Einstein Bros. Bagels — Restaurant in Pasadena

Krystall Vanegas the General Manager took my coffee.

I placed an order through the mobile app in order to take advantage of their free coffee promo. Historically, this promotion has included one free coffee per entree ordered. I forgot to select the coffees before checking out on my phone, so I asked the Cashier if we could still get the free coffees. She politely obliged. My girlfriend and I enjoyed said coffees while waiting for our order.

Krystall, the General Manager, then approached us and informed us that the promo we referenced had recently changed and now only included one coffee per order. We acknowledged and made a mental note for future visits (Lol). Krystall then told us that she would have to charge us for the coffee after the fact, despite no prior communication of this change. I jokingly replied that we would just return the now partially consumed coffee, which Krystall took me up on without a moment's hesitation in a room full of customers.

Not sure what was being accomplished here, as I can only imagine this one coffee made up an infinitesimally small percentage of their overhead and the coffee would presumably have to be thrown out anyways, with the only differing outcome being this online review.

This ridiculous exchange prompted me to look up nearby alternatives for future bagel cravings as needless to say, I will never spend another dime here again. For any interested parties, I have found the following local Bagel Shops you can support instead, all of which have higher ratings than this particular Einstein Bros location. Cheers!

-Belle's Bagels on York Blvd -Goldstein's Bagel Bakery in Arcadia on Santa Anita -Maury's Bagels & Appetizing on Bellevue in Los Angeles -My Place Bagel on Los Robles -Lovebirds Cafe & Bakery on Colorado -Jameson Coffee Roasters on Allen Ave -Float Coffee...

We've been going here for awhile, always happy with my order. Last Saturday 10/5/19 we went in in the morning at about 10:30 am. No wait, no line. A few people already paying for their drinks, no food. Ordered last chocolate chip coffee cake in case. No one around. Placed order and paid. Waited for my order and coffee cake. People placed order AFTER us. Received order with no coffee cake, asked where it was, looked in case and it was gone. Asked where it went and no one knew? Girl who took order said she would look in the back for more. She came back and said there was none and asked if I'd like something else in case. I asked for an explanation and was ignored. No apology for the mistake on her part. Asked for money back instead. I'm annoyed, but understand things happen. I think a simple explanation and an apology was due. Nada. Came home to write an email to Einsteins customer service. Wanted to let them know that I felt their staff could have handled it better. Want nothing in return, won't be going back. A week later, still no response. Not a "we are sorry for your experience", nothing. Really? Is that how ya'll do business?? Ya'll need to step up your bagel game because right now it's weak. A simple apology cost you nothing and would have smoothed my ruffled feathers. Then, I do as you ask in making my complaint and then I am ignored? Good manners must not be a high priority for your company. I then understood why your employees have no manners because corporate has no manners either. Tsk tsk tsk.....for shame. No more...

This is the best Einstein Bros. I've been to, and that's saying a lot. Very friendly, professional, and helpful staff. Excellent customer service, and let me tell you, I've had some weird requests).

Product... I always seek out an "authentic New York Jewish bagel whenever I can. I love small, locally owned businesses rather than chains. And at first I thought "well, it's a production bagel - it won't be that good". But it was. And is.

For $18 for a baker's dozen with two shmears (that's worth at least 9 bucks alone) you can't go wrong.

Pro tip: whether you're bringing home or rewarding the office, ask for the bagels to be cut. Not only will folks appreciate not doing that awkward dance with the flimsy plastic knife, but some may only need a...