They definitely have fine tasting sandwiches. But they really need to offer fountain drinks. Don't get the 6oz raw brown lemonade. Not worth the money. Other than the whole drinks with no ice craziness...and I guess, the communal water fountain is a delightful touch. It was colder than my warm lemonade. I would recommend trying this lovely hipster eatery. Enjoy. My $.02.
(3)
Gwen W.
Simple, yet "industrial", decor. Love the exposed brick walls, giant metal air ducts. The tables are nicely spread out. Room to move around without having to worry about bumping into other tables/people. We got here at about 1:45ish, and I was a bit worry we might not get the best service, since they close at 2 pm. This was definitely not the case! Polite, friendly gal didn't rush us. Clarified a few sandwiches. She was super patient as I wavered back and forth on what sandwich I wanted I picked the Philly Cheese Steak. Made it a combo, and got a side of their Red Pepper Pasta Salad. Great red bell pepper flavor mixed with the sliced steak and cheese. Juicy meat. Soft, succulent ciabatta bread - sucked up the juice from the meat. The pasta salad wasn't a favorite. It didn't have much taste at all. The pasta wasn't even noticeable. The crumbled ?feta? cheese was tiny. The only item not memorable. Oh, and ps, they make their own lemonade!! A refreshing, homemade tart. It rounded out the delish meal!
(4)
Cherie R.
WONDERFUL sandwich place. Do I wish it was cheaper? Yes, but then I'd bet you just wouldn't get the same quality. My husband and I had the chance for a lunch date yesterday (doesn't happen too often) and he chose this place. He got the prime rib and I got the porchetta. Service was fast and efficient. The meats were perfect. Tender, perfectly roasted. The porchetta had wonderful little crispy skin bits that added a little oomph to the sandwich. Ciabatta bread too often tends to be dry, theirs was not. My husband's prime rib was melt in your mouth perfect. He is already drooling over the next time we go, because there are some others he wants to try! I couldn't eat here every day, but there will definitely be return visits.
(5)
Danielle S.
This is a fun place to stumble upon. I'm staying in downtown Columbus, and this was a quick walk from my hotel. They're known for their sandwiches, which I would guess are great. Because I got the salad (there's only one, and it's full of fresh greens, onions, peppers, and tomatoes) with turkey. It's the best turkey I've had in a sandwich shop. It's not like the thin slices you'd find at subway. It's like a thanksgiving turkey, sliced thick and seasoned well. The salad was large and satisfying. Customer service was friendly enough. Not a big fan of the ska/punk music that's playing loudly while I try to read a book, but it's definitely giving the place an edgy vibe. Check this place out!
(4)
Michael B.
This place is my jam. The bread woos me in and then I feast on them tasty meats. The caprese sammy is good too. Decently priced, and it most definitely beats out other sammich lunch options downtown
(5)
Breanna B.
You haven't had a sandwich until you've had The Carvery. If you actually want to be full after your meal, this sandwich is worth it's weight in gold... golden roasted turkey breast. I had the carved turkey with the house cured bacon. Wut. Oh yeah, I also ate the whole thing. In one giant bite. It was like a post-thanksgiving style sandwich. That turkey was unreal. Tender, flavorful, and thick cut. Anything topped with bacon and 1000 island dressing is a hands down win. Go for a side too. I liked the potato salad - mixed with a mustard-style sauce and chopped celery. Lots of seating if you're stopping by for lunch in house. Get yourself a hearty bite here and immediately retreat to food coma status. Under-desk nap mandatory following lunch.
(5)
Doug O.
Nice lunch spot. A number of classy sandwiches that all sound delicious. I had a meatball sandwich. You know the meatball subs at Subway? Yeah, it wasn't like that. It was great. Not terribly pricy for a lot of quality. Nice, airy, open atmosphere. A great addition to the downtown lunch scene.
(4)
Minyet H.
The porchetta is my my favorite sandwich on Caps Square! The bread is fresh, pork had all the right Italian spices & the pork skin was cooked til perfection. The porkfat potatoes are worth every calorie also.
(5)
J R.
Visiting from out of town, read about this online, checked it out. Wow! I'd never tried porchetta before. Think of the crunchy crust on a really good roast. The stuff there is never enough of. Mix with juicy pork loin. Chopped fine. In a fresh baked roll, just big enough to not overwhelm the meat but with its own distinctive flavor. Dessert. OMG. Brownie to die for. As good as I make from scratch. Addictive. You've been warned.
(5)
Sam P.
From the onset, The Carvery has been a good lunch option. But with a somewhat recent expansion of the menu, they've stepped things up and have gone from good to great. When they opened, The Carvery focused on doing a handful of sandwiches well. And the mainstays, particularly the porketta sandwich, were delicious. The daily specials were also creative and tasty. But the problem often was limited supply--of everything, specials and standards alike. They've now dramatically expanded the menu, resulting in a variety of new choices and eliminating the availability problems that they faced in the past. In many ways, it's like a whole new restaurant. So if you've been before and were turned off by the lack of options or frustrated in your attempt to get what you wanted, it's time to go back and give them a second chance! The hardest thing now will probably be deciding WHICH sandwich to get. All of the sandwiches are made of high quality ingredients, and you will usually see them slicing your meats directly from a freshly roasted source. Because of that (and speaking from experience, having sampled a variety of things on the menu) I can tell you it's hard to go wrong. I must admit to still being partial to the porketta. The only slight miss in recent memory was the Thanksgiving sandwich, which with both bread and stuffing ended up a little TOO bready. Do note that all of the sandwiches are quite large. So while the sides are good, you may find yourself needing a nap even without them.
(4)
Christine A.
Oh La La! delicious sandwiches. I'm not a deli meat fan so hearing about this place made me incredibly excited. And it did not disappoint. I had the Butcher Block Club which had hand carved ham and turkey, thick cut bacon, and swiss. YUM! I don't even like turkey that much but it was a great, solid sandwich. The 5 cheese mac and cheese was outstanding as well. I can't wait to go back. The most interesting thing was the brown sugar lemonade....quite unique. And when I walked in they had J Roddy playing........how could I not give you 5 stars after that wonderful greeting? :)
(5)
Bryant M.
Okay, Columbus Yelpers, we gotta get it together. Paul F would have never let a new business be open for over a month without a Yelp review! Since our beloved friend is no longer with us, we have to pick up the slack. So with this trip to The Carvery, I took one for the team. During the summer months when construction was going on inside The Carvery's new space, they purposefully left peepholes on the front window to check out the progress. How cute is that?! I knew I was going to like this place. When I finally found out what The Carvery was all about, I was a little sad--a gourmet sandwich shop and my inability to eat wheat. Then fast forward to today and I decided to give these folks a call to see if there was anything I could eat. The friendly man who answered the phone told me they could make a delicious salad with the same freshly-roasted meat they put on the sandwiches. Score! When I got to the shop on Gay Street, the first thing I noticed was how beautiful the space is! Lots and lots of gorgeous, warm wood... bright and airy... very Northstar-meets-Pistacia Vera. Everyone at The Carvery is extremely helpful and kind. They're also fast! Ordering is fast casual--you start at the beginning and place your order and then head to the end to wait for your food. I ordered a roasted turkey salad with dijon vinaigrette, and it was finished in about two minutes. If you're downtown looking for a quick, but delicious lunch, look no further. My salad was AH-mazing. The greens were fresh, the bacon was hearty and crunchy, the turkey was crave-worthy, and the dressing was the perfect complement. And it was only $10. This was only my first trip to The Carvery, and I'm already a big fan. I cannot wait for my next delicious salad!
