Courthouse Classic: Al's Deli and Resturant

Hidden away in the heart of Upper Marlboro, Maryland is a local favorite, Al's Deli and Restaurant. The small town cafeteria style restaurant takes you back to the Andy Griffith Show. Marlboro/ Mayberry, yeah they are definitley synonymous. Al's is a small family owned restaurant serving breakfast favorites and lunch counter fare. The menu isn't elaborate but it has all the classic favorites. The teenage waitress is balancing the entire restaurant solo (thumbs up to her!), while "Ma" is running the register and "Pa" is on the grill. Although the staff is small, they make it work. On Saturday morning I piled in with all the regulars to the no wait, open self seating cafeteria style dining room. The young energetic waitress greets you with a "Good Morning" and a smile. The breakfast menu has all the classic favorites form Grandma's. (Pancakes, Omelettes, Eggs, Grits, Bacon, and Oatmeal). The portions are huge, the food is hot, and the service is speedy. My scrapple and cheese eggs took me straight down south.  There are no elaborate tablecloths or fancy china, but the speedy services more makes up for it. Ol' Pa (BKA Al) is working that grill like you wouldn't believe. I watched a 2 man team (Ma and Pa) turn out an entire restaurant's orders withing the 35-40 minutes. No wait and no mistakes.
The fresh coffee is flowing and the locals love it. It's a meeting spot for some of the community's seniors, veterans, and historians. The locals and regulars are satisfied and happy reading the morning paper with freshly brewed pot of coffee, while the late sleepers take advantage of the carry-out service. If you wake up late and have to have a quick breakfast on-the-go check out Al's carry-out counter located in the rear of the restaurant. It has it's own entrance, with no lines and a minimal wait.    Al's definitley has consistency and speed. The quality of the food is not bad, but it wouldn't hurt for Pa Clampett to step it up a notch! Nothing major perhaps some blueberries or strawberries for the pancakes. The service is great, and the menu is well suited to the local fare. (2 Thumbs Up for Great Customer Service). One waitress serving a full restaurant with not wait and no complaints, not that is SERVICE!!!! This is a great breakfast/ lunch spot for Upper Marlboro's fast pace town. The courthouse and court building leave little time for fancy reservations and long lines. Al's gets you in and out with a smile. You will be stuffed from the hearty portions . Al's Deli and Resturant caters to Upper Marlboro's small town setting and constantly changing clientele. I am stamping the overall experience a 3.5, the quality of the food a 3, and the customer service a 4.5.