The Bagel Factory — Restaurant in City of Binghamton

I’ve debated on whether or not I should leave a review. However after multiple attempts to ‘retry’ this place it’s truly been a hassle.

Do not get me wrong. The FOOD IS DECENT - the bagels are not the best in the world but they offer a variety of homemade items which is outstanding and something I prefer. The prices are not horrendous, the establishment is very well kept but the customer service/functionality is bad.

After having a girl be rude a couple times since I had frequented this location quite often - I finally called to complain about her attitude and ungracious customer service. They had assured me to come back again and were very apologetic for the incident. It happens, so hey I gave it a go a few more times.

The cake topper was just so blatantly done I can not return or recommend this location.

I placed my order to-go and arrived a couple minutes after my estimated time of pick up. They were busy with a line so I figured I would head to the register to snag my food and then head on out. There were three people working, two at which were at the front and someone working the grill/fryer. Upon getting there I was not acknowledged but I was seen by BOTH front workers. So I patiently waited until they had to ring someone out then I would ask for my order. After not acknowledging me and ringing customers out - within five minutes of me being there a girl had walked in after me to pick up her order as well.

After we both were discussing we thought this would be a faster option ‘yada, yada’ we chit chatted and waited some more. They had rang a few more customers out to the point you could not see the line from standing by the coffee/napkin station. They finally decided to ask what we were waiting for as we both said ‘pick ups.’ I said the name and she replied ‘oh yeah I know who that’s for.’ While mistakenly making my bagel wrong with cream cheese - I had to wait for it to be remade. Easy mistake - no big deal I thought. The lady was super polite and popped it on. So the other girl I had been chatting to was rang out and left at this point. I thought to myself okay, won’t be long - i’ll be up next. Bagel with butter - how hard and how long could it take?

It wasn’t until they were basically through their line of customers with approximately two to three people left that I had decided to leave! I waited an extra total of over fifteen minutes for my to-go order which was completely wasteful of my time - I’m ashamed I even gave them multiple chances to continued to be treated in a repulsive manner.

End. Of. Story.

They need...

I decided to try this place since I’ve heard so much about it, but honestly I wish I hadn’t bothered. My #1 concern is they are not abiding by food safety regulations. People are wearing gloves, yes, but it means nothing when you use the same gloves to touch money and the cash register and your face and everything else. Also, for those worried about cross contamination, please beware. One of the bagels I got had plain cream cheese, and there was obviously scallion flavour in it.

The service was also abysmally slow and inept. I don’t mind standing in line, and the man from the cash register DID come over to assist, but he went back to the register without telling the guy actually completing the order what my order was which meant the guy pulled my bagels out, awkwardly put the sliced ends together, cut it again, and left it on the counter while he served a guest who was a few people AFTER me. He never once asked anyone what the order was supposed to be until he looked at me obviously annoyed and asked what my order was. If it was something time consuming I wouldn’t be annoyed, but it was literally two bagels with cream cheese. He apologised and finished my order quickly after that, but the fact is it really shouldn’t have happened to begin with.

To be honest, the bagels weren’t anything special and I’d rather go to Panera or the grocery store and call it a day. I’m not really sure why people love this place so much, what...

The day that changed my life. June 17. I, a weary traveler, out living the American Dream on the open road of adventure came across the age old problem of lunch at lunchtime. After the rumblies of the tumblies we stumbled across the only food we knew New York was famous for besides pizza, and my Jesus weren’t those stereotypes true?! Just walking in felt warm and welcoming. Amidst the pandemic, the workers were still joyful and brought life and energy to my deep deep dark depressing life. To my sorrow the bagels were almost gone, but alas! Fate brought me and Stevie together. Looking at the menu, bewildered, this true New Yorker had my back. I watched them make the beautiful sandwich that Stevie ordered and I was rebirthed. What some may see as a simple rendition of a turkey panini, I see as Gods way of saying he’s still here with us and that hope isn’t gone. I am forever indebted to Stevie, and in my humble opinion every person on the face of the planet needs to give that guy a hug and petition to put the Stevie Panini on the menu as the featured sandwich every month for all eternity. And as I continue on my nomadic escapade i will always dream about this place, my...