(5)
Zack R.
We finally had a chance to eat here on a late Saturday afternoon. Pictures of their sandwiches looked so good, so I've really been wanting to try one. We showed up shortly before closing, but both the girl at the counter and the gent making the food told us that it was no problem, and to take our time. They explained the menu, and told us some of their favorites. We ended up with a turkey sandwich and a meatball sandwich. Both were very good, though the turkey could have used a little salt and pepper, which I added myself. Everything they make is from scratch, down to the mayonnaise. The decor is really nice, and the place is spotless. Can't wait to go back and try another sandwich.
(5)
Brian D.
I'm not a fan of sandwiches. You managed to put some meat and other stuff between two slices of bread? Congrats. Well done. That probably explains why I had walked past The Carvery numerous times, my nose in the air. Then I saw Bryant's review and, more importantly, the picture of his salad. I decided that today I would give The Carvery a try and order up that healthy turkey salad. Upon entering The Carvery, I spied the "sandwich of the day" - a Schnitzel. Oh, so you're going to FRY something and put it on a fresh roll? Maybe I do like sandwiches, Sam I am. One eschewed salad later, I found myself chomping on The Schnitzel, which consisted of TWO large cutlets packed onto the bun - making the sandwich a bit unwieldy to eat. Of course that didn't stop me from downing the whole thing - in large part due to the apple/onion/mustard sauce. Just delish! Atmosphere and service were both great. The large sandwich was definitely worth the cost. Off to nap now. Hopefully I'll make it back and actually have the Bryant salad at some point.
(4)
Terry L.
I have try almost everyone of there sandwiches... It's like they read my mind on what I like... and I have to like it to keep coming back.... The price is good..but you pay for what you get... so far, well worth it..they put a lot of love into each one they make..have not gotten any thing bad yet..and I don't think I will....
(5)
Rachel W.
Their bacon is incredible. Get a sandwich with bacon. After 1pm you may not be able to get the sandwich you want. They don't have an unlimited supply. So go early. They sell their leftover sandwich rolls from the day before, which are a great deal. They also have a good selection of baked goods that changes daily. If you get a sandwich and side and drink it's a little pricey, but it's really good. Open Saturdays!
(4)
Scott B.
Went here for lunch on a Friday and enjoyed the roast turkey sandwich and potato salad. Very good but a little pricey.
(4)
Donna O.
The Carvery is a specialty sandwich shop downtown. The space is beautiful, with dark wood and chandeliers outside, and a nicely modeled interior. And, even though they're specialty, the service is quick. There was an additional host taking orders on an iPad to keep the line moving. I ordered the Porchetta, which is pulled pork wrapped in pork belly, and "Italian salsa verde" on a bun. The size was perfect - a nice-sized roll, light but substantial enough to maintain the ingredients. The sauce was a great buffer between the carb and proteins. The pulled pork was tasty, but with pork belly, a little goes a LONG way, and there was way too much belly in this little sandwich - it was overwhelmingly fatty. (I know, I know, report me to the Pork Council and the bacon-lovers brigade.) Less would have been so much more! I did have a solution - the side of cole slaw did a great job - if you're wondering why people put it on sandwiches, this is the answer. Choose your sides wisely. Overall, I'd say fair to middlin' and I'd give them another shot. Their daily sandwich (Buffalo ranch chicken, I believe) looked good, and their freshly-made ingredients are a big step up for downtown. If you want a good 'wich, this is the place to go.
(3)
Matthew L.
Got the Porchetta sandwich. It was amazingly flavorful. The pork was tender juices with crunchy bits of skin. The sides were great pork far roasted potatoes and coleslaw. Want to come back but it is hard with their current hours.
(5)
Cory S.
Have had the pleasure of dining here a couple times for lunch and have not had a bad experience. I usually opt for the daily special sandwich which has always been tasty. Both were chicken sandwiches with a spicy twist. My latest endeavor involved a Sriracha inspired sauce that was tangy and not too spicy. The chopped celery was unusual but made for a fresh addition to the sand which overall. The sides, which change daily, have always been to my liking. The pasta salad is usually very fresh and light, not smothered in a sauce. They have had a pulled pork potato hash. This was delicious but a bit too heavy for lunch, but given the chance I'd definitely order it again. I was really excited for this place and it has met my expectations. Have yet to have a wait longer than a few minutes even during the lunch rush.
(5)
Liza V.
First thing first- eat their baked goods. For the love of all things holy, just do it!They are heavenly. I tried the chocolate whoopie pie (not sure if that's what they call it) and then some other layered bar with pretty much every delicious ingredient I could have imagined. Ok. So when you're standing in line to order, one of the staff may come by with a tablet to take your order to get things moving along. I like that. Except if I don't know what I want, which, on my first visit, I wasn't sure. But, I ordered the salad greens, add bacon and turkey, with the dijon vinagrette. It was amazing. Lots of fresh veggies, and THE CROUTONS- wow. Just wow. I chowed it all down in record time. Unfortunately, they were already out of the daily special sandwich and the meatball by the time we got there (1:00). So that sucked. But we will just have to go back! It's a really laid-back, quick option for a workweek lunch.
(4)
Chris S.
Wow. Visiting from California and I just stumbled upon this place. I had the Italian sandwich and you can taste how fresh their ingredients are. Nice vibe, good music, VERY clean, delicious food.
(5)
Brad S.
I entered skeptically, as a friend had complained about the sandwich he got here as being too greasy. I don't know where he ate, but this place is great. I got the porchetta sandwich. The pork was sublime. There's something in the combination of herbs and spices that just tastes and smells like comfort and home and warmth. It's fantastic. The porkbelly wrapping on it probably helps. I thought the ciabatta was great - substantial enough to stand up to the sandwich, yet chewy and soft. I could have used more tomato sauce. Small complaint. At $8, this place is on the high end of lunch options around the downtown square, but it's so fast and good that I find it to be well worth it. I was in and out in like four minutes. Skip the Subway, head here instead.
(5)
Gus W.
I'll cross this post over. Anyway, The Carvery is only open for lunch during the week and Saturdays from 11-2:30 PM, but I was lucky and got to take a peak during the Moonlight Market last Saturday. All I have to say is the Porchetta sandwich is wonderful. Crispy and juicy pork on a very nice ciabatta roll. It comes with their own tomato sauce on the side, and I don't know if I've ever put tomato sauce on a pork sandwich, but it was amazing! If I'd known they didn't have a page on Yelp yet, I would have taken a bunch of pictures, but go to their website, because the sandwich doesn't look much different in person than the pictures they have on there. It's not easy for me to get there during the week with work, but I plan to check it out again for lunch on a Saturday. If the rest of their sandwiches are anything like the one I just had, then I can't wait!!
(5)
R B.
Used them for catering for the first time. Everyone raved about the food. The sandwiches are big, the sides were also generous (we ordered boxed lunches). The person who took my order and the person who delivered were very nice as well. Will definitely be using them again!
(4)
Phil S.
