The only reason this store is still in business is because it's the closest food to the metro stop. This place is a mess. When it first opened, I lived in the Lenox Apts across the street and I was so excited to have it nearby. The first week I went there several times and kept experiencing chaos, mess, disorder...pick an adjective that conveys the mania that IS Einstein's. Now more than a dozen years later, the only thing it has going for it is the consistency of the insanity. There's a certain level of comfort that comes from knowing you will always have a reliably marginal, nearly train wreck experience. The employees are uniformly disgruntled, indifferent, rude, and working their best to let you know you've ruined their day. The parking is impossible in the cramped lot. Why go back? It's very convenient. The bagels (if they have the flavor you want) are good and fresh. I hear the coffee is good. And if you go when they aren't too busy, there's time to have them keep remaking your order until they get it right.
(1)
Gregory O.
I'm a novice bagel eater, but the ones here are yummy! I especially like the egg sandwiches. The space is a little small, but there is outdoor seating. I agree with Zachary that there can be "questionable looking people," but there weren't any my last visit.
(3)
David S.
It's strange but sad to see a review from 2009 that seems exactly what I am going to write about a current experience. This place is a case study in how to run a restaurant so badly that customers will forever run out the door and never come back. From the time I ordered my sandwich yesterday until it was handed to me was 12 minutes (according to their own clock). And they could not have cared less. Shame too because I love the product.
(1)
Tracy P.
There are questionable people hanging around, including two men that were sitting at a table inside when I went there the other day. They were just sitting there. I ordered my bagel sandwich, and there was a mistake with my order so the staff remade me another one. Instead of taking the incorrect sandwich she GAVE IT TO ONE OF THE MEN SITTING THERE. This is so random and odd. Did she know him? Why did she give him a free sandwich? That is really strange. There are a lot of homeless as well that are near there and the Starbucks.
(2)
Lori S.
The worst! The worst of the worst. I wish we had negative stars to work with here. I live near this location, and due to a strong addition to bagels, tea, and iced coffee, I have unfortunately frequented it often. This review is based on ~10 visits. Customer Service at this location is worthy of its own movie deal or social experiment/research project. Every time I leave I am convinced I was just "punk'd". The staff I've seen here consists of angry, disinterested, incompotent, beligerant young women who will almost always do one or (likely) more of the following: a) get your order wrong b) laugh at you when they realize they've gotten your order wrong c) yell at you for no apparent reason d) talk about you to themselves or each other. This location is almost always out of popular menu items, and if there happens to be *one* bagel left, the staff will surely shmear it with the wrong topping and then laugh at you as they throw it into the garbage. If you stand ANYWHERE to wait for your order, someone will yell at you as if you've just run over her child with your car. "YOU need to MOVE!" is the popular refrain. And I get it, sometimes customers are fools and stand around in the way, or try to pay for their order with a bag of pennies, or change their mind 7 times, or something silly like that. But the treatment that I am talking about is unleashed on customers who know what they want, politely ask for it in a clear manner, pay efficiently, and wait to the side quietly until their order is ready. The behavior of the staff at this location is beyond comprehension.
(1)
Bissi S.
The manager is a jerk. A bill was passed making predatory towing illegal and yet the people who work here still think it's okay to use predatory towing trucks. I was there for less than 10 minutes and stopped by Dunkin Donuts. The car was hooked and towed in less than 1- minutes meaning EB Bagels is utilizing an illegal practice in Montgomery County, MD. I am utterly disgusted. Is this competition with DD? whatever it is, there are laws against this now. patch.com/maryland/bethe…
(1)
Bruce K.
Smaller than most Einstein's I've visited with only four small tables along one wall and a high-top "bar" along another wall, there really isn't much room for loud people talking to dissipate. But they do have a nice patio for warmer days. My lox bagel was good, nicely topped with salmon, capers, tomato slices and a couple rings of red onion. Quite filling. Coffee is refillable. This is a great location, just across the street from the Silver Spring metro station.
(4)
Wayne W.
I mean I'm not really that much of a bagel person but they do have an interesting variety to choose from. Some are ok but I tried this new French toast breakfast sandwich that they currently sell and it tastes amazing! The combination of french toast, bacon, eggs, and cheese is to die for! That's the only item I really order there, no coffee or anything. I get my sandwich and dip! lol
(4)
Lo B.
The bagels are ok (Goldberg's on GA Ave are MUCH better but in downtown SS your options are limited). I wish they had a larger variety of savory bagel options. Cream cheese is good. However, whenever I deviate from a typical bagel with cream cheese I always end up disappointed. Their egg is gross to me- since Dunkin Donuts has opened I go there if I want a breakfast sandwich (it's kind of sad if your losing customers to DD for a bagel sandwich). Sometimes I forget how bad it is and then wonder why I paid $5 for a something I don't even like. Their veggie sandwich used to be good but they changed it and now it's totally blah and boring. I so wish this was at least a Brueggers!
(2)
Grace P.
Extremely slow! It takes at least 20 minutes to get a toasted bagel with cream cheese on it. The couple of times I have been there, my order was wrong. They don't put enough cream cheese on the bagels and rarely have tea bags. The service and quality is not worth the prices at this place. I have taken my business to the Goldberg's New York Bagels off of Georgia Ave. It's further away than Einstein's but the drive and wait time to Goldberg's is a lot less than the time I spend at Einstein's across the street from my apartment.
