Darren Kuehne
Google
Allow me to begin by saying that the food is outstanding. The "Torpedo" was one of the best subs I've found in Austin. Well crafted with fresh ingredients on toasted fresh bread. Delicious. I had no problem eating the entire giant full-sized sandwich, though i certainly could have gotten by with a half.
On to the staff... We (6 of us) arrived during SXSW at 8:55pm (they close at 9). I can understand a little frustration from the crew if they've already cleaned up, counted the register, etc. I get it. However, when we walked in, the plump blonde boy behind the register (henceforth known as "Blondie") promptly exhibited a facial expression that implied he'd just witnessed the horrors of the apocalypse.
He said that they were closing in 5 minutes and asked us if we'd be ordering to-go. He began taking our orders but was quickly relieved by a patient, professional man with long hair who gave us the best service we'd ever received at any sub shop. He was kind, attentive, and not in any kind of hurry to do anything but his job.
Back to Blondie... As he reluctantly resumed his duties in the kitchen, we were filled with joy that this fine establishment featured a kitchen with a window. Blondie would think twice before "adding his own flair" to traditional Plant Sub recipes. Unfortunately, this meant that we had to endure the sad sight of a full-grown man-boy making sandwiches with a somberness surpassed only by the remembrance of the Holocaust. Out of pity, we offered a $20 tip in exchange for a smile from Blondie. No such luck.
Blondie wanted to get out of there as badly as we did, so our sandwiches came out quickly. We had a unique circumstance, which is why I gave a star rating based on food quality and the great service from the guy with the long hair - perhaps this man was Jesus himself. The sandwiches were really good, but perhaps that was only because they were generously seasoned with Blondie's broken dreams.