I was extremely excited to try The Carvery given all of the great reviews it has had coming out of the gate. Unfortunately, 3 out of the 4 times I have tried to go they have been closed. The first time was on me. I didn't check the times that they were open and showed up just a few minutes after they had closed (they close at 2:30pm). The second time I tried to go I showed up at 1:30 and they had a sign on the door that they had sold out and were closing early. I finally got a chance to try a sandwich on my third visit. At this point my anticipation was through the roof. May my expectations had been built up too far but when I got the sandwich it was mediocre. I decided recently to give it another try a few days before christmas only to find out that they were closed for a week over the holidays. I really wanted to love this place but I think I'm done trying.
(2)
Catherine J.
High end of 3 stars -- My gut reaction was to go with a 4, but then I realized if I ignored the decor, my opinion of The Carvery is that there's a great start here, but much to be improved upon. Not that the decor should be ignored. It's very "now" - reclaimed woods, mason jars on open shelving (though I think most of these are for decoration purposes only -- woulda been cooler if they were clearly part of the storage routine!). White subway tile. I like this aesthetic even if it's becoming overplayed. Food quality is great, and it's a fantastic start for The Carvery. Everything I tasted oozed the benefits of a privileged upbringing. The meats on the carving boards boasted "artisan" not "processed." All thumbs up. Problem: If you're not eating pig or carbs, you won't have many choices. I happen to be eating both pigs and carbs at the moment, but what if I wasn't?! I know Bryant M. got them to make him a sweet looking salad on his wheat-free visit, but that option isn't clear from the menu. It says "Salad Greens $6, Choice of Meat $2" -- which, by itself, is kind of confusing. It doesn't seem like a good indication of a properly complete salad, let alone for $8 total. Sounds like some meat on leaves. Besides, as I'll discuss later in this review, it looks like your meat choices are either pork or turkey. (Right now Bryant's salad is the cover pic for The Carvery entry on Yelp, and while it's a beautiful pic and a good reminder to ask questions at businesses, it's not really a menu item per se.) Available sides are potato salad, or a daily pasta salad creation. And by the way, that's to go with the loaf of bread you just got with your sandwich (albeit a delicious, chewy, pillowy loaf). There were 6 sandwich options to choose from: Porchetta (pork), meatball (pork in the meatball mix), turkey (with bacon), BLT (bacon), daily vegetarian creation, and the daily special (today, pulled pork). Yep, only ONE of those was oink-free! And it was the veg option! I suppose you could ask for the turkey with no bacon, but... c'mon. Oh, and today's soup selection? Black bean with (you guessed it!) bacon. Look, I love pork, and I rarely avoid it. But I feel like these sandwich options need a little more variety. They all kind of had a similar flavor profile. Quality meats (mostly pork). Amazing bread. Good start. I usually applaud a small menu, but it needs to be a little more diverse. If it were me running the menu at The Carvery, I'd go for 2 entree salads (one rotating daily special and one signature), soup of the day, keep the potato and rotating pasta salad if you must (add a bean salad or roasted veg side plz), and then maybe 3 signature sandwiches with the rotating vegetarian and daily specials (for a total of 5 sandwich options per day). I'd recommend a roast beef, turkey, and the porchetta for the signature sammies to get the full "carvery" theme. I know that's a lot of daily specials -- but that's what's going to keep us downtown working stiffs coming back to your place week after week. We get sick of the same old thing pretty quickly (oh hai, Potbelly).
(3)
Chris W.
Simplicity and a focus on just providing excellent food. I have tried nearly everything on the menu and I have yet to be disappointed! Everything is fresh and made in house. The Carvery gets my vote for best sandwich in Columbus!
(5)
Liz M.
Arrived at 1:10PM last Friday with a friend (Steven S.) excited to have some great sandwiches. We were going to get the pork and the turkey and split them. Well, that plan was foiled when, after only being open 2 hours, they only had turkey, meat ball, and BLT sandwiches available (and I am snobby about meatballs and am very picky abut bacon). So we both ordered the turkey that was served on a good ciabatta (that Steven S. thought was too thick, but I didn't agree) with lettuce, tomato, mayo, munster, and bacon. Bryant M. told me I'd like their bacon so I didn't ask for it to be left off my turkey sandwich, but it was way overcooked and almost burnt so i picked off the crumbled mess as best I could and Steven S. added it to his sandwich because that doesn't bother him. We each got the combo and had one of the sides of the day. I had the southwest pasta salad (needed salt). Steven S. got the poblano slaw (needed salt). Anyway, their sandwiches are not inventive. They are really meant to be super high quality. Well, the turkey was house made and pretty good. Very garlicky, slightly dry. Everything needed salt. Like i said, bacon was way over done. Bread was yummy. It would have been nice to have a flavored aioli v. mayo. Even though I love mayo, I just wanted more flavors. They started closing the place down while we were still eating because they were sold out. That was at 1:45PM. Needless to say I didn't feel welcomed or appreciated and I had a bland, dry sandwich. Steven S. and I both concluded that Cravings Carryout Cafe is our Gold Standard of sandwiches in this town and we are sticking to that!
(2)
Anna H.
Bryant mentioned this place and gave it a great review, so today I tried it for a later (1:00) lunch. What a great sandwich shop addition to Gay St. I knew they had a daily veggie sandwich special but didn't know what it was until I walked in. I wouldn't normally get excited about BBQ anything, even back when I ate meat, but today's BBQ sandwich with shredded summer squash and slaw was good (and messy). I sat in the back at the counter on a stool with my sandwich, lots of napkins, and a cup of water from the dispenser. Very very good. I would love to try more of their veggie selections. The space is really cool. They had dough rising in 5 big plastic-covered bowls. I love that they make their own bread.
(4)
Valerie B.
If you're asking about my entire meal, I'd say 3 stars. Porchetta, Service and menu? 5 stars. Soup and sides? 1-2. The porchetta is a rock star. I'd be hard pressed to try anything else, knowing it was on the menu. It's pork roast, with what tastes like adobo marinade, wrapped in crispy porkbelly. Did you hear me? Crispy pork belly for Pete's sake. The service was great, not bothersome, the line got long so a second cashier with an iPad popped out to take orders. Soup and sides. The soup was black bean with bacon and it was just bad. Really bad and very watered down. It had no depth of flavor, which leads me to the meatballs and the tomato sauce. Same deal, no depth. A good sauce isn't rocket science, it just takes a few extra steps and patience. This one needs olive oil, garlic and onions sauteed slow...then add what they are currently serving as sauce and voila. It's fixed. The soup? Get a new soup maker. New recipes. With a little polishing, this place will have a 5 star shine.
(4)
Cher W.
This is not just a sandwich shop - this is a gourmet carved meat sandwich emporium! From the bread to the meats and sauces, they make it all! And it is scrumptious! Had the BLT and the bacon was sliced thick and ver crunchy - perfect for this sandwich. Definitely worth the trip for a great lunch!
(4)
Rachel G.
