Gilchrist - Mountain Brook

The food was okay, but the service was some of the worst I have ever experienced. The man working there was friendly, but both older women behind the counter were extremely rude. One of them was sarcastic when I took some time to look over the menu because it was my first time there. After ordering, she rolled her eyes when we said thank you. During check out, the other woman was unpleasant when we didn't understand her question about payment. The lack of hospitality made me feel like I was at a deli up north. My boyfriend, who is a local and has been eating here for years, doesn't even want to come back after this experience. Overall, it was a very unwelcoming atmosphere.

The sandwiches at this restaurant are delicious, however the cashier is unfriendly and unapproachable. Additionally, be sure to place your order by 4 PM as they will not serve any food after that time, even though they close at 4:30. This policy is uncommon in restaurants, as you would expect to be able to order from the full menu until closing time.

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

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

Solid as a rock this place never disappoints. I get the pimento cheese BLT on toasted white bread, and it always satisfies. Great environment, friendly staff, delicious sweet tea. I'll be back over and again.