I needed a forum to warn the community about the horrible service I recently received at Charlie's Deli between Lexington Park and Ridge (across from Spring Ridge Middle School). When my husband and I visited Charlie's yesterday (April 25), I ordered a salad with NO cheese and NO onions, and my husband ordered a sandwich with fries. The order was to-go. My husband explained to the girl taking our order that the last time he got fries to-go from Charlie's, the fries were so hot they melted the styrofoam container they were in, and he had to throw away the now plastic-covered fries. He asked the girl if she would please put double layers of paper or foil to prevent this from happening again. She said no problem, and then took our order back to the kitchen. Once we received our order to-go and paid, my husband asked the girl AGAIN if she had put double layers of paper down for the fries. She said she let the fries cool a bit AND put foil in the container to prevent it from melting. "Great!," we said, and then drove home.

However, upon arriving at home, we discovered that not only had the fries melted the container once again, but the girl had totally lied to us and hadn't put any foil or paper down to protect the styrofoam as we expressly asked. To top it off, they had completely ignored my request to leave off cheese and onions from my salad (I do not eat dairy so this is actually a big deal to me). Now that both of our dinners were ruined, I called Charlie's up to complain about the situation. The girl who answered didn't apologize, but immediately put me on the phone with Charlie himself.

I calmly explained to Charlie the situation, but instead of receiving an apology or offer to get a refund, he started to defend himself saying that he had cooked our food and no one told him about our specific requests. He didn't offer any apology and was very short with me and just barked "Well come get your food again" and hung up on me. I told my husband about what happened and my husband agreed that we shouldn't waste the gas money driving back there. So I called Charlie's again and asked if we could just take a picture of the ruined food and stop by the next day for our refund. Charlie started arguing with me and said that he had already begun remaking our food, and now he can't resell it. I told him that was ridiculous since only 30 seconds had passed since I had gotten off the phone with him the first time, so how could he be "in the middle of remaking our food"? THEN HE HUNG UP ON ME. Seriously, this is NOT how a business owner behaves. My husband was so angry he drove back to Charlie's and showed him our ruined food and demanded a refund. Charlie gave him a half-apology, and my husband told him that he should really be apologizing to me for hanging up on me when I was making a simple request for a refund. Then Charlie told my husband that I was the one who owed him an apology for calling him again in the middle of making our food. My husband just gaped at him, as did several other customers who overheard the conversation, then told him we would never return there and left. I cannot believe this man Charlie is a business owner, much less in the restaurant business. You should not treat your customers like it is their fault you messed up their order. Totally ridiculous. I cannot believe he would treat a customer so rudely, especially when I was being very calm and reasonable and had not raised my voice at all. I think someone should make Charlie go work in a kitchen in NYC so he can really get a taste of some unsatisfied customers!!

Too bad you've had a bad experience... I've grown quite fond of Charlie, his deli and his food...:yum:

I've eaten at Charlies many, many times, and the service has always been great, the food good, and nothing short of a pleasurable meal. :buddies:

I'm surprised you had such a problem. Charlie and his staff are usually very attentive to their customers.

I'm surprised you had such a problem. Charlie and his staff are usually very attentive to their customers.
Unless of course your customers call you on the phone with an attitude, screaming, and complaining that they were served plastic fries. :smile:

Unless of course your customers call you on the phone with an attitude, screaming, and complaining that they were served plastic fries. :smile:

Wellll in their defense if you received food like that after specifically letting them know ahead of time that it had happened previously...you probably wouldnt be too happy either.

Weird. I've gotten food with fries to go from there many times and they never melted the container. :shrug:

Wellll in their defense if you received food like that after specifically letting them know ahead of time that it had happened previously...you probably wouldnt be too happy either.
I agree, but when I order carryout (especially if there are special requests such as no cheese and onions) I always check my order before leaving.

I've always had a great experience at Charlie's: good food, good service, and pleasant and clean surroundings.

I saw Charlie last night, and he didn't seem fazed by anything that might have occurred with your incident.

I needed a forum to warn the community about the horrible service I recently received at Charlie's Deli in Ridge (across from Ridge Middle School). When my husband and I visited Charlie's yesterday (April 25),

I think someone should make Charlie go work in a kitchen in NYC so he can really get a taste of some unsatisfied customers!!