I really hate giving negative reviews, but I hope that this is taken as constructive criticism, because I think the potential is there. I love their idea of focusing on making everything from scratch, and having a small menu with daily specials. I REALLY want this place to do well. I went for lunch on Wednesday Oct 1, and my experience was a 2.5 star kind of afternoon. The short review is that there were highs and lows, and I would definitely go back if only to order a bag of sandwich rolls because the bread alone is worth 5 stars. But I think I could have ordered a better sandwich. I ordered their special of the day, which was a chicken in cream sauce sandwich. Sounds delicious, right? But it fell WAY flat. I am not a fan of adding table salt to meals post cooking, because I think at that point it should be flavorful enough. This place does not look like it cares about your cholesterol or blood pressure, so just go ahead and add the sodium. The sauce needed salt, and maybe some garlic or something. It just tasted like cream and flour... and I guess onions because there were bits of onion floating around in there as well. The chicken, too, was not the best it could have been. There were weird pieces of fatty skin that added an off putting texture, but the worst part were the little pieces of bones that I kept finding mid chew. I also ordered the pasta salad of the day (sesame ginger) and it was tasty, but the pieces of ginger were stringy. The reason I will go back is because I think I could have ordered better. My table mates ordered the Porchetta, and one ordered the Turkey. They were raving about their sandwiches, so I think that if The Carvery can put that kind of love and quality in to all their dishes, they can do really well. Bones, fat, and stringy ginger can all be avoided. I will return, and I hope to able to update my rating.
(2)
Matt G.
I had higher hopes... INITIAL EXPERIENCE: I've been really excited to try this place since it opened, but I wasn't a huge fan. Granted, I was only able to experience this place from a TO-GO ORDER perspective...Keep that in mind. THE SANDWICH: I'm a fan of pork and the idea of the Porchetta very appealing. It was actually what they suggested I try for my first time. The Porchetta is their version of homestyle pork belly-bacon wrapped pork tenderloin for all you pork lovers. MY TASTEBUDS: It was seasoned thoroughly but the pork was a tad dry. It was also crunchy...not in a crispy sense but in hardened pieces of seasoning sense. The Porchetta comes with nothing on it, but a side of their Tomato sauce (good sauce but doesn't really go with the sandwich). It would probably be filling to a normal person, but I was still hungry afterwards. The guy who suggested it said it was about 800 calories and he could only get through one...I won't get it again, especially at $8. Overall, the menu is kinda slim and the prices are average. The seating is plentiful, but I can see it being awkward during business times and for To-Go orders. I really like the idea of "fresh" and "from scratch," but this just didn't hit the spot. I'd like to visit again and try their Turkey, but I won't go out of my way anytime soon...unfortunately.
(2)
Erin C.
I had a boxed lunch meal brought to my office for a crowd. I chose the porcetta because I love pork belly. The description led me to believe the pork loin would be either thinly sliced or shredded. It wasn't. It was chopped. To bits. To the point where I couldn't differentiate between the loin, the belly, or the bacon (if there even was any). It was hard to control (bits falling out) because that's about all there was in the sandwich (though the bread was good, and the size was right). Would have loved to see it with caramelized onions, wilted spinach, and a sharp cheddar or even smoked gouda. Disappointing. I'll have to stick to 3-Little-Pigs at Milestone 229.
(3)
Rebecca H.
This was ordered as an office lunch last week. I got the veggie sandwich. From a place called "The Carvery" I did not have high hopes for a veggie sandwich. The bread was OUTSTANDING. TREMENDOUS. DELICIOUS. Honestly, the bread is reason enough to go. Inside the bread was some deliciously roasted vegetables with a goat cheese spread, I think. Very, very tasty. It was a really good sandwich. Today, I called in for a group to-go lunch. I had a wonderful experience. They had my lunch ready to go on time. The transaction was efficient but friendly. A gentleman behind the counter who didn't really interact with bid me farewell by name. I haven't had any sides but their sandwiches are fantastic and the service is wonderful. Definitely worth a try.
(5)
Maximus D.
There aren't a lot of great lunch options around my office so I was looking forward to trying this. I enjoyed the porchetta sandwich and appreciated the tomato sauce on the side but found the tomato sauce and tomato soup are almost indistinguishable. Both need more flavor, a lot more, or at least the option of an arrabiatta type option for those of us not afraid of some heat. They could differentiate their soup by offering add ins such as Gorgonzola, feta, parmesan, crumbled pancetta, fresh herbs etc in addition to the croutons which were good. I look forward to trying the Carvery again and trying a new side.
(4)
Tiffany Y.
Our office orders take-out every Friday, and The Carvery was this Friday's choice. I can only speak for one of their sandwiches: Porchetta. And it was fucking delicious. This place boasts well prepared, fresh ingredients - simple sandwiches. They're not joking. My sandwich was literally ciabatta and two kinds of pork. Chopped up pork loin and chopped up pork belly. The flavors are wonderful, the bread was soft, and the sandwich came with a fresh tomato garlic sauce for your slathering pleasure. The one thing that really made me smile was how righteously proper their pork belly was prepared. Slow roasted long enough that the meat was tender and then finished off with the broiler for that perfect crackling skin. Would definitely eat again.
(5)
Jim C.
First and foremost, this restaurant is a jewel. The worst thing I can say about it is that it is a lunch restaurant located next to my home rather than my work. Having said that, I will make excuses to slip away during their open hours just to eat there. Yep, it's that good. The (few) less than positive reviews they have received need to consider what they are reviewing on. If you go to a restaurant called "The Carvery" that specializes in pork sandwiches... and then bitch about the fact that they don't have "non pig, non carb" options... well, that is YOUR problem. That is as ridiculous as me going to a high-end seafood restaurant and bitching about their lack of non-seafood options. The standards at this place are above reproach. I've been the first in the door (10 minutes before "opening time") and the porchetta was... well... sublime. I mean like Italian street food orgasm level. Watching the chef pull it out of the oven, cut that first perfect slice, then hack it up into pieces... I was drooling by the time I got my sandwich. Then today, when I slipped in five minutes before they closed, while they were cleaning up and putting away the chairs, the staff was gracious and kind... no hint of that "sigh... we have to work a few extra minutes to feed you..." attitude. And the chef made me a fantastic special of the day, tasting just as good as if I'd come in at the peak of traffic. Get one thing straight: their standards are to die for. Literal perfection of grab and eat street good. And their specials are creative and delightful. I rarely eat something and think "I literally couldn't improve this..." but they've pulled it off several time. I will confess: I haven't tried the standalone baked goods. But I damned near bought a cheese loaf today just because it looked so... damned... tasty... even though i knew I couldn't polish it off before it went stale. And there were these salted caramel cookies that seemed to be screaming "BUY ME" at top volume, even though I knew I shouldn't. This place is a gem. Simple but elegant food. Cooked correctly. With a love-the-customer attitude among the chef and staff that exemplifies what restaurants should be. If you're an entitled review queen who hates pigs and carbs... um... don't go to a sandwich shop that features porchetta as it's signature dish. Otherwise, go here. It's frickin' delicious.
(5)
Jessica B.
Do you know what I hate about soup specials? Its that they're so special, you can't get the same one everyday. That's how I feel about all of the soups I have had thus far at The Carvery. As I sit and enjoy this amazing posole, I fear the worst -- and that is that I am almost out of it. Service, great. Friendly people. Support this business, and eat more soup. Update: i'm huge on website friendliness, which I consider in my ratings, and theirs --fantastic. They update the specials daily.
(5)
Monty B.
Why in God's name would you chop up the porchetta? Slice it and throw it on some toasted bread. That's right, toast the bread. The whole sandwich, bread and meat, were room temp. These things should be served warm. The nice crisp you usually get on the edges of the porchetta was barely there. Because it was chopped up, maybe every few bites you'd get a crunchy tidbit? The mac & cheese was subpar and the pork fat roasted potatoes were average. Overall, a disappointing meal. The sandwiches at nearby Si Senor are much better. Go there instead if you're looking for a tasty sandwich.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
M. C.
They definitely have fine tasting sandwiches. But they really need to offer fountain drinks. Don't get the 6oz raw brown lemonade. Not worth the money. Other than the whole drinks with no ice craziness...and I guess, the communal water fountain is a delightful touch. It was colder than my warm lemonade. I would recommend trying this lovely hipster eatery. Enjoy. My $.02.