(1)
Alex D.
I generally come in everyday during the week and the service and staff are always top notch. The coffee is always fresh and the staff is actually happy to work there, which is a breath of fresh air. The morning staff actually cares about their job and makes sure that me and my co workers are happy and that everything is to satisfaction. Hopefully this will drive their competitors to do better as they are falling way behind this establishment. The morning staff is about as good as it gets in Silver Spring and they have it running like a well oiled machine.
(5)
Jennifer P.
Stop to get a bagel sandwich at 1pm and they have little to no bagels. I realize they close at 4pm and might not want to over cook but when you are a bagel shop you need to have bagels at least plain.
(1)
Rifraf F.
As bad as previously. Been a while since I went here...I work next door. I decided to give them another try at 6:45 this morning, but my expectations of poor service were realized once again. Stood in front of the "Order Here" sign for 4 minutes...3 people behind me. Noone acknowledged my existence or told me, as I now understand it, that you don't order at the "Order Here" sign but at the cash register. So I left without ordering, and that will be my last visit to this place where employees need at least some basic training in customer service.
(1)
Ling W.
Get the veggie breakfast sandwiches! One is spinach, mushroom, and swiss, and the other is asparagus, mushroom, and swiss. Even in the afternoon, the bagels taste really fresh, although selection is more limited than earlier in the day.
(3)
Alyssa A.
I arrived at Monday morning pretty excited to pick up a dozen bagels with their amazing schmear. It was 7:30am and as soon as I walked in, I saw that there were only two types of bagels available: chocolate chip and blueberry. With the desire to have more variety I politely asked the woman "Excuse me ma'am, do you guys have any other types". She annoying looked back at me and said "Nope. What you see is what we have". I replied "Oh okay. Well how long do you think it'll be before you have more?" and she said "I don't know. (sighs heavily) 15 minutes. No maybe longer. 30 minutes". At that point I just walked out. I was thinking about just settling for a few of whatever they had, but after extremely annoying the woman behind the counter I just left. If you are looking for bagels in the area, go to Giant. They have a whole selection of freshly baked pastries and bagels in the morning. They were even still warm and smelled amazing!!
(1)
Adam K.
Definitely expensive, but tasty breakfast sandwiches and specialty bagels. Hits the spot for sure.
(3)
Brian S.
The food is good enough that I gave the place four chances...four...but each time was as miserable an experience as the last. Terrible customer service, and the staff has such a nonchalant attitude about it that I can't see things getting any better. It's unfortunate, but at least there are better options within a few blocks of this place.
(1)
Yadi T.
Worst Einstein! I have visited this establishment before, and like others before me I had a bad experience. I chalked it up to the fact that it was the morning rush hour (8am). I decided to give it a second chance. My experience today was just as bad. This time I went at 10 am. They were quick to take my order but then I had to wait 15 minutes before I could pay because the cashier was making the smoothie orders and everyone else was focused on making sandwiches. When I did get my order, it was all wrong like several folks before me. Cashier gave me the wrong cup size for my coffee even though I was charged for the right size. My order was also wrong when I checked it after leaving. No point in going back and standing in a long line. They do not have the capacity to function effectively and efficiently. I don't think they could ever resolve these issues so I am not going back.
(1)
Mike S.
Wow, I'm surprised at all the negative reviews here. I've never had a problem with the service. Maybe it's because I'm not there at the peak times. I'm quite happy with the bagels. Ones in NYC are better (doesn't everyone say that?), but around DC, it's hard to find good ones. The only other place I know where they're better is the Bagel Place in College Park, but that's a trek from Silver Spring. The sandwiches are boxed up in a way that avoids them being crushed or getting messy when you carry them. I love their "Neighborhood Blend" coffee and the strudels are a guilty (very guilty) pleasure. It has very little seating, but there are a few tables outside, and it's fine for carry-out.
(4)
Britt D.
I've seen other reviews on here that are, shall we say less than stellar. All I can say is they must have been on their game on yesterday when I stopped in. Polite, fast, and courteous. They even got my order correct. Marc was very friendly, even though he was having some difficulty with the register. The food was, well, Einstein Bros. About what you would expect from a large chain. The coffee was fresh, the counter could have been cleaner, but wasn't too bad. Parking is good but there is a time limit, so keep that in mind if you are there with friends who like to chat for a long time.
(4)
Boris S.
Nova Lox Bagel (4/5 NOMs). This is one my main choices at this place, a very creamy cheesy with lots of nova lox. Plus, tried their new Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal bagel and wow it was great addition to this bagel. How do you start your morning?
(4)
Philip M.
Yikes, terrible experience when I visited earlier today. Staff was nice but the service was terrible and it was so dirty. Hopefully the staff uses a different bathroom because the public one was tragic. I attempted to order the deli deal (deli sandwich, potato salad OR chips, and a soda for 5.99!) but they were out of half of the options by 1pm. Thankfully when I asked about a sandwich not part of the deal the cashier agreed I could order that for the lower price. But the restaurant was filthy and I had to wait forever for my meal. Solid two stars compared to my other Einstein Bros experiences.
