Gilchrist

"The food was not bad, but the service is some of the worst I’ve ever experienced. The man working was nice, but both older women behind the counter were abhorrently rude. One became snarky at the fact that I had to look over the menu because I’d never eaten here before. After ordering, she rolled her eyes when we said thank you. When checking out, the other woman had an attitude when we didn’t understand the question about “paying or charging”. The hospitality was so bad I felt like I was ordering from a yankee deli back up north, lol. My boyfriend is a local and has eaten here for years, but after this he does not even want to return. Very unwelcoming."

"The sandwiches are really good but the girl that runs the cash register is not approachable or friendly. Also, if you plan on eating food you better put your order in by 4 PM not 430 when they actually close they will not serve any food to you after four. never heard of a restaurant doing this if you’re open till 430 you should serve everything on your menu until 430."

"Authentic ruebens and many other delicious sammiches and eats! The best (and only) real deal, fresh made limeades in the city. One of the few remaining true soda fountains / sandwich shops around. Bustling and hustling during the lunchtime feedings. Fun and busy atmosphere for sure. Great folks at Gilchrests too - always the same dedicated, and super friendly staff at the helm. Must be how they have maintained such consistency and earned their loyal patrons! It's been a regular stop for me and my family for at least the past 40 years. We've all been raised together on Gilchrests limeades for multiple generations!! Yumsville indeed."

"I have lived in Birmingham, AL for over 30 years. I LOVE to eat as is clear by my many posts on dining. Eating is a passion for me and my family. You would think, after 30 years I would have tried every place in Birmingham, and you would be wrong. To set this up, I love fine dining, steakhouses, Oyster bars, Sandwich shops, and McDonalds. What I really love is great food, comfort food and a feeling of warmth. It does NOT have to have a white tablecloth, but it does have to strike a cord usually of a past memory. That is my setup. Gilchrist has been where it sits in Birmingham, AL for a very long time. When my daughter wanted to take me there, I fought her because we were downtown at the time. All I asked her for was a GREAT BREAKFAST sandwich. I get to the place, and I instantly feel in LOVE. Everything was old, potato chips lined up on the side wall with lots of candy by the cash register. Two table of men sitting just talking, all about my age (I am old) or older. The bathroom was through the kitchen up a slight step. On the side counter where they prepared the food, was two huge stainless-steel bowls with the remnants of Egg salad and Tuna Salad just made for lunch. I knew I was IN THE RIGHT PLACE. I rated the Atmosphere as 5. Understand, it is a "Hole In A Wall" kind of place and nothing is fancy about it. That is full disclosure. I ordered a comfort food breakfast Sandwich. Toasted Whole Wheat Toast, Egg, Cheese, Bacon and Mayo. I love that kind of sandwich. I was NOT disappointed. Now I want to go back for lunch for egg salad, tuna Salad or chicken salad. How did I miss the cultural gem all these decades. Want fancy, go somewhere else. Want history and taste, come to Gilchrist. I found my new place. Eat well, drink well and enjoy life."

"We love coming to Gilchrist for their limeade’s, but I’ve never come during lunch before today. From what we’ve heard from other is an experience today, Gilchrist is extremely busy during lunchtime. Expect the staff to be stressed, direct, and a little rude, and for your food to take time to make. Since seating is scarce and in high demand, I would not recommend coming in groups of more than 4."