(3)Gwen W.
Simple, yet "industrial", decor. Love the exposed brick walls, giant metal air ducts. The tables are nicely spread out. Room to move around without having to worry about bumping into other tables/people. We got here at about 1:45ish, and I was a bit worry we might not get the best service, since they close at 2 pm. This was definitely not the case! Polite, friendly gal didn't rush us. Clarified a few sandwiches. She was super patient as I wavered back and forth on what sandwich I wanted I picked the Philly Cheese Steak. Made it a combo, and got a side of their Red Pepper Pasta Salad. Great red bell pepper flavor mixed with the sliced steak and cheese. Juicy meat. Soft, succulent ciabatta bread - sucked up the juice from the meat. The pasta salad wasn't a favorite. It didn't have much taste at all. The pasta wasn't even noticeable. The crumbled ?feta? cheese was tiny. The only item not memorable. Oh, and ps, they make their own lemonade!! A refreshing, homemade tart. It rounded out the delish meal!
(4)Cherie R.
WONDERFUL sandwich place. Do I wish it was cheaper? Yes, but then I'd bet you just wouldn't get the same quality. My husband and I had the chance for a lunch date yesterday (doesn't happen too often) and he chose this place. He got the prime rib and I got the porchetta. Service was fast and efficient. The meats were perfect. Tender, perfectly roasted. The porchetta had wonderful little crispy skin bits that added a little oomph to the sandwich. Ciabatta bread too often tends to be dry, theirs was not. My husband's prime rib was melt in your mouth perfect. He is already drooling over the next time we go, because there are some others he wants to try! I couldn't eat here every day, but there will definitely be return visits.
(5)Danielle S.
This is a fun place to stumble upon. I'm staying in downtown Columbus, and this was a quick walk from my hotel. They're known for their sandwiches, which I would guess are great. Because I got the salad (there's only one, and it's full of fresh greens, onions, peppers, and tomatoes) with turkey. It's the best turkey I've had in a sandwich shop. It's not like the thin slices you'd find at subway. It's like a thanksgiving turkey, sliced thick and seasoned well. The salad was large and satisfying. Customer service was friendly enough. Not a big fan of the ska/punk music that's playing loudly while I try to read a book, but it's definitely giving the place an edgy vibe. Check this place out!
(4)Michael B.
This place is my jam. The bread woos me in and then I feast on them tasty meats. The caprese sammy is good too. Decently priced, and it most definitely beats out other sammich lunch options downtown
(5)Breanna B.
You haven't had a sandwich until you've had The Carvery. If you actually want to be full after your meal, this sandwich is worth it's weight in gold... golden roasted turkey breast. I had the carved turkey with the house cured bacon. Wut. Oh yeah, I also ate the whole thing. In one giant bite. It was like a post-thanksgiving style sandwich. That turkey was unreal. Tender, flavorful, and thick cut. Anything topped with bacon and 1000 island dressing is a hands down win. Go for a side too. I liked the potato salad - mixed with a mustard-style sauce and chopped celery. Lots of seating if you're stopping by for lunch in house. Get yourself a hearty bite here and immediately retreat to food coma status. Under-desk nap mandatory following lunch.
(5)Doug O.
Nice lunch spot. A number of classy sandwiches that all sound delicious. I had a meatball sandwich. You know the meatball subs at Subway? Yeah, it wasn't like that. It was great. Not terribly pricy for a lot of quality. Nice, airy, open atmosphere. A great addition to the downtown lunch scene.
(4)Minyet H.
The porchetta is my my favorite sandwich on Caps Square! The bread is fresh, pork had all the right Italian spices & the pork skin was cooked til perfection. The porkfat potatoes are worth every calorie also.
(5)J R.
Visiting from out of town, read about this online, checked it out. Wow! I'd never tried porchetta before. Think of the crunchy crust on a really good roast. The stuff there is never enough of. Mix with juicy pork loin. Chopped fine. In a fresh baked roll, just big enough to not overwhelm the meat but with its own distinctive flavor. Dessert. OMG. Brownie to die for. As good as I make from scratch. Addictive. You've been warned.
(5)Sam P.
From the onset, The Carvery has been a good lunch option. But with a somewhat recent expansion of the menu, they've stepped things up and have gone from good to great. When they opened, The Carvery focused on doing a handful of sandwiches well. And the mainstays, particularly the porketta sandwich, were delicious. The daily specials were also creative and tasty. But the problem often was limited supply--of everything, specials and standards alike. They've now dramatically expanded the menu, resulting in a variety of new choices and eliminating the availability problems that they faced in the past. In many ways, it's like a whole new restaurant. So if you've been before and were turned off by the lack of options or frustrated in your attempt to get what you wanted, it's time to go back and give them a second chance! The hardest thing now will probably be deciding WHICH sandwich to get. All of the sandwiches are made of high quality ingredients, and you will usually see them slicing your meats directly from a freshly roasted source. Because of that (and speaking from experience, having sampled a variety of things on the menu) I can tell you it's hard to go wrong. I must admit to still being partial to the porketta. The only slight miss in recent memory was the Thanksgiving sandwich, which with both bread and stuffing ended up a little TOO bready. Do note that all of the sandwiches are quite large. So while the sides are good, you may find yourself needing a nap even without them.
(4)Christine A.
Oh La La! delicious sandwiches. I'm not a deli meat fan so hearing about this place made me incredibly excited. And it did not disappoint. I had the Butcher Block Club which had hand carved ham and turkey, thick cut bacon, and swiss. YUM! I don't even like turkey that much but it was a great, solid sandwich. The 5 cheese mac and cheese was outstanding as well. I can't wait to go back. The most interesting thing was the brown sugar lemonade....quite unique. And when I walked in they had J Roddy playing........how could I not give you 5 stars after that wonderful greeting? :)
(5)Bryant M.
Okay, Columbus Yelpers, we gotta get it together. Paul F would have never let a new business be open for over a month without a Yelp review! Since our beloved friend is no longer with us, we have to pick up the slack. So with this trip to The Carvery, I took one for the team. During the summer months when construction was going on inside The Carvery's new space, they purposefully left peepholes on the front window to check out the progress. How cute is that?! I knew I was going to like this place. When I finally found out what The Carvery was all about, I was a little sad--a gourmet sandwich shop and my inability to eat wheat. Then fast forward to today and I decided to give these folks a call to see if there was anything I could eat. The friendly man who answered the phone told me they could make a delicious salad with the same freshly-roasted meat they put on the sandwiches. Score! When I got to the shop on Gay Street, the first thing I noticed was how beautiful the space is! Lots and lots of gorgeous, warm wood... bright and airy... very Northstar-meets-Pistacia Vera. Everyone at The Carvery is extremely helpful and kind. They're also fast! Ordering is fast casual--you start at the beginning and place your order and then head to the end to wait for your food. I ordered a roasted turkey salad with dijon vinaigrette, and it was finished in about two minutes. If you're downtown looking for a quick, but delicious lunch, look no further. My salad was AH-mazing. The greens were fresh, the bacon was hearty and crunchy, the turkey was crave-worthy, and the dressing was the perfect complement. And it was only $10. This was only my first trip to The Carvery, and I'm already a big fan. I cannot wait for my next delicious salad!