(2)
Denisa R.
When in Maryland, do as the Marylandians (if that's even a word). I went in with a couple of friends to grab a bite to eat before we made our way down to DC for the weekend. After reviewing the selection, I ordered a 9 grain bagel with cream cheese toasted. Now I must agree with the rest of the reviewers on here who question the employees attitude. The girl who took our orders did not look too happy to be there. Once I ordered I went to the register and paid about $9 or $10 for a bagel and orange juice. It turns out, the bagels weren't even "toasted" as they claimed. We were all highly disappointed with our purchases. In all honesty, I've had better for cheaper. If I would've known Einstein Bagels would've been such a fail then we would've gone to the nearest Dunkin' Donuts or Starbucks.
(2)
Zeenat W.
Ok, so I can't believe there are reviews from several years ago that say almost exactly what I want to say in 2013... I have come to this place well over 2 dozen times, why you ask. Because I live nearby and I visit the other establishments over here, so out of convenience... they get me... often... and my brother and my peers and clearly most other people who come here... They are the worst, they have only gotten my order right twice. Like everyone else said, they are rude, incompetent and most of the time disrespectful... When they are wrong, your wrong too, when they are taking all day, you have ruined theirs, when your in a rush, they can smell it on you like a dog to fear so expect delays in your daily routine. This establishment floats above the water because they make revenue out of location, location, location,(good job guys, you picked a great one.) Every worker here seems to be from a different country, which is no surprise why they can barely communicate with one another let alone their patrons. I began this review in my car in the parking lot after they have gotten my order wrong for the 30th time, I was so hype I couldn't text this out fast enough. Then I stopped to take a sip of my pumpkin spice latte from another establishment I can also barely stand to patronize but again they are next door to one another. I told myself relax, "it's not like this doesn't happen daily, you seem surprised... just go home and finish this later, yelp isn't going anywhere." So we're here, in the comfort of home with the wrong bagel order I refused to let them remake because it actually looked good... so maybe today will be a joyous screw up from that ol' faithful train wreck of a place we like to call Einstein Bros Bagels on Colesville rd of course.
(1)
Matt S.
Yesterday I ordered a bagel with butter, it was given to me fairly promptly, but then there was no one at the register to take my money. I and another customer waited around for at least a couple minutes, while the various workers manning the bagel baskets just ignored us. "Hellooo?" I said. No response. Finally the extremely disinterested manager came ambling by out of the back room. I smiled at him. "There you are! I'd like to give you money." He just stared at me like *I* was the a$$hole, and took and swiped my credit card without a word. AVOID THIS MONSTROUS PLACE. We cannot keep rewarding them with money simply because they are convenient and their bagels are not awful.
(1)
Angie P.
Employees were so-so, they really didn't seem like they wanted to be there. Small store with limited seating, but has bar-type seating by the window. Clean environment. My bacon, egg & cheese bagel sandwich was perfect. Plain bagel was fresh & soft. The egg & bacon cooked perfectly. The cheese nicely melted.
(3)
Jennifer B.
It disheartens me that this location has such poor reviews, especially regarding customer service. Being that I live so close, I stop in for breakfast at least once a week. My favs are the southwest turkey sausage & egg white on a wheat bagel thin and the nova lox sandwich. Both are very delicious. My daughter always gets a cinnamon raisin bagel with honey almond shmear--also pretty tasty. I love their coffee too, although they are always out of the vanilla hazelnut when I go to fill my cup--BUT, as soon as you let someone know, they come and refill it. I've never had an issue with any of the staff being rude or looking as if they didn't want to be there. The ordering/paying system is kind of weird and sometimes results in the order getting messed up, however, they are always apologetic and quick with fixing it. I wish they had some sort of frequent buyer card, but they do send out coupons pretty regularly, so that's cool.
(4)
Andrew R.
I usually aint no fan of chain bagels or bagels in general for that matter, but Einstein Bros.' spinach florentine was actually quite good. I'm glad I split that thing though, otherwise I'd be overloaded, but it was quite tasty and powered my way around town for a couple hours. I wish all bagel places had that kind of selection.
(3)
Zachary H.
UPDATE: I feel the need to officially anoint the overweight female cashier who works the morning shift on the weekends as "The Great Communicator." When she does speak (rather than grunt), it's virtually unintelligible and she is always ALWAYS rude. The bagels here are good, but the service is terrible. Beware.
(1)
Natasha S.
I don't know why this place gets business. The service is awful and the bagels aren't even that great. The seating is pretty decent sized, and they do have outdoor seating which can be appealing on nice days. But after giving them a couple chances to redeem themselves, I won't be coming back.
(2)
Mahsa K.
Fairly deserves three stars. I think they got a new owner or new management in the past 6 months because I haven't been here for a while due to customer service being soo rushed, but today everyone was very smiley and courteous. Bagels fresh as any other Einstein chain.
(3)
Steph C.
This review is for this particular Einstein shop, not all Einstein's in general. The staff and customer service here is beyond dreadful - the only reason I keep going back is because they unfortunately have delicious bagels and I live right across the street. I think they have gotten my order right all of 2 (out of dozens) of times. No matter how often I say not toasted, they toast the bagel, regardless. I asked for chicken salad on a bagel the other day, and the cashier looked at me like I had 5 heads. It's really not that hard. I'm not sure what the deal is with the staff but they severely need to get their act together. Incredibly disappointed and frustrated with this location.
