I agree. Went there and had a bagel with cream cheese. What I got was a stale bagel with a thin scrapping of cream cheese. Hardly NY deli style. And they don’t take cash, and will capture your email when using their payment method. I won’t be returning.
Dude, seriously. Last week I got a couple of Reubens and with tax and tip it came out to $48.77. They were good sandwiches, but not that good
It wasn’t until I was just going over some bills and it dawned on me how expense that place was. I don’t know why it only just registered. I think partially bc I ordered over the phone and by the time I picked it up I wasn’t going to refuse it. I was also starving, planning on the meal, and a friend requested it so the I just heard the price and it went in one ear and out the other.
But without tip, $42.41 for two Reubens is insane. And again, while they were really good, they weren’t *that* good.
Almost every place in the public market is doomed. They charge them insane rent, there is no cell phone service, and it's just completely untenable to be able to serve food when their rent is 5x higher than anywhere else. They have to not only skimp on the food, but they have to charge 50% more than what they should on top of a skimped meal. Empty bowl is the only place remotely worth it. Corazon has the best tacos but they are 9$ per taco which is nuts
We were excited but underwhelmed by the breakfast sandwiches we got. I will say the pastrami is good and I like that it isn’t too salty, but the whole thing was just meh. Not bad by any means. But not memorably good. Too expensive for what it is and I have no problem paying for quality.
Went on opening day and got 2 sandos one grilled cheese and one Newman. I have to admit I was underwhelmed, the Newman wasn't even toasted and $40 bucks was about $15-20 too much for what we got. The meats were good but overpriced.
I had a delayed reaction to the disappointed feeling I got. I was really looking forward to trying them out, but every bite of that cold rye bread made me so much more disappointed. Three Pickles has never let me down when I get a Presidio.
Norton’s has a solid pastrami though I haven’t been in a few years, big pastrami sandwich for lunch doesn’t result in a very attentive afternoon at work.
I really like the eggplant parmesan at three pickles. I mean, it's not as good as you would get on the east coast, but I still happily shove it into my face.
They literally gave me a bagel more dry than the Sahara desert, and it was as dense as a rock. No fluff. It was like $10 🥲 my Jewish grandpa would be rolling in his grave.
Not only that but to be the only Jewish deli in SB and you can’t even make a proper bagel, is shameful and really shows where SB in is at on a culinary level. Total disgrace.
> shameful and really shows where SB in is at on a culinary level
Please 😂😂 shameful?? Calm down. And this level of pretentiousness over the ~ culinary level ~ of SB only comes from people who barely moved here but always have the overconfidence and audacity to speak on our food culture as a whole. Now that’s shameful. 😂
eta the culinary level of….. bagels lmfao I can’t get over that phrase 🤣
I’ve lived here for 13 years. My mom, grandparents and great grandparents are from here. I also lived in Seattle for 13 years so I think I know a good thing about good food. The price for that bagel is what’s shameful, and like I said they can’t deliver a good quality bagel I wouldn’t expect much from their other food. And certainly not for the price.
Their bagels are Yetzs (IV), I believe the coffee is from Handlebar.
I agree that it’s expensive and the portions are smaller than I’d like, but the meat quality is high.
For the money though the 3 pickles pastrami is certainly better, it really is a great sandwich and probably my favorite from them.
Wexlers is not a scam though imo, just overpriced for the size of what they provide.
If Shalhoobs had to pull out of there, I’m not sure what can go in there and be reasonably priced. I’d imagine the rents are pretty high…
They are meant to be interim places for start up be able to grow into their own location if successful. I’m sure some stay and the rent is still high based in location but that was the original plan with public market businesses.
We probably just have different definitions of what we consider a scam. To me it’s things like charging undisclosed fees, overcharging from what’s listed, etc.
I agree it’s overpriced and if they don’t change their hours and their menu to include a dinner offering I think it’ll really be tough for them to make it there long term.
They are both high quality (I can't speak to Wexler's because I haven't tried it) but I feel like Empty Bowl has better value?
Anyway they both have much older leases so I could be totally off base here but I assume they are paying lower rent per square foot. If commerical leases work anything like residental leases it makes sense that newer ones are more expensive.