(5)Zack R.
We finally had a chance to eat here on a late Saturday afternoon. Pictures of their sandwiches looked so good, so I've really been wanting to try one. We showed up shortly before closing, but both the girl at the counter and the gent making the food told us that it was no problem, and to take our time. They explained the menu, and told us some of their favorites. We ended up with a turkey sandwich and a meatball sandwich. Both were very good, though the turkey could have used a little salt and pepper, which I added myself. Everything they make is from scratch, down to the mayonnaise. The decor is really nice, and the place is spotless. Can't wait to go back and try another sandwich.
(5)Brian D.
I'm not a fan of sandwiches. You managed to put some meat and other stuff between two slices of bread? Congrats. Well done. That probably explains why I had walked past The Carvery numerous times, my nose in the air. Then I saw Bryant's review and, more importantly, the picture of his salad. I decided that today I would give The Carvery a try and order up that healthy turkey salad. Upon entering The Carvery, I spied the "sandwich of the day" - a Schnitzel. Oh, so you're going to FRY something and put it on a fresh roll? Maybe I do like sandwiches, Sam I am. One eschewed salad later, I found myself chomping on The Schnitzel, which consisted of TWO large cutlets packed onto the bun - making the sandwich a bit unwieldy to eat. Of course that didn't stop me from downing the whole thing - in large part due to the apple/onion/mustard sauce. Just delish! Atmosphere and service were both great. The large sandwich was definitely worth the cost. Off to nap now. Hopefully I'll make it back and actually have the Bryant salad at some point.
(4)Terry L.
I have try almost everyone of there sandwiches... It's like they read my mind on what I like... and I have to like it to keep coming back.... The price is good..but you pay for what you get... so far, well worth it..they put a lot of love into each one they make..have not gotten any thing bad yet..and I don't think I will....
(5)Rachel W.
Their bacon is incredible. Get a sandwich with bacon. After 1pm you may not be able to get the sandwich you want. They don't have an unlimited supply. So go early. They sell their leftover sandwich rolls from the day before, which are a great deal. They also have a good selection of baked goods that changes daily. If you get a sandwich and side and drink it's a little pricey, but it's really good. Open Saturdays!
(4)Scott B.
Went here for lunch on a Friday and enjoyed the roast turkey sandwich and potato salad. Very good but a little pricey.
(4)Donna O.
The Carvery is a specialty sandwich shop downtown. The space is beautiful, with dark wood and chandeliers outside, and a nicely modeled interior. And, even though they're specialty, the service is quick. There was an additional host taking orders on an iPad to keep the line moving. I ordered the Porchetta, which is pulled pork wrapped in pork belly, and "Italian salsa verde" on a bun. The size was perfect - a nice-sized roll, light but substantial enough to maintain the ingredients. The sauce was a great buffer between the carb and proteins. The pulled pork was tasty, but with pork belly, a little goes a LONG way, and there was way too much belly in this little sandwich - it was overwhelmingly fatty. (I know, I know, report me to the Pork Council and the bacon-lovers brigade.) Less would have been so much more! I did have a solution - the side of cole slaw did a great job - if you're wondering why people put it on sandwiches, this is the answer. Choose your sides wisely. Overall, I'd say fair to middlin' and I'd give them another shot. Their daily sandwich (Buffalo ranch chicken, I believe) looked good, and their freshly-made ingredients are a big step up for downtown. If you want a good 'wich, this is the place to go.
(3)Matthew L.
Got the Porchetta sandwich. It was amazingly flavorful. The pork was tender juices with crunchy bits of skin. The sides were great pork far roasted potatoes and coleslaw. Want to come back but it is hard with their current hours.
(5)Cory S.
Have had the pleasure of dining here a couple times for lunch and have not had a bad experience. I usually opt for the daily special sandwich which has always been tasty. Both were chicken sandwiches with a spicy twist. My latest endeavor involved a Sriracha inspired sauce that was tangy and not too spicy. The chopped celery was unusual but made for a fresh addition to the sand which overall. The sides, which change daily, have always been to my liking. The pasta salad is usually very fresh and light, not smothered in a sauce. They have had a pulled pork potato hash. This was delicious but a bit too heavy for lunch, but given the chance I'd definitely order it again. I was really excited for this place and it has met my expectations. Have yet to have a wait longer than a few minutes even during the lunch rush.
(5)Liza V.
First thing first- eat their baked goods. For the love of all things holy, just do it!They are heavenly. I tried the chocolate whoopie pie (not sure if that's what they call it) and then some other layered bar with pretty much every delicious ingredient I could have imagined. Ok. So when you're standing in line to order, one of the staff may come by with a tablet to take your order to get things moving along. I like that. Except if I don't know what I want, which, on my first visit, I wasn't sure. But, I ordered the salad greens, add bacon and turkey, with the dijon vinagrette. It was amazing. Lots of fresh veggies, and THE CROUTONS- wow. Just wow. I chowed it all down in record time. Unfortunately, they were already out of the daily special sandwich and the meatball by the time we got there (1:00). So that sucked. But we will just have to go back! It's a really laid-back, quick option for a workweek lunch.
(4)Chris S.
Wow. Visiting from California and I just stumbled upon this place. I had the Italian sandwich and you can taste how fresh their ingredients are. Nice vibe, good music, VERY clean, delicious food.
(5)Brad S.
I entered skeptically, as a friend had complained about the sandwich he got here as being too greasy. I don't know where he ate, but this place is great. I got the porchetta sandwich. The pork was sublime. There's something in the combination of herbs and spices that just tastes and smells like comfort and home and warmth. It's fantastic. The porkbelly wrapping on it probably helps. I thought the ciabatta was great - substantial enough to stand up to the sandwich, yet chewy and soft. I could have used more tomato sauce. Small complaint. At $8, this place is on the high end of lunch options around the downtown square, but it's so fast and good that I find it to be well worth it. I was in and out in like four minutes. Skip the Subway, head here instead.
(5)Gus W.
I'll cross this post over. Anyway, The Carvery is only open for lunch during the week and Saturdays from 11-2:30 PM, but I was lucky and got to take a peak during the Moonlight Market last Saturday. All I have to say is the Porchetta sandwich is wonderful. Crispy and juicy pork on a very nice ciabatta roll. It comes with their own tomato sauce on the side, and I don't know if I've ever put tomato sauce on a pork sandwich, but it was amazing! If I'd known they didn't have a page on Yelp yet, I would have taken a bunch of pictures, but go to their website, because the sandwich doesn't look much different in person than the pictures they have on there. It's not easy for me to get there during the week with work, but I plan to check it out again for lunch on a Saturday. If the rest of their sandwiches are anything like the one I just had, then I can't wait!!
(5)R B.
Used them for catering for the first time. Everyone raved about the food. The sandwiches are big, the sides were also generous (we ordered boxed lunches). The person who took my order and the person who delivered were very nice as well. Will definitely be using them again!
(4)Phil S.
