Your Favorite Takeout Food Around Decatur?
Decatur Metro | April 12, 2011An early bedtime for small children means that on nights when you just don’t have to energy to cook, takeout is often your best option.
My wife and I certainly have our list of takeout food fall-backs, but I was hoping we can come up with some new alternatives in the coming weeks. So I thought I’d inquire with readers about where they like to pick up “to-go” food.
It might even help out other residents stuck in a “takeout rut”.
Las Brasas on E. Howard (http://www.lasbrasasdecatur.com/). You can even call ahead for pick up.
And they do home delivery to Decatur addresses
Ditto on that!
Yes yes yes – glad they were first mentioned
Family Food: Willy’s, Figo’s, Las Brasas, Church’s, Community Barbecue, maybe Burnt Fork when their take-out procedures get up to speed with their dine-in procedures.
Adult Food: Sawicki’s, Mercantile, Alon’s if ever in the area
I assume that delivered food is not included in this questions. That’s a whole other list for a whole other meal need. Ditto for drive through and eat in the car food.
+1 on Las Brasas (BEST chicken ever), Sawicki’s (great shrimp poboys!), and Alon’s (best variety of sides, even tho pricey– their shiitake polenta cakes are to die for). Community Q is also great for take-out.
Avellino’s Pizza.
Also, can’t wait to see what kind of take-out dinners might be available when Oakhurst Market opens.
Farmers Mkt hot bar.
+1
YES
We love Mint 2. It’s about our only go-to takeout place!
Where is it and what kind of food is it?
Thai. Clairmont Rd. Same shopping center as Community Q. Yummy.
Raging Burrito, Bhojanic, Fox Brothers and Saigon Cafe.
In general, we don’t do a lot of takeout. If we’re home and don’t feel like cooking, chances are we don’t feel like going out, either, so it’s usually delivery. If I have to get in the car, I may as well eat there. But I’m sure this will change when we have kids.
That said, Las Brasas is a slam dunk. Fellini’s for pizza. Raging Burrito does a nice takeout business and will pack in extra salsa for you if you ask. We actually get takeout from Saigon Cafe on occasion (Pho Dai Loi on BuHi is infinitely better, but can’t beat close) and they do a nice job.
I do have to comment on Sawicki’s: We like her food, but on multiple occasions have had to put up with a lot of attitude to get it. Last weekend was no exception. As many folks here no doubt know, there is currently a 50% off ScoutMob deal (up to $20, I think) available here. We were going to use it, but as we stood in line, we were guilted out of it. After the gentleman in front of us paid for his order, Lynne expressed relief that he was not “one of those ScoutMob people” and went on to lament about how busy things had been since that deal went live and she couldn’t wait until they stopped coming and on and on. This conversation went on for a good 7 or 8 minutes (after the guy had already placed his order), all the while we’re standing there waiting to order, wondering if we should even try to use the deal or if we should even be there at all. My wife wanted to walk out. I urged her to stay. We did and we did not use the deal and I have to say it’s probably soured us on ever going back.
ScoutMob?
Smartphone app that allows users to purchase discounts for participating businesses-including restaurants.
Re: ScoutMob. Not purchase, no money up front.
http://www.scoutmob.com/
It’s like Groupon, but you don’t have to buy the deal up front.
You don’t have to use a smart phone either. You can have deals e-mailed to you.
Did ScoutMob run a Sawicki’s coupon without Sawickis approving it? Seems ridiculous to complain about an increase in business if you run a promotional offer.
I would have maxed out the ScoutMob coupon and then let them know with certainty that I’d never, ever spend another dime in their store.
It’s the worst when business owners complain about customers coming in because of a ScoutMob or other deal. They didn’t have to sign up with ScoutMob, but chose to. And since they did sign-up, they are getting a whole crowd of new people to try their food as well as rewarding regular customers. It really puts me off too when I hear business owners complain about customers using scoutmob.
I agree. ScoutMob is a great way to get new customers and bring existing customers back in, and the fact that it works a little too well is something to be celebrated and not to bemoan.
I have been planning to try Sawicki’s with the Scoutmob deal. Hope she won’t hate that.
Report on how it goes. I really want a cupcake. I might just break down.