(1)
Bethany H.
This place is a roughie to review. I moved just a block down from the store 4 months ago and when I first started coming I was in love with the staff. One of the women who works there named Shae usually took my order and even told me one day, with a huge smile on her face, that "she didn't want me to do any work" as she bagged every item and put them all in an even larger paper bag with a handle. On one occasion I met the manager and he was very nice and had a lively up-beat personality. Einstein's is a tad expensive though for the quality of the food, even though I do like it. I recommend the "Tasty Turkey" sandwich without sprouts. And I do have to give it to them for their awesome variety of cream cheese flavors, my favorite being honey almond and blueberry. They have for parking at the store is very small and usually there is only one spot available if any. Also there are sometimes homeless people sitting outside the premises of the store either in the parking lot or outside the store, although I know the store can't do anything about them. Recently I've had a few experiences when the staff haven't been quite as wonderful. One time I had to spell out my order, and another i had to repeat it a million times in order for them to get it right. And another time when I ordered an Egg and Cheese Sandwich on a bagel, specifically without any meat, I opened the bag on the way to work to a Egg and cheese with Sausage. Since I was on my way to work and don't have the time to waste 20 minutes plus for a dollar extra charge for sausage, I didn't go back to return it so I don't know how they would have handled it. Usually, though, this store is a pleasant experience with friendly staff. The wait is usually not long although I usually visit during off peak hours.
(3)
Tom D.
You know exactly what you're getting when you come here. You can get a totally adequate toasted bagel with butter or cream cheese for breakfast and will be fine with it. The line's a little long on weekend mornings, but that's to be expected. It's not a spectacular brunch place, but it is perfectly fine for what it is.
(3)
Elle B.
I love the bagels, but the staff hasn't been smiling or helpful when I've been. When I did an order-ahead thing, they forgot to include utensils and the like.
(2)
Semra E.
Since it's a chain, I truly don't expect much of anything. It pleases my stomach which is exactly what it was intended to do. The service is quick and fast for my morning commute to work during the weekdays. The folks are homeless that sit outside of this spot, that's just the beauty of downtown Silver Spring....anyfart, you'll enjoy it because nothing sketchy is inside, just outside.
(3)
Moritz R.
Long lines, that is ok, but check your bag because they usually get it wrong. Oh and the occasional bad attitude and plenty of beggars outside, most annoying.
(3)
Katherine L.
Chain bagel shop makes bread rolls with holes look like bagels in various flavors with varying success. Avoid if you are a bagel connoisseur seeking bagel salvation. Settle for pricy rolls that most people will devour when slathered generously with chain generic flavorless chemical saturated 'cream cheese' - aka schmear. Close to Metro? Good. Close to another chain for your caffeine buzz? Ok. Some seating? Fine. Staff? The folks who work here are hit or miss- sometimes awesome and sometimes I just feel so bad for them for having to slave at a chain bagel shop yo earn wages that I forgive their less than stellar service. Overall: know what you're getting is mediocre at best, but conveniently feeds mouths.
(2)
Jess Y.
This location is not what it used to be. I live extremely close by, so coming here was convenient for me. Not so much anymore...Why? Because, the people making your food don't care. At all. Everything is kind of slapped together and then crumbled into the wrapper / bag. Do yourself a favor and just go get a bagel from Starbucks next door.
(1)
Desiree B.
For a crappy, nearly $3, bagel, you are better off going to Starbucks. The bagels themselves are fine but the service can be hit and miss. They seem to have a lot of turn over and really inexperienced workers. My bagel this morning had a thin layer of cream cheese essentially scraped on part of it and that was it (see pic). I don't plan to go back.
(1)
Larry J.
I had a taste for bagels and lox so I stopped by on a Friday, late morning. The location is on the corner of a well-traveled path for commuters near the Silver Spring Metro stop. The store is rectangularly-shaped in what is a solid location for business. I ordered a Classic Nova Lox bagel. The girl at the counter asked what kind of bagel I wanted: *Pausing, thinking before I answer* "Everything" "We're out of Everything bagels" "What other bagels do you have?" "Garlic...Onion...." My mind stops on "Garlic" "Garlic!" I wait in the space with some other customers standing along the side, crowding the counter for coffee, napkins and the like. The space doesn't function too well. You enter and immediately come to the register. The line, though, really is meant to start at the end of the store. At the other end is seating, which seems confused. Is it meant to be a place to lounge in or to just stay long enough to keep it moving? Then I hear my name and another worker say they're out of garlic, and onion bagels. In my head I think "What kinda bagel shop runs out of bagels? Seriously?!" I choose a sesame bagel. Good choice. It's toasted and my Classic Nova comes out. It's a thing of beauty and tasty. I am happy. A bit too much cream cheese but that's cool. What's not so cool is the configuration of the space. I sit at a counter that has me blocking the path between the lobby and the bathrooms. People can squeeze by but it's awkward. My bad. I ate my bagel and was content. I like the place, but the space it occupies needs to be reworked. For the price though, I'm getting this bagel again....Hopefully on the bagel of my choice.
