Which is more important?

[Inka4040]

So, basically, I've been getting my breakfast sandwiches at the same deli for more years than I can remember. Everyone there knows my name, and we always shoot the breeze. Unfortunately, their sandwiches suck. A few months ago, a new deli opened up a few blocks away. I resisted the temptation to check it out because of my loyalty to the other place, but broke the seal a couple days ago. Their sandwiches are in every single way possible, incredibly superior to my regular deli. Only problem is, they are the surliest, rudest bunch of people I've ever dealt with. So here's my question... When it comes right down to it, which is more important, and deserving of your money. Quality without service, or perfect service at the expense of quality?

[noodles62]

Well, you have been eating the sandwiches for years. Have you always known they sucked or not really noticed until you tried the new deli? humans of course prefer good food over bad especially when you have to pay out your hard earned cash for it, but I personally hate to give a place my business if they cannot offer a speck of good customer service. Perhaps suggest an improvement to your fav place, anonymously if needed. Most places have suggestion boxes or something like that.....
(I voted for the service)

[BadFishPa]

You have to remember your a new customer at the new deli..maby with time you being a regular there will make a difference in your service

[beblondie]

food costs money talk is free of charge

[Kashta]

Since this is a purchase/sale situation, I went with the higher quality food and voted sandwich. That is, unless the poor service at the new place gets worse.

[LeahK]

I voted for sandwich, but I agree that you should try to help the older place out by recommending some improvements for their food. Otherwise they might go out of business with the new competition.

[coach_z]

I would go to the new place and get bad service and good food. this is because at a deli you are more or less paying for a product and not a service (unlike at a restaurant where you are paying for a product and service and they both better be good.)

There is a place by me that has great food but the people there are horrible, rude, offensive, mean and so on. I wont even let my GF go in there because she will get harassed, but the food is to die for. I now call my order in ahead of time so all i have to do is walk in, pay and then leave.
c

[Inka4040]

I've been eating their sandwiches for years because geographically, they're my deli. It's weird, whichever one is closest is basically the one you use. I doubt that the new deli will take much of their business, aside from those of us who are on the dividing line, and there's not another deli south of them for maybe 5 blocks. Being in the basement of a NYU dorm definitely keeps them in the black too. Unfortunately, I am equidistant between the two delis, so the choice must be made. I'm a really polite customer, I tip, call everyone sir, and still all I get is dirty looks, but their bread is phenomenal... Z, that sounds like the Indian place by my house. Even ordering food for delivery you catch an attitude.

[Dwarf Puffers]

Buy your food at Mr.Rude and eat it at the good 'ol deli.

[DarrylR]

The sandwich, take out means less amount you have to stay in that environment. More bang for your buck.

Wonder if the service option are members on AC.....

[mellowvision]

wait, this is in manhattan or brooklyn?

[crimsonmoon]

i voted service. i couldn't stand to give rude people my business and money, even if they do have heavenly food

[Inka4040]

Manhattan Mellow. Our neighborhood has a deli every 4 feet, so that would be a different issue completely.

[PuppyFluffer]

I'd tell the rude deli owners how much you like their food but that you have a hard time doing business with them because they are so rude. I'd be nice about how I conveyed this info...but I'm outspoken like that. If the attitude didn't change, I'd probably try a completely different deli all together. third time's the charm right? LOL

[serissime]

Maybe you can split your time. Few times a week one place, few times a week at the other. It's not like you have to go further either way, right?

[cam191919]

lol, go to the rude one for sandwiches, shoot the breeze with the old guys. but they might find out your cheating on them...

[247Plants]

Do you actually eat at the deli? Or do you get in, grab it, have a short chat and go?

Pending this answer, I will give you my answer.

[Inka4040]

I grab and go. I'd say something, fluff, but if watching teen comedies has taught me anything, it's don't mess with the people that make your food.

[PuppyFluffer]

Ha! You have a heck of a point there! What was I thinking!

[247Plants]

I cast my vote for sandwich then. When you get back home to eat, does it really matter how the service was? Better food will always win in the long run, especially if not eaten in the establishment it came from.

[UncaBret]

Given the choice between the two, I'd eat at home.

[petluvr]

Go to the new place and be just as rude as they are :)

[serissime]

petluvr, don't mess with the people that make your food. I have worked at a restaurant.

[excuzzzeme]

I went to a new deli in our area years ago that is run by a family of Thai immigrants that can barely speak the language. It is an ordeal to place an order due to the language barrier. That being said, it is one of my favorite places to go because of the food, the service, the fact that they take time to try to learn each customer's name, likes and dislikes. Everyday at lunch time it is standing room only and no place left to park!

Quality and service. I vote neither place and find a 3rd.

[rocker92]

i vote to give the old deli some good recipes and try to help them out, if they are great people then you might as well help them!

[jm1212]

find a new place.

or go to the good food place.

[NilsBaees]

theres more and more chain places now, can't escape
might as well enjoy the good food

[The Zigman]

No Soup for you!!

Reminds me of an episode of Seinfeld..

Anyway why have you been paying good money for bad food?
I would try to convince the old deli that you have been going to into making some better food, or just go somewhere else.

Money is tight, and I am not about to throw it away on subpar, substandard foodstuffs, or put up with someone who has an attitude that is worse than mine.

so to answer your question?

Both are equally important to me..
I'd probably wind up smacking the rude waiter around and getting in trouble anyway...

http://www.johnmariani.com/archive/2006/060319/soupNazi.jpg

[ibr3ak]

When the quality's gone, it's time to move on.

Seriously dude f it if their sangwiches suck, go to the new place, you're paying for it.

BTW, which deli is it? When I worked in tribeca we used to go to university place by carlyle dorms :).