I was extremely excited to try The Carvery given all of the great reviews it has had coming out of the gate. Unfortunately, 3 out of the 4 times I have tried to go they have been closed. The first time was on me. I didn't check the times that they were open and showed up just a few minutes after they had closed (they close at 2:30pm). The second time I tried to go I showed up at 1:30 and they had a sign on the door that they had sold out and were closing early. I finally got a chance to try a sandwich on my third visit. At this point my anticipation was through the roof. May my expectations had been built up too far but when I got the sandwich it was mediocre. I decided recently to give it another try a few days before christmas only to find out that they were closed for a week over the holidays. I really wanted to love this place but I think I'm done trying.
(2)Catherine J.
High end of 3 stars -- My gut reaction was to go with a 4, but then I realized if I ignored the decor, my opinion of The Carvery is that there's a great start here, but much to be improved upon. Not that the decor should be ignored. It's very "now" - reclaimed woods, mason jars on open shelving (though I think most of these are for decoration purposes only -- woulda been cooler if they were clearly part of the storage routine!). White subway tile. I like this aesthetic even if it's becoming overplayed. Food quality is great, and it's a fantastic start for The Carvery. Everything I tasted oozed the benefits of a privileged upbringing. The meats on the carving boards boasted "artisan" not "processed." All thumbs up. Problem: If you're not eating pig or carbs, you won't have many choices. I happen to be eating both pigs and carbs at the moment, but what if I wasn't?! I know Bryant M. got them to make him a sweet looking salad on his wheat-free visit, but that option isn't clear from the menu. It says "Salad Greens $6, Choice of Meat $2" -- which, by itself, is kind of confusing. It doesn't seem like a good indication of a properly complete salad, let alone for $8 total. Sounds like some meat on leaves. Besides, as I'll discuss later in this review, it looks like your meat choices are either pork or turkey. (Right now Bryant's salad is the cover pic for The Carvery entry on Yelp, and while it's a beautiful pic and a good reminder to ask questions at businesses, it's not really a menu item per se.) Available sides are potato salad, or a daily pasta salad creation. And by the way, that's to go with the loaf of bread you just got with your sandwich (albeit a delicious, chewy, pillowy loaf). There were 6 sandwich options to choose from: Porchetta (pork), meatball (pork in the meatball mix), turkey (with bacon), BLT (bacon), daily vegetarian creation, and the daily special (today, pulled pork). Yep, only ONE of those was oink-free! And it was the veg option! I suppose you could ask for the turkey with no bacon, but... c'mon. Oh, and today's soup selection? Black bean with (you guessed it!) bacon. Look, I love pork, and I rarely avoid it. But I feel like these sandwich options need a little more variety. They all kind of had a similar flavor profile. Quality meats (mostly pork). Amazing bread. Good start. I usually applaud a small menu, but it needs to be a little more diverse. If it were me running the menu at The Carvery, I'd go for 2 entree salads (one rotating daily special and one signature), soup of the day, keep the potato and rotating pasta salad if you must (add a bean salad or roasted veg side plz), and then maybe 3 signature sandwiches with the rotating vegetarian and daily specials (for a total of 5 sandwich options per day). I'd recommend a roast beef, turkey, and the porchetta for the signature sammies to get the full "carvery" theme. I know that's a lot of daily specials -- but that's what's going to keep us downtown working stiffs coming back to your place week after week. We get sick of the same old thing pretty quickly (oh hai, Potbelly).
(3)Chris W.
Simplicity and a focus on just providing excellent food. I have tried nearly everything on the menu and I have yet to be disappointed! Everything is fresh and made in house. The Carvery gets my vote for best sandwich in Columbus!
(5)Liz M.
Arrived at 1:10PM last Friday with a friend (Steven S.) excited to have some great sandwiches. We were going to get the pork and the turkey and split them. Well, that plan was foiled when, after only being open 2 hours, they only had turkey, meat ball, and BLT sandwiches available (and I am snobby about meatballs and am very picky abut bacon). So we both ordered the turkey that was served on a good ciabatta (that Steven S. thought was too thick, but I didn't agree) with lettuce, tomato, mayo, munster, and bacon. Bryant M. told me I'd like their bacon so I didn't ask for it to be left off my turkey sandwich, but it was way overcooked and almost burnt so i picked off the crumbled mess as best I could and Steven S. added it to his sandwich because that doesn't bother him. We each got the combo and had one of the sides of the day. I had the southwest pasta salad (needed salt). Steven S. got the poblano slaw (needed salt). Anyway, their sandwiches are not inventive. They are really meant to be super high quality. Well, the turkey was house made and pretty good. Very garlicky, slightly dry. Everything needed salt. Like i said, bacon was way over done. Bread was yummy. It would have been nice to have a flavored aioli v. mayo. Even though I love mayo, I just wanted more flavors. They started closing the place down while we were still eating because they were sold out. That was at 1:45PM. Needless to say I didn't feel welcomed or appreciated and I had a bland, dry sandwich. Steven S. and I both concluded that Cravings Carryout Cafe is our Gold Standard of sandwiches in this town and we are sticking to that!
(2)Anna H.
Bryant mentioned this place and gave it a great review, so today I tried it for a later (1:00) lunch. What a great sandwich shop addition to Gay St. I knew they had a daily veggie sandwich special but didn't know what it was until I walked in. I wouldn't normally get excited about BBQ anything, even back when I ate meat, but today's BBQ sandwich with shredded summer squash and slaw was good (and messy). I sat in the back at the counter on a stool with my sandwich, lots of napkins, and a cup of water from the dispenser. Very very good. I would love to try more of their veggie selections. The space is really cool. They had dough rising in 5 big plastic-covered bowls. I love that they make their own bread.
(4)Valerie B.
If you're asking about my entire meal, I'd say 3 stars. Porchetta, Service and menu? 5 stars. Soup and sides? 1-2. The porchetta is a rock star. I'd be hard pressed to try anything else, knowing it was on the menu. It's pork roast, with what tastes like adobo marinade, wrapped in crispy porkbelly. Did you hear me? Crispy pork belly for Pete's sake. The service was great, not bothersome, the line got long so a second cashier with an iPad popped out to take orders. Soup and sides. The soup was black bean with bacon and it was just bad. Really bad and very watered down. It had no depth of flavor, which leads me to the meatballs and the tomato sauce. Same deal, no depth. A good sauce isn't rocket science, it just takes a few extra steps and patience. This one needs olive oil, garlic and onions sauteed slow...then add what they are currently serving as sauce and voila. It's fixed. The soup? Get a new soup maker. New recipes. With a little polishing, this place will have a 5 star shine.
(4)Cher W.
This is not just a sandwich shop - this is a gourmet carved meat sandwich emporium! From the bread to the meats and sauces, they make it all! And it is scrumptious! Had the BLT and the bacon was sliced thick and ver crunchy - perfect for this sandwich. Definitely worth the trip for a great lunch!
(4)Rachel G.
