Roasters New York Deli & Bagels

Mike Orren, says:

• Food:

  4/5

• Vibe:

  2/5

• Service:

  3/5

• Value:

  2/5

• Overall:

  3/5

Really conflicted on how to call this one because of its high highs and low lows. I walked over for lunch last week.

First, the bad: Despite more friendly greeters than a Wal-Mart and an apparent 4/1 staff-to-patron ratio, it took nearly 15 minutes to cough up a chicken salad sandwich and fries to go. And that combo was nearly $12. I tried the skinny fry varietal (thick also offered), and they were basically high school cafeteria fries.

The good: The chicken salad was excellent and heaped so high on a tasty onion roll that I had to eat half and save half. (And I'm no light eater.) Side of slaw was great -- so few places do good slaw and don't drown it in goop. Staff was super-friendly. Desserts out on sample were delish and made the wait more bearable.

The weird: Somebody must have a pickle fetish. My container had the equivalent of 3 1/2 large pickles inside.

Overall, cut the portions and the prices and shake off the early slow service hiccups and I might be a weekly customer.