Check out the new Return Visits section in Jeff's Reviews. Located on the bottom of the review, it will show my thoughts on follow up visits to a location.
361 19th St
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 268-1381
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For lunch today I went to The Rotissirie in Oakland. There are 2 different options to choose from, their menu with sandwiches and chicken, or the line where they have things like Chinese food, salads, etc and you weigh it at the end. I went with this option. Its $6.45 a pound. My first time through I loaded some random things and when I went to weigh in it came to like $10.50 which was more than I was willing to spend for what I had. I made my way back to the line where I put some things back (I know, I know) and got it down to $8.40, which honestly still seemed a bit high for what I had. I ended up with a Chinese Chicken Salad which was good, some fried rice, some spicy szechuan chicken which was ok, some vietnamese bbq chicken which was ok, a vietnamese shrimp roll which was pretty decent but I think with its weight was probably at least $2 along with some other random things. Overall not bad but nothing special. If they lowered it to like $5 a pound Id probably be more apt to go back there. It just really doesn't seem like I ate over a pound of food, at all. I almost wonder if their scales are off or something. Maybe I will go back and try their chicken sometime. With a place with a name like that that'd probably be safer option.
Quality of food =6
Service =6
Value =3
Cleanliness =7
Avg cost per person - $10 no tip
2125 Franklin Street
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 465-4590
www.atheniandeli.com
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I had planned on going to I.B.'s for a cheesesteak in Oakland the other day when I saw the Athenian Deli next door and decided a gyro sounded better. When I walked inside I was impressed by their menu. I decided on the Roast Lamb Sandwich ($6.10). I wasn't quite sure what to expect as their menu on the wall doesn't give any descriptions (their takeout menu does though). After a few minutes they called out my order and I picked up a pretty good sized sandwich, in a pita. Pretty much the same thing as a gyro, but like $2 more. I will admit I was hoping the lamb would be the larger chunks instead of thin slices, but that being said it was still very good. I liked their what they call gyro sauce as well as the fact that it had dijon mustard. When I first noticed it I thought it was a little odd, but it worked really well. The meat was tasty and the overall sandwich was very good, especially for that price. They have a lot of hot sandwiches on the menu that sound good for very cheap that I will definitely have to go back and try. I may even try their falafel which I saw about 3 people order when I was there.
***UPDATE***
I've been back a few times and had a few of their grilled sandwiches. They are all good, and cheap. Usually around $5. The Yachtsman, Tuna Melt and Crab Melt are all so good. I love the way they grill their bread and the sliced gouda melted is awesome. Definitely recommend trying their grilled sandwiches.
Quality of food =8
Service =7
Value =10
Cleanliness =7
Avg cost per person - $8 no tip
333 Thomas L Berkley Way
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 839-0513
www.speedsterscafe.com
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Let me just say that I really like Speedsters Cafe in Oakland. If you ever get the chance to go there, you will be pleasantly surprised. I definitely was. I'm not sure what it is about the place, but I had this pre concieved notion of what it was, and that I wouldnt like it. Boy was I wrong. Everything from their wraps, to their paninis are all so good and fairly priced. I'd recommend their chicken tandoori wrap ($7.50) or any of their paninis which range about $7 as well. You order at the counter and then either get your food right away or sometimes they will bring it out, depending on what you get. The service is always friendly and prompt. Anything Ive ever gotten has been great. Definitely go check out Speedsters Cafe in Oakland.
Quality of food =8
Service =7
Value =8
Cleanliness =7
Avg cost per person - $10 no tip
5095 Telegraph Ave
Oakland, CA 94609
(510) 652-7401
www.genovadeli.net
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For lunch today I went to Genova Delicatessen in Oakland. I had been to the one in Walnut Creek, but this one (The original) was a lot better. I got their special sandwich #4 ($7.95) which came with prosciutto, fresh mozarella, fresh cut basil (They cut it right there on the spot), tomato, and balsamic vinegar. This place was packed, and after taking my 1st bite of my sandwich it was no wonder why. Damn this was a good sandwich. Everything from the prosciutto, to the mozarella were delicious. The fresh basil just really set it off too. I'm getting hungry again just thinking about it. There's not a whole lot of seating inside, or out for that matter so finding a table can be tough although it seemed that most people got theirs to go. Being that I take BART I am reliant on a ride, but I will definitely try and hook one up to go back to Genova Deli.