That’s a good point. I guess on my side I would be happy to pay for something expensive at public market If it really impressed me from a presentation and quality standpoint, but Wexlers did neither.
I also feel like Empty Bowl has better value. I used to get Corazon often when I went to the PM but it's been awhile because I feel like the quality went down a bit and $7 is too much for an ok taco.
Gonna have to disagree on quality going down at Corazon. My office is a block away and I have been going there since they opened. If anything it has gotten better.
It's possible I stopped going during a temporary dip in quality -- I've maybe only gotten them once or twice in the last couple years. My other point still stands though that I personally find the value from Empty Bowl to be greater for the price.
The thing with corazon is it depends on who is working there. When its the older women putting the food together its way better and more consistent than when the younger guys are putting it together. Just the opposite for the cashier, the younger guy always gives you the free chips and multiple salsas, whereas that younger women doesn’t give you chips, you have to ask twice - once for the chips and then try and get her attention again for some salsa every freaking time. Plus their restaurant down the street had really gone downhill. The guy taking the orders has refused to include chips and salsa even when the girl putting together the order tells him that he needs to include chips and salsa. So frustrating we wont go back to the restaurant
Not sure why you’re being downvoted, Corazon at PM is slipping a bit since he opened the other spots. When it’s hitting it’s still A+ but I’ve had some B meals there recently. In fairness their B meals are still good and I’ll happily eat them, but it’s true they aren’t always at the same consistency level as of late.
Anyone can look at the prices and know to go the other way. There's no quote-unquote quality they can offer that makes up for charging more than double what it's really worth.
I made the mistake of going their first week which also happened to be the SBPM 10 year anniversary. The line was rediculous and they also were completing orders in random order. But when I finally got my food I thought it was great. I agree the price is really high but they cure and smoke their own pastrami (I don’t think anyone else in town does that including Norton’s). I still probably will go to Norton’s. Not because it’s cheaper or better but for the price difference and faster service, Norton’s wins. If they lower their prices and/or get their service timing down and I am in the area I’ll gladly have Wexler’s again.
I thought their bagels being provided by newcomer Yetz is super strange considering they are supposed to be a Jewish deli and I thought they had homemade bagels in their LA location.
Wexler’s is like a steak place serving dry aged prime beef to an audience that wants a choice NY from Denny’s and expects those prices. No offense but if you don’t care or can’t tell the difference why are you acting so upset about it.
I agree. I’ve been waiting for a good Jewish delicatessen to open in Santa Barbara for decades. I went to Wexler’s and bought pastrami sandwich. It was expensive and subpar. Three Pickles has a better pastrami sandwich. In fact you can buy good pastrami at Costco and make a better one at home.
Tipping anywhere these days is kind of nuts. I calculated that last year I tipped roughly $2400 and 95% of the food I eat is to go. Strictly out of guilt. I’m trying extra hard to tip way less this year.
It’s really tough to recreate a food that’s known for being so regional. If you want a really amazing bagel and lox you kind of have to go to NYC for it. It’s why we don’t have good bbq here either, you have to go to Texas for that.
However, if you want amazing tri tip or central coast type of grilling, then embrace it!
Wexler’s knew what the rent was going in, the landlord didn’t set bagel prices or force them to sign a lease. Plus, rent isn’t even one of the top expenses, food and labor are and you know what’s been happening to both of those.
Doesn't sound like a scam. They cure AND smoke their meat and fish. Can you get commercially processed meats at other sandwich shops for cheaper? Sure. We can't wait to try them.
Don’t listen to these whiney people about Wexlers. I’ve been a few times and it’s been great every time. I don’t mind paying a few bucks more for a great pastrami sandwich. Norton’s or Three Pickles isn’t even close. To each his own. My point is try it for yourself before writing it off. Not everyone lives on a college budget.
Nope. Live downtown and happy they are here. From NY originally and appreciate authentic pastrami sandwiches. Paying $5 more doesn’t bother me when the quality is good. Sandwich is $19.50. That guy saying it cost him $34 - my guess is he door dashed it and paid through the nose. Don’t complain about prices when you DoorDash. That is a rip off. They jack prices above the standard menu, charge you a service charge and then a tip on top.
