Review: Momma Goldberg's Deli

I want to like Momma Goldberg's Deli so badly I've given it three chances at three different locations: Tuscaloosa, Homewood, and Inverness. I need to like it because: 1) it is located 0.6 of a mile from my apartment, and 2) I might have to watch football there should my satellite dish move, oh say, 1/4 of an inch the wrong way.

Anything with 'deli' in the name suggests a Reuben to me. Yet, I expect and desire something a little more interesting than what I prepare for myself on any given Saturday.

Today I ordered the 3:00-7:00 Friday special for $5.39: a sandwich, chips, and a soda. The amount I paid correlated with what time I ordered (i.e., had I ordered at 3:05, I would have paid $3.05). Great! The sandwich was reasonably good, but only comparable to any basic chain sandwich shop. A big plus: Dr. Brown's beverages! I expect I will visit them again when there are time restraints and/or rainy weather.

Now for the less pleasant commentary: clean it up, Momma!
I will give the Tuscaloosa restaurant a break because I was there at the high traffic lunch hour.
Homewood? I didn't think I would be able to swallow my food because the place was so dirty (3:00 p.m. and only four customers).
Inverness was relatively clean except at their condiments and drinks area. Overflowing trash is a bit unappetizing.