The staff here are so incompetent it's ridiculous. Every single time I patronize this store, my order is somehow wrong. They never have your order right, and they constantly confuse customers with where they should order and where the line forms. It takes no less than 15 - 20 minutes to place an order because they are slow and inefficient in their job.
(1)
Ryan V.
I stopped in to grab a quick egg and bagel sandwich for breakfast, because I was starving. Instead I was greeted by grumpy staff who got the order wrong. The sandwich wasn't even that good. Do yourself a favor, if your in this area, take Jones Mill to Woodmont and just stop into Woodmont Deli.
(1)
Heather J.
Oof. This place has gone downhill. The service is slow and disorganized, they claim not to offer their reduced fat cream cheeses behind the counter (although I swear I've gotten them before), so I had to buy a whole tub, and the bagels just taste like bread. Don't even bother with the thin bagels - they really are just bread baked in a round shape. I'd rather get food from Starbucks nextdoor.
(2)
Darrell S.
Horrible service and my food was extremely bad plus I heard one of the people behind the counter use profane language towards me under his breath. The bathroom was disgusting and a complete mess with feces loaded in the toilet. I'll never come back.
(1)
Leenee B.
The location is not the best because of the parking. That being said, I usually just go here to buy a dozen bagels when people are visiting me. I really prefer Brueggers bagels, but these bagels are edible. I haven't had any negative experiences like people below...nor any really outstanding ones. This place is just ok. I like Bethesda Bagels better.
(3)
Ebie B.
This place is pretty decent. I like the bagels and the lox cream cheese. They always have new creations to try out and I really like their menu. Lots of variety and their sandwiches and salads just seem fresh. The problem is with the staff and the overall cleanliness of the restaurant (or lack thereof). They staff almost always seems confused. Just in general. A few times I've ordered a bagel with cream cheese (a single item) and didn't receive it until half the people behind me, some who had much larger and more complicated orders, had paid and gotten their food. They really need to work on organization because at present time there seems to be none. I'm not an expert or anything but I feel like the amount of people in the food preparation area actually makes things move slower. The eating area is often a mess. It's a casual bagel place so I'm not expecting perfection or anything. But on a few visits its been so bad that I've decided to take my food and eat it elsewhere. They have an area outside that they share with the next door Starbucks which is convenient but shouldn't be a reason to neglect cleaning up the inside. I grew up going to this Einsteins and will most likely be back. It's a convenient location and they have good food. I just hope they find a way to make this place run more efficiently.
(3)
Shad M.
I LOVE the bagels here. This is my favorite bagel place in the dc area - and I'm shocked by the low reviews. The bagels taste so fresh and are always nice and soft. My go to order is an everything bagel, scooped, toasted, with lox, cream cheese and a tomato. I'm always happy with it. I typically go late morning so there is never a long line and I get my bagel quickly. Man I want to get up and go there right now.
(5)
Arya S.
Pretty surprised this location has only 2.5 stars. I've always received great service here. I'll admit I'm not typically around during peak hours, but even during busy times the service is adequate. I'm a fan of the green chile bagel and the garden vegie spread. I'll also get lox from time to time. This is definitely my bagel spot of choice in the chevy chase/bethesda area. Don't be deterred by the low review.
(4)
Mariah S.
I liked the large outdoor patio but it was too cold this morning to enjoy. It was a bit cramped in here but looked like most people got their food to go. There are a few tables. There is also a long table alongside the windows with barstools. The plus is there is Wi-Fi but the downside is there are no outlets. Came in about 9:00 AM and the coffee and bagels still tasted fresh. Service was pretty quick. Coffee area was a bit untidy and the tables need a good wipe down (i'm talking using bleach please).
(3)
Julie D.
I've been here multiple times and yes, it's always get busy during peak hours. I agree with several yelp reviewers on disorganization with the ordering/paying configuration. Sometimes you order in the back and other times you order up from. It's always a little confusing, but I just try to go with the flow. The establishment seemed understaffed and their current staff seemed overworked. Even so, the individual that rung me up was still friendly.
(3)
Susan L.