Is there a new deli in Ridge? :shrug: I only know of a Charlies Deli right past the Spring Ridge Middle School :whistle:
Who would enforce the owner of a small business to travel to another unowned kitchen in NYC? :shrug: NYC get a rope!

I agree, but when I order carryout (especially if there are special requests such as no cheese and onions) I always check my order before leaving.
I defintely agree w/ you on that. Especially if a previous order had been messed up.
Is there a new deli in Ridge? :shrug: I only know of a Charlies Deli right past the Spring Ridge Middle School :whistle:
Who would enforce the owner of a small business to travel to another unowned kitchen in NYC? :shrug: NYC get a rope!

Bwahahahahaha :lmao:

Wellll in their defense if you received food like that after specifically letting them know ahead of time that it had happened previously...you probably wouldnt be too happy either.
I doubt this actually happened the way the OP suggests. If it did, I'd like to see a picture.

I doubt this actually happened the way the OP suggests. If it did, I'd like to see a picture.

Yea OP where is the picture?? :tap:

I didn't think this thread was going to go her way.

I love Charlie, I have had the pleasure of working in one place he worked out of and have been served nothing but top notch food in many places he has had a business. In fact I was there yesterday after picking my daughter up from "SPRING RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL" with my son to visit the ice cream shop.

Just an FYI as someone who worked in that same building for twelve years but under three different owners I can attest that salads are prepared in a large bowl with the same ingredients at each shift. Sorry you had a bad experience but I have had way worse service in many other places.

In know way do I know how Charlie runs his business but everyone has a bad day moment etc. People make mistakes but if I was busy cooking lunches or dinner for gosh knows how many people then you should thank your lucky stars that he spoke to you at all!!!

I needed a forum to :blahblah::blahblah::blahblah::blahblah:!

All of this about french fries?

I have never had a bad meal from or at Charlies.
That Man can make a damn good sandwich!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


My only beotch about that place is that when I am done eating, I feel like a big ole swollen tick.

I think someone should make Charlie go work in a kitchen in NYC so he can really get a taste of some unsatisfied customers!!

Why does it always have to be NYC...??? Charlie has great food, Thank you Charlie...!

Frank

I needed a forum to warn the community about the horrible service I recently received at Charlie's Deli in Ridge (across from Ridge Middle School). When my husband and I visited Charlie's yesterday (April 25), I ordered a salad with NO cheese and NO onions, and my husband ordered a sandwich with fries. The order was to-go. My husband explained to the girl taking our order that the last time he got fries to-go from Charlie's, the fries were so hot they melted the styrofoam container they were in, and he had to throw away the now plastic-covered fries. He asked the girl if she would please put double layers of paper or foil to prevent this from happening again. She said no problem, and then took our order back to the kitchen. Once we received our order to-go and paid, my husband asked the girl AGAIN if she had put double layers of paper down for the fries. She said she let the fries cool a bit AND put foil in the container to prevent it from melting. "Great!," we said, and then drove home.

However, upon arriving at home, we discovered that not only had the fries melted the container once again, but the girl had totally lied to us and hadn't put any foil or paper down to protect the styrofoam as we expressly asked. To top it off, they had completely ignored my request to leave off cheese and onions from my salad (I do not eat dairy so this is actually a big deal to me). Now that both of our dinners were ruined, I called Charlie's up to complain about the situation. The girl who answered didn't apologize, but immediately put me on the phone with Charlie himself.

I calmly explained to Charlie the situation, but instead of receiving an apology or offer to get a refund, he started to defend himself saying that he had cooked our food and no one told him about our specific requests. He didn't offer any apology and was very short with me and just barked "Well come get your food again" and hung up on me. I told my husband about what happened and my husband agreed that we shouldn't waste the gas money driving back there. So I called Charlie's again and asked if we could just take a picture of the ruined food and stop by the next day for our refund. Charlie started arguing with me and said that he had already begun remaking our food, and now he can't resell it. I told him that was ridiculous since only 30 seconds had passed since I had gotten off the phone with him the first time, so how could he be "in the middle of remaking our food"? THEN HE HUNG UP ON ME. Seriously, this is NOT how a business owner behaves. My husband was so angry he drove back to Charlie's and showed him our ruined food and demanded a refund. Charlie gave him a half-apology, and my husband told him that he should really be apologizing to me for hanging up on me when I was making a simple request for a refund. Then Charlie told my husband that I was the one who owed him an apology for calling him again in the middle of making our food. My husband just gaped at him, as did several other customers who overheard the conversation, then told him we would never return there and left. I cannot believe this man Charlie is a business owner, much less in the restaurant business. You should not treat your customers like it is their fault you messed up their order. Totally ridiculous. I cannot believe he would treat a customer so rudely, especially when I was being very calm and reasonable and had not raised my voice at all. I think someone should make Charlie go work in a kitchen in NYC so he can really get a taste of some unsatisfied customers!!


