McAlister's Deli

I informed person taking order that 2 sandwiches were for people w/celiac. I’ve eaten here many times before with NO problems. This time that was not the case. Sandwich had identifiable ingredients not in my sandwich along sliced areas of bread, there was mustard on bread (only Mayo on sandwich). Obviously gloves were not changed, clean knife was not used. I have to assume that there was not attention to application of Mayo as well. I was severely disappointed when I had typical cross-contamination symptoms that 30-45 minutes after eating. This was my first bad experience with the deli. I love the quality & care that USED to go into my food prep there. The manager (I spoke with her the first time I visited this deli) has been super educated and is very knowledgeable about all gluten sensitivities. She explained their procedures for making sandwiches (which was same as other McAllisters I’ve eaten in back in Midwest). I felt very confident about ordering my food yesterday. That was a mistake. I do not know that I’ll ever eat there again. You can’t see the prep being done, so you are at the mercy of whoever is making your food. And it appears the attention to procedures and protocols regarding allergies is not strictly adhered to. Beware and eat at your own risk no matter how delicious the food is. The pickles have great dill flavor and crispiness. (I hate to not say something good about the food.) Service at counter was very good. It was the actual sandwich prep that was the problem.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Offers delivery
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

Had great gluten free bread! I think it was Udis brand. Staff was very nice and the sandwich was very good.

Ordered online for pick up. Specified GF bread - got the order home & sandwiches had been made with whole wheat.

Celiac friendly?

No

Oh man, DELICIOUS!!!! On vacation, and stopped in thanks to FMGF reviews.... SO GLAD WE DID!!! 👏🏼 BLT on GF bread was so good! Ordered THE ITALIAN on GF to take with us and DUDE! Amazing!!!!

Great place for gf that I found from this app. We tried it and it was excellent. Many sandwich options that you can get on gf bread which was very good. Overall great gf lunch with no bad side effects.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

They do have a gluten free menu...sort of. It is a printed list of foods that are gluten free. They need to update their list, but at least they have one.

We stopped here on our way to Luray Caverns and I was very pleased with the options that I had. The girls at the counter were willing to let me see their allergy information (specifically gluten free) and I saw that I had a good number of options. I ended up getting the Chicken Caesar wrap but made as a sandwich and the gluten free bread was delicious. It was reasonably priced as well. Would definitely recommend if you're taking a road trip! Not sure about cross contamination in the kitchen, but I had no symptoms afterwards!

I was shocked and pleasantly surprised to find out that they can serve all of their sandwiches on gluten free bread. The bread was delicious and the server was great about making sure that everything on the sandwich I wanted was gluten free.

From VA visiting the area. Loved their baked potatoes. Precaution was take.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

I had a gluten free sandwich and the bread was good. It was soft and didn’t fall apart. There also salads and baked potatoes that are gluten free. The menu has an icon to show which items are gluten free. None of the soups or desserts are gluten free, sadly.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Excellent sandwiches on gluten-free bread that didn’t get soggy!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

Absolutely amazing. They asked if it were an allergy or preference and when I told them I had celiacs they immediately told the kitchen. These sandwiches are amazing. The bread is so good. Highly recommended.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

This review is out dated. No longer at listed address 1515. Is now located at 2605 Jackson Ave W. They do have Gf bread.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent