Grabstein’s Bagels — Restaurant in New York

Came here for a quick bite and ordered the Meshuguna bagel. It's listed on the menu wall as smoked salmon, white fish, scallion cream cheese and onion. It costs $15. I paid $16.93 because of tax and a credit card fee.

The order does not come as it's written - it looked wrong when I opened it so I brought it back in and showed him their error. The cashier was super rude and defensive.

He said the menu changed the ingredients but call the bagel the same thing and now it's smoked salmon cream cheese instead of smoked salmon (itself) with scallion cream cheese. Basically a cheaper version without whole ingredients.

I was basically misled and spent nearly $17 on a bagel with an inaccurate menu and no communication until I brought it to the counter.

I asked for a refund, which they said would like 5 to 7 days so instead he said they would email me my receipt.

This could have been resolved in a way better manner. First, I should have been told when I ordered directly off the menu that most items inside the bagel had changed. This would have avoided all the issues.

Secondly, when I came in to raise the issue about the wrong ingredients, they should have apologized and offered to make the sandwich as it was listed on the menu or offered a refund and just generally been easier to work with. Instead, I was misled, had to raise the issue myself, and then had to make my own request for a refund which they were not pleasant about.

FYI it's been over a week and I have not received my refund. I'm now working directly with my bank to...

3/29/2024: Two years ago I gave them a review when they had just recently opened. I wanted to give an update that we've been back 2-3 times since my last review and food is still delicious (the BEC doesn't have onions anymore 👌) and service great! Because I know they are pretty busy and packed in the mornings, I'm glad they're finally using online ordering services, I've utilized it twice and when I got there this morning to pick up at the time I indicated, my order was just prepared! BECs were still hot! And they were busy, so I'm glad I ordered ahead. The employees are friendly!

2022: (4 star/Like It) We walked by to see the hair salon turned over to a Bagel shop. We don't have too many around 96th, so it was nice to see one within walking distance. I was hoping they were on delivery apps online but I only use Seamless and it wasn't on there. So I decided to walk over to pick something up. I got us two tangerine juices and two BEC with hashbrowns in it, my boyfriend got a plain bagel and I got an onion (although I really wanted garlic and they don't have that). The BECs were delicious, although the only thing I'd say is that I didn't expect slivers of onions in mine, I thought it was just a BEC. And the service is a bit slow, but they are still new, so they'll figure it out. Overall, not bad, I'm sure...

It is pretty easy for me to give a five star review. I’m vegan and having a vegan option in general puts it at a solid four. I got a toasted poppy seed bagel with vegan veggie cream cheese. The CC was fresh and cold, veggies were crunchy; it wasn’t the absolute best I have ever had, but was yummy enough to eat immediately. What puts the experience at a solid five is the iced latte I got. Oat milk and some maple flavor. The barista made it immediately after ordering and it was exactly how I like my lattes. Strong coffee flavor, but also creamy with streaks of flavor throughout.

The building itself is small, with no indoor seating, so plan accordingly if you’re coming with a few people. There are a few outdoor tables, however. Upon sitting outside I noticed lots of pedestrian traffic with curious peeks into the large glass windows. Grabstein’s definitely knows how to make a place to eat look appealing. Their fast and friendly service is representative of true New Yorkers - no questions asked, but expect a smile and a “thanks boss” on...