I really thought I had reviewed this place a long while back. I'm almost glad I didn't, as it would have changed, over the past two years. Of note: the Maine location has a different vibe and puts out a more consistent product.
The good:
When they are "on", their sandwiches are quite good - in fact, I used to send folks here, rather than other local alternatives.
If you are looking for a plain cup of coffee, it's nice to have this place as a local option, since they have better hours than some other nearby cafes. Coffee won't be life altering (like Horseshoe Cafe or Flight), but it also won't be burnt Starbucks for a buck extra.
Handy place to buy a small dessert, say for a gift. Options are fantastic, quality/aesthetics are all you could hope for (for a non-specialty bakery), though the prices are a bit steep.
Very small dining area (three tables), gives customers an option to eat there. Atmosphere is as good as they can make it, considering it's just tables in the front of the registers. Still, it's appreciated.
The not-so-good:
Produce prices are high, as expected; as is the cost of many specialty items (also, as expected). Sandwiches used to seem expensive, then everyone else caught up.
They don't seem to believe in COVID. This was the first place that prepared my food with no hint of face protection. To make the contrast more stark, some employees in the food prep area (one or two), were wearing masks (pre and post vaccine availability) - none of those sensible people ever made my sandwich, however. I've been told that some other employees are just as troubled as customers by the laxity, but nothing is done about it. And any "medical exemption" feels pretty flimsy, in light of the current death toll.
A few of said dead-eyed, maskless employees put out crap product. Mismade and uncut sandwiches, 1/4 sub with nothing but bread, wildly variable portions...you name it. Which is made more awful by how good their product can be, when the employee making the food is one who cares about their output and customers. I'm thinking it may no longer be worth the crap-shoot to come here.
Espresso drinks. The difference between a small and large cappuccino is foam level. The difference between a small and large latte is milk level. The difference between a small and large Americano is the addition of more water. There is no coffee difference (to match the cost difference); this has been confirmed. WHY!?
This area has too many options to make this place a regular stop, as it once was - at least not until they get back to pushing out a quality product. It should be said that I have no experience with the meat counter in the back of the store, so please don't let these comments reflect their work. read more