If you live North of Gate 3 it's probably best if you just stayed North of Gate 3...

If you don't, maybe you should contemplate moving.

I agree, but when I order carryout (especially if there are special requests such as no cheese and onions) I always check my order before leaving.

:yeahthat:

OP's title was DO NOT EAT at Charlie's... and she didn't. Maybe it should be titled "I didn't check my takeout before I left Charlie's" Charlie has always made incredible food served up well and his staff has been nothing but attentive, friendly and professional with me.

I doubt this actually happened the way the OP suggests. If it did, I'd like to see a picture.

I didn't think this thread was going to go her way.

:yeahthat:


During the hurricane I took all my out of state crews there for lunch.... they treated my guys GREAT!!!!! And come to find out they didnt have power at their house at the time.... as we spoke waiting for our orders... we were working on their road!!

They thanked the guys for all the work they were doing and really took care of them. :yahoo:

That post made me want a Reuben sammich!

That post made me want a Reuben sammich!
I'm thinking that many are now craving Charlie's... later this evening he's going to be wondering why his place is so crowded...:lol:

I've always thought Charlie's Deli was over rated. I ate their years ago, when they were still in the park. I had an over priced chicken salad sandwich. I could have done a better job myself, since I make the best chicken salad anywhere. I've never been back.

I've always thought Charlie's Deli was over rated. I ate their years ago, when they were still in the park. I had an over priced chicken salad sandwich. I could have done a better job myself, since I make the best chicken salad anywhere. I've never been back.

You DO make the best chicken salad :drool:

:smoochy: ...and deviled eggs. I've got a batch in the fridge now.You DO make the best chicken salad :drool:

I love Charlie's Deli and I love Charlie himself. Never had a problem with either one. I also have never had my french fries melt the styrofoam in the take away container. Not to mention I've never had a problem with a special request.

If the OP is unhappy, then I'm sorry for you. But you are correct, you really shouldn't eat there again.

However, I will continue to do so. I also encourage everyone else to as well. Well, as long as you aren't expecting NYC in a box. :lmao:

Really? A boycott because of a botched order and (God forbid) hot fries? Oh, the outrage!

Sure makes the food poisoning I got from Catamaran's seem minor. I can just be grateful that they didn't put cheese and onions on my salad.

I agree, but when I order carryout (especially if there are special requests such as no cheese and onions) I always check my order before leaving.

:yeahthat: Always check a "to go" order before leaving. Everybody makes mistakes.

I've always thought Charlie's Deli was over rated. I ate their years ago, when they were still in the park. I had an over priced chicken salad sandwich. I could have done a better job myself, since I make the best chicken salad anywhere. I've never been back.

We ate their once because we heard of all the hype here on the boards and thought it was just ehhh. For awhile I thought I was the only one. But then again I am really picky.

We ate their once because we heard of all the hype here on the boards and thought it was just ehhh. For awhile I thought I was the only one. But then again I am really picky.


The chicken salad I had was around $7. (this was a long time ago, so I don't remember exactly), and it was large chunks of chicken in mayo between two slices of white bread. I don't even think they salted it. That was it. $7.

The chicken salad I had was around $7. (this was a long time ago, so I don't remember exactly), and it was large chunks of chicken in mayo between two slices of white bread. I don't even think they salted it. That was it. $7.

I remember that a few years ago the $7 charge also included the side & drink (w/refills)... but it was a few years ago... maybe the chicken salad was uniquely priced and I just don't remember that...:shrug:

We ate their once because we heard of all the hype here on the boards and thought it was just ehhh. For awhile I thought I was the only one. But then again I am really picky.