You can always go after…6, I think, on a weekday and get 1/2 price pastries.
This is unfortunate, but not surprising.
This is exactly how NOT to use Scoutmob to grow your business!
We were one of those “Scoutmob” people and probably won’t be going back either. Our poboy’s were not very good (we’ve seen a decline there lately in the takeout food — shrimp barely had any breading on them and the bread was way too hard). Plus, we spent $17 on 2 sandwiches and 2 small side dishes w/ the scoutmob coupon (max discount was $10). It’s such a shame b/c I really want them do do well and stay, but don’t want to shell out all that money for mediocre food.
Wow. I agree with Jeff– I would’ve used the coupon. I would’ve thought she was a smarter business owner than that…
lump, I am soooo glad you posted this. I was going to use ScoutMob there this week for a break with my toddler and my new baby as my husband is out of town. I am a completely exhausted mess between two small children and work, so the last thing I want is attitude from someone to whom I am giving money! I used to go in there all the time but just haven’t been by lately. Don’t know if I will after these comments.
Alright folks, I’m going to stick up for Sawicki’s here. We’re all coming at this from a consumer perspective, but it’s an incredibly challenging time to run a small business and many owners are just now discovering how groupon, scoutmob and others impact their operations. Online group discount sites sell their services as a win-win to business owners, and it definitely doesn’t always work out that way. Unless your business in easily scalable, it can be a real detriment as demand outpaces your ability to supply equally good customer service and product. Our town’s small business owners shouldn’t be punished because they took a risk or because they were having a bad day.
Let’s not get carried away here. Imagine if the success of your job was based on someone overhearing one conversation where you were complaining about your boss. I would have been fired years ago!
Oh God, I can’t help myself, but just like 5th Earl, I don’t understand the Sawicki’s love. I’ve had incredibly bad experiences there on two occasions. The Scoutmob thing doesn’t surprise me and I think some of you are even missing the point. You don’t pay for a Scoutmob coupon upfront, you juts get a discount when you do buy something. So she was basically telling someone, thank god you don’t have a coupon like the guy in front of you! Well, if you resent coupon users, don’t freaking issue coupons. This really irks me because I very well may have been the Scoutmob user she complained about. Whatever, I won’t be back and I won’t miss it with better sandwich and deli options within easy driving distance.
Wow, that’s terrible, and I’m so sorry to hear that. I love tawicki’s sandwiches, and I was totally planning to use my Scoutmob coupon. But I’m definitely not a fan of bad attitude.
Funny thing is–on Facebook on April 7th, Lynn had posted: “Scoutmob is rockin’ my world!” I guess that was before the huge mob hit and overwhelmed her.
I still plan to use my Sawicki’s Scoutmob deal. I’ll wait til we are closer to the expiration date. I use Scoutmob quite a bit and I’ve learned there’s often a huge response shortly after the deal is offered and many businesses are not staffed for the response. It happens a lot.
I’ve never had anything but great service at Sawicki’s. I get sandwiches there, buy their meats and cheeses once in a while, and have enjoyed their special dinners, both take-out and dine-in. Sometimes they are busy and sometimes not, but Lynn has never been anything but helpful and friendly to me.
there’s usually a ScoutMob crush just before the deadline too- maybe try the week before!
Sawicki’s is a gem of a shop, and Lynne is extremely knowledgeable. Couldn’t care less how she deals with scoutmob (which I do use from time to time). It’s about the food.
I do care how she deals with customers and it is not Scoutmob she is dealing with- it’s people using an offer she signed up for. It also sounds like lump wasn’t the only one she embarassed. I have felt a chilly attitude in that place and never particularly welcome. That’s probably why I haven’t been there in a while even though I loved the baked goods. I worked retail and restaurants for years and the number one rule to doing well is to treat customers well and make them want to come back, not feel like you think you are doing them a favor by selling them a sandwich.
It seems like the whole of the NYC food establishment missed that lesson and has done OK for itself.
Yes, but this is the South and we don’t expect a side of rude with our food.
I have actually never been treated badly in a NYC restaurant and I wonder if that is not more of a sterotype than reality.
I didn’t mean to imply badly, I more meant “roughly”. I’m not basing my observation on stereotype, but personal experience.
