Einstein Bros. Bagels — Restaurant in Surprise

Update * Went back once more time as the manager emailed me. The smell of burnt bagels or food wafted up as soon as we walked in. Dining area was not clean, workers were all chatting with each other again, so we walked out. We won't go back.*

Unfortunately this Einstein's has gone down hill. It's dirty inside, with pieces of trash on the floor by the coffee and the counters messy. There's was only one "half and half" creamer out, almost empty, and it was warm. I took it up to the counter, kindly asking for it to be refilled, as an older couple wanted to use it as well. It was filled and handed back to me🤯- not rinsed, cleaned etc. After putting it back where it belonged, wiping the counter so the woman didn't get spilt coffee on her blouse, and picking up the trash, I'd like some vacation time and pay for my work😏😉. The food was not the same as the display picture and tasted like an egg salad sammy. It smelled like burnt bagels when you walk in, maybe from lack of cleaning/ crumbs getting stuck, as the bagels we had weren't even toasted all the way. Sadly the bathroom was a train wreck too. I'm totally disappointed, as this was our fave stop to grab a quick morning bite on the weekends before chores. The person who seemed to be in charge (on the shorter side, dark hair in a pony tail, glasses, heavier set female) was not checking to see people were doing their jobs. We weren't greeted when coming in, and it took them a few moments to realize we were there. After about 2 minutes, we got a yawn and a "hey". What once was a neat, cozy place to chill a moment with a snack is now leaving one desiring more from the food, beverage and ambiance. I'll change my review over it's sorted, as truly we enjoyed coming here. Until then, Hot Bagels is just on the other side of the stores. A good scrub down, some customer service lessons, and workers not huddled together chatting can go a long way in this store. PS---- the one African American woman who works drive through a lot (maybe 50ish in age) is what keeps us coming back. She's a hoot, I love the chit chat with her, and really a hard worker. The younger people working there can learn some good...

I am revising my review that I wrote so long ago. This place is one that I just can't recommend. I realize that what I'm about to complain about is silly, but these kinds of things are items that we do expect with certain business.

First annoyance here is the size of the drinks. The large they provide is not the same size large that is available at other Einstein's locations. This could be a specific franchise choice, but when you pay the same price for a smaller large drink, I take issue with that. The cups are the same size that are sold for their iced coffee cups. I get that there are free refills, but still annoying.

The second annoyance is the amount of cream cheese put onto a bagel. While I don't like a TON of cream cheese, I do like to have a fair amount on there. The last few times I've gone in, the amount put on there was what you'd expect if you said lite cream cheese. After asking for more, I was told that they don't give out extra, that the amounts are measure by a scooper. Which is nonsense because the people on either side of us had a great deal more than what I had. I have also been in there recently when I didn't get such a small amount, and when asked about this new change, I was told months ago. I realize this isn't the owner or manager speaking to me, so that has to be taken with a grain of salt, but I don't like feeling as though I'm being deceived.

In today's world, when options are all but limitless in a city our size, businesses need to step up their game and do the right thing, rather than attempt to shave a few bucks off the bottom line.

I will no longer go back. If I want a bagel, I'll head to the deli next to Starbucks and get one...

I have been going to this Einstein location ever since moving to Surprise in May 2020.

I always order ahead with their app and get a toasted bagel + plain smear and a coffee (so convenient!).

The bagel and either hot or iced coffee is always good.

The reason for 4 stars and not 5 is because as of Oct 2022, they cut back on the amount of smear they use on their bagels.

No smear: $2.49 (pre tax) Plain smear: $4.28 (pre tax)

It's hard to justify $1.79 for smear with the amount they use now (see pictures). It took me 3 months from the last time I ate here in Oct 2022 until this morning Jan 2023, and there has been no increase in the amount of smear.

I was hoping the October visits were a fluke, and they started putting the normal amount of smear on again. They haven't. 😢

Update 2/11/2023 I just went back this morning, and they have completely redeemed themselves. My Asiago bagel w/ cream cheese has a BUNCH of cream cheese on it, just like the old days!! I'm now a satisfied customer! Thank you!! 😁

Rating has been updated from...