Betsy G.
The only reason this store is still in business is because it's the closest food to the metro stop. This place is a mess. When it first opened, I lived in the Lenox Apts across the street and I was so excited to have it nearby. The first week I went there several times and kept experiencing chaos, mess, disorder...pick an adjective that conveys the mania that IS Einstein's. Now more than a dozen years later, the only thing it has going for it is the consistency of the insanity. There's a certain level of comfort that comes from knowing you will always have a reliably marginal, nearly train wreck experience. The employees are uniformly disgruntled, indifferent, rude, and working their best to let you know you've ruined their day. The parking is impossible in the cramped lot. Why go back? It's very convenient. The bagels (if they have the flavor you want) are good and fresh. I hear the coffee is good. And if you go when they aren't too busy, there's time to have them keep remaking your order until they get it right.
(1)Gregory O.
I'm a novice bagel eater, but the ones here are yummy! I especially like the egg sandwiches. The space is a little small, but there is outdoor seating. I agree with Zachary that there can be "questionable looking people," but there weren't any my last visit.
(3)David S.
It's strange but sad to see a review from 2009 that seems exactly what I am going to write about a current experience. This place is a case study in how to run a restaurant so badly that customers will forever run out the door and never come back. From the time I ordered my sandwich yesterday until it was handed to me was 12 minutes (according to their own clock). And they could not have cared less. Shame too because I love the product.
(1)Tracy P.
There are questionable people hanging around, including two men that were sitting at a table inside when I went there the other day. They were just sitting there. I ordered my bagel sandwich, and there was a mistake with my order so the staff remade me another one. Instead of taking the incorrect sandwich she GAVE IT TO ONE OF THE MEN SITTING THERE. This is so random and odd. Did she know him? Why did she give him a free sandwich? That is really strange. There are a lot of homeless as well that are near there and the Starbucks.
(2)Lori S.
The worst! The worst of the worst. I wish we had negative stars to work with here. I live near this location, and due to a strong addition to bagels, tea, and iced coffee, I have unfortunately frequented it often. This review is based on ~10 visits. Customer Service at this location is worthy of its own movie deal or social experiment/research project. Every time I leave I am convinced I was just "punk'd". The staff I've seen here consists of angry, disinterested, incompotent, beligerant young women who will almost always do one or (likely) more of the following: a) get your order wrong b) laugh at you when they realize they've gotten your order wrong c) yell at you for no apparent reason d) talk about you to themselves or each other. This location is almost always out of popular menu items, and if there happens to be *one* bagel left, the staff will surely shmear it with the wrong topping and then laugh at you as they throw it into the garbage. If you stand ANYWHERE to wait for your order, someone will yell at you as if you've just run over her child with your car. "YOU need to MOVE!" is the popular refrain. And I get it, sometimes customers are fools and stand around in the way, or try to pay for their order with a bag of pennies, or change their mind 7 times, or something silly like that. But the treatment that I am talking about is unleashed on customers who know what they want, politely ask for it in a clear manner, pay efficiently, and wait to the side quietly until their order is ready. The behavior of the staff at this location is beyond comprehension.
(1)Bissi S.
The manager is a jerk. A bill was passed making predatory towing illegal and yet the people who work here still think it's okay to use predatory towing trucks. I was there for less than 10 minutes and stopped by Dunkin Donuts. The car was hooked and towed in less than 1- minutes meaning EB Bagels is utilizing an illegal practice in Montgomery County, MD. I am utterly disgusted. Is this competition with DD? whatever it is, there are laws against this now. patch.com/maryland/bethe…
(1)Bruce K.
Smaller than most Einstein's I've visited with only four small tables along one wall and a high-top "bar" along another wall, there really isn't much room for loud people talking to dissipate. But they do have a nice patio for warmer days. My lox bagel was good, nicely topped with salmon, capers, tomato slices and a couple rings of red onion. Quite filling. Coffee is refillable. This is a great location, just across the street from the Silver Spring metro station.
(4)Wayne W.
I mean I'm not really that much of a bagel person but they do have an interesting variety to choose from. Some are ok but I tried this new French toast breakfast sandwich that they currently sell and it tastes amazing! The combination of french toast, bacon, eggs, and cheese is to die for! That's the only item I really order there, no coffee or anything. I get my sandwich and dip! lol
(4)Lo B.
The bagels are ok (Goldberg's on GA Ave are MUCH better but in downtown SS your options are limited). I wish they had a larger variety of savory bagel options. Cream cheese is good. However, whenever I deviate from a typical bagel with cream cheese I always end up disappointed. Their egg is gross to me- since Dunkin Donuts has opened I go there if I want a breakfast sandwich (it's kind of sad if your losing customers to DD for a bagel sandwich). Sometimes I forget how bad it is and then wonder why I paid $5 for a something I don't even like. Their veggie sandwich used to be good but they changed it and now it's totally blah and boring. I so wish this was at least a Brueggers!
(2)Grace P.
Extremely slow! It takes at least 20 minutes to get a toasted bagel with cream cheese on it. The couple of times I have been there, my order was wrong. They don't put enough cream cheese on the bagels and rarely have tea bags. The service and quality is not worth the prices at this place. I have taken my business to the Goldberg's New York Bagels off of Georgia Ave. It's further away than Einstein's but the drive and wait time to Goldberg's is a lot less than the time I spend at Einstein's across the street from my apartment.
