McAlister’s Deli off Nicholasville Road in Lexington consistently delivers solid food paired with genuinely attentive, professional service. The setup is a bit of a hybrid—you order at the counter, then receive table service—which always leaves you wondering about tipping etiquette, but the staff works hard enough that leaving something feels right.
The club sandwich was excellent, easily top-tier for this style of deli. High-quality meats, a perfect bread-to-filling ratio, and bread that actually adds character instead of just holding things together. The stuffed baked potato is also a standout—hearty, flavorful, and well-executed. We tried the ham and cheese melt, which impressed for an unexpected reason: the tomato slice was thin enough to complement the sandwich rather than overpower it, a detail that shows real care in preparation.
The broccoli cheddar soup was rich and satisfying, the red beans and rice had a noticeable smoked sausage flavor, and while the potato salad leaned a bit bland, a dash of pepper or hot sauce fixed it easily. Finish with the carrot cake—excellent cream cheese icing and great texture. Overall, this location nails both food quality and service. I’d absolutely eat here again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Areanna Jenkins
Got a gift card for Christmas to McAllisters because it’s one of my favorite sandwich places. As I walk in and try to order and use the gift card as payment I was told no money was on it and treated as if I had stolen the card. I called the customer service line and they confirmed there was $50 balance on. Tried again with the gift card and was told in store that the balance was $0 so I paid out of pocket. When I received my food the bread of the sandwich was completely burnt. Not a good experience at this location.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
Brandy Caudill
This location sucks. After taking my order, the guy go front struck up a personal conversation with the guy making the orders. They got drinks out of the fountain and talked for a good 5 minutes before he headed to the back to put order together. I'm sure this is only because I was staring at him like wtf. The kids toastie cheese was hard as a brick and inedible. Also put a fourth (literally cut the cookie in fourths) of a cookie in the kids meal?? wtf? Potato soup wasn't good. Just a bad location.
Kayleigh Moore
Smaller portions than what they used to have. they changed their bread it’s gross and literally found plastic in my food:( I hate that I spent almost $40 for two meals and could’ve had much better food for less. I used to love this place- so many childhood memories.. sad to see it go downhill
Ann Brown
Delicious and fresh
Krystal Mullins
So happy we have a new location in Lexington. It's the best place to go for potatoes. The iced tea never disappoints.
Essence Collins
Now would yall play in my face like this.
Jeannetta Stanley
It had been years since eating at McAlister's. It was very good. The soup was tasty (veggie chili) and salad was a good size.
Brian Gilvin
Been wanting to try McCallisters for several months. Today while sitting in the Drs office they received a catering order. The driver burst in the front doors pushing patients aside at the registration desk yelling “your foods here come out and get it”. The whole waiting room was just in awe. If the rest of the staff is this rude and disrespectful, yea glad I haven’t tried this deli yet.
Service: 1
Sara Brown
After several successful catering deliveries, I dined in at the new McAlister's location in town. I was very pleased with the cleanliness of the store, friendliness of the staff, and the quality of the food. The new location has really rejuvenated this brand in town! Will definitely make it a regular on my rotation.
Had a pre-order for fruit. Disappointed that the package was sitting out on the counter. Wouldn't fruit need to be refrigerated until pick up? We then had to travel 4 hours to our destination. One would thing that food peppers would do a better job??
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Angie Tuttle
Great food always and the staff are fast, efficient and friendly
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Baked Potato
Christi Ohr
The new location is great! I have been here several times since it has opened. Food is always good. And the service great! ATHENA IS THE BEST!!! I wrote a review a couple of weeks ago talking about her but have since learned her name and wanted to give a shout out! Always so friendly and helpful!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Potato Salad
Mike Nelson
Great place for lunch
Parking: Plenty of good parking
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mindy Hansen
This would have been 5 stars if our pickles had been wrapped tighter & not leaked on everything in the bag. The sandwiches were excellent as was the potato salad. The service was above average. The staff were attentive and humorous. As a side note...the bathrooms were sparkling!