We went there this morning and got a nova lox sandwich, two bagels (power bagel & six-cheese bagel) and two large cups of their strongest regular coffee, for a total of $15.21 with tax. My husband said the nova lox sandwich was very good, but my bagels were just "fair". The coffee was also just "fair". However; unlike most of the other reviewers, we didn't encounter a line (of course, that was probably because it was Christmas morning) and all (three) of the staff were pleasant. (Update on 9/2/13): We went there early this afternoon and again got food for the road, all of which was very good. My husband got a toasted sesame seed bagel with smoked salmon schmear, which came with a medium-sized cup of coffee ($3.99) - and I got a pumpkin muffin ($1.95) & two pumpkin/white macadamia nut cookies ($1.35/each). The cookies were *delicious*.
(3)
Tandis H.
Service here is hit or miss, but some of the workers are consistently friendly and always put a smile on your face :) I find that the bagels here are much bigger and better overall than some other locations. I definitely recommend going before noon when the bagels will still be fresh. They have a happy hour (1/2 off drinks) after 3, but you're better off going next door to Starbucks if you're thirsty.
(4)
stevie t.
I guess getting there is the most important. So the first thing to mention is that you have to turn down the road before the restaurant to find the parking lot (when driving North). Once there... There's always a line (a good sign), but they keep it moving very quickly. And I'm not sure if this is new, because I don't remember it from previous visits, but they have the best system now. The ordering register has an itemized screen facing customers. So everything you order (and all my weird picky requests) show up in front if you. I LOVE not having to wonder if they've entered it correctly. Even better, as you roll down the line to the pay register, your order pops up on a screen down there too. So even with 100 people in front of you, you're always sure you're paying for the right order. They really have got it down to a science. The one drawback is the limited seating. If the weather's nice, there's a large patio (but it's shared with Starbuck's). Inside though, it's pretty difficult to get a seat when I go in the mornings. I've had to eat in my car numerous times - not above it btw, so I'll definitely keep going. As far as the food goes, I always order an everything bagel toasted with extra garlic/herb cc or a cinnamon raisin toasted with extra honey/almond cc. Consistently delicious.
(4)
P G.
Rude servers. Before I can even order I have to wait until they decide I'm standing there. Gets worse from there.
(1)
Lynne L.
Terrible customer service. I went in on a Saturday to meet a friend and ordered a coffee and a bagel sandwich. I paid with a credit card and wasn't given a receipt. I didn't think anything of it until I got my credit card bill and noticed they charged me $16.08 for what should have been about a $6 order. I called multiple times to speak to a manager to try and get a refund and they hassled me and said I'd have to come in in person. Unfortunately I live about an hour from this location so it isn't worth the cost in gas or time. Very frustrating.
(1)
Ginny H.
Ak! I had not been to this particular version of the Einstein Bothers chain for several years and, yikes; what a disaster. The cash resister configuration has always been confusing - one at the rear end of the counter and the other at the front - but I stood for quite a while at the rear without any of the three workers acknowledging me for quite a while. As I moved up to the front cash register, the woman behind me stood unacknowledged as well until I noted to the (fourth worker) cashier that the others seem inattentive. It was at about 10 a.m.; after rush hour. I watched as the bacon, cheese and egg - or egg substitute - was microwaved and plunked on a bagel. The bacon was no-where near crisp. I'm not even sure it was cooked. I ended up jettisoning the egg and bacon. Starbucks, next door, has far better pre-made sandwiches and they make an effort to notice you. Very bad.
(1)
David S.
My experience here started off poorly before I even ordered. I wanted to wash my hands, but was surprised when the person who exited the men's room was a female employee. I know this kind of thing occurs when the women's room is occupied, but I would have thought an employee of the establishment would either have access to a private restroom or wait for the appropriate restroom to be vacant. In any case, when I entered, I could not help but notice the men's room was not very clean. Not the best first impression of this place. I wanted to order a bagel with cream cheese and a hot beverage, but for some reason, this particular Einstein Bros does not carry hot chocolate or chai tea. In my mind, this is not a requirement for all bagel places, but when you're trying to compete with Dunkin' Donuts, I think it's a good idea. I ended up getting regular tea, but saw neither honey nor the correct lids for the cup. It's possible they were around, but I did not feel like spending more time there, so I grabbed a plastic soda cup lid. The bagel was not terrible, but most of the bagels I've eaten in my life were better. Overall, it was a disappointing experience. My sense is that, even on a good day, this place would only get three stars. If I return to an Einstein Bros Bagels in the future, it will not be this one.
