Bagel Snack — Restaurant in Pompano Beach

Where can you find the best bagels in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties? Sun Sentinel readers have spoken and it is at the Bagel Snack in Pompano Beach. The Bagel Snack is a 45 year old Pompano Beach landmark restaurant. In 1992 the restaurant was taken over by Jonathan and Thelma Simes who continue to churn out the beloved top quality bagels, deli sandwiches, salads, soup, potato pancakes, knishes, cake, danishes, muffins, rice pudding, cookies and rugelach.

On a day off from school I made my to the Bagel Snack for lunch. Tucked into a nondescript plaza on Powerline Road, Bagel Snack is no frills with tables and booths but what it lacks in decorations it more than makes up with the quality of food. On a weekend this place is packed with all of the transplanted northerners from nearby Palm Aire. On a rainy weekday it was easier to get a table. This is the kind of place where everyone knows everyone else. I was greeted with honey and sweetie by the lovely staff who made me feel so welcome.

It wasn't long before the hot coffee was flowing into my cup and I was presented with a complimentary relish tray with two kinds of slaw and two kinds of pickles. For lunch I ordered the outstanding turkey club and fries. The sandwich was gigantic. It was more than enough for two people and I could barely put a dent in half.

Of course I could not leave without some of their award winning bagels which I purchased in the deli area on my out. The Everything Bagel made the perfect late afternoon snack. Bagel Snack makes their bagels every hour by boiling them before baking them in the old fashioned way. They lived up to the hype with a chewy exterior and soft interior that grabs all of the toppings you smear on. They offer thirteen flavors which include plain, pumpernickel, cinnamon raisin, sesame, marble, poppy seed, everything in egg and whole wheat, onion, whole wheat, garlic, rye and salt. You can't go wrong with any of them and you can pair them with plain, chive, vegetable, olive, and raisin walnut cream cheese, and a nova spread. When you are craving New York style deli food, there is no better cure than...

Place needs a makeover. Ceiling in back is what I had a view of and it was full of molded ceiling tiles from ac or roof leaks. If this is a family owned business then they need to step back away from their comfort zone and relook at the place. For a new client coming in for the first time it is not appealing.

Also when I got seated I asked for a glass of milk. He came back with the milk and there where things floating in it. He went back and poured a new one. Again when he came back there where more things floating in it. I just asked for a water instead.

I got the everything Bagel and it was not the best I have ever had, or even close. It was equal to getting one at Dunkin Donuts. Except DD has more everything on their bagels. I had to ask my waiter if this was even an everything bagel because there where no toppings on it. Sad.

Also, I prefer to have my cream cheese applied for me instead of coming out in pathetic itty bitty containers that I have to fight with and are dirty. Call it lazy but when there is oil or grease on the side of it and it and it slips out of your hand onto your work clothes...uggh.

I won't be back to this place and I do hope the owners read this. I love the fact you have regulars but just remember the other generation is coming in now and spending their money too. With just a new face lift, cleaning and advertising of new look you will be surprised even you regulars will be happy you invested in yourself, business and clients.

This is my 2...

The name "Bagel Snack" is a little deceiving since you'll find a lot more than just bagels and get portions much larger than a snack.

The entrance feels similar to a deli or cafe with to-go style counter. Past the entrance you'll find the rest of the restaurant. A waiter will quickly come over and get you seated. The menu is plentiful with many breakfast and lunch options. Items are priced fairly reasonable and the breakfast items are still available after lunch. This place reminds me of a local version of IHOP or Denny's.

I ordered scrambled eggs, bacon and cheese on a sesame bagel with a glass of orange juice. Before the food arrived the waiter brought over some complimentary items including two different kind of pickles and coleslaw (rather odd side items). I was excited about the pickles but only one of them was traditional dill, the other was a fresher, riper, green --- and wasn't pleasant. The coleslaw wasn't very traditional either, it had a sweet pickled taste and I could only eat a portion of it. The food arrived within a few minutes and was well cooked. The only complaint I have is that I ordered scrambled eggs and received fried, which completely changes the sandwich.

The venue is large with many tables and booths available. This place is well suited for large groups looking to grab an early bite. While I wouldn't consider this a top option for breakfast or lunch, the solid service and variety of food makes this worth...