Quality of food =9
Service =6
Value =8
Cleanliness =7
Avg cost per person - $11 no tip
1814 Franklin St #2
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 986-1226
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I went to Yama Sushi in Oakland today. I was in the mood for some type of soup, and walked past the place and thought some Nabe Udon sounded good. After looking at their menu, I realized they didn't have any nabe udon. I asked them about it, and they did say they had a seafood udon ($7.95) which is what I went with. Beforehand they brought me out some edamame, and pickled cucumber salad. Both were good. They also poured me some hot tea instead of water. I was curious when I got the bill if I was going to be charged for it, and was glad to see that I was not. I hate it when placed pull that trick. After a few minutes they came by to drop off my udon. The bowl was decent size, but not the metal bowl I usually see it served in. This probably actually helped it cool down a lot quicker than usual, which was nice. The first thing I noticed was no tempura in it, which was a bummer. Just lots of different seafood pieces (Thus, seafood udon?). The broth was good, and the seafood pretty good as well. Most likely not something I'd order again though. I did talk with the guy on the way out and explained what I was looking for, and he said just tell them next time and they'll make it, so maybe I will, but will probably try their sushi next time.
Quality of food =7
Service =6
Value =7
Cleanliness =7
Avg cost per person - $15 with tip
146 Grand Ave
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 208-5678
I went to True Burger in Oakland for lunch today. Got a Double Up ($7.95) which is basically two patties, and double cheese. The burger was really good. Nice and carmelized, and very juicy. Usually I like my burgers on the rare side, but I didn't mind in this case. The bun was also really good. It was a home made egg bun, nice and grilled. You have to ask for onions and pickles if you want that, so don't forget. In all a really tasty burger, close to my office. I've also heard their shakes are supposed to be good. I'm sure I will be back.
Quality of food =7
Service =6
Value =7
Cleanliness =7
Avg cost per person - $11 no tip
333 17th Street
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 839-2228
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I had a pretty disappointing lunch today at Don Willy's Mexican food in Oakland. I ordered a Chicken Super Burrito wet ($7.75). My first sign of caution was when they asked me what kind of beans I wanted. Usually a place that labels itself as "authentic Mexican" won't ask me if I want black beans. Anyway, ordered the burrito and went and grabbed a seat. After a few minutes they called out my order and I picked up what looked like a pretty darn good burrito. Unfortunately on my first bite I realized it was somewhat lukewarm, and just not all that appetizing. The chicken honestly reminded me of that cubed chicken you would get in like a fast food salad or something. Pretty weak. Their salsa that was served on the side was actually pretty good, too bad the chips that were served with it were pretty stale. Oh well, I will probably go back and give it another chance as some of the other dishes I saw going out looked pretty decent so look for a follow up.
Quality of food =5
Service =5
Value =5
Cleanliness =7
Avg cost per person - $11 no tip
1628 Webster St
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 268-0170
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Today for lunch I went to the Spice Monkey in Oakland. It's a pretty cool place inside, with a nice vibe to it. All the food is home made, from local organic sources. I went with the Lamb Burger ($9.95) which was made of ground lamb, fresh mint, anise, green onion, sage & thyme with yogurt-tahini sauce. It also included their "Monkey Potatoes" which were some really tasty well seasoned potatoes on the side with some good aoili sauce to dip. The burger itself was very good, but honestly could have used a bit more seasoning. The bun was nice, definitely home made and all the ingredients were fresh and tasty. Friendly service, cool surroundings and good beers on tap, I will have to make it back to the Spice Monkey for dinner some time.