Am I picking on you, DM? I seem to be making you feel a little defenisve the last couple days. Sorry- I am really, really tired!
Ha. I hadn’t noticed. No worries!
I’ve been to Sawicki’s many times and have never had anything less than a great experience. The people working the counter (including the owner) have been very helpful and courteous, and the food has been delicious. Always. I would encourage folks to give her the benefit of the doubt. Granted, lumpintheroad’s experience does sound really frustrating, but maybe she was having a terrible day or something? I know I’ll be back – even without a coupon.
Well- you certainly smeared my name here!
Call me so we can discuss your issues personally. 404-377-0992
For everyone else– I did put the coupon out to drive business–therefore– did not complain about “those scoutmob” people..
It has driven in more traffic than any other time in 4 years– who can be ready for that?? You do not know what to expect when all your other attempts at advertising have failed.
We did our best this first week with the coupon and we are only getting better– so don’t listen to this and give us a try– that- of course– was the point of the coupon.
As for “attitude”– maybe you are confusing it with “stress”– I feel we give great customer service..
Again– any comments you have should really be directed at me– how else can we get better?
I came in after 6 one evening to get pastry, and yes, to take you up on your 6-8pm half price deal. I got a bunch of stuff and you loudly pronounced that ‘somebody knew what time it was.’ I was a bit embarrassed and more than a bit dismayed. My husband and I rarely experience warm and welcoming from you, but this was really bad business – I get uncomfortable just thinking about even coincidentally coming in after 6 and getting a cookie. You’re not there to just sell food, but to provide pleasure, respite and sustenance.
OK, Lynne– I applaud you for appearing here to take the heat. That takes stones, m’lady, and you obviously have them.
I have to take issue, however, with your categorization that you were being “smeared”. As I’m certain you know better than most, you’re in a business where perception is 9/10ths of your whole image– for better or worse, the way you treat people, or how they perceive that they’re being treated, is what will drive (or drive away) your business. Yes, it would be nice if customers could understand that everyone, sandwich proprietors included, suffers stress & has a bad day every now & again. But you know what? Your stress isn’t your customers’ problem, and you shouldn’t make it their problem. While you have the luxury of deciding just how you will conduct your business, the public also have the luxury of deciding whether to patronize it. I think the posters on this blog, more so than anywhere else, are generally very reluctant to express negativity toward a local business merchant. You obviously have your defenders amongst the detractors (me amongst them, as I have never received either bad food or poor service in your shop); that doesn’t mean that those who’ve expressed their disappointment with their experience are “smearing” you, nor that they’re wrong about it. It’s merely their perception of that experience, and perhaps it has some value as a learning experience for you.
I also find your defensiveness about the “Scoutmob people” very odd, as it’s tantamount to saying that the people who overheard you complaining about the coupon users aren’t telling the truth. You also tend to negate your defense by admitting that you weren’t ready for the influx after the coupon ran. C’mon, Lynne– believe it or not, most of us are on your side, but you just need to own what you said, apologize, and let people know that another human being had a very human day, and ask that they give you another chance. That’s what a smart businessperson does. I don’t blame you for being defensive (I sure as heck would be, in your shoes), but there are ways to defend yourself without coming across the way you have. For what it’s worth, I’ll always come back for your shrimp po-boys & your cupcakes (and I don’t even come in for half/price stuff, either– full-payin’ customer here)! Cheers, m’dear. Let’s all move on.
Gotta disagree Cuba. Lynne was spot on. Why would anybody make a negative post about a business if it were not to hurt their business (smear)? Constructive criticism? Take it up in person. Not on a public blog. The theme was “Your Favorite Takeout Food,” a fun and positive way to express your opinion and likely to help the business mentioned. In this case, If you can’t say something good, don’t say anything. Stick to the theme.
This is just funny. Reviewing things on a public blog is wrong? Alert Kudzu, Angie, Amazon…
Didn’t say it was wrong. I said I disagreed that it was not “smearing.”
Sorry. When I read, “Take it up in person. Not on a public blog” I interpreted it as you believing is was handled in the wrong way.