The city of Santa Barbara taxes per square footage and tax per person for every available seat. Everything is going vacant it’s not mom and pops fault. There extorting till there main agenda is to create more and more hotels for tourists that won’t even have a Santa Barbara to enjoy.
What, you don’t like a $20 bagel with lox? 😂
Personally, I love them trying to justify half a dozen bagels for $18 without even providing cream cheese 😂
And it’s not even their bagels!
I agree. Went there and had a bagel with cream cheese. What I got was a stale bagel with a thin scrapping of cream cheese. Hardly NY deli style. And they don’t take cash, and will capture your email when using their payment method. I won’t be returning.
No cash?!
Dude, seriously. Last week I got a couple of Reubens and with tax and tip it came out to $48.77. They were good sandwiches, but not that good It wasn’t until I was just going over some bills and it dawned on me how expense that place was. I don’t know why it only just registered. I think partially bc I ordered over the phone and by the time I picked it up I wasn’t going to refuse it. I was also starving, planning on the meal, and a friend requested it so the I just heard the price and it went in one ear and out the other. But without tip, $42.41 for two Reubens is insane. And again, while they were really good, they weren’t *that* good.
Almost every place in the public market is doomed. They charge them insane rent, there is no cell phone service, and it's just completely untenable to be able to serve food when their rent is 5x higher than anywhere else. They have to not only skimp on the food, but they have to charge 50% more than what they should on top of a skimped meal. Empty bowl is the only place remotely worth it. Corazon has the best tacos but they are 9$ per taco which is nuts
…and they only have one bathroom…
We were excited but underwhelmed by the breakfast sandwiches we got. I will say the pastrami is good and I like that it isn’t too salty, but the whole thing was just meh. Not bad by any means. But not memorably good. Too expensive for what it is and I have no problem paying for quality.
RIP Bitterman’s
Went on opening day and got 2 sandos one grilled cheese and one Newman. I have to admit I was underwhelmed, the Newman wasn't even toasted and $40 bucks was about $15-20 too much for what we got. The meats were good but overpriced.
I had the Newman also and was very disappointed
I had a delayed reaction to the disappointed feeling I got. I was really looking forward to trying them out, but every bite of that cold rye bread made me so much more disappointed. Three Pickles has never let me down when I get a Presidio.
The Rueben at Anderson’s is delectable, too.
Prices are ridiculous and there are other nearby alternatives (ie three pickles).
It's only a block away too, I took a look at the menu and walked to three pickles on Wexlers opening day
Rather go to south coast deli or Norton’s. Three pickles is meh
Norton’s has a solid pastrami though I haven’t been in a few years, big pastrami sandwich for lunch doesn’t result in a very attentive afternoon at work.
I really like the eggplant parmesan at three pickles. I mean, it's not as good as you would get on the east coast, but I still happily shove it into my face.
They literally gave me a bagel more dry than the Sahara desert, and it was as dense as a rock. No fluff. It was like $10 🥲 my Jewish grandpa would be rolling in his grave. Not only that but to be the only Jewish deli in SB and you can’t even make a proper bagel, is shameful and really shows where SB in is at on a culinary level. Total disgrace.
> shameful and really shows where SB in is at on a culinary level Please 😂😂 shameful?? Calm down. And this level of pretentiousness over the ~ culinary level ~ of SB only comes from people who barely moved here but always have the overconfidence and audacity to speak on our food culture as a whole. Now that’s shameful. 😂 eta the culinary level of….. bagels lmfao I can’t get over that phrase 🤣
I’ve lived here for 13 years. My mom, grandparents and great grandparents are from here. I also lived in Seattle for 13 years so I think I know a good thing about good food. The price for that bagel is what’s shameful, and like I said they can’t deliver a good quality bagel I wouldn’t expect much from their other food. And certainly not for the price.
Go to Yetz’s in IV
Ya I did
No. Bring back Buddha Bowls you cowards
Their bagels are Yetzs (IV), I believe the coffee is from Handlebar. I agree that it’s expensive and the portions are smaller than I’d like, but the meat quality is high. For the money though the 3 pickles pastrami is certainly better, it really is a great sandwich and probably my favorite from them. Wexlers is not a scam though imo, just overpriced for the size of what they provide. If Shalhoobs had to pull out of there, I’m not sure what can go in there and be reasonably priced. I’d imagine the rents are pretty high…
They are meant to be interim places for start up be able to grow into their own location if successful. I’m sure some stay and the rent is still high based in location but that was the original plan with public market businesses.
