Big City Bagels-(BCB Cafe)-North Park — Restaurant in San Diego

Very disappointed. We were pumped that North Park was going to replace Solomon Bagels because they were terrible but at this point we've been to Big City Bagels 3x and I'll never come back - gave it a fair shot. First time I went I got a dozen cinnamon bagels and they lacked flavor so I was bummed I was stuck with 12 of them, but they looked great. Second time I went I got a bagel with butter, bagel breakfast sandwich, and two coffees, and the bagel was barely toasted, the other bagel was also barely toasted but had such little butter that it was basically dry, and the lattes tasted like milk and sugar rather than coffee.

Third time was the worst. We ordered an acai bowl, a bagel with cream cheese, and an iced coffee. I had noticed that a lot of people came in around the same time so when they started calling customer names out they would look around, not notice anyone looking at them, circle back and put the food down or just hand it to whoever stood up without confirming it was theirs. This happened to every single customer while we were waiting for our name to be called. They were even telling customers that other customers took their order and having to remake coffees, etc because of it.

My husband went to go ask where his order was because all people who ordered after us already got their food, and they said "oh we've been calling you and you didn't say anything" instead of "oh I'm sorry let me go see if your food is ready" they blamed him. I was watching the counter The entire time - they never called his name or if they did it was a whisper. Other customers were talking to each other and exchanging bags because they looked inside and realized they were handed the wrong order. The bag they handed my husband didn't have my acai bowl in it so he asked them where is the acai bowl? They seemed annoyed and reiterated that "they already called his name for that one" instead of just saying "we have it ready I'm sorry about that". Well, newsflash guys, if every single customer doesn't hear you "yell" their name out for their order guess what - it's not us, it's you.

On my way out I said politely "you know, I don't think anyone can hear you guys when you call out names" so she can start having customers get the correct orders, and she said "we'll try to be louder" - not once did anyone say "sorry" which is so easy. Terrible service. And on top of that, the food is just meh. Bagels are definitely lacking flavor and are under-boiled, nothing like a New York City bagel. I'd rather get all my bagels at Nomad Donuts...

Listen, I’m not one to normally do reviews but I just want the store to be aware. The staff are very friendly, and there is one barista in particular who is really kind and welcoming. The vibes are great. But, and I cannot emphasize this, I have never had a coffee shop give me wrong orders so consistently. The first time I went was the only time my drink was made correctly. Every other time something has been made incorrectly. The first time my drink was made wrong, it’s because they inputted the wrong type of drink into their system. I let them know and they kindly got me a new one. The second time I went, I ordered my drink, and I looked at the screen and they put in the wrong drink order again. This time I pointed it out before they could ring me up and they changed it. I went again this morning. Despite my order being rung up correctly, they made it with regular milk when I asked for an alternative milk, which I ask for because I’m lactose intolerant. On top of that, the drink I got for my friend was sweetened when we said no sweetener. I don’t mean to criticize or sound harsh, but I don’t think I can go back again because I don’t trust that they won’t get my orders wrong anymore. I’m sad because I really like the atmosphere and the food/drinks, but this is just too much. I just want the store to be aware so future customers don’t experience...

Best bagel shop in NP and just everywhere!!! I come here often on weekends and I absolutely love the staff, they have always been so lovely and helpful to me during the time they’ve been opened. But I have to say the lovely super young lady who’s always so full of light, smiling at customers, and so sweet, absolutely makes my day!! Such a sweet soul, one can tell she’s great with customer service but it’s a bummer they don’t wear name tags. I do wish they brought back the old bagel recipe though, as the bagels have tasted a bit different recently. But their melts and breakfast bagels are still great overall. I remember being a little girl always waiting at home to see if my mom had bought me my favorite brownie from bcb at hillcrest when she was out of work. If I had to recommend any deserts for a child with a big sweet tooth or even an adult, I’d say...