Tailgate Picnic - Deli in South Hadley - 7 College St, USA

This place is not what it used to be only a few months ago. The new owners have almost an entirely new staff and the service is terrible. If you order in person you’ll have a long wait and they frequently forget items when you place a phone order. They aren’t very helpful when you mention the forgotten items and tell you to go back in line and order it again. What was once the best lunch spot in town is now simply just a problem. Avoid this place unless you have absolutely no other options

I have been many times and it was always great. Today, while being short staffed, they made the most perfect sandwich I have ever had.

Went for the first time this weekend and unfortunately did not feel welcome..each staff member seemed like we were inconveniencing them by being there and ordering. I’ve worked in a kitchen for over ten years of my life and understand the stress and need for prep time but the woman working the sandwich area could not have seemed any more put off by having to take our order..food was just ok.

A great college Deli and grocery that serves up homemade lunch & breakfast sandwiches, soups, sides, hot & Iced coffees, drinks, snacks, ice cream and alcohol. There is seating inside our outside at two patio areas. Located at the end of the village commons and across the street from Mt. Holyoke College.

One of their employees illegally advised I can’t have a service animal without a vest one. That is inaccurate and illegal. They legally have to ask if the animal is service, and what duties it performs to qualify. They did not. The woman just said “You can’t have dogs in here,” which I can forgive, and when I did not immediately respond I advised “I’m processing my response” (calmly) but when I advised they’re service they advised “they need to have a vest” when I advised legally they do not she started complaining angrily out loud to all of her employees “she needs to learn the law… we can get shutdown because it’s against health code” etc etc. I am happy to calmly explain to employees, but I did not have the opportunity to as this employee was acting unreasonable, combative and unprofessional. A shame since I’ve visited several times without issue and the rest of the staff thus far have been nice and welcoming to myself and my service animal. Such a hard thing to have an invisible need and others feel that doesn’t qualify based on the stereotype that a service animal must look a certain way. Even if that exists, ask it in a polite way or take your concerns to the manager without it being in ear shot of the customer. For context, my animal is an 11 pound, calm and trained animal that was in my control (for this visit they were in my arms). I’m told that after I left they continued to make derogatory remarks towards people with invisible needs and that I might as well have a “bunny.” While I understand that every have their own opinions, I just wish it was handled better and left to management to discuss versus their whole staff taking out their personal opinions on the matter. We will not be returning.

I've traveled the World and lived in a bunch of places, and nothing compares to Tailgate. I hate to say it, but it's so true, and it keeps me coming back even though I haven't lived in SH for a decade. The ambiance of the place is phenomenal. It's so adorable and warming, like your visiting your favorite family member. Handwritten menus and knick knacks scattered throughout the place to make you feel at home. The food is magnificent. I almost always get The Lumberjack on wheat wrap, and ALWAYS get the pickle 🥒. Do yourself a favor and get a side of pasta salad, and then pick up some delicious chips as you slide down towards the register. I'm 2 hours away as I write this, and I'm now changing my weekend plans..

Having driven by numerous times, today was the day to check it out to buy sides for our annual dose of Shakespeare in West Hartford which starts with a picnic. We could not have been less impressed with the lifeless staff... No one greeted us when we arrived. We passed at least 6 employees with nary a glance our way. We arrived at the pre-made salad case at the back, and we stood for minutes before any of the employees within 10 feet of us asked if they could assist. Someone needs to give this team a shot of warmth and enthusiasm if this business is to grow rather than being utilized by locals based on convenience. No matter how good the salads we bought today are, sadly, it is unlikely we will ever return.

I Love this place! I especially love the BFast sandwiches BUT I like the lunch sandwiches too. The staff make it great tho! Jess, Julia, Lori, Christie & Ari have been only great to me and they are a treasure to behold in S Hadley!