I eat there on occasion because it's close to home, but I find his food these days kind of blah as well. When he re-opened I was really looking forward to having one of his reubens again, and was disappointed when it came with dried-out corned beef and undrained sauerkraut. I thought maybe I just caught him on a bad day so I've tried other things on the menu and find them mediocre as well. Most sandwiches now are around $10 and you pay extra for fries. It just isn't the same as it used to be. :frown:

I will say, though, the portions are HUGE.

I eat there on occasion because it's close to home, but I find his food these days kind of blah as well. When he re-opened I was really looking forward to having one of his reubens again, and was disappointed when it came with dried-out corned beef and undrained sauerkraut. I thought maybe I just caught him on a bad day so I've tried other things on the menu and find them mediocre as well. Most sandwiches now are around $10 and you pay extra for fries. It just isn't the same as it used to be. :frown:

I will say, though, the portions are HUGE.

I love Charlie but the Reuben at the Baymart blows them all away. It literally is a two day lunch no sides included.

where is the Baymart?

I remember that a few years ago the $7 charge also included the side & drink (w/refills)... but it was a few years ago... maybe the chicken salad was uniquely priced and I just don't remember that...:shrug:

I meant that was it for the chicken salad. Anyone can cut chicken into chunks and slather some mayo on it. I think it may have included a drink, but don't remember fries. I just thought it was a fairly pathetic chicken salad sandwich. No lettuce, tomato, seasoning... I think their may have been a pickle.

where is the Baymart?

Way South of Charlies. I like their chicken cheesesteak.

I love Charlie but the Reuben at the Baymart blows them all away. It literally is a two day lunch no sides included.

where is the Baymart?

:yeahthat: The old Anne & Tony's? :confused:

:smoochy: ...and deviled eggs..

I was hoping to invite you and Mr. over to the house someday, but now am skeered. I don't cook very well.

Deviled eggs are yummy.

I was hoping to invite you and Mr. over to the house someday, but now am skeered. I don't cook very well.

Deviled eggs are yummy.

I'm not really a good cook, there are just a few things that I do really well. Chicken salad and deviled eggs are two of those things. We'd love an invite, though...just as soon all of :gossip: relatives leave :biggrin:

The chicken salad I had was around $7. (this was a long time ago, so I don't remember exactly), and it was large chunks of chicken in mayo between two slices of white bread. I don't even think they salted it. That was it. $7.
Not trying to say I am the best cook ever or anything but if a place has food that I can not only make but make them better I just dont frequent them.
I eat there on occasion because it's close to home, but I find his food these days kind of blah as well. When he re-opened I was really looking forward to having one of his reubens again, and was disappointed when it came with dried-out corned beef and undrained sauerkraut. I thought maybe I just caught him on a bad day so I've tried other things on the menu and find them mediocre as well. Most sandwiches now are around $10 and you pay extra for fries. It just isn't the same as it used to be. :frown:

I will say, though, the portions are HUGE.

Hmm interesting. Glad we havent tried it since the re open then :lol:

you got hot fries?...damn!! thats better than any fast food place around here!! Think i'll go there tonight for dinner...thanks for the great idea!!

Not trying to say I am the best cook ever or anything but if a place has food that I can not only make but make them better I just dont frequent them.

I don't get this attitude. Most restaurants I go to, I order food that I could certainly make at home and many times better. My steak rub is FAR superior to any restaurant's, and I can get a ribeye med-rare every single time. Even the best steamed crabs I've ever had were at friends' house and not a restaurant.

The reason I go to restaurants is not to feed myself, but to socialize with friends over a meal and not have to cook or clean up after. If I grab a sandwich somewhere for lunch it's not because I'm too dumb to slap some cold cuts on bread, but because I either don't have cold cuts handy or just don't feel like going through the hassle of constructing a sandwich.

Not picking on you or anything :love:, just curious about the whole "I can make it better at home" deal.

PS, mAlice does make the best chicken salad ever, so getting a chicken salad sandwich anywhere was just setting herself up for disappointment.

PS, mAlice does make the best chicken salad ever, so getting a chicken salad sandwich anywhere was just setting herself up for disappointment.

As we all know, I'm setting myself up for disappointment anytime I eat out.

As we all know, I'm setting myself up for disappointment anytime I eat out.