Stick to the theme? Have you ever been here before
People mention negatives on here all the time. That’s part of the community- here’s my experience, good or bad. Lump posted a warning about a very disappointing experience. There is nothing wrong with that. It happens almost every Friday when someone ask for a recommendation. Saying the owner is not welcoming- and I have experienced it as have the majority of people who posted – is no less valid in this forum than praising some place. It happens to CSD administration all the time. What, we are supposed to be like a rec center toddler soccer league where everyone gets a ribbon and no one is a lousy player?
Hey, I haven’t been getting my ribbons lately!
We can agree to disagree, UDog– I think using the term “smear” smacks of falsity & bad intent, and I don’t believe Lump, Nell or Kiwi (or any others who’ve experienced less than friendly service) are trying to attack Sawicki’s with bad intent. If you’re a business owner in a town this small, then you need to be aware that what you do (good or bad) is going to be discussed– whether in a public forum like this, or otherwise. I think Lynne can take away some very constructive criticism from this discussion, but she didn’t seem amenable to listening to what her customers are actually saying. Stick to the theme? I’m pretty sure if we go back to other threads, we’ll find plenty of comments that have wandered “off-theme”, yours included. It’s all part of the discussion!
I don’t usually get into these long responses but I have a special interest in this one as a small business owner myself. From Wikipedia, ” …Sometimes smear is used more generally to include any reputation-damaging activity.…” I believe it is smearing or bad intent or what ever word you choose. What other purpose can it be, intentional or not. Do you think those post will increase her business? Nelliebelle, you said you probably won’t go back based on his comments. Others said similar things.
Sawicki’s is a small locally owned business, the kind we want to encourage in Decatur, as often expressed on this blog. She’s struggling to make it and provides a value to the community. What good can come out of those types of comments about a personal experience. Well, maybe there are people in Decatur who will go in to see if she does have horns and a tail. Maybe the customer was rude or had some attitude. Maybe Lynne’s dog was run over. I don’t know but I do think it hurts her business to put it out over this forum. We are not talking about Dollar General, the CSD administration, Amazon reviews, etc. Their incomes won’t be affected by negative posts. We are talking about one person’s livelihood. After thinking about my reply to Keith F, I’ll modify it and say I do think it was handled wrong even though that wasn’t my point. If you had a bad experience there then don’t go back. Talk to her personally like she asked. Maybe you’ll work it out and live happily ever after. Let everyone else decide without prejudice. If most have similar experiences, she’ll go out of business. If you had a great experience, blog away.
For what it’s worth, I have always had an enjoyable experience at Sawicki’s–disclaimer that I usually pick up items to take home or ordered holiday items; I rarely order sandwiches or something else needing point-of-service preparation. Customer interactions must be tricky. You have to look efficient but not stressed. Attentive, but not so attentive that the customer feels trapped or manipulated. Have a personal touch, but not so personal that the customer detects your current mood which may not always be cheery and bright-eyed.
Thanks to all our great City of Decatur retailers, warts and all. I’m sure we’re not perfect customers all the time.
Well put, Karrass– but then, your statements always are!
I’m sorry Lynn, but your approach now of smearing the name of one of the regular and respected posters here leaves me even more bitter and less likely to ever try your store again. You flat out called Lump a liar by saying you never complained about “those Scoutmob” people. Sorry, but I believe him, and I base that on the (lack of) customer service I’ve received there. From what I understand, kiwi’s experience is not isolated either. And if what they’ve related is accurate, I don’t blame them one bit for feeling uncomfortable addressing you directly about it.
Maybe you don’t realize how your attitude is off-putting to folks but it clearly is and they have every right to express their opinions about it. As cubalibre suggested, try to take this as constructive criticism, own up to your mistakes and improve your customer service. If you don’t, I can guarantee that the word of mouth negativity will continue. You should be GRATEFUL that Lump put his experience out there for you to hear about on this board and to see the similar experiences others have had. Despite what you may think, they have absolutely no obligation whatsoever to direct any comments at you personally, especially when you made them feel so uncomfortable in the first place. Engaging in such a tacky and adversarial tit-for-tat in this public forum is not helping you. There certainly is such a thing as bad publicity and you are making the bad even worse with your comments.