McAlister’s Deli off Nicholasville Road in Lexington consistently delivers solid food paired with genuinely attentive, professional service. The setup is a bit of a hybrid—you order at the counter, then receive table service—which always leaves you wondering about tipping etiquette, but the staff works hard enough that leaving something feels right.
The club sandwich was excellent, easily top-tier for this style of deli. High-quality meats, a perfect bread-to-filling ratio, and bread that actually adds character instead of just holding things together. The stuffed baked potato is also a standout—hearty, flavorful, and well-executed. We tried the ham and cheese melt, which impressed for an unexpected reason: the tomato slice was thin enough to complement the sandwich rather than overpower it, a detail that shows real care in preparation.
The broccoli cheddar soup was rich and satisfying, the red beans and rice had a noticeable smoked sausage flavor, and while the potato salad leaned a bit bland, a dash of pepper or hot sauce fixed it easily. Finish with the carrot cake—excellent cream cheese icing and great texture. Overall, this location nails both food quality and service. I’d absolutely eat here again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Got a gift card for Christmas to McAllisters because it’s one of my favorite sandwich places. As I walk in and try to order and use the gift card as payment I was told no money was on it and treated as if I had stolen the card. I called the customer service line and they confirmed there was $50 balance on. Tried again with the gift card and was told in store that the balance was $0 so I paid out of pocket. When I received my food the bread of the sandwich was completely burnt. Not a good experience at this location.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
This location sucks. After taking my order, the guy go front struck up a personal conversation with the guy making the orders. They got drinks out of the fountain and talked for a good 5 minutes before he headed to the back to put order together. I'm sure this is only because I was staring at him like wtf. The kids toastie cheese was hard as a brick and inedible. Also put a fourth (literally cut the cookie in fourths) of a cookie in the kids meal?? wtf? Potato soup wasn't good. Just a bad location.
Smaller portions than what they used to have. they changed their bread it’s gross and literally found plastic in my food:( I hate that I spent almost $40 for two meals and could’ve had much better food for less. I used to love this place- so many childhood memories.. sad to see it go downhill
Delicious and fresh
So happy we have a new location in Lexington. It's the best place to go for potatoes. The iced tea never disappoints.
Now would yall play in my face like this.
It had been years since eating at McAlister's. It was very good. The soup was tasty (veggie chili) and salad was a good size.
Been wanting to try McCallisters for several months. Today while sitting in the Drs office they received a catering order. The driver burst in the front doors pushing patients aside at the registration desk yelling “your foods here come out and get it”. The whole waiting room was just in awe. If the rest of the staff is this rude and disrespectful, yea glad I haven’t tried this deli yet.
Service: 1
After several successful catering deliveries, I dined in at the new McAlister's location in town. I was very pleased with the cleanliness of the store, friendliness of the staff, and the quality of the food. The new location has really rejuvenated this brand in town! Will definitely make it a regular on my rotation.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Baked Potato, French Dip
Restaurantji Recommends
Had a pre-order for fruit. Disappointed that the package was sitting out on the counter. Wouldn't fruit need to be refrigerated until pick up? We then had to travel 4 hours to our destination. One would thing that food peppers would do a better job??
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Great food always and the staff are fast, efficient and friendly
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Baked Potato
The new location is great! I have been here several times since it has opened. Food is always good. And the service great! ATHENA IS THE BEST!!! I wrote a review a couple of weeks ago talking about her but have since learned her name and wanted to give a shout out! Always so friendly and helpful!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Potato Salad
Great place for lunch
Parking: Plenty of good parking
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This would have been 5 stars if our pickles had been wrapped tighter & not leaked on everything in the bag. The sandwiches were excellent as was the potato salad. The service was above average. The staff were attentive and humorous. As a side note...the bathrooms were sparkling!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loading...