Marx Bagels (Blue Ash) — Restaurant in Blue Ash

UPDATE #2: I recently went back to Marx craving a Lox and Cream Cheese sandwich. I wasn't going to ask for anything, but since the manager, Kresna, was actually the person ringing me up, I asked if he remembered me. He did and gladly comp.'d my sandwich. It wasn't necessary, but I was grateful. I really am pleased that my issue was addressed and I sincerely hope for nothing but the best of fortune for this iconic Cincinnati favorite. I have updated my star review to reflect the better experience.

UPDATE: I recently spoke to the manager. He listened to my complaints and offered apologies and to pick up my next order. As I stated in my review, I did not want anything but for improvement in the handling of issues. I an pleased that my concerns were addressed and hope that this business will continue being a local landmark.

Let me start by saying I am simply disappointed, both in the lack of care for myself as a customer and for the quality of the food. I have been a Marx patron since I was a child. I am now in my mid 50's. Yesterday, my mother called in an order for me to pickup. I picked up the order about 5:00, and was shocked at my bill for the small amount of items. I got home and waited for my mother and my cousin's who were visiting from Israel and who keep strict kosher diets. Upon sitting down to eat, my mother asked where the rest of the Tuna salad was. I told her that was all I got. She said, "I ordered a pint and a half". We had only received the half pint. Additionally, I cut the bagels we ordered upon arriving home and noticed they were awfully hard for "fresh" bagels. I had a hard time cutting them. The tabbouleh salad was in a word, sorry! Nothing but wheat and perhaps a little seasoning. It had little flavor and was completely lacking in onion, tomato or parsley which in my opinion what separates having a tabbouleh salad and not just eating bulgur wheat. So today I called to get my money returned for the $13.97 lb tuna that I didn't receive. I was initially offered to come pick up the tuna, (that I no longer needed given my dinner was last night). Then I was offered a store credit. I said, I didn't want a credit, I wanted a refund for what I didn't receive. He took my name and number and I was told they would call me to give my refund. Shortly thereafter, I received the credit back. What I am most upset about isn't that they missed the items purchased specifically for my kosher guests. Mistakes do happen and I can appreciate that, although this could have been a big disaster for me since I didn't have anything for a backup that was kosher. What I am most disappointed about is that I didn't get a single apology for THEIR mistake. Not from the guy that took my call, nor from the owner or any other representative. Given the fact that they screwed up my dinner party, I expected a bit more. Maybe the owner will read this, who knows. It seems to me that this business is struggling which saddens me even more. I hope that they will read this and maybe be a bit more responsive to...

My coworkers frequent this establishment often. This visit I decided that I’d go check it out for myself. I almost always choose to spend money at locally owned restaurants rather than the big chain restaurants. I believe in supporting local businesses even if prices are more expensive. The food was good, I ordered a keto bagel with half tuna and egg salad. Unfortunately, the service was absolutely terrible. To start, not one time upon entering was there any type of greeting, not even when I walked to the counter to order. Not even a can I help you or what can I get for you today…nothing. Second, A lady very rudely stood behind the counter and yelled a number which I didn’t respond because I had no idea what she was doing, she rolled her eyes and proceeded to walk to the other end on the counter. I later assumed that she was calling an order number which didn’t belong to me because I hadn’t even ordered yet! I stood waiting to be serviced while the other two young ladies talked about mixing alcoholic beverages with dairy, who called off work, chatting constantly about nothing that mattered while customers stood waiting. One of the young ladies randomly walked off to go to the back and never once asked me to wait while she did whatever she needed. She randomly came back, I ordered. After I placed the order she never said thank you, have a nice day, absolutely nothing even after I thanked her. Same with the woman who gave me my bag. Handed the bag over the counter and walked off. I stood waiting for over 15 minutes to order for no good reason other than employees being rude, unaware and unacceptable.

I am as big on customer service as I am on the food quality. The food was good but because of the incredibly poor customer service I experienced I will not return. I value my money and just as I intentionally support local businesses I expect to receive decent service. Sadly, it’s...

When I first visited Cincinnati in the fall of 2010, I learned about Marx Hot Bagels and made it a point to go there to eat a bagel with cream cheese. When I walked in, I immediately knew I had a found a bagel shop that would deliver that delicious bagel I was looking for. From the pictures that lined the wall of Jewish Rabbis, Catholic clergy, and Chicago celebrities, to the classic diner stools, this looked and felt like a bagel shop. When I reached the counter, I grinned ear-to-ear at the variety of bagels that were on display and the quality of how they looked. I got so caught up in the whole experience that I couldn’t even decide what to order. And, that’s when I was formally introduced to the owner, the “Bagel Man,” who rather directly told me to quit holding up the line and order already. I’m from New York City and used to a direct and frank approach in conversation, so the Bagel Man’s commentary was familiar and appreciated. I quickly ordered a plain bagel and bialy bagel, both with cream cheese. Eating the bagels completed and confirmed my positive expectations: crispy/chewy on the outside, fluffy on the inside and a generous amount of cream cheese. I now live in Ohio and make it a point, whenever I have the opportunity to stop by Marx Hot Bagels to grab a bagel. It’s as close to an authentic, New York style bagel that you’ll find in Cincinnati; there is no bagel shop chain that even comes close. Order a plain bagel, bialy bagel (or any bagel for that matter) and you’ll immediately know and taste the quality difference. And, don’t be alarmed or intimated by the Bagel Man (who’s from Chicago, and whose style and temperament closely resemble what you’ll find in New York City). Behind his “shtick” is a welcoming and friendly person who is passionate about what he does and clearly loves doing...