As I said above, I am not very likely to patronize your establishment again. But I’m kind of a spiteful and stubborn ass. Hopefully your attitude changes before many others follow suit.
is there a centralized place to find restaurants that deliver in Decatur for those times when i’m so lazy i don’t even want to go get to go food?
Zifty.com.
CampusFood.com for delivery. It’s not just for students. We chose Agnes Scott as our campus location so we’d get the list of restaurants that deliver to our neighborhood.
I needed this list. I’ve been stuck in a Doc Chey rut. Also love those sandwiches from Sawicki’s.
Raging Burrito. Repeatedly.
Pastries A Go Go for breakfast (and occasionally lunch)
Mellow Mushroom (don’t forget the build-your-own salad and hoagies!)
Saba (Chickpea Tomato soup and a B.A. Salad can be a great meal)
Saba: +1. I have never had a meal there that wasn’t delish, whether take-out or eat-in. Plus, our kids like it.
Corner Pub for the Jerk Chicken Philly (hold the pineapple) and okra
Garlic for Thai and sushi
Pastries A Go Go for breakfast biscuits
I also think that their croissants are the most European in style of anywhere around except Alon’s. Their cheese sticks are great too but only sold OTC if they made a lot for a catering order.
Pastries a Go-Go is a great rec for “breakfast takeout,” even though that might be outside of the purview of what DM was originally asking for. And I can say for certain that they’re excellent caterers as well, as Bob helped cater our wedding.
Publix deli. THE BEST FRIED OR ROASTED CHICKEN and your choice of 4-5 vegetable sides. Quick and delicious.
Agree on Sawicki’s (re: service and attitude). Haven’t gone back since the first time in the first month.
Regarding the positive side of the post, love takeout from the Bhojanic Market, Avellino’s, Ted’s, garlic thai and Urban Pie (I know its in Kirkwood, but yum).
Also, had subs delivered to the house from Jimmy Johns on Sunday – delivered in 20 minutes by bike – pretty impressive.
Sad to hear comments about Sawicki’s – I like their sandwiches a lot and have also felt (not using Scout Mob) that they always seem a little stressed and a bit like their doing you a favor to make a sandwich for you…..I am sure it’s part of strategy to keep expenses down. I’d like to see this type of store thrive and continue to expand.
I use Siam Thai for delivery when I am in a pinch and need it to come to me
Taqueria Del Sol for take out is great
I am no fan of Raging Burrito but will get for kids
I love Mediterranean Grill for take out
Community Q
BOth of the above 2 taste great even if you don’t eat it right away/piping hot
How does takeout from Taqueria del Sol work? There is no way I’m going to wait in a 30+ minute line just to get takeout. Can you go straight to the bar/drink line to order takeout? Or do you just time it for their opening and get there pre line formation?
I got nothing but attitude at Sawicki’s when I tried it the first time not too long after they opened and I have never returned.
Avellino’s rocks for take-out (or delivery) and if I swing by on my way home from work I can always find a place to park.
The usual delivery driver is a sweetie at Avelino’s
When I swing by after work, I never order ahead so I can enjoy a beer while they make the best pie in town. And, don’t forget the canoli (sp?).
What are the rules about takeout at Taqueria? I frequently want to do it, but do you have to stand in the line, and/or is there something about a maximum number of take-out items? Even though I have been there a zillion times, I feel like there are additional rules I don’t understand. (Plus, I have heard there is a secret dessert– is that true?)
I don’t know about a secret dessert, but there is a secret side: The George (mix of charros beans, rice, and turnip greens). One of my favorites.
Secret menu items could be a whole thread unto itself.
There is a secret dessert, but you have to know the secret signal to get it. (Pinch your left ear lobe twice, flap your arms like a goose then say, ‘Do you serve dessert?’)
The take-out rules are thus: if ordering from the bar you can only order 4 items, if someone else already has an order at the bar you have to wait until their order is filled. Or you can just wait in line for take-out and order as much as you like.
LOL. I think Homer Simpson long-ago conditioned me to laugh at ridiculous visuals like that.
Urban Cannibals in East Atlanta is worth the trip, particularly if you are coming home from downtown Atlanta. Mercantile is pretty close to Decatur, too.
i love to jump in and out of Noodle for take out.
