"Before 2020, I used to stop by this place a few times a month for an everything bagel on my way to work, especially when they had special weekend flavors. They were consistently delicious, and I could grab a few to enjoy that morning and save some for the next few days without losing their wonderful texture. By the third day, a quick toast was expected, but I was always content.
Lately, however, I’m not sure what’s changed—whether it's from opening too many locations or adjustments made during the pandemic—but it's becoming increasingly rare for me to find a bagel I genuinely enjoy. Just today, all three everything bagels I bought were overcooked, with a tough texture instead of the chewy bite I fondly remember. Sadly, this has happened before.
On a positive note, they still generously load their bagels with toppings—something many other places don't do—but it's simply not enough to make up for the quality of the bagels themselves. The everything bagels were drowned in poppy seeds, and the garlic bagel lacked the bold flavor I was anticipating; even after half an hour, I didn’t get the garlic breath I expected. The texture has taken a noticeable downturn; my bagels, just an hour old, were denser and harder compared to the ones I used to enjoy even three days later.
Aside from the toppings, the everything bagels are becoming indistinguishable from those you’d find at Dunkin’ or a grocery store. I will say their special bagels have better texture than their regular offerings. Perhaps it’s because they make those in smaller batches with more care, but there is a clear difference.
One recurring issue is that when I request cream cheese on the side for taste comparisons (plain versus with cream cheese), the amount they provide is barely enough for half a bagel. The cost of these bagels, along with the additional charge for cream cheese, is becoming harder to justify.
It’s frustrating because they have such great and creative flavors; I especially love the Taylor Ham Pork Roll (definitely ask for extra). I really wish they could return to the quality and texture they had before 2020. Maybe it’s just the everything bagels that suffer from being produced in bulk, but even the garlic bagel seems to have lost that unique chew it once had.
I know many people in the area prefer their bagels toasted, which may be where they’re directing their focus now, prioritizing quantity over quality. However, for those of us who appreciate fresh bagels, it’s getting tougher to recommend this place to others."
