The first thing I noticed at McAlister's was the outdoor seating. The day was gorgeous, so I was very glad to see that the others who had arrived before us were already seated outside. The outdoor seating area has good-sized tables (though we had to pull a couple together) and comfortable chairs, both of a metal mesh so that water won't accumulate. Part of the area is covered with a high ceiling, from which lighted ceiling fans are suspended: the rest of the area is out in the sunshine. To the south of the area is a sort of grassy rampart, I think to separate the shopping center from a golf course. A wrought-iron fence surrounds the patio, and it, as well as the rest of the front of the building, is decorated with lots of flowers. It was very hard to leave. We went inside to order, and the lines up to the counter are rather confusing. At first it seemed there was one line for multiple attendants, but then as more attendants showed up at the counter the line split apart. No one quite seemed to know what to do, but I don't know if that's the fault of the restaurant or the customers. When I got to the counter I saw a sign saying that all sandwiches include a choice of one side item: a good thing, because it didn't say anything about this on the big signboard menu behind the counter. I ordered the Reuben (of course) with potato salad and real lemonade. They gave me a number and a huge cup of lemonade (which mostly took the sting out of the $1.79 price tag, especially with the free refill later), and I went back to join the others. The lemonade was good, but I still prefer Penn Station. The Reuben was brought out in a plastic basket lined with printed waxed paper, including a decent pickle spear, good mustard potato salad (with paprika sprinkled on top), and a mint that said "Thank you" on the wrapper. The sandwich itself was of good size, with nice thick lightly-toasted bread and lots of meat. The meat was a bit on the bland side, but not bad. There was a good quantity of tasty kraut, and the dressing was fine. The only flavor really missing was the cheese, though it was present. They don't know the line-the-bread-with-cheese trick, which is too bad: the second half of my sandwich was just a bit soggy when I got to it. Overall a good solid sandwich, but not outstanding. To sum up, this is the best place I've found so far for a Reuben in the Carmel area, and given weather like we had that day (and assuming it wasn't noon yet: this place gets busy fast), I'd happily return to sit on the patio and enjoy another.