Bagel Boss Burbank — Restaurant in Burbank

TLDR: Go to Hanks. The staff is way way nicer and the product is better.

Really Bad Experience this morning. I lived in NyC for years so can take some rude customer service but after waiting in quite the line I ordered a "salt bagel with scallion cream cheese, double toasted with the $5.84 add-on of sliced Lox."

Yum right?

The woman working the register seemed new, but no problem! I work daily in customer service. She asked if I wanted the tomato, lettuce and capers still and I looked at the price screen and noticed I was somewhere near $16 for a bagel.

I knew something was off. All the prices are clearly shown on the sign in front of us, so I asked. She said the lox were $14. I called her attention to the sign and she got super flustered and starting flapping her arms around looking for the manager. I reassured her not to worry, but instead of getting the manager she got, maybe the worst person, she could find. A short haired brunette male, aggressively stepped in. Telling me they sell lox by the pound. I said, oh I just want the bagel add-on that's on the sign for $5.84. He says "I don't see that anywhere!"

I had to laugh for a moment because he was so aggressive and their electronic signs change, offering additional breakfast options. But before I had to say anything, the woman originally servicing me told him it's on the sign.

Eventually the sign changes (the poor line is getting larger) and he goes "well if doesn't even say by the pound".

At this point I'm like, so I insist on speaking to a manager, is this bro the manager? I'm looking down the counter and I see deli meats in a display and wonder if he is confusing my bagel order .... For an entire pound of lox? Why would I pay $16 extra (the price of an entire package of lox at the store) for some slices on my bagel?

He then says "well ?". And here is where I say something, I said "I'm really confused why you are being so aggressive and rude when it's your sign showing a price?" This really set him off. They should not allow this person to work in this silly bagel shop.

At the end of the day, I left with a scallion cream cheesed bagel, and even though I ordered it twice toasted, it was not toasted.

What a bad Sunday morning! All thanks to Bagel Boss, their trashy employee and their...

When I heard Bagel Boss was heading west, my ears immediately perked up. My wife is originally from New York and she has taught me - perhaps I should say "unrelentingly brainwashed" - what makes a good bagel. She is uncompromising in all things bagel related and demands that I am well. So, when I saw that Bagel Boss was now open just down the road from us, I knew the day would come when our paths would cross.

Bagel Boss' place is right on the strip in Magnolia Park. Street parking is plentiful or it's an easy walk from the other activities in the area. The atmosphere is welcoming and, well, feels like a bagel shop. (You know what I mean. There's a certain "spirit" all bagel shops not located in the UWS of Manhattan share.)

I came in prepared to simply get my standard: plain bagel with cream cheese. A classic and the ultimate litmus test for a bagel place. However, after a quick glance I knew I'd be leaving with a bag full of various types.

Bridgett helped me and not only was she friendly but also really patient as I kept adding "oh, and one of those too" several times. Besides my standard, I ended up leaving with an everything bagel, rainbow bagel, an onion bialy and a french toast bagel.

Folks, these bagels are good! The plain with cream cheese was perfect. A satisfying snap and hardness to the exterior. Just the right amount of give when biting in. A soft inside that makes you immediately crave the next bite.

I'm not ashamed to admit that I ate a second bagel immediately after the first. And here's the surprise: I normally shy away from sweeter bagels, but the french toast bagel was a recommendation from Bridgett and, y'all!, I am so glad I listened. It was sweet without being sugary and hinted at the french toast-ness while still maintaining full bagel energy. Worth grabbing one if you stop by.

Oh. And don't forget the schmears. I also grabbed some garlic and herb cream. So good I could have eaten that by itself with a spoon honestly.

So, in short, go to Bagel Boss. Great bagels, awesome service, great...

Today I decided to go out and grab breakfast. I heard Bagel Boss had New York bagels and 3 kinds of tofu schmear. I was all in and ready to go!

When you enter the restaurant, walk to the back to get in line. You order from the back register and then walk to the front to order specialty coffee and pay. I ordered a sesame bagel with tofu scallion and I was asked if I wanted the bagel toasted.

STOP RIGHT THERE. As a New Yorker, I have to say this is illegal and punishable by death. Ok well maybe not death but you NEVER EVER toast a bagel. I also ordered a vanilla oat latte because well, honestly I was feeling a little chilly coming from 110°F Las Vegas (43°C).

Now the verdict. First, the coffee Sin (sp?) made me was really good. As for the bagel, I put it next to my large coffee for size comparison and it was HUGE! They also give you a ton of the schmear, which I ended up taking off more than half but you do you.

I would’ve been fine with a plain bagel. This is easily hands down the absolute best bagel I’ve ever had outside of NYC. Before becoming a vegan when I’d go back to New York, I’d usually eat bagels and pizza. Seriously. No lie. That’s how much I loved bagels (and white pizza). But it’s been ages since I’ve had a bagel that has a bite and is soft and chewy on the inside. Bagel Boss is the best and I highly recommend them.

I also want to add that I watched and heard an employee with another employee in front of customers. Usually, this isn’t a good thing. But she was explaining something about using the espresso machine and she was so positive and helpful. I wish this was how it was everywhere and it’s such a good look...