(2)
Brandon M.
The reason for the low stars is customer service. They are slow, slow, slow. I visit this place rather frequently since it's close to home and the food is good, but last time I was there it was taking 30 per order to get their food. Everyone was standing around getting irate. Turns out the microwave broken, so anything with egg was taking one at a time, and rather than tell customers this they kept taking egg orders. Other times I have been one of only 3 people, I had to wait and got the wrong order. The location at the silver spring location is just as bad sadly.
(3)
Melika N.
Horrible service and staff! They don't even have half theirs I available most times! Long wait time and pretty pricy for no reason! The only reason I go here is because it is the closest place to my workplace!
(1)
Heather R.
The like the bagel shmears, sandwiches, iced tea, and coffee. I don't know if its the location or what but there seems to be pretentious folks that frequent this place. Service sucks but they do have a lot crammed in this little place.
(3)
C T.
These guys are so slow. Staff was inefficient, unprofessional. Food was fine. Feels overpriced. Only returned because of a lack of breakfast options nearby.
(2)
Lauren Y.
there's always a line for a reason. i love the dipped poppyseed toasted bagel with cream cheese. its always toasted the way i like it. my bf always gets potato bagel toasted with garlic herb reduced fat cream cheese. the reason why i like this place is bc its fresh, fast and friendly. their bagels are also not enormous so you don't have to widen your mouth too much to take a bite. fresh squeezed oj is sweet. don't like bagels? they have a variety of other yummies too. don't feel like buying one of their drinks? there's a starbucks next door. thumbs up: bagels thumbs down: can get crowded.
(4)
Eva O.
There's nothing I hate more than rushing through a meal because of its sloppiness! I ordered a honey wheat bagel thin sandwich with some chicken, mushroom, and egg combo. Sure it was tasty, but I didn't even feel like enjoying it.... every bite left sauce dripping down my fingers and it was definitely a challenge to hold the bagel together without dropping the contents onto my lap. So of course, I started stuffing it into my mouth instead. The variety of bagels like Dutch apple and Spinach florentine + different deli sandwiches, coffees, and such really appeal to me. But everything is just poor execution- the lines are long, sandwiches are sloppy, unfriendly staff...ehh just sayin they could really up their game. Run a tighter ship with the staff and add a pleasant loungy area to eat at.
(2)
Steven N.
I am amazed at all the negative reviews. I go there all the time. The cinnamon raisin bagel is excellent. The coffee is good. The staff are terrific. Gotta wonder when someone trashes the place because the soda dispenser was out of ice tea. Since ice tea is dispensed separately, either she was in the wrong place or Einstein isn't paying yelp enough vig. Forget the negative reviews, the line shows that the product is good.
(4)
Laura C.
20 minutes for 2 toasted bagels! It wasn't that busy this morning when we went in for some bagels - only 2 people ahead of us in line. I ordered iced tea and they gave me a cup, but the soda fountain was out of iced tea. I told the manager, he offered hot tea instead (nothing about refilling the station). What's more is that the wait was forever! After waiting and waiting for 2 bagels (15 minutes later), they said they didn't have any of the sundried tomato bagel even though the sign was still up. I gave a suggested replacement and then that took another long while. No space to eat there, so ate in the car on the way back and the toasted bagel was now mushy. We would have done better to go to the Starbucks right next door and ordered bagels from there. Worst. Bagel. Ever.
(1)
Stuart W.
Absolutely ghastly. Based on past experience, I was very hesitant but wound up in this place again. Between the slacker workers, disaffected manager and mediocre food, it's hard to pick a reason to never set foot in one of these places again.
(1)
Nicholas T.
So sad that all of suburban America thinks this is what bagels are.