Quality of food =7
Service =7
Value =6
Cleanliness =7
Avg cost per person - $15 with tip
320 17th St
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 836-2077
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For lunch today I found myself ad Cervantes the Original Mexican Sandwich. I will say, it wasn't what I expected. Nothing seemed Mexican about the place other than maybe the owner. The place is small, with nowhere to sit inside that I saw, although I did see some stairs heading up so maybe up there? It was pretty funny to sit outside and listen to the owner argue with his employee the entire time. "You are costing me money! If I don't make money, you don't have a job!" I ordered a turkey sandwich ($6.00) with swiss (.75) on a Dutch Crunch roll. The guy made it right in front of me, which I realized later I hope he was wearing gloves (Dont think he was though...) cuz he also was the one to take the $$ at the end. Even with that being said, this place kicks ass. It was fresh still warm real turkey, no processed crap here. All the toppings were good, too although next time I will probably ask for a bit more mayo. I was hoping to get the tri-tip sandwich, but I guess they only have that on Thursdays. Also plan on heading back on Friday to try out their ribs ($9.00). If you're in the area looking for a cheap, good sandwich Cervantes is definitely worth stopping by.
Quality of food =7
Service =6
Value =10
Cleanliness =6
Avg cost per person - $8 no tip
7335 Village Pkwy
Dublin, CA 94568
(925) 999-9250
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I have been to Blossom Bee in Dublin a few times now. Every time it has been very good. My favorite so far is probably the Wake Up Call ($6.95) which is chicken apple sausage, scrambled eggs, roasted chili, onion and cheddar cheese. I also really liked the Yellow Curry Chicken ($8.25) which had carrot, potato in a sweet and savory curry sauce. The service is always friendly, but at times can be slow. I think they would really benefit by getting another crepe plate thing, as they can only make one at a time so each person at the table gets them one by one, so your last person can be just getting theirs and the first is finishing up. In all, great crepes at decent prices I would recommend checking out Blossom Bee.
Quality of food = 8
Service =6
Value = 7
Cleanliness =7
Avg cost per person - $11 with tip
925-829-5292
7200 Regional Street
Dublin, CA 94568
www.chinavillagerestaurant.net
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For dinner last night I went to China Village in Dublin. Apparently this place has been here for around 30 years. After eating there, I can see why. (Almost) everything was great. The only thing I wouldn't recommend would be the hot and sour soup ($5.95). It wasn't horrible, but wasn't great either. Now on to the good stuff. We ordered the honey walnut prawns ($11.50) which aren't on the menu, but are on the specials board up front. These were really good. Decent amount of good sized prawns, and the sauce was delicious. We also got the Princess Chicken ($8.95) which was crispy and sweet and just very tasty. Lastly I got an order of the Mongolian Chicken ($8.95) which wasn't the best Ive ever had, but was very good. Glad to have found such a good Chinese restaurant close to home and I'm sure we'll be back.
Quality of food = 8
Service =7
Value = 8
Cleanliness =7
Avg cost per person - $15 with tip
400 21st St
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 893-3944
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Just got back from I.B.'s Hoagies in Oakland. Its a sandwich shop that specialized in their hoagies and cheesesteaks. One cool thing is that all their sandwiches are all $6.00. I ordered the Italian, which includes pizza sauce. I also ordered a small side of fries ($1.65) One thing that had me a little nervous is when they asked if I wanted everything on it, which included lettuce, tomato, mayo and mustard. I told them all I wanted was grilled onions, mushrooms and cheese. After a few minutes they called my number and I grabbed the sandwich. I was happy to see that it was done right. Everything nice and grilled and mixed together. I was worried they might not grill the mushrooms. The sandwich was decent size, but not huge. If you have a large appetite like I do, you will probably want some fries to go along with them. The steak was probably the best I've had outside of Philly. Was it Geno's or Pat's? No, but I definitely will be back. I also want to try some of their hoagies, and I'm really intrigued by their veal parmasean sandwich, also for $6.....