Look at the bright side... you don't need hashi at Charlie's Deli...:huggy:

I don't get this attitude. Most restaurants I go to, I order food that I could certainly make at home and many times better. My steak rub is FAR superior to any restaurant's, and I can get a ribeye med-rare every single time. Even the best steamed crabs I've ever had were at friends' house and not a restaurant.

The reason I go to restaurants is not to feed myself, but to socialize with friends over a meal and not have to cook or clean up after. If I grab a sandwich somewhere for lunch it's not because I'm too dumb to slap some cold cuts on bread, but because I either don't have cold cuts handy or just don't feel like going through the hassle of constructing a sandwich.

Not picking on you or anything :love:, just curious about the whole "I can make it better at home" deal.

PS, mAlice does make the best chicken salad ever, so getting a chicken salad sandwich anywhere was just setting herself up for disappointment.

:yay:

And I can cook pretty much ANYTHING better :yahoo: but I go out because it is easier, faster, and I don't have to clean.

Look at the bright side... you don't need hashi at Charlie's Deli...:huggy:

There is that.

I don't get this attitude. Most restaurants I go to, I order food that I could certainly make at home and many times better. My steak rub is FAR superior to any restaurant's, and I can get a ribeye med-rare every single time. Even the best steamed crabs I've ever had were at friends' house and not a restaurant.

The reason I go to restaurants is not to feed myself, but to socialize with friends over a meal and not have to cook or clean up after. If I grab a sandwich somewhere for lunch it's not because I'm too dumb to slap some cold cuts on bread, but because I either don't have cold cuts handy or just don't feel like going through the hassle of constructing a sandwich.

Not picking on you or anything :love:, just curious about the whole "I can make it better at home" deal.

PS, mAlice does make the best chicken salad ever, so getting a chicken salad sandwich anywhere was just setting herself up for disappointment.
:yay:
I'm lazy and I want to be served.

As we all know, I'm setting myself up for disappointment anytime I eat out.

:snort:

Your modesty is becoming, but you're a very good cook with a diverse repertoire.

I'M HUNGRY
And mulch doesn't taste very good.

:snort:

Your modesty is becoming, but you're a very good cook with a diverse repertoire.

Why, thank you. You're quite good in the kitchen yourself :really:

The only issue I have with charlies, and I think DoWhat said it too, was the damn huge portion. I got a french dip a few weeks ago, could have made two meals.


And as far as NYC patrons? I'm from NY. To be honest, they are more pleasant and better mannered than most places I've been. Getting an irate customer is the exception, not the rule. You either have a good product and do well, or no one comes back and you go out of business. There is no middle ground, nothing to get upset about.

I don't get this attitude. Most restaurants I go to, I order food that I could certainly make at home and many times better. My steak rub is FAR superior to any restaurant's, and I can get a ribeye med-rare every single time. Even the best steamed crabs I've ever had were at friends' house and not a restaurant.

The reason I go to restaurants is not to feed myself, but to socialize with friends over a meal and not have to cook or clean up after. If I grab a sandwich somewhere for lunch it's not because I'm too dumb to slap some cold cuts on bread, but because I either don't have cold cuts handy or just don't feel like going through the hassle of constructing a sandwich.

Not picking on you or anything :love:, just curious about the whole "I can make it better at home" deal.

PS, mAlice does make the best chicken salad ever, so getting a chicken salad sandwich anywhere was just setting herself up for disappointment.

Just like you dont understand the make it better at home, I dont understand why people frequent places that isnt serving the quality of what they can make themselves. :lol:

I get what you are saying about going out w/ friends. Sure I go enjoy even if it isnt the best because at that point it is about the socialization and not neccisraily about the food.

I have a family of 7 so eating out is a *special* occassion. I want to go some where that the food is going to be equally as delicious as I can make if not better. Otherwise I would just prefer to save that $ and make 2 or 3 delish dinners at home! :smile:

We dont go out for crabs because we catch them and cook...not only do they taste better, are fresher, but it cost us $10 in supplies to feed our entire family & sometimes our friends/neighbors.

The ONLY place I will order a steak from would be if we were eating at Ruth Chris or soemthing like that (which is EXTREMELY rare) I just dont order steaks out. Not only can I cook & season it at home to my liking I can make one for all 7 of us for the price of 2 steaks from one of the local establishments around here.