Burnt Fork is my new take out place. I LOVE it!
Just tried Erbert and Gerbert’s. Definitely worth a try if you have the chance. Their Coke Freestyle machine is so cool! They’ll deliver too.
Didn’t know they were open! Thanks for the heads up.
Tava and Grill is the best Indian takeout I’ve ever had. It’s in Cherians grocery store. Garlic Thai is also a favorite.
Mercantile has a variety of fresh “family dinners” for $15-20. Also love Mediterrean Grill.
When I went to Las Brasas about a year ago it was great. When I returned I looked at their Health Department rating and it was abismal. I can’t remember exactly but I think it was low 70s. I read which items had been at fault and they seemed critical and plentiful- mostly related to cleanliness and proper handling, etc.
Yuck! I handed the chicken back, explained myself and left. The counter guy tried to explain the poor inspection score as bad timing but the list of problems indicated a more systemic problem.
Anyone know if they’ve improved their score? Anyone willing to check it out this week?
Las Brasas’ current health score=96
Las Brasas’ current deliciousness score=100
Las Brasas’ couple who own the restaurant’s adorable score=100
+1
+2
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Do not put so much stock in those scores. They rarely are an accurate reflection of the cleanliness of a restaurant or the quality of the product they’re putting out. Some of the best meals I’ve had in this city were at holes with “abyssmal” Health Department scores.
You’ve converted me on this. Especially after you sent that Health Inspector to my house and he gave my kitchen a score of “11″!
I agree with lump. The media has made too big a deal about these scores and the public doesn’t really understand how the whole thing works. When I was waitstaff manager at a certain place nearby, a ktichen guy had let a tub of ranch expire in the back of the cooler. The place was actually really, really clean and well kept – and you could literally let a toddler eat off the floor of the cooler, but the inspector basically “failed” the entire restaurant when it literally was just something that would have never made the line and was an oversight.
Mediterranean Grill, Ducks, Sushi Ave. over by Cafe Lily (easier to get in & out of than their other location)
- Rainbow Natural Foods (consistently good, homey food)
- DeKalb Farmers Market Cafeteria (creatively cooked vegetables and tasty samosas)
- Mellow Mushroom (great tempeh hoagies, esp. with extra pesto on the side)
- Burnt Fork (Gotta adore any BBQ place that serves tofu)
Community BBQ, Burnt Fork and Erbert & Gerbert’s (even though they have only been open a few days). We love all 3 but of them E&G had a really quick delivery time (less than 15 minutes after we placed an order) and they delivered 1 cup of soup once to us with no fee. Wish Farm Burger could deliver! I will say that if you go to Erbert’s to try the Red Pepper Fennel Bisque and the Pompeii Sub which is a sweet chili white chuck chicken salad.
Corner Pub and the Mercantile are both great takeout options
We get a lot of takeout in Decatur.
These are our faves:
Avondale Pizza Cafe – delish pizza, salad and garlic cheese bread.
Skip’s – they have really good grilled burgers and onion rings, and who can resist a Chicago Style dog!
Community Q – best BBQ around.
Top Spice – Spicey Basil Leaves is an excellent dish.
These are our satndard take out places:
Pyng Ho- in Clairmont shopping area. Does delivery.
Golden Buddha- Delivers and great chinese food.
Mercantile- I go there a few times a week to get baguettes, wine, and cheese (the essentials)
Garlic Thai- Great takeout
Mediterranean Grill- Love their grape leaves
Falafel King- Emory Village– best falafel ever!
Zucca- Delivers to Decatur!
Mezcalitos- Oakhurst Village always great food and takeout is plated well
Ujoint
Golden Buddha delivers to City of Decatur? Yay! I had always assumed we were too far away.
we get Golden Buddha too, and we live in Lenox Place- yum.
Steinbecks – best cheese burger in town
Taco Mac – best wings in town, good cheese steak also
Leons – all good
Fellinis
Ale Yeah!
- Java Monkey – just did a takeout post about them on my blog – http://www.savvyinthecity.com
- Las Brasas (ditto)
- Sammiches N Stuff (lunch)
- Pita Pit!!!!! brings back college memories – yum