Quality of food = 7
Service =6
Value = 8
Cleanliness =7
Avg cost per person - $10 no tip
365 19th Street
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 251-8878
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I had a great lunch today at Mama's in Oakland. By the name you wouldn't think Vietnamese restaurant, but that's what it is. I ordered the Rice Claypot - Com Toy Com ($7.95) which was a claypot with crispy rice, prawns, chicken and Vietnamese sausage. It was so good. The sauce was delicious as was the sausage. The prawns and chicken weren't bad, but not as noteworthy as the sausage. The restaurant looks pretty new, is very spacious and clean. The service was very friendly and for the most part attentive although I did have to nurse my water as no one came around to refill. Even with that I will definitely be back.
Quality of food = 8
Service =6
Value = 9
Cleanliness =8
Avg cost per person - $12 with tip
2200 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 663-3007
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For lunch today I went and tried La Bonita Taqueria in Oakland. Its your typical taqueria type place, order at the counter, grab a seat and wait for them to bring out your food. I went with the super carnitas burrito ($5.95). It was a good sized burrito, that came with a side of their tomatillo sauce and some chips. The burrito itself was pretty good. Not knock your socks off or anything, but not bad either. They offered either black, or refried beans. I went with the refried, Pinto are typically my choice for a burrito. As I was walking out I saw someone with what Im thinking was their enchiladas poblanas ($7.25) which looked really good, and probably what I'll go back sometime to try.
Quality of food = 6
Service =5
Value = 6
Cleanliness =8
Avg cost per person - $10 no tip
1814 Franklin Street
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 444-0900
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For lunch yesterday I went to Da Vinci's Pizza and Pasta in Oakland. The coworker I went with suggested the place so we went to check it out. Right when we walked in the lady (Im assuming owner) greeted us, and especially him. She was very friendly and seemed to know him very well. We were seated and immediately had some nice hot fresh bread brought out. I ordered the clam and linguni with the red sauce ($11.95) which came with my choice of soup or salad, I went with the soup which that day was Lentil. Almost immediately the soup came out which was a good sized bowl of some pretty tasty lentil soup. I will be honest that lentil is not usually my favorite, but this was pretty good. A few minutes later our entrees came out. It was a good sized portion of pasta and very tasty. The chopped onions in it gave it a perfect sweetness that really kicked off the dish for me. The sauce was also excellent. In all, good food, friendly service Da Vinci's Pizza and Pasta is worth checking out.
Quality of food = 8
Service = 8
Value = 7
Cleanliness =8
Avg cost per person - $15 with tip
362 17th St
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 832-3131
www.uncledougiesheroes.com
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I keep seeing this place called Uncle Dougie's Sandwich in Oakland. Today I finally made it in there. The interior reminds me a little of one of those slice pizza places, which they do have. Their main specialty however seems to be their Italian Hero sandwiches. They have a sausage, meatloaf, eggplant parmasean, and what I went with, the chicken parmasean ($5.50). The sandwich was good. I liked the roll, and the chicken was nice and tender. The breading nice and crunchy. I do think next time I may ask for a bit more sauce, but will definitely be back. If you're in the area, and looking for a cheap, tasty Italian sandwich definitely check out Uncle Dougie's.
Quality of food = 9
Service = 7
Value = 10
Cleanliness = 7
Avg cost per person - $8 no tip
1830 Webster Street
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 836-3021
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I just had my first bad meal in Oakland. It was at Tai-Den Sushi in North Oakland. My coworker a few days ago had said the place wasn't very good. I wish I had listened. The first thing I noticed when I walked in was that all the empty tables were not cleared off. After a few minutes they cleared one off for me and sat me down. I noticed sitting throughout the entire meal that EVERY single empty table was left unbussed. It was a real turn off looking at all these dirty tables the entire time, and probably speaks to their cleanliness in the back. I went with the 3 item lunch combo ($9.99) which I chose a 2 piece nigiri (salmon and tuna), a 6 piece Ca Roll and terriyaki salmon. It sounded good as I was ordering it, but after it got dropped off I was pretty underwhelmed. 2 small ass pieces of fish, and 6 small Ca roll pieces. Don't get me started on the tiny piece of salmon. Right when the food was dropped off I had asked for more wasabi, which I never saw. They also never filled my water. Terrible service, unclean restaurant, and lousy food I will not be going back to Tai-Den Sushi.