Dennis R.
The staff here are so incompetent it's ridiculous. Every single time I patronize this store, my order is somehow wrong. They never have your order right, and they constantly confuse customers with where they should order and where the line forms. It takes no less than 15 - 20 minutes to place an order because they are slow and inefficient in their job.
(1)Ryan V.
I stopped in to grab a quick egg and bagel sandwich for breakfast, because I was starving. Instead I was greeted by grumpy staff who got the order wrong. The sandwich wasn't even that good. Do yourself a favor, if your in this area, take Jones Mill to Woodmont and just stop into Woodmont Deli.
(1)Heather J.
Oof. This place has gone downhill. The service is slow and disorganized, they claim not to offer their reduced fat cream cheeses behind the counter (although I swear I've gotten them before), so I had to buy a whole tub, and the bagels just taste like bread. Don't even bother with the thin bagels - they really are just bread baked in a round shape. I'd rather get food from Starbucks nextdoor.
(2)Darrell S.
Horrible service and my food was extremely bad plus I heard one of the people behind the counter use profane language towards me under his breath. The bathroom was disgusting and a complete mess with feces loaded in the toilet. I'll never come back.
(1)Leenee B.
The location is not the best because of the parking. That being said, I usually just go here to buy a dozen bagels when people are visiting me. I really prefer Brueggers bagels, but these bagels are edible. I haven't had any negative experiences like people below...nor any really outstanding ones. This place is just ok. I like Bethesda Bagels better.
(3)Ebie B.
This place is pretty decent. I like the bagels and the lox cream cheese. They always have new creations to try out and I really like their menu. Lots of variety and their sandwiches and salads just seem fresh. The problem is with the staff and the overall cleanliness of the restaurant (or lack thereof). They staff almost always seems confused. Just in general. A few times I've ordered a bagel with cream cheese (a single item) and didn't receive it until half the people behind me, some who had much larger and more complicated orders, had paid and gotten their food. They really need to work on organization because at present time there seems to be none. I'm not an expert or anything but I feel like the amount of people in the food preparation area actually makes things move slower. The eating area is often a mess. It's a casual bagel place so I'm not expecting perfection or anything. But on a few visits its been so bad that I've decided to take my food and eat it elsewhere. They have an area outside that they share with the next door Starbucks which is convenient but shouldn't be a reason to neglect cleaning up the inside. I grew up going to this Einsteins and will most likely be back. It's a convenient location and they have good food. I just hope they find a way to make this place run more efficiently.
(3)Shad M.
I LOVE the bagels here. This is my favorite bagel place in the dc area - and I'm shocked by the low reviews. The bagels taste so fresh and are always nice and soft. My go to order is an everything bagel, scooped, toasted, with lox, cream cheese and a tomato. I'm always happy with it. I typically go late morning so there is never a long line and I get my bagel quickly. Man I want to get up and go there right now.
(5)Arya S.
Pretty surprised this location has only 2.5 stars. I've always received great service here. I'll admit I'm not typically around during peak hours, but even during busy times the service is adequate. I'm a fan of the green chile bagel and the garden vegie spread. I'll also get lox from time to time. This is definitely my bagel spot of choice in the chevy chase/bethesda area. Don't be deterred by the low review.
(4)Mariah S.
I liked the large outdoor patio but it was too cold this morning to enjoy. It was a bit cramped in here but looked like most people got their food to go. There are a few tables. There is also a long table alongside the windows with barstools. The plus is there is Wi-Fi but the downside is there are no outlets. Came in about 9:00 AM and the coffee and bagels still tasted fresh. Service was pretty quick. Coffee area was a bit untidy and the tables need a good wipe down (i'm talking using bleach please).
(3)Julie D.
I've been here multiple times and yes, it's always get busy during peak hours. I agree with several yelp reviewers on disorganization with the ordering/paying configuration. Sometimes you order in the back and other times you order up from. It's always a little confusing, but I just try to go with the flow. The establishment seemed understaffed and their current staff seemed overworked. Even so, the individual that rung me up was still friendly.
(3)Susan L.
