With hundreds of people coming in and out every day and a constant line to the door, the McAlister’s Deli on campus is easily one of the most popular spots on campus.
The Spicy Southwest Chicken Griller | Andrea Sifuentes/The Daily Cougar
“From about 10:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. there is a line out the door,” said manager Michael Bothner. “After that, the line isn’t as constant, but there are still waves of people coming in and out until closing.”
McAlister’s offers a variety of options, from sandwiches to salads to spuds and wraps. The most-ordered drink is sweet tea, which seems to accompany all items on their menu.
“We have regulars that come in at least three times a week,” said Bothner. “That man right there usually gets the Savannah salad and an iced tea.”
The Spicy Southwest Chicken Griller, the McAlister’s Club and the Chicken Caesar Wrap rank highest.
The Spicy Southwest Chicken Griller is made of thinly sliced grilled chicken, guacamole, fire-roasted corn, pepper jack cheese and chipotle ranch sauce on a ciabatta roll. At first glance, this doesn’t seem like a sandwich that would have much kick to it. However, taking a bite reveals why these ingredients work perfectly together.
The McAlister’s Club has the usual ingredients of a club sandwich – turkey, ham, bacon, cheddar, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and mayonnaise on wheat bread. The restaurant also adds a little extra to their club – honey mustard.
The McAlister’s Club | Andrea Sifuentes/The Daily Cougar
The typical order of chicken caesar is a salad, but for students on the go, McAlister’s has created the popular Chicken Caesar Wrap. Served in a wheat tortilla with grilled chicken, Romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese and Caesar dressing, this wrap explodes with flavor and is easy to love.
The menu also features appetizers, including chili and nachos, as well as a dessert menu.
Architecture junior Arianne Gonzato, who prefers the Southwest Chicken Griller, enjoys McAlister’s for the environment.
“I like McAlister’s, because it gives the atmosphere that you’re not on campus. You’re at a restaurant hanging out with your friends, but you’re still inside campus and you don’t have to go anywhere else,” Gonzato said.
The Chicken Caesar Wrap | Andrea Sifuentes/The Daily Cougar
Gonzato’s classmate and architecture junior Minelya Deleon also enjoys McAlister’s for its environment.
“It’s convenient, on-campus, cheap and the food tastes great,” said Deleon, whose favorite dish is the McAlister’s Club.
McAlister’s is constantly buzzing with students who can’t resist the great service.
Kinesiology junior Brittany Castilleja orders the Sweet Chipotle Chicken Sandwich with macaroni and cheese and peach tea with lemonade.
“I like McAlister’s because the customer service is awesome and food is great,” Castilleja said.