Quality of food = 4
Service = 3
Value = 3
Cleanliness = 3
Avg cost per person - $15 with tip
326 23rd St # C
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 835-5411
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Just got back from Burrito Gordo in Oakland. Its a little taqueria in North Oakland. Nothing fancy. I got a supreme burrito with carnitas ($6.45) wet with their green sauce. The burrito was huge and everything was good other than I didn't care for their version of the green. Good prices though will have me back for lunch I'm sure.
Quality of food = 7
Service = 7
Value = 8
Cleanliness = 6
Avg cost per person - $10 no tip
351 19th St
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 268-9022
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I went for lunch today to Burger Gourmet in Oakland. I started a new job yesterday, was walking around and noticed it so decided to go back today as I was in the mood for a burger. I ordered the Gourmet Burger with cheese ($5.65) and a side of small fries ($1.45). I was impressed when I asked for it rare and there was no kickback. I was given a number, and made my way to a table. After a few minutes they brought out my plate which included a decent amount of fries and the burger which looked really good with the cheddar melted on top, along with some veggies. One bummer was I didn't see any A-1 which is always key for a burger for me. Next time I'll ask if they have some... Anyway, the burger was pretty good. Wont lie and say it was the best I've had, but definitely decent. It was a 6oz patty of 100% natural grass fed beef. The fries were also pretty good. Crunchy and not greasy. In all, not a blow your socks off burger place but if in the area often Gourmet Burger is worth spending a lunch at. I'm sure I'll go back.
Quality of food = 7
Service = 7
Value = 7
Cleanliness = 7
Avg cost per person - $10 no tip
5 Canyon Lake Dr
Port Costa, CA 94569
(510) 787-1827
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I went to a buddy's 40th birthday party the other night in the little town of Port Costa. He had his dinner at the Warehouse Cafe. This place is like taking a step back in time, only with a big ass polar bear enclased in glass, and tons (over 400!) beers to choose from. The menu itself is pretty limited, but I'd heard good things about the prime rib ($23.95) so thats what I went with. It included the salad bar, and clam chowder or chili and a big baked potato. The rib was listed as being 1lb, which it was, but there was also a fair amount of fat. The rib itself was pretty good, but seemed as if it maybe had been sitting out a while. Probably the downside of sitting at a table with around 20 people. This place I'd say is more about the beer, drinks and atmosphere though than the food. The beer selection is amazing, and the atmosphere laid back and just really cool. The town is random, and kind of hard to get to but if you ever get a chance it is definitely worth checking out the Warehouse Cafe in Port Costa.
Quality of food = 7
Service = 7
Value = 7
Cleanliness = 7
Avg cost per person - $30 with tip
4555 Hopyard Rd # 13
Pleasanton, CA 94588
(925) 460-3737
www.babcorp.com
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I've been meaning to try Big Apple Bagels Deli in Pleasanton for a while now. Today I finally did. The place is pretty spacious, and new looking. I made my way to the counter and went with a tuna melt (Which wasn't listed on the menu by the way, but after telling the girl what I wanted she offered that up) on a garlic parmesean bagel ($5.99). I then went and grabbed a seat over by the window. After a few min they called my name and I picked up my bagel. 1st thing I noticed was they kinda skimped a little on the tuna, as well as the cheese. Also wasn't too thrilled that they had obviously put the onions on after toasting. Why not toast them along with the tomato? Oh well. In all, the sandwich was pretty tasty still. And the bagel itself was very good. I did pick up some bagels to go which I'm looking forward to, but doubt I will be back for their bagel sandwiches. When Im in the mood for that I think you get a much better deal at Bagel Street Cafe.
