Surf Bagel Lewes — Restaurant in Delaware

Updated Below: Has become subpar since changing hands to SoDel Concepts. While I was originally excited to hear about more locations popping up it has become a disappointment in the change. The lox spread just taste like plain cream cheese now. Less cream cheese is put on bagels than before. Bagels have seemingly gotten smaller. Scrapple is now cut thinner. The nova and cream cheese I have to mention the standard toppings to cashier to get them and less nova is put on sandwich than before. The chips with the sandwich have become fewer from their original chips, going to Uglies(which were delicious), and then switching to bagged Surf Bagel chips that are always burnt and only 1oz compared to 2oz with the Uglies. I have tried all locations with same issue and on numerous occasions so this isn't just a one-off. All this is at the same time that prices have increased as with many places, however they have reduced the quality and quantity as well. While my previous review was 5 stars I must reduce it to 2 stars with such drastic negative changes. Down to one star, just came back in after a while, we ordered scrapple egg and cheese on pumpernickel. I stabbed the roof of my mouth after the first bite the scrapples was so hard. Before biting I thought it was just cut thin which was a disappointment. But I can't even describe how hard it was, the picture doesn't even show it. Scrapple is different from other breakfast meats because it's supposed to be crispy on the surface and soft on the inside not harder than hardtack. It didn't even taste like scrapple anymore just burnt This is not something a reasonable person would expect from scrapple. I was told that they flatten and crisp it, who does this to scrapple, it's not bacon! It's beyond crisp, it's burnt. I was also told they have done this for a while, which is subjective but they did not the last many times I've gotten the exact same sandwich. This is complete disgust, haven't had a positive experience since SoDel, who is orchastrating this terrible changes, do people actually like them? I keep trying because my family and I want to enjoy Surf Bagel again but it's not...

Update Jan 12, 2022 Sent email to Nicole at sodel, as she requested in her response

Update Dec 2021 - 2 stars

Took 5 months off from surf bagel based on my last experience (see first review below).

But I have to say now I'm reducing from three stars to two after this visit today. The pictures speak volumes of this establishments inability to do the most basic function on Earth... Toast a bagel and follow direction! I think I heard that they were bought out by a Restaurant group so crossing fingers they show them how to actually toast a bagel and apply butter or cream cheese

Today I went in and asked them to toast it with very light butter. I even reiterated that the last time I was here it just came out warm and was not toasted at all. The cashier acknowledged my concern and said that she will be sure it's toasted with light butter.

Well take a look at the photos... I got an incredibly burnt bagel with a gallon of butter drenched all over!!!

Seriously you guys I have no idea how you've stayed in business this long !!!

5 months ago - 3 stars:

Come on guys... You can do better toasting the bagels! Even when you aren't busy they come out mushy with no sign of being toasted and are hardly warm.

If I wanted a bagel that resembled being thrown in the microwave for 20 seconds I'd ask for that.

And your lack of care with the spreads... Very clumpy and only on 2 of the 4 halves.

Very sloppy work guys. $14 for 4 bagels (3 as is)... I expect better. You should expect better.

Please reconsider that when people ask for toasted bagels with a spread, that you have a modicum of consideration to actually care for...

Returned a few times and now much better. Food was always good however issue with pick up. They have changed the system for the better and it is much easier for getting your food and it is still hot which was necessary. Love the cheddar bagels and strider bars they are my favorites. Had coffee cake last week and it was delicious as always.

First food is delicious and strider bagels are my favorite when not having a breakfast wrap! I’m glad they are busy and I’m glad they have expanded over the years. Today I called three times to order and it rang so long I got a busy signal. Finally get thru and order four breakfast wraps. I arrive and I am told no longer a pick up line you must wait in one line and it’s been that way for a year. I swear on august 8 I didn’t have that issue. So now while out of towners decide what they want I have to wait to pay and hope it’s still hot and my Starbucks sits waiting. First world problem sure however still an issue that doesn’t make sense. Ordering in advance and being able to pick up quickly in season is important to the people who will also come in January and live here! I do love Surf Bagel and I appreciate the people who show up to work while so many don’t so abusing them isn’t an option. Please make the system better for those who love you 365/366...