Servatii Pastry Shop & Deli

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Two bad experiences in a row means Servattii's is off the list! Can I give this place zero stars?

To echo some of my earlier comments: bad customer service, ridiculously long wait, mistakes in what was served vs. what was ordered, dirty tables, out of stock items, and a complete lack of apology from the staff makes this restaurant worth much less than what you bargain for. Perhaps it's a good place to get pre-made items such as the boxed salads or bakery items, but walk - no RUN - to another restaurant if you are trying to get lunch.

Update: Servatii's is no longer open on Saturday's. The website still says otherwise, but three weeks ago a sign appeared on the door with updated hours, including "Saturdays: Closed."

Now, these signs mean little, if y ou remember from my first review the signs said that the deli was open until 2 but you'd be yelled at if you tried to order a sandwich past 12, but this doesn't say "temporary August hours" or "until the Fall," it says closed.

The lack of communication, including the website having incorrect hours going on a month now, has cost this place a star for me. Still the best value breakfast sandwich, but no longer available for Saturday breakfast. The Avril & Bleh Court Street Market Place right next door, though, is happy to accomodate. Came in 30 minutes after they stopped serving breakfast? No worries - they're happy to help you out (a monumental difference in demeanor between the two neighbors, as I still can't believe the attitude you get from Servatii's while trying to order a sandwich next to a sign that says the deli is open.) The sandwiches there, though, just can't compare.

I have worked for Servatii's and been a loyal customer for quite a while. Although they are prone to disorganization and their food isn't always consistent, they have amazing cakes, (although a few years ago I attended a wedding where Servatii's had forgotten to deliver the wedding cake, what a disaster!) and delicious sweets. When a store is run by a good staff and has an attentive manager, you will always get fresh consistent product and food. The recent facelift to the Court Street location was a relief. They usually have a variety of fresh hot coffee, sweeteners and creamers. Their bagels are made fresh in the traditional fashion and delivered every morning. I recommend the pretzel bagel or the asiago cheese bagel. Their French desserts are delicious and creative. They have wonderful seasonal treats, including amazing marzipan. Their doughnuts and pastries are exceptional, as well as the bread, which is also made fresh and delivered every morning.  As far as the deli goes, they ...... try. Their sandwiches have the potential to be wonderful if they would train their staff to be more consistent and familiar with the menu.  Their stuffed pretzel sandwiches are really good, in fact anything that has to do with their pretzels is amazing. I order delicious rye horn and rolls from them every Christmas and their pumpkin cheesecake is to die for.
This is a family run business and I think they are a little overwhelmed, they have several stores, and trouble keeping staff, and when they do have good staff and manager they are overwhelmed with the responsibilities given, it wasn't unusual to work a 60 to 70 hours a week as a manager. Their practice of hiring whoever is also a downfall, ill trained employees produce unsatisfying results in service. I also noticed while working for them for 2 years is that each store has different policies and rules, again, not consistent, which is a big problem with their overall business plan.
I give them 4 stars because on the whole their cakes, breads and desserts are wonderful. Thieu seasonal cookies, candies, and other treats are creative and unique, as well as traditional. They even have special egg breads and other traditional Jewish pastries, which I have have had trouble finding in Cincinnati. To make sure you get what you want from Servatti's, order your cake or torte in advance and confirm your order. You can also order your cakes on their website, but again confirm!
They also do some catering, their pretzel plates are good, as well as the sandwich platters. Ordering your lunch in advance will also ensure a correct order. It's unfortunate that even though is is an old Cincinnati business that they still have ironed out all the wrinkles in their product and customer service.