(1)Alex D.
I generally come in everyday during the week and the service and staff are always top notch. The coffee is always fresh and the staff is actually happy to work there, which is a breath of fresh air. The morning staff actually cares about their job and makes sure that me and my co workers are happy and that everything is to satisfaction. Hopefully this will drive their competitors to do better as they are falling way behind this establishment. The morning staff is about as good as it gets in Silver Spring and they have it running like a well oiled machine.
(5)Jennifer P.
Stop to get a bagel sandwich at 1pm and they have little to no bagels. I realize they close at 4pm and might not want to over cook but when you are a bagel shop you need to have bagels at least plain.
(1)Rifraf F.
As bad as previously. Been a while since I went here...I work next door. I decided to give them another try at 6:45 this morning, but my expectations of poor service were realized once again. Stood in front of the "Order Here" sign for 4 minutes...3 people behind me. Noone acknowledged my existence or told me, as I now understand it, that you don't order at the "Order Here" sign but at the cash register. So I left without ordering, and that will be my last visit to this place where employees need at least some basic training in customer service.
(1)Ling W.
Get the veggie breakfast sandwiches! One is spinach, mushroom, and swiss, and the other is asparagus, mushroom, and swiss. Even in the afternoon, the bagels taste really fresh, although selection is more limited than earlier in the day.
(3)Alyssa A.
I arrived at Monday morning pretty excited to pick up a dozen bagels with their amazing schmear. It was 7:30am and as soon as I walked in, I saw that there were only two types of bagels available: chocolate chip and blueberry. With the desire to have more variety I politely asked the woman "Excuse me ma'am, do you guys have any other types". She annoying looked back at me and said "Nope. What you see is what we have". I replied "Oh okay. Well how long do you think it'll be before you have more?" and she said "I don't know. (sighs heavily) 15 minutes. No maybe longer. 30 minutes". At that point I just walked out. I was thinking about just settling for a few of whatever they had, but after extremely annoying the woman behind the counter I just left. If you are looking for bagels in the area, go to Giant. They have a whole selection of freshly baked pastries and bagels in the morning. They were even still warm and smelled amazing!!
(1)Adam K.
Definitely expensive, but tasty breakfast sandwiches and specialty bagels. Hits the spot for sure.
(3)Brian S.
The food is good enough that I gave the place four chances...four...but each time was as miserable an experience as the last. Terrible customer service, and the staff has such a nonchalant attitude about it that I can't see things getting any better. It's unfortunate, but at least there are better options within a few blocks of this place.
(1)Yadi T.
Worst Einstein! I have visited this establishment before, and like others before me I had a bad experience. I chalked it up to the fact that it was the morning rush hour (8am). I decided to give it a second chance. My experience today was just as bad. This time I went at 10 am. They were quick to take my order but then I had to wait 15 minutes before I could pay because the cashier was making the smoothie orders and everyone else was focused on making sandwiches. When I did get my order, it was all wrong like several folks before me. Cashier gave me the wrong cup size for my coffee even though I was charged for the right size. My order was also wrong when I checked it after leaving. No point in going back and standing in a long line. They do not have the capacity to function effectively and efficiently. I don't think they could ever resolve these issues so I am not going back.
(1)Mike S.
Wow, I'm surprised at all the negative reviews here. I've never had a problem with the service. Maybe it's because I'm not there at the peak times. I'm quite happy with the bagels. Ones in NYC are better (doesn't everyone say that?), but around DC, it's hard to find good ones. The only other place I know where they're better is the Bagel Place in College Park, but that's a trek from Silver Spring. The sandwiches are boxed up in a way that avoids them being crushed or getting messy when you carry them. I love their "Neighborhood Blend" coffee and the strudels are a guilty (very guilty) pleasure. It has very little seating, but there are a few tables outside, and it's fine for carry-out.
(4)Britt D.
I've seen other reviews on here that are, shall we say less than stellar. All I can say is they must have been on their game on yesterday when I stopped in. Polite, fast, and courteous. They even got my order correct. Marc was very friendly, even though he was having some difficulty with the register. The food was, well, Einstein Bros. About what you would expect from a large chain. The coffee was fresh, the counter could have been cleaner, but wasn't too bad. Parking is good but there is a time limit, so keep that in mind if you are there with friends who like to chat for a long time.
(4)Boris S.
Nova Lox Bagel (4/5 NOMs). This is one my main choices at this place, a very creamy cheesy with lots of nova lox. Plus, tried their new Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal bagel and wow it was great addition to this bagel. How do you start your morning?
(4)Philip M.
Yikes, terrible experience when I visited earlier today. Staff was nice but the service was terrible and it was so dirty. Hopefully the staff uses a different bathroom because the public one was tragic. I attempted to order the deli deal (deli sandwich, potato salad OR chips, and a soda for 5.99!) but they were out of half of the options by 1pm. Thankfully when I asked about a sandwich not part of the deal the cashier agreed I could order that for the lower price. But the restaurant was filthy and I had to wait forever for my meal. Solid two stars compared to my other Einstein Bros experiences.
