the past and knew of this one opening up through Yelp. If you know me, I am usually not one for seafood but remember I had a pretty good experience at the one in DTR. We noted that it would be a good idea to have a reservation so one was made. Good thing, this place gets crowded fast, even around the 5pm point. Upon arrival, we were promptly shown to a table with menus. While walking in, this restaurant has that beach type feeling with brightly painted areas and subtle pelagic decor without going overboard. The bar area gave a warm, inviting vibe. Back to the menu, their menu is pretty expansive but not over the top multiple pages. I think even the non-seafood lover can find something to like here. We started with hush puppies for the table and I went with the appetizer sized mini crab cakes for myself. I loved the mini crab cakes and the lemon beurre blanc sauce with them, just enough for a starter and tasted great. The hush puppies were good as well but just a tiny bit too brown for me, they were a little bit more done than I'd like. I like them more of a golden finish instead of brown, just my preference. For my main dish, I went with their Cape Fear Shrimp & Grits. They are a pretty popular choice here and I remember liking them at the DTR location. They remained a great choice, they were delicious. They are very flavorful and enjoyable without being spicy, which I like as I am non-spicy food person and it seems most everywhere does their shrimp & grits spicy. I find this take on them refreshing. I would have liked more cheese grits in the serving as it seems to be like a half serving, however the shrimp as well as the creamy sauce were plentiful. Service did a good job here, checking on us periodically. In all, I liked this experience here at Cape Fear Seafood Co. for the most part and would enjoy visiting again in the future.

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    Lobby decor
    Lobby decor
    Not on the menu
    Not on the menu
    Interior/bar, Feb 2026.

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    Interior/bar, Feb 2026.

    McAlister's Deli - salad - Updated July 2026

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