Quality of food = 5
Service = 5
Value = 4
Cleanliness = 8
Avg cost per person - $10 no tip
8937 San Ramon Rd
Dublin, CA 94568
(925) 803-8982
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Picked up some lunch at Lumpia House in Dublin today. Been wanting to try this place for a long time now, and finally did. I did the two item combo ($6.25) and went with the chicken adobo, and some kind of beef in a tomatoe based sauce. The chicken was good, but honestly nothing special. The beef however was really good. Nice and tender and I really liked the sauce. It came with a generous side of rice and for $6.25 was a great deal. Im sure I will make my way back sometime to try some of their other items.
Quality of food = 7
Service = 7
Value = 8
Cleanliness = 7
Avg cost per person - $10 no tip
46535 Mission Blvd #640
Fremont, CA 94539
(510) 770-1214
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I was out in Fremont again today so I drove around and ended up finding a place called Beyond Thai. It was very busy inside which is usually a good sign but I was able to get seated right away. Turns out it was a good thing I got there when I did because it didn't take long before the place was full and people were having to wait. I ordered the lunch special version of the chicken pad thai ($7.25). After a few minutes they brought me out a little bowl of their really good soup. The broth had a hint of ginger and was very tasty. A while after my food showed up. It was a huge plate that I honestly had a hard time finishing off. It was also very good although some of the tofu pieces were a little old looking, but didn't taste funky at all. In all, good food, huge portions and friendly service if you are ever hungry in the Mission Blvd area of Fremont then go check out Beyond Thai and I don't think you will be disappointed.
Quality of food = 8
Service = 7
Value = 8
Cleanliness = 8
Avg cost per person - $12 with tip
7298 San Ramon Road
Dublin, CA 94568-3242
(925) 829-7491
www.hanajapan.comMap ItMenuReview This Restaurant
I was taken to lunch at Hana Japan in Dublin today. Its your typical Japanese Steakhouse type place where you get seated at the hibachi and the chef prepares the food in front of you. This was your typical experience, volcano included. I ordered the New York Strip and salmon combo ($16.95). Before our food was prepped they brought us out a cup of decent salad, but which was pretty watery. The food was pretty good but honestly nothing special. The place was pretty dead, but it being a Tuesday at Noon the day after Memorial Day who knows. The service was very friendly but even still I will say that more than likely I will not be back to Hana Japan in Dublin.
Quality of food = 7
Service = 7
Value = 5
Cleanliness = 8
Avg cost per person - $28 with tip
3059 Hopyard Rd, Suite L
Pleasanton, CA 94566
(925) 600-7455
www.mrpicklesinc.comMap ItMenuReview This Restaurant
I've been wanting to try Mr. Pickle's for a while now. I'm not sure what it is about them, but they just have always sounded like it should be a good sandwich place. They just recently opened one near my work in Pleasanton so I went and checked it out today. The place was jam packed. There were so many high school students there it was crazy. Constant line out the door which made it kind of annoying to have people hovering over me the entire time I was eating. I ordered a Reuben ($6.99) on a Dutch Crunch roll. The kid making the sandwich confirmed that I wanted everything on it, which I did. He also told me they have marble rye but I stuck with my Dutch Crunch. After you order you make your way over to the register to pay. Unfortunately they don't have any fountain drinks here. I'm not much of a soda drinker so I usually just get some ice water. Because they had no fountain, my water ended up being just a cup of water, no ice, straight out of the sink. Yuck. After I got my sandwich brought out to me and I started eating it I realized they had forgotten the Thousand Island dressing. Can't have a Reuben without the Thousand Island so I went back up to the counter and after a few minutes the guy brought it back out with some on there. I have to say, I was pretty disappointed with the sandwich. The pastrami was pretty bland, and the roll was not the best I've had. I'll give them one more chance and try some turkey or something and hopefully it'll be better, but as for now I have to say I'm not all that impressed with Mr. Pickle's in Pleasanton.
Quality of food = 5
Service = 6
Value = 5
Cleanliness = 8
Avg cost per person - $10 no tip