(2)Denisa R.
When in Maryland, do as the Marylandians (if that's even a word). I went in with a couple of friends to grab a bite to eat before we made our way down to DC for the weekend. After reviewing the selection, I ordered a 9 grain bagel with cream cheese toasted. Now I must agree with the rest of the reviewers on here who question the employees attitude. The girl who took our orders did not look too happy to be there. Once I ordered I went to the register and paid about $9 or $10 for a bagel and orange juice. It turns out, the bagels weren't even "toasted" as they claimed. We were all highly disappointed with our purchases. In all honesty, I've had better for cheaper. If I would've known Einstein Bagels would've been such a fail then we would've gone to the nearest Dunkin' Donuts or Starbucks.
(2)Zeenat W.
Ok, so I can't believe there are reviews from several years ago that say almost exactly what I want to say in 2013... I have come to this place well over 2 dozen times, why you ask. Because I live nearby and I visit the other establishments over here, so out of convenience... they get me... often... and my brother and my peers and clearly most other people who come here... They are the worst, they have only gotten my order right twice. Like everyone else said, they are rude, incompetent and most of the time disrespectful... When they are wrong, your wrong too, when they are taking all day, you have ruined theirs, when your in a rush, they can smell it on you like a dog to fear so expect delays in your daily routine. This establishment floats above the water because they make revenue out of location, location, location,(good job guys, you picked a great one.) Every worker here seems to be from a different country, which is no surprise why they can barely communicate with one another let alone their patrons. I began this review in my car in the parking lot after they have gotten my order wrong for the 30th time, I was so hype I couldn't text this out fast enough. Then I stopped to take a sip of my pumpkin spice latte from another establishment I can also barely stand to patronize but again they are next door to one another. I told myself relax, "it's not like this doesn't happen daily, you seem surprised... just go home and finish this later, yelp isn't going anywhere." So we're here, in the comfort of home with the wrong bagel order I refused to let them remake because it actually looked good... so maybe today will be a joyous screw up from that ol' faithful train wreck of a place we like to call Einstein Bros Bagels on Colesville rd of course.
(1)Matt S.
Yesterday I ordered a bagel with butter, it was given to me fairly promptly, but then there was no one at the register to take my money. I and another customer waited around for at least a couple minutes, while the various workers manning the bagel baskets just ignored us. "Hellooo?" I said. No response. Finally the extremely disinterested manager came ambling by out of the back room. I smiled at him. "There you are! I'd like to give you money." He just stared at me like *I* was the a$$hole, and took and swiped my credit card without a word. AVOID THIS MONSTROUS PLACE. We cannot keep rewarding them with money simply because they are convenient and their bagels are not awful.
(1)Angie P.
Employees were so-so, they really didn't seem like they wanted to be there. Small store with limited seating, but has bar-type seating by the window. Clean environment. My bacon, egg & cheese bagel sandwich was perfect. Plain bagel was fresh & soft. The egg & bacon cooked perfectly. The cheese nicely melted.
(3)Jennifer B.
It disheartens me that this location has such poor reviews, especially regarding customer service. Being that I live so close, I stop in for breakfast at least once a week. My favs are the southwest turkey sausage & egg white on a wheat bagel thin and the nova lox sandwich. Both are very delicious. My daughter always gets a cinnamon raisin bagel with honey almond shmear--also pretty tasty. I love their coffee too, although they are always out of the vanilla hazelnut when I go to fill my cup--BUT, as soon as you let someone know, they come and refill it. I've never had an issue with any of the staff being rude or looking as if they didn't want to be there. The ordering/paying system is kind of weird and sometimes results in the order getting messed up, however, they are always apologetic and quick with fixing it. I wish they had some sort of frequent buyer card, but they do send out coupons pretty regularly, so that's cool.
(4)Andrew R.
I usually aint no fan of chain bagels or bagels in general for that matter, but Einstein Bros.' spinach florentine was actually quite good. I'm glad I split that thing though, otherwise I'd be overloaded, but it was quite tasty and powered my way around town for a couple hours. I wish all bagel places had that kind of selection.
(3)Zachary H.
UPDATE: I feel the need to officially anoint the overweight female cashier who works the morning shift on the weekends as "The Great Communicator." When she does speak (rather than grunt), it's virtually unintelligible and she is always ALWAYS rude. The bagels here are good, but the service is terrible. Beware.
(1)Natasha S.
I don't know why this place gets business. The service is awful and the bagels aren't even that great. The seating is pretty decent sized, and they do have outdoor seating which can be appealing on nice days. But after giving them a couple chances to redeem themselves, I won't be coming back.
(2)Mahsa K.
Fairly deserves three stars. I think they got a new owner or new management in the past 6 months because I haven't been here for a while due to customer service being soo rushed, but today everyone was very smiley and courteous. Bagels fresh as any other Einstein chain.
(3)Steph C.
This review is for this particular Einstein shop, not all Einstein's in general. The staff and customer service here is beyond dreadful - the only reason I keep going back is because they unfortunately have delicious bagels and I live right across the street. I think they have gotten my order right all of 2 (out of dozens) of times. No matter how often I say not toasted, they toast the bagel, regardless. I asked for chicken salad on a bagel the other day, and the cashier looked at me like I had 5 heads. It's really not that hard. I'm not sure what the deal is with the staff but they severely need to get their act together. Incredibly disappointed and frustrated with this location.
