Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels — Restaurant in Portland

This particular location is always really backed up and there’s usually a significant wait on the weekends. Ok, fine, we know this. But this weekend we went in-person to place our order, waited about 25 minutes and then realized every other person in the store (including people who came after us) had gotten their bagels except us. We finally asked about it and the staff was like oh, oops, we accidentally threw that order away… and I am surprised and worried on my end then that we hadn’t even paid for it, so I’m double-checking my credit card that I did pay ($20 for two bagel sandwiches, mind you). Confirm we ordered and paid and it was the staff’s fault. Is barely apologetic but he’s like, “do you still have time? Want me to still make those?” And we’re like…. Yes? We’re still hungry and already paid???? Another 20 minutes and our sandwiches are finally ready! The staff that called our name very condescendingly was like “sorry about that” as if it was OUR fault they messed up our order that we already paid and tipped for???? Barely an apology was offered, let alone an offer for a coupon or free coffee or something. Like, I get that places are busy and things happen, but at least pretend you care? All the staff just looked un-bothered. That’s not even the first time we’ve been irked by service here over the last 8 months since we moved to this neighborhood. Bagels are mid (good by west coast standards?), service sub-par, but prices high! Yay.

EDIT: I noticed another similar review from 7 months ago, from a non-white person stating they felt like race played a part in poor customer service. I hate to insinuate that this is a race issue, but I am a POC… I usually use my nickname “Ro” for the name on orders (so I don’t have to listen people butcher my name) and when given an explanation for why my order was thrown out, it was because “RO” usually means “refunded order” or something to that affect. I just thought that was the absolute dumbest thing I had ever heard. This guy typed it in himself as I said it — and then claims to be the one who threw it away later after it was printed. If I were him I would have been really embarrassed and apologetic. But we just got a shrug… again, not even the first time I’ve gotten poor attitude from employees here. It’s probably not a race thing and just crappy attitudes and no emphasis on customer service, but it makes you wonder enough to...

Fantastic bagels. Crispy on the outside, chewy and with a nice tight-but-not-dense crumb on the inside- closest to true New York bagels I've seen here in Portland. All of their bagel flavors hit the mark, the everything is appropriately ratioed with all the salt and the seeds, the poppy seed has enough seeds to trip a drug test, it's great. I like that they give you the schmear on the bagel, instead of giving you not quite enough in a side ramekin like some other places do. Plus, at least in my experience, there isn't as much of a contrast between the top and bottom halves of the bagel, meaning both sides are appropriately seasoned.

That leads me to my one negative - which is probably a matter of preference, but everyone I speak with seems to agree - unless it's specifically a sandwich (like bacon egg and cheese or some such), I much prefer open-faced style bagels with schmear and toppings on each half to the bagel sandwich cut in half style that they do here. I would love to see that as an option!

Again that's just preference, and that has no bearing on the quality of these here bagels. I can't, in good conscience, give this place less than 5 stars on Google reviews. People out here be giving 5 stars to a place for letting them use the bathroom, and 1 star to a place if there's a line. But for real tho these bagels slap, highly recommend, get a bag of day-olds, serve them at your breakfast themed wedding, you're gonna love...

Went to this place on Saturday 5/14/23. I noticed quite a few people in line and others waiting for their orders. I ordered 2 bagels paid cash and waited patiently for my order to be ready. After about 40 minutes of waiting, I noticed that others that placed orders after me were getting their orders. I approached the counter and the guy that took the order noticed that I was still there and did not get my order. He asked me my name and came back to tell me that they lost my order. I asked if he could expedite or put my order in next since I have been waiting for over 40 minutes. His response was - I could get my money back or he could put my order in now and wait again at the back of the line. At this point - I was pretty upset at the level of customer service. Any service person would apologize and agree to expedite my order since they dropped the order. Instead they pretty much said you are SOL and can get your money back and leave. That is the WORSE customer service I have ever received - EVER. The Male service person with the slick back hair should be ashamed of himself. Maybe this is the way he treats non-white customers. I apologize to all the other customers that were in line for my language and raising a fuss but the level of service at this place is...