This review applies only to this location. The one in Vienna is far superior. I ordered a calzone with extra marinara. It took much longer than usual to receive my order. Did not receive extra marinara, bottom was burned, and inside was cold. Returned to counter, and they kindly offered to make another one or reheat it and I opted for reheat; I was in a hurry. After it was returned to me, I opened the box, one of the marinas had no lid and was turned over having spilled everywhere. And the calzone was on a paper plate having been microwaved. I could tell because of how soggy it was, not like it typically is when it comes out of the oven. By this time, I was so annoyed. I just walked back to the counter, gave them the box and left. I know this place can make great food, but this was not a good experience.
This was our first time in Santini's since we keep driving by this place. To tell you the truth, I wasn't impressed by the ordering system where for example we didn't know if we pay now or later. The person who took the order didn't say anything and she didn't seem happy to be working there. The place seems clean with sports bar vibes mixed with low budget restaurant style decor. The cashier speaks very little English, barely understood what my husband said when he went to pay the bill and, as it's usual for him, joked around a little. After we paid and sat down, the sandwiches arrived quickly, not impressed by the presentation nor the taste. Check out the photos, not enough sauerkraut or coleslaw. My husband ordered 'New Yorker' corn beef and pastrami with melted provolone cheese toasted on rye bread, so little sauerkraut you can barely taste, definitely the cook doesn't know what he's doing. Mine was Steak and Cheese grilled slices of prime rib-eye, provolone cheese, onions, hot peppers, lettuce, tomatoes and mayonnaise, served on toasted sub roll. In my sandwich I chose coleslaw, didn't have enough either and meat was in very small pieces more like ground beef, 'not grilled slices of prime rib-eye, as described in the menu. All the sandwiches came with a pickle cut in half and served on a paper plate. Very poorly presented to customers! No drinks for us because most of what they have is unhealthy to drink and we had water in the car. I noticed the employees are always talking among and laughing with themselves, and not acknowledging the customers existence. At least I saw the cook wearing gloves when preparing our food, but I don't know if he changes them after touching non-food items. I wonder because after I saw him serving a table coming from the kitchen and talking again with the staff, he then touched other things behind the counter. Anyway this place or the sandwiches are not even close to the original New York style deli, something I know well because I lived there over a decade and I know the difference. In New York you normally see Italians or Germans preparing sandwiches with warm, fresh, baked bread, and a balanced or even generous combination of meat and other ingredients. Not coming back to Santini's. Kid-friendliness: By the way the menu isn't friendly for those with food allergies. Ask first before you order for your children or even adults.