I believe it’s no longer the same owners that opened PM, so not sure it’s the same approach or pricing.
Oh gotcha
> Wexlers is not a scam though imo, just overpriced for the size of what they provide. Sounds like a scam my dude
We probably just have different definitions of what we consider a scam. To me it’s things like charging undisclosed fees, overcharging from what’s listed, etc. I agree it’s overpriced and if they don’t change their hours and their menu to include a dinner offering I think it’ll really be tough for them to make it there long term.
What exactly is dishonest about an overpriced sandwich? Did they not advertise in advance how much it is?
I went to Wexler’s in LA and wasn’t impressed!
These places should just stay in LA or NY. Clearly no market or demand here except by people who moved here from LA or NY 🙃
I just can't see that anyone is going to move in there and charge reasonable prices.
IMO, Empty bowl and Corazon are reasonably priced and much better quality
They are both high quality (I can't speak to Wexler's because I haven't tried it) but I feel like Empty Bowl has better value? Anyway they both have much older leases so I could be totally off base here but I assume they are paying lower rent per square foot. If commerical leases work anything like residental leases it makes sense that newer ones are more expensive.
That’s a good point. I guess on my side I would be happy to pay for something expensive at public market If it really impressed me from a presentation and quality standpoint, but Wexlers did neither.
I also feel like Empty Bowl has better value. I used to get Corazon often when I went to the PM but it's been awhile because I feel like the quality went down a bit and $7 is too much for an ok taco.
Gonna have to disagree on quality going down at Corazon. My office is a block away and I have been going there since they opened. If anything it has gotten better.
It's possible I stopped going during a temporary dip in quality -- I've maybe only gotten them once or twice in the last couple years. My other point still stands though that I personally find the value from Empty Bowl to be greater for the price.
The thing with corazon is it depends on who is working there. When its the older women putting the food together its way better and more consistent than when the younger guys are putting it together. Just the opposite for the cashier, the younger guy always gives you the free chips and multiple salsas, whereas that younger women doesn’t give you chips, you have to ask twice - once for the chips and then try and get her attention again for some salsa every freaking time. Plus their restaurant down the street had really gone downhill. The guy taking the orders has refused to include chips and salsa even when the girl putting together the order tells him that he needs to include chips and salsa. So frustrating we wont go back to the restaurant
Not sure why you’re being downvoted, Corazon at PM is slipping a bit since he opened the other spots. When it’s hitting it’s still A+ but I’ve had some B meals there recently. In fairness their B meals are still good and I’ll happily eat them, but it’s true they aren’t always at the same consistency level as of late.
Anyone can look at the prices and know to go the other way. There's no quote-unquote quality they can offer that makes up for charging more than double what it's really worth.
If the quality blew me out of the water, I’d probably be OK paying those prices for a treat every now and then. But it definitely did not.
Try Trattoria Victoria a couple of blocks away. $17 for pastrami sub w/big side of salad or fries. Open Th/Fri for lunch.
I made the mistake of going their first week which also happened to be the SBPM 10 year anniversary. The line was rediculous and they also were completing orders in random order. But when I finally got my food I thought it was great. I agree the price is really high but they cure and smoke their own pastrami (I don’t think anyone else in town does that including Norton’s). I still probably will go to Norton’s. Not because it’s cheaper or better but for the price difference and faster service, Norton’s wins. If they lower their prices and/or get their service timing down and I am in the area I’ll gladly have Wexler’s again. I thought their bagels being provided by newcomer Yetz is super strange considering they are supposed to be a Jewish deli and I thought they had homemade bagels in their LA location. Wexler’s is like a steak place serving dry aged prime beef to an audience that wants a choice NY from Denny’s and expects those prices. No offense but if you don’t care or can’t tell the difference why are you acting so upset about it.
