You'd think that for a $7 sandwich, they'd at least have somewhere for you to sit and enjoy it. Not at Great Harvest Bread Co. downtown. Not only are there only 6 stools in the windows to sit at, the place is probably 85 degrees, humid and noisy. Can't really fault them though, they bake their own tasty bread all day. I ordered the spicy southwest turkey sandwich, which came grilled on homemade foccacia bread. It was tasty, with a fiery chipotle mayonnaise and roasted peppers and onions. It can be sort of hectic in there, especially during the lunch rush. You sort of mill around the counter, bumping into people and asking, "are you in line?" After ordering, you continue to stand around the small space waiting for your order. It's not the easiest layout, but you get fresh warm bread to munch on while you wait, and the sandwiches are tasty. Great Harvest is a nice downtown lunch option, but only if you're getting it to go.Reviewed by JCB
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When we worked in downtown Boston in the '60s, we frequented a sandwich shop that appeared to be utter chaos all lunch hour. Not only did you not know if you were in line (it was extremely crowded), but you really didn't know if you had successfully ordered until the food appeared in your hands. The order people mingled with the crowds, sans uniform and yelled each order back to the kitchen. Of course, over time, each returning customer learned how to yell their order back to the kitchen...
ReplyDeleteGreat review! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYour review and Salem Man's on Cascade Baking Company make me wish I spent more time downtown during lunchtime.
I agree it is very confusing, but in the end it is all worth it!
ReplyDeleteI know what your saying, but there are several OTHER locations you could go to if that one is not up to your standards (or is just too crowded for you). There is a south salem and even a west salem location.
ReplyDeleteThe South Salem Great Harvest doesn't offer sandwiches and from what I understand West Salem one doesn't either, but haven't eaten there do know for sure. The chicken pecan sandwich is really good and worth the inconvience.
ReplyDeleteWe do not offer sandwiches down south because of a "no competition" policy within business centers and there is a Big Town Hero there.
ReplyDeleteThe West location, however, does offer sandwiches. From my point of view they are the best sandwiches in the world. They have a better dining area including outside seating. Just hop over the bridge if your downtown and eat at the West location!
Great Harvest is over priced and average. If Cascade Baking moved to a location that wasn't so hard to get to, they would be THE bakery in this town. Cascade can be inconsistent, but when they are on, they are 10x better than Great Harvest.
ReplyDeleteGreat Harvest is over priced. They have fantastic bread though. I'm not impressed with the customer servce during the lunch hour. I had customers that came after me get their sandwiches first. The wait for my lunch was really long. If you are not in a hurry it's the place to be, otherwise I would go elsewhere.
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