We went there this morning and got a nova lox sandwich, two bagels (power bagel & six-cheese bagel) and two large cups of their strongest regular coffee, for a total of $15.21 with tax. My husband said the nova lox sandwich was very good, but my bagels were just "fair". The coffee was also just "fair". However; unlike most of the other reviewers, we didn't encounter a line (of course, that was probably because it was Christmas morning) and all (three) of the staff were pleasant. (Update on 9/2/13): We went there early this afternoon and again got food for the road, all of which was very good. My husband got a toasted sesame seed bagel with smoked salmon schmear, which came with a medium-sized cup of coffee ($3.99) - and I got a pumpkin muffin ($1.95) & two pumpkin/white macadamia nut cookies ($1.35/each). The cookies were *delicious*.
(3)Tandis H.
Service here is hit or miss, but some of the workers are consistently friendly and always put a smile on your face :) I find that the bagels here are much bigger and better overall than some other locations. I definitely recommend going before noon when the bagels will still be fresh. They have a happy hour (1/2 off drinks) after 3, but you're better off going next door to Starbucks if you're thirsty.
(4)stevie t.
I guess getting there is the most important. So the first thing to mention is that you have to turn down the road before the restaurant to find the parking lot (when driving North). Once there... There's always a line (a good sign), but they keep it moving very quickly. And I'm not sure if this is new, because I don't remember it from previous visits, but they have the best system now. The ordering register has an itemized screen facing customers. So everything you order (and all my weird picky requests) show up in front if you. I LOVE not having to wonder if they've entered it correctly. Even better, as you roll down the line to the pay register, your order pops up on a screen down there too. So even with 100 people in front of you, you're always sure you're paying for the right order. They really have got it down to a science. The one drawback is the limited seating. If the weather's nice, there's a large patio (but it's shared with Starbuck's). Inside though, it's pretty difficult to get a seat when I go in the mornings. I've had to eat in my car numerous times - not above it btw, so I'll definitely keep going. As far as the food goes, I always order an everything bagel toasted with extra garlic/herb cc or a cinnamon raisin toasted with extra honey/almond cc. Consistently delicious.
(4)P G.
Rude servers. Before I can even order I have to wait until they decide I'm standing there. Gets worse from there.
(1)Lynne L.
Terrible customer service. I went in on a Saturday to meet a friend and ordered a coffee and a bagel sandwich. I paid with a credit card and wasn't given a receipt. I didn't think anything of it until I got my credit card bill and noticed they charged me $16.08 for what should have been about a $6 order. I called multiple times to speak to a manager to try and get a refund and they hassled me and said I'd have to come in in person. Unfortunately I live about an hour from this location so it isn't worth the cost in gas or time. Very frustrating.
(1)Ginny H.
Ak! I had not been to this particular version of the Einstein Bothers chain for several years and, yikes; what a disaster. The cash resister configuration has always been confusing - one at the rear end of the counter and the other at the front - but I stood for quite a while at the rear without any of the three workers acknowledging me for quite a while. As I moved up to the front cash register, the woman behind me stood unacknowledged as well until I noted to the (fourth worker) cashier that the others seem inattentive. It was at about 10 a.m.; after rush hour. I watched as the bacon, cheese and egg - or egg substitute - was microwaved and plunked on a bagel. The bacon was no-where near crisp. I'm not even sure it was cooked. I ended up jettisoning the egg and bacon. Starbucks, next door, has far better pre-made sandwiches and they make an effort to notice you. Very bad.
(1)David S.
My experience here started off poorly before I even ordered. I wanted to wash my hands, but was surprised when the person who exited the men's room was a female employee. I know this kind of thing occurs when the women's room is occupied, but I would have thought an employee of the establishment would either have access to a private restroom or wait for the appropriate restroom to be vacant. In any case, when I entered, I could not help but notice the men's room was not very clean. Not the best first impression of this place. I wanted to order a bagel with cream cheese and a hot beverage, but for some reason, this particular Einstein Bros does not carry hot chocolate or chai tea. In my mind, this is not a requirement for all bagel places, but when you're trying to compete with Dunkin' Donuts, I think it's a good idea. I ended up getting regular tea, but saw neither honey nor the correct lids for the cup. It's possible they were around, but I did not feel like spending more time there, so I grabbed a plastic soda cup lid. The bagel was not terrible, but most of the bagels I've eaten in my life were better. Overall, it was a disappointing experience. My sense is that, even on a good day, this place would only get three stars. If I return to an Einstein Bros Bagels in the future, it will not be this one.
