Saladelia Cafe
| Address: | 406 Blackwell St, Durham, NC 27701, USA |
| Phone: | +1 919-687-4600 |
| Site: | saladelia.com |
| Rating: | 4.1 |
| Working: | 7AM–5PM 7AM–5PM 7AM–5PM 7AM–5PM 7AM–5PM Closed Closed |
Location
Photos 9
Reviews 15
CA
Caroline Medrano
I come in usually twice a week around 8-10am before work and always see a combination of 1-3 of the same workers; a man with a dark-brown beard who wears a beanie most days, a heavy-set woman with light-brown hair and glasses and stretched ears, and a shorter woman with dark-brown hair who seems to always be wearing a visor or baseball cap. I mention this because service is a huge part of my review. The gentleman worker is always very well mannered, greeting people with a smile as they come through the door or approach. On my first ever visit to Saladelia, he was very patient with my indecisiveness, explained the menu and the days offerings, and so not to hold up the line and to continue filling orders, politely told me grab his attention when I was ready, or he would get back to me when the other customers were served. Hes very open to questions about the food and beverages, especially when asked about the fresh-made items at the counter. The two female workers, on the other hand, are very unfriendly and give the impression that theyre too good or important to be serving you. They greet you with bored, fake half-smiles, if they bother to acknowledge you at all. They try to rush you into placing an order, and if youre undecided or take too long telling them, theyll just walk away with no explanation or warning, even if theyre not busy. So youll look up to tell them what you want and theyll be standing around or doing something else elsewhere. They seem very reluctant to answer questions about the menu. On my first run-in with the dark-haired one, I asked what the freshly made counter items specifically were, and she looks at me like Im stupid, then replies "Well these are quiches, sandwiches, and croissants," in an exaggerated tone as if I were a child. I explained to the woman that I was aware of that but wanted to know specifically what types of sandwiches, croissants, and quiches they were. She boredly and quickly mumbles out the items in one breath, then impatiently asks me what I want. Like, wow. Both women have this unethusiastic, "hurry up so I can leave" type of personality ALL OF THE TIME. Its gotten to the point that if I see either of them at the counter, I wont order. The food is good, but overpriced for what it is. The prices for their beverages are more fair. I admittingly come in as often as I do simply because of convenience, as its nestled in the American Tobacco District, which is only a stones throw away from my work. Their dark hot chocolate is so smooth and creamy, and the turkey sandwich with goat cheese, arugula, and green apple is my favorite. But when paying $7-10 per deli sandwich, $3-5 per breakfast sandwich or baked good, and $2-6 per coffee beverage, hot cocoa, or smoothie, one would expect better service. The website boasts its Mediterranean offerings, but I only ever hummus plates, pita points, and salad trays in the refrigerator area, but I guess thats only because I come in during the mornings when breakfast and lunch is emphasized.
BR
Brittany Arsi
As a student of the IronYard in Durham campus, I visit Saladelia often and so enjoy seeing the always smiling face of Brian. I have to admit oftentimes in my sleepy lull in the wee hours of 7 am I plan to go straight to the Underground but his cheerful demeanor brightens up the morning and invites me charmingly to buy a coffee, sometimes a danish and hell a cookie for the afternoon. Always polite and ever thoughtful to remembering details of customers I have to say what a noticeable difference it makes in that industry to see such positivity and optimism. I would say he is destined for great things. Alex the barista is also a talented barista and recognizes local faces, which is much appreciated. He usually makes my cappuccino with great care and is attentive to my decaf needs and making sure the coffee is up to company standards which is high. A great little coffeeshop/deli in the American Tobacco Campus fortuned with great employees. Caramel de Leche is my current go to beverage and their nutella croissant is divine.
MA
Maggie Pettit
While food is good, they cant ever seem to get my coffee right. I get a plain jane, straight-off-the-menu, mocha latte, and every time theres something wrong -- they burnt the milk.. they left 3 inches for foam.. theres hardly any milk at all.. they forgot the syrup.. the syrup is stuck to the bottom.. the coffee is literally too hot to hold even with the sleeve. This may have to do with poorly trained staff.. the people working there always seems to be changing, so I rarely get the same person making my coffee anymore. And no two people there can make it taste the same.
HE
Heather McPherson
Saldelia is a unique eatery with classic and eclectic food choices, fresh and fast, great for lunch or dinner. I think its a bit pricey for a sandwich or pasta salad but they have the best white albacore tuna salad!
BR
Bruno Sokic
Indoor seating but you can always sit outside on one of the public chairs. Good coffee and great looking food. Theres also a barber shop next door in case you need a touch up.
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Beth LittleJohn
the chicken salad is best ever!!! i also love the marinated beets. always a great lunch spot even if you just want to sit and read and have a delicious salad.
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Jonathan Barley
This is a nice spot to grab a quick bite or some coffee. Right in the middle of the American Tobacco Center, its always a good, quick option.
JO
Johanna Burbridge
A mini Saladelia inside American Tobacco. Not the full restaurant but still yummy for coffee, bakery and sandwiches.
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Andrew C.
Great for just a coffee, a snack, or lunch. The breakfast sandwiches as delicious. Ice coffee done right.
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Tad Ghanem
Saladelias servicew is superb and the food is fantastic especially the breakfast burito. Yummmmmm!
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Richard Bobholz
Decent cafe. Nothing special either way. The staff isnt super friendly though.
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Brian DeShazer
Nice folks and great coffee! Great for quick, clean breakfast or lunch at ATC
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Dusty Clark
Extremely friendly and knowledable staff. I will return!
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Blake Prenatt
Good place to grab something quick
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D Lodge
I love there food