(1)Bethany H.
This place is a roughie to review. I moved just a block down from the store 4 months ago and when I first started coming I was in love with the staff. One of the women who works there named Shae usually took my order and even told me one day, with a huge smile on her face, that "she didn't want me to do any work" as she bagged every item and put them all in an even larger paper bag with a handle. On one occasion I met the manager and he was very nice and had a lively up-beat personality. Einstein's is a tad expensive though for the quality of the food, even though I do like it. I recommend the "Tasty Turkey" sandwich without sprouts. And I do have to give it to them for their awesome variety of cream cheese flavors, my favorite being honey almond and blueberry. They have for parking at the store is very small and usually there is only one spot available if any. Also there are sometimes homeless people sitting outside the premises of the store either in the parking lot or outside the store, although I know the store can't do anything about them. Recently I've had a few experiences when the staff haven't been quite as wonderful. One time I had to spell out my order, and another i had to repeat it a million times in order for them to get it right. And another time when I ordered an Egg and Cheese Sandwich on a bagel, specifically without any meat, I opened the bag on the way to work to a Egg and cheese with Sausage. Since I was on my way to work and don't have the time to waste 20 minutes plus for a dollar extra charge for sausage, I didn't go back to return it so I don't know how they would have handled it. Usually, though, this store is a pleasant experience with friendly staff. The wait is usually not long although I usually visit during off peak hours.
(3)Tom D.
You know exactly what you're getting when you come here. You can get a totally adequate toasted bagel with butter or cream cheese for breakfast and will be fine with it. The line's a little long on weekend mornings, but that's to be expected. It's not a spectacular brunch place, but it is perfectly fine for what it is.
(3)Elle B.
I love the bagels, but the staff hasn't been smiling or helpful when I've been. When I did an order-ahead thing, they forgot to include utensils and the like.
(2)Semra E.
Since it's a chain, I truly don't expect much of anything. It pleases my stomach which is exactly what it was intended to do. The service is quick and fast for my morning commute to work during the weekdays. The folks are homeless that sit outside of this spot, that's just the beauty of downtown Silver Spring....anyfart, you'll enjoy it because nothing sketchy is inside, just outside.
(3)Moritz R.
Long lines, that is ok, but check your bag because they usually get it wrong. Oh and the occasional bad attitude and plenty of beggars outside, most annoying.
(3)Katherine L.
Chain bagel shop makes bread rolls with holes look like bagels in various flavors with varying success. Avoid if you are a bagel connoisseur seeking bagel salvation. Settle for pricy rolls that most people will devour when slathered generously with chain generic flavorless chemical saturated 'cream cheese' - aka schmear. Close to Metro? Good. Close to another chain for your caffeine buzz? Ok. Some seating? Fine. Staff? The folks who work here are hit or miss- sometimes awesome and sometimes I just feel so bad for them for having to slave at a chain bagel shop yo earn wages that I forgive their less than stellar service. Overall: know what you're getting is mediocre at best, but conveniently feeds mouths.
(2)Jess Y.
This location is not what it used to be. I live extremely close by, so coming here was convenient for me. Not so much anymore...Why? Because, the people making your food don't care. At all. Everything is kind of slapped together and then crumbled into the wrapper / bag. Do yourself a favor and just go get a bagel from Starbucks next door.
(1)Desiree B.
For a crappy, nearly $3, bagel, you are better off going to Starbucks. The bagels themselves are fine but the service can be hit and miss. They seem to have a lot of turn over and really inexperienced workers. My bagel this morning had a thin layer of cream cheese essentially scraped on part of it and that was it (see pic). I don't plan to go back.
(1)Larry J.
I had a taste for bagels and lox so I stopped by on a Friday, late morning. The location is on the corner of a well-traveled path for commuters near the Silver Spring Metro stop. The store is rectangularly-shaped in what is a solid location for business. I ordered a Classic Nova Lox bagel. The girl at the counter asked what kind of bagel I wanted: *Pausing, thinking before I answer* "Everything" "We're out of Everything bagels" "What other bagels do you have?" "Garlic...Onion...." My mind stops on "Garlic" "Garlic!" I wait in the space with some other customers standing along the side, crowding the counter for coffee, napkins and the like. The space doesn't function too well. You enter and immediately come to the register. The line, though, really is meant to start at the end of the store. At the other end is seating, which seems confused. Is it meant to be a place to lounge in or to just stay long enough to keep it moving? Then I hear my name and another worker say they're out of garlic, and onion bagels. In my head I think "What kinda bagel shop runs out of bagels? Seriously?!" I choose a sesame bagel. Good choice. It's toasted and my Classic Nova comes out. It's a thing of beauty and tasty. I am happy. A bit too much cream cheese but that's cool. What's not so cool is the configuration of the space. I sit at a counter that has me blocking the path between the lobby and the bathrooms. People can squeeze by but it's awkward. My bad. I ate my bagel and was content. I like the place, but the space it occupies needs to be reworked. For the price though, I'm getting this bagel again....Hopefully on the bagel of my choice.
(3)