If you dont have the cold cuts handy, dont feel like making the sandwich yourself, whatever your reasoning... are you going somewhere that serves a sandwich that is less tasty than what you can make?

Personally I would rather just take the time and make it myself than purchase something and be disappointed w/ the taste & quality. Again just me.

Just like you dont understand the make it better at home, I dont understand why people frequent places that isnt serving the quality of what they can make themselves. :lol:

I get what you are saying about going out w/ friends. Sure I go enjoy even if it isnt the best because at that point it is about the socialization and not neccisraily about the food.

I have a family of 7 so eating out is a *special* occassion. I want to go some where that the food is going to be equally as delicious as I can make if not better. Otherwise I would just prefer to save that $ and make 2 or 3 delish dinners at home! :smile:

We dont go out for crabs because we catch them and cook...not only do they taste better, are fresher, but it cost us $10 in supplies to feed our entire family & sometimes our friends/neighbors.

The ONLY place I will order a steak from would be if we were eating at Ruth Chris or soemthing like that (which is EXTREMELY rare) I just dont order steaks out. Not only can I cook & season it at home to my liking I can make one for all 7 of us for the price of 2 steaks from one of the local establishments around here.


If you dont have the cold cuts handy, dont feel like making the sandwich yourself, whatever your reasoning... are you going somewhere that serves a sandwich that is less tasty than what you can make?

Personally I would rather just take the time and make it myself than purchase something and be disappointed w/ the taste & quality. Again just me.
Whatever.
You make it look like you are perfect.

Whatever.
You make it look like you are perfect.

I am :diva:

:lmao:

That wasnt my intention, just trying to say I am not going to spend $ on food that isnt of quality that I can personally make. I am sure everyone is like that.

Would you go to McDonalds for dinner if you had everything at home to make burgers on the grill? Probably not right.

Would you go to McDonalds for dinner if you had everything at home to make burgers on the grill?

Yes.
I'm lazy and fat.

Yes.
I'm lazy and fat.

Not after laying all that mulch. Go sit your butt down & have the wifey make you a sammich & grab you a beer :buddies: :lol:

:yay:
I'm lazy and I want to be served.

I thought you were married?

I did not even know they made those. Other than the Reuben I get the chicken fajita but folded up like a burrito and they run it though the pizza oven. Another two lunch meal and the price is decent no more than $6:00 for two days of food. Only thing I do not like is they are basically a breakfast and lunch only. After 3pm it's pizza or nothing.

I'M HUNGRY
And mulch doesn't taste very good.

You're just not hungry enough yet.

You're just not hungry enough yet.

Or not saucing it correctly.

Just got done eating a Reuben from Charlies - the pickle was cold, the corned beef was juicy, the sandwich was delicious, Charlie was pleasant. My only complaint was they lined the container that held my son's chicken and fries with tin foil and I didn't ask for that. Must have been good though - he plowed through it.

Just got done eating a Reuben from Charlies - the pickle was cold, the corned beef was juicy, the sandwich was delicious, Charlie was pleasant. My only complaint was they lined the container that held my son's chicken and fries with tin foil and I didn't ask for that. Must have been good though - he plowed through it.

I got the Taco Salad today for lunch, AWESOME..
Guess what I'm having for dinner?
The rest of it. The salad was huge.

I got the Taco Salad today for lunch, AWESOME..
Guess what I'm having for dinner?
The rest of it. The salad was huge.

I didn't know that had that - I need to grab a menu next time I'm in there - hooked on their reuben.

I love Charlie's Deli and I love Charlie himself. Never had a problem with either one. I also have never had my french fries melt the styrofoam in the take away container. Not to mention I've never had a problem with a special request.

If the OP is unhappy, then I'm sorry for you. But you are correct, you really shouldn't eat there again.

However, I will continue to do so. I also encourage everyone else to as well. Well, as long as you aren't expecting NYC in a box. :lmao:

We need to make a lunch run sometime. :drool:

If the OP doesn't go again then maybe it won't be quite as busy.

Mrs BOP and I went there last weekend, almost immediately after reading the OP's post. We have a terrific experience, and will be back again and again.

Hat tip to the OP for turning us on to a great place!