Ry L.
Yelp
This used to be the hangout spot when I was in college. Now I rarely ever go, but a friend suggested it for lunch today because we figured it would be quick enough to be done in time for a meeting later. Parking is usually terrible in Carytown, but I managed to find a spot on Cary Street a few feet away from NY Deli.
My friend arrived shortly before me and ordered herself a Diet Coke, and a water for me. I ordered a club sandwich on white bread with fries when I arrived. My friend then ordered pastrami, scrambled eggs, and Swiss on an English muffin and fries. When the food arrived, since I never ordered a "real" drink from our waiter (it slipped my mind, and the waiter never asked), I asked the server (different person from our waiter) for a glass of pineapple juice which was delivered promptly.
The fries were fantastic - battered and crispy. One side of my club's bread slice was burnt but hidden facedown. I don't mind visually dark bread if it tastes alright, but the flavor was burnt and bitter. It ruined my craving for the club, so I sent back the sandwich and opted for an order of pretzels instead. The beer cheese looked a bit weird and watery but was pretty good. I will caution that it's a strong, sharp cheese. The pretzels were soft, piping hot, and glistening with butter. Pretty tasty.
When the waiter returned with the check, my friend had left for the restroom. I confirmed to the waiter that we wanted separate checks. He looked at my empty glass and asked, "What was this? Just an orange juice?" I responded that it was pineapple juice. He then asked, "And just the pretzels and the water?" I told him yes and then paid. Unfortunately, they have one of those mobile pay terminals where they read you your total and you immediately pay right there. I usually ask them to print out my tab before paying, but it was such a small order I decided to simply pay. The waiter then got to my friend to close out but tried to add the pineapple juice to her tab. He then turned to me with a snarky tone and said, "I JUST asked you if it was just the pretzels and the water and you said yes." I maintained my composure and reminded him that he asked me about the juice when preparing my tab and I didn't realize that (or understand why) he omitted it. My friend graciously put it on her tab and I reimbursed her.
We all make mistakes and have misunderstandings, but the nasty tone was uncalled for. I'm glad a more patient version of me responded to this situation instead of college-age me because WHEW, tf?! Given the only saving grace today was the fries, I see no reason to return to NY Deli unless I'm hanging out with someone else who wants to go.