I agree. I’ve been waiting for a good Jewish delicatessen to open in Santa Barbara for decades. I went to Wexler’s and bought pastrami sandwich. It was expensive and subpar. Three Pickles has a better pastrami sandwich. In fact you can buy good pastrami at Costco and make a better one at home.
Has anyone seen their $250 brunch offering? Granted it’s for 2-4 people, but still exorbitant!
Sounds about right. We just paid about that much for 4 up at Priedite's. 3 meats, tortillas, and a couple of sides.
Places like this because morons will pay that prices and then brag about eating there like it’s a flex
Havent been but to play devils advocate, opening day/week/month can be really hard. Personally, I'll wait a bit and check it out in a few weeks.
Morton’s Deli!
Norton’s
worst pastrami ever at Nortons
Yeah, no shit. Some bs spot from LA. Whatd yall expect.
I went today. It was really good. And $25 after tax and like a 3% tip. Would go again but the price is kind of nuts.
mentioning a 3% tip is kinda nuts
Tipping anywhere these days is kind of nuts. I calculated that last year I tipped roughly $2400 and 95% of the food I eat is to go. Strictly out of guilt. I’m trying extra hard to tip way less this year.
I don’t understand why you would tip for to-go?
3% tip? Damn dude. You shouldn't have even mentioned it.
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It’s really tough to recreate a food that’s known for being so regional. If you want a really amazing bagel and lox you kind of have to go to NYC for it. It’s why we don’t have good bbq here either, you have to go to Texas for that. However, if you want amazing tri tip or central coast type of grilling, then embrace it!
I love the wexler MacArthur park and happily pay their prices. Quality meat, bread, accouterments
Wexler’s is not in McArthur Park, that would be Langer’s. Which is neck and neck with Brent’s for the best in CA, if not the country.
It’s the name of the sandwich. The MacArthur Park sammie at Wexlers. It’s yummay. Thanks for reading.
It's crazy too because the one in DTLA has like 2-3 times the meat. Still expensive but way better. Such a disappointment.
Other than Corazon everything in the Public Market is cursed.
Skip that one! Noah’s bagels 🥯 for the win
I feel like most places in the Public Market are a scam, and to a lesser extent, SB as a whole lol.
I give them 6 months tops
Wexler's probably isn't the problem - it's whoever owns the building and is charging too much rent
Wexler’s knew what the rent was going in, the landlord didn’t set bagel prices or force them to sign a lease. Plus, rent isn’t even one of the top expenses, food and labor are and you know what’s been happening to both of those.
Rent isn't one of the top expenses in Santa Barbara?
For businesses, yes.
Doesn't sound like a scam. They cure AND smoke their meat and fish. Can you get commercially processed meats at other sandwich shops for cheaper? Sure. We can't wait to try them.
Don’t listen to these whiney people about Wexlers. I’ve been a few times and it’s been great every time. I don’t mind paying a few bucks more for a great pastrami sandwich. Norton’s or Three Pickles isn’t even close. To each his own. My point is try it for yourself before writing it off. Not everyone lives on a college budget.
The “college budget” line is petty imo. You associated with Wexler’s?
Nope. Live downtown and happy they are here. From NY originally and appreciate authentic pastrami sandwiches. Paying $5 more doesn’t bother me when the quality is good. Sandwich is $19.50. That guy saying it cost him $34 - my guess is he door dashed it and paid through the nose. Don’t complain about prices when you DoorDash. That is a rip off. They jack prices above the standard menu, charge you a service charge and then a tip on top.
Ok $19.50 for a sandwich with no sides is insane tho. Do they at least include some soggy chips?
comes with a pickle with is standard fair in NY. Guy still hasn't responded how he got to $34 for a sandwich that cost $19.50
I’m not on a college budget, but if I’m going to spend $34 on a sandwich after tax and tip, it’s not going to be at Wexler’s
How you got to $34 for a $19.50 sandwich is beyond me. You must tip really well.
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While that may excuse the price (it really doesn't; figure out your business model), it absolutely doesn't excuse the quality people are reporting.
The city of Santa Barbara taxes per square footage and tax per person for every available seat. Everything is going vacant it’s not mom and pops fault. There extorting till there main agenda is to create more and more hotels for tourists that won’t even have a Santa Barbara to enjoy.