There’s nothing quite like a good toastie—crispy, golden, and packed with comfort.

But when the price tag creeps past the $20 mark, expectations naturally rise.

One disappointing sandwich has now become the talk of the internet, leaving many wondering if we’ve hit peak café absurdity.

Well, the reality was a little less appetising. For the princely sum of $20.90, he received what can only be described as a 'sad' sandwich—barely toasted bread, a meagre scattering of pastrami and cheese, and what he called 'just a spoonful of sauerkraut and some mayo.'

To add insult to injury, his wife’s ham, cheese, and tomato toastie set them back $15.90 and looked just as uninspired.

Adelaide customer slams $20.90 Coffee Club Reuben toastie for lacking filling and proper toasting. Credit: Reddit

The couple shared their experience on social media, complete with photos that quickly became popular.

'What a time to be alive!' the man joked, but the internet was not amused.

Comments poured in, with one user declaring, 'Call the police, you got robbed!'

Others chimed in with, 'The saddest-looking toastie I’ve ever seen,' and, '$15 for a cheese toastie? Hold my thongs, I’m opening a café.'

The outrage didn’t stop there. Many pointed out that chain cafés like Coffee Club are often more about consistency and profit than quality or value.

'They’re essentially money extractors, minimising their costs and maximising their profit,' one commenter said.

Others urged the couple to support local, independent cafés instead, where you’re more likely to get a hearty meal for your money.

The Coffee Club, for their part, responded to the backlash. A spokesperson admitted, 'It’s not reflective of our standards or the service we expect our stores to provide to our valued customers.

We’re taking this matter seriously, and a review is already underway.' Here’s hoping that means future toasties will be a little less 'sad' and a lot more satisfying.

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This story has reignited a familiar debate: why are café prices soaring, especially for simple fare like toasties?

The cost of living crisis, rising ingredient prices, and increased wages for hospitality staff all play a part.

But when you’re paying $20 for a sandwich, it’s fair to expect something a bit special—at the very least, a decent amount of filling and bread that’s actually toasted!

Key Takeaways

• An Adelaide customer was left shocked after paying $20.90 for a disappointing Reuben toastie at Coffee Club, which contained little filling and barely toasted bread.
• The man also shared a photo of his wife's $15.90 ham, cheese and tomato toastie, which social media users described as 'sad', 'pathetic' and a 'huge rip-off'.
• Outraged Aussies on social media slammed the high prices and poor quality, with many suggesting he'd been 'robbed' and should support local cafés instead of chains.
• Coffee Club responded by saying the experience did not meet their standards, apologised to the customer, and promised to review the incident.

Have you ever been stung by a pricey but underwhelming café meal? Or do you have a favourite local spot that always delivers the goods? Maybe you’ve got a secret recipe for the ultimate homemade toastie? We’d love to hear your stories, tips, and photos—share them in the comments below.

Read more: Switch up your sanga game with this $15 kitchen find from Kmart!

 

[Chris]

My daughter & I go to our local C.Club whenever we venture to town. Fortunately, ours is of much higher standard, always delicious food & good quality & quantity. I certainly would have asked for the Manager & returned this pathetic attempt by a member of their staff. Photo & return.