(2)Brandon M.
The reason for the low stars is customer service. They are slow, slow, slow. I visit this place rather frequently since it's close to home and the food is good, but last time I was there it was taking 30 per order to get their food. Everyone was standing around getting irate. Turns out the microwave broken, so anything with egg was taking one at a time, and rather than tell customers this they kept taking egg orders. Other times I have been one of only 3 people, I had to wait and got the wrong order. The location at the silver spring location is just as bad sadly.
(3)Melika N.
Horrible service and staff! They don't even have half theirs I available most times! Long wait time and pretty pricy for no reason! The only reason I go here is because it is the closest place to my workplace!
(1)Heather R.
The like the bagel shmears, sandwiches, iced tea, and coffee. I don't know if its the location or what but there seems to be pretentious folks that frequent this place. Service sucks but they do have a lot crammed in this little place.
(3)C T.
These guys are so slow. Staff was inefficient, unprofessional. Food was fine. Feels overpriced. Only returned because of a lack of breakfast options nearby.
(2)Lauren Y.
there's always a line for a reason. i love the dipped poppyseed toasted bagel with cream cheese. its always toasted the way i like it. my bf always gets potato bagel toasted with garlic herb reduced fat cream cheese. the reason why i like this place is bc its fresh, fast and friendly. their bagels are also not enormous so you don't have to widen your mouth too much to take a bite. fresh squeezed oj is sweet. don't like bagels? they have a variety of other yummies too. don't feel like buying one of their drinks? there's a starbucks next door. thumbs up: bagels thumbs down: can get crowded.
(4)Eva O.
There's nothing I hate more than rushing through a meal because of its sloppiness! I ordered a honey wheat bagel thin sandwich with some chicken, mushroom, and egg combo. Sure it was tasty, but I didn't even feel like enjoying it.... every bite left sauce dripping down my fingers and it was definitely a challenge to hold the bagel together without dropping the contents onto my lap. So of course, I started stuffing it into my mouth instead. The variety of bagels like Dutch apple and Spinach florentine + different deli sandwiches, coffees, and such really appeal to me. But everything is just poor execution- the lines are long, sandwiches are sloppy, unfriendly staff...ehh just sayin they could really up their game. Run a tighter ship with the staff and add a pleasant loungy area to eat at.
(2)Steven N.
I am amazed at all the negative reviews. I go there all the time. The cinnamon raisin bagel is excellent. The coffee is good. The staff are terrific. Gotta wonder when someone trashes the place because the soda dispenser was out of ice tea. Since ice tea is dispensed separately, either she was in the wrong place or Einstein isn't paying yelp enough vig. Forget the negative reviews, the line shows that the product is good.
(4)Laura C.
20 minutes for 2 toasted bagels! It wasn't that busy this morning when we went in for some bagels - only 2 people ahead of us in line. I ordered iced tea and they gave me a cup, but the soda fountain was out of iced tea. I told the manager, he offered hot tea instead (nothing about refilling the station). What's more is that the wait was forever! After waiting and waiting for 2 bagels (15 minutes later), they said they didn't have any of the sundried tomato bagel even though the sign was still up. I gave a suggested replacement and then that took another long while. No space to eat there, so ate in the car on the way back and the toasted bagel was now mushy. We would have done better to go to the Starbucks right next door and ordered bagels from there. Worst. Bagel. Ever.
(1)Stuart W.
Absolutely ghastly. Based on past experience, I was very hesitant but wound up in this place again. Between the slacker workers, disaffected manager and mediocre food, it's hard to pick a reason to never set foot in one of these places again.
(1)Nicholas T.
So sad that all of suburban America thinks this is what bagels are.
(1)