I really hate giving negative reviews, but I hope that this is taken as constructive criticism, because I think the potential is there. I love their idea of focusing on making everything from scratch, and having a small menu with daily specials. I REALLY want this place to do well. I went for lunch on Wednesday Oct 1, and my experience was a 2.5 star kind of afternoon. The short review is that there were highs and lows, and I would definitely go back if only to order a bag of sandwich rolls because the bread alone is worth 5 stars. But I think I could have ordered a better sandwich. I ordered their special of the day, which was a chicken in cream sauce sandwich. Sounds delicious, right? But it fell WAY flat. I am not a fan of adding table salt to meals post cooking, because I think at that point it should be flavorful enough. This place does not look like it cares about your cholesterol or blood pressure, so just go ahead and add the sodium. The sauce needed salt, and maybe some garlic or something. It just tasted like cream and flour... and I guess onions because there were bits of onion floating around in there as well. The chicken, too, was not the best it could have been. There were weird pieces of fatty skin that added an off putting texture, but the worst part were the little pieces of bones that I kept finding mid chew. I also ordered the pasta salad of the day (sesame ginger) and it was tasty, but the pieces of ginger were stringy. The reason I will go back is because I think I could have ordered better. My table mates ordered the Porchetta, and one ordered the Turkey. They were raving about their sandwiches, so I think that if The Carvery can put that kind of love and quality in to all their dishes, they can do really well. Bones, fat, and stringy ginger can all be avoided. I will return, and I hope to able to update my rating.
(2)Matt G.
I had higher hopes... INITIAL EXPERIENCE: I've been really excited to try this place since it opened, but I wasn't a huge fan. Granted, I was only able to experience this place from a TO-GO ORDER perspective...Keep that in mind. THE SANDWICH: I'm a fan of pork and the idea of the Porchetta very appealing. It was actually what they suggested I try for my first time. The Porchetta is their version of homestyle pork belly-bacon wrapped pork tenderloin for all you pork lovers. MY TASTEBUDS: It was seasoned thoroughly but the pork was a tad dry. It was also crunchy...not in a crispy sense but in hardened pieces of seasoning sense. The Porchetta comes with nothing on it, but a side of their Tomato sauce (good sauce but doesn't really go with the sandwich). It would probably be filling to a normal person, but I was still hungry afterwards. The guy who suggested it said it was about 800 calories and he could only get through one...I won't get it again, especially at $8. Overall, the menu is kinda slim and the prices are average. The seating is plentiful, but I can see it being awkward during business times and for To-Go orders. I really like the idea of "fresh" and "from scratch," but this just didn't hit the spot. I'd like to visit again and try their Turkey, but I won't go out of my way anytime soon...unfortunately.
(2)Erin C.
I had a boxed lunch meal brought to my office for a crowd. I chose the porcetta because I love pork belly. The description led me to believe the pork loin would be either thinly sliced or shredded. It wasn't. It was chopped. To bits. To the point where I couldn't differentiate between the loin, the belly, or the bacon (if there even was any). It was hard to control (bits falling out) because that's about all there was in the sandwich (though the bread was good, and the size was right). Would have loved to see it with caramelized onions, wilted spinach, and a sharp cheddar or even smoked gouda. Disappointing. I'll have to stick to 3-Little-Pigs at Milestone 229.
(3)Rebecca H.
This was ordered as an office lunch last week. I got the veggie sandwich. From a place called "The Carvery" I did not have high hopes for a veggie sandwich. The bread was OUTSTANDING. TREMENDOUS. DELICIOUS. Honestly, the bread is reason enough to go. Inside the bread was some deliciously roasted vegetables with a goat cheese spread, I think. Very, very tasty. It was a really good sandwich. Today, I called in for a group to-go lunch. I had a wonderful experience. They had my lunch ready to go on time. The transaction was efficient but friendly. A gentleman behind the counter who didn't really interact with bid me farewell by name. I haven't had any sides but their sandwiches are fantastic and the service is wonderful. Definitely worth a try.
(5)Maximus D.
There aren't a lot of great lunch options around my office so I was looking forward to trying this. I enjoyed the porchetta sandwich and appreciated the tomato sauce on the side but found the tomato sauce and tomato soup are almost indistinguishable. Both need more flavor, a lot more, or at least the option of an arrabiatta type option for those of us not afraid of some heat. They could differentiate their soup by offering add ins such as Gorgonzola, feta, parmesan, crumbled pancetta, fresh herbs etc in addition to the croutons which were good. I look forward to trying the Carvery again and trying a new side.
(4)Tiffany Y.
Our office orders take-out every Friday, and The Carvery was this Friday's choice. I can only speak for one of their sandwiches: Porchetta. And it was fucking delicious. This place boasts well prepared, fresh ingredients - simple sandwiches. They're not joking. My sandwich was literally ciabatta and two kinds of pork. Chopped up pork loin and chopped up pork belly. The flavors are wonderful, the bread was soft, and the sandwich came with a fresh tomato garlic sauce for your slathering pleasure. The one thing that really made me smile was how righteously proper their pork belly was prepared. Slow roasted long enough that the meat was tender and then finished off with the broiler for that perfect crackling skin. Would definitely eat again.
(5)Jim C.
First and foremost, this restaurant is a jewel. The worst thing I can say about it is that it is a lunch restaurant located next to my home rather than my work. Having said that, I will make excuses to slip away during their open hours just to eat there. Yep, it's that good. The (few) less than positive reviews they have received need to consider what they are reviewing on. If you go to a restaurant called "The Carvery" that specializes in pork sandwiches... and then bitch about the fact that they don't have "non pig, non carb" options... well, that is YOUR problem. That is as ridiculous as me going to a high-end seafood restaurant and bitching about their lack of non-seafood options. The standards at this place are above reproach. I've been the first in the door (10 minutes before "opening time") and the porchetta was... well... sublime. I mean like Italian street food orgasm level. Watching the chef pull it out of the oven, cut that first perfect slice, then hack it up into pieces... I was drooling by the time I got my sandwich. Then today, when I slipped in five minutes before they closed, while they were cleaning up and putting away the chairs, the staff was gracious and kind... no hint of that "sigh... we have to work a few extra minutes to feed you..." attitude. And the chef made me a fantastic special of the day, tasting just as good as if I'd come in at the peak of traffic. Get one thing straight: their standards are to die for. Literal perfection of grab and eat street good. And their specials are creative and delightful. I rarely eat something and think "I literally couldn't improve this..." but they've pulled it off several time. I will confess: I haven't tried the standalone baked goods. But I damned near bought a cheese loaf today just because it looked so... damned... tasty... even though i knew I couldn't polish it off before it went stale. And there were these salted caramel cookies that seemed to be screaming "BUY ME" at top volume, even though I knew I shouldn't. This place is a gem. Simple but elegant food. Cooked correctly. With a love-the-customer attitude among the chef and staff that exemplifies what restaurants should be. If you're an entitled review queen who hates pigs and carbs... um... don't go to a sandwich shop that features porchetta as it's signature dish. Otherwise, go here. It's frickin' delicious.
(5)Jessica B.
Do you know what I hate about soup specials? Its that they're so special, you can't get the same one everyday. That's how I feel about all of the soups I have had thus far at The Carvery. As I sit and enjoy this amazing posole, I fear the worst -- and that is that I am almost out of it. Service, great. Friendly people. Support this business, and eat more soup. Update: i'm huge on website friendliness, which I consider in my ratings, and theirs --fantastic. They update the specials daily.
(5)Monty B.
Why in God's name would you chop up the porchetta? Slice it and throw it on some toasted bread. That's right, toast the bread. The whole sandwich, bread and meat, were room temp. These things should be served warm. The nice crisp you usually get on the edges of the porchetta was barely there. Because it was chopped up, maybe every few bites you'd get a crunchy tidbit? The mac & cheese was subpar and the pork fat roasted potatoes were average. Overall, a disappointing meal. The sandwiches at nearby Si Senor are much better. Go there instead if you're looking for a tasty sandwich.
(2)Aaron F.
Porchetta sandwich! Amazing!! Need I say more?!
(5)