The Bagel House — Restaurant in Toronto

I have been a long time Bagel House customer at many of the locations-personally I have had some terrible experiences with more than one of the staff at 2 locations-it was abundantly clear to me that these spots were completely mismanaged, if managed at all. Clearly cases of inmates running their own asylums and acting in a complete and utter entitled fashion. However, this location is the LONE exception {again in my experience-I haven't been to the Eglinton West location and possibly one more} to this borderline unsettling trend. The staff at this one, from what I can see, and I have been MANY times, is polite, respectful, organized, and pretty efficient. They actually look like they are enjoying themselves, while also working hard. Special mention must be made to an older gentleman who is there almost every morning {I don't know his name but I probably should} The man is extremely good at what he does, and clearly takes a heck of a lot of pride in not only his work, but his store. I have watched him many times, and recommend doing so-he is very impressive, is really good with customers, and is excellent at giving an honest opinion on what is best for the customer. Bagel House is very lucky to have him. This is the longest review I have ever given, and I...

Although we are grateful we received a full refund on my spouse’s account, I still feel a public review should be put out there because the bagels ARE JUST THAT BAD. Unfortunately I have to intensely disagree with all the positive reviews because that was NOT our experience. We ordered for the first time yesterday despite having our own fav bagel place but they use a different delivery service that we have had too many issues with. When we saw this place on our fav delivery app and saw a good rating as well as they are close to where we live, we thought why not...how could it be wrong...it’s bagels! We ordered a dozen. Anticipating an awesome bagel with cream cheese and smoked salmon I was preparing while my spouse was already eating one, then tells me how hard and too chewy that bagel was and lacking in flavour - like day old bagels. This was the cinnamon raisin bagel. Sure enough my sesame bagel was barely just a bit softer. We squeezed the other 10 bagels only to find they were all hard. I threw them in the freezer. Hopefully they’ll taste better toasted. So...

They make Montreal style, specifically St. Viateur style, bagels. They are more chewy and less fluffy. If thats what you want, this is the best option I've found in Toronto. They're my favourite style of bagel. If you want a soft, squishy bagel, you wont find it here! The cream cheese is also great. I can't comment on the other food, but remember that this is called "The Bagel House". You should be buying bagels and related products here.

Things you should know: this type of bagel will not stay fresh for multiple days. These should be eaten within two days for peak freshness. They should be kept in a plastic bag; that's why they're giving you the plastic bag at the store! After two days, you will absolutely need to toast them, as they will be hard. If you aren't going to eat them within two days, freeze them! Defrost one, slice it in half, and put it in the toaster for a bit when you want one, and it will be good.

Now you know, so don't give this place a bad review because your bagels get hard...