The Bagel Bistro — Restaurant in West Baden Springs

Forget everything you know or expect about bagel sandwiches. The packaged bagels are prepared by steaming them. In my 50+ years eating bagels, I’ve never seen them prepared this way. Imagine taking a bagel from the package and soaking it in hot water for 2-3 minutes, prior to adding various toppings. This creates a slightly soggy, gooey experience with a mouth-feel like nothing you’ve ever put in your mouth before. In my mind, I picture Gollum from Lord of the Rings biting into a live, raw trout. The flavors were fine…nothing special, nothing terrible. Same with the chai and the macchiato…they were passable. Had a bottle of water listed on the receipt as “Aquafina” but was actually some off-brand local bottled tap water. Staff was friendly, but not really helpful. Didn’t know there was an option to select a specific bagel flavor until I mentioned it. Food and drinks came out separately. Overall, ok experience. Whether the “steamed” soggy bagel thing is what’s been missing from bagels all these years, we’ll see. Maybe this cafe has cracked the code that everyone else has missed. They have a welcoming chalkboard demonstrating inclusivity for all. They also have a sign explaining all the ways you should lower your expectations while there (slow service, out of stock items, etc)

Also, the floors...

For years we've visited the Bagel Bistro when we stay at West Baden for Christmas. This year it has new owners and many things have changed. First, the menu is very limited in comparison to the previous options for both food and beverages but menu changes are common with new ownership. We chose to eat there not "to go" and this is important to note because the steamed bagels are good plated but soggy from the bag (we ordered one cut in half so it was plated but the others were not). We received our food in a reasonable amount of time but my drink was spilled and they couldn't remake it because they were out after making that one. Accidents happen and they offered me another drink but it was disappointing. The previous owner had games for the kids but those have been removed. Our experience was average but not the family friendly place...

Food was below average and took 45 minutes to get. Had to remind them twice about things they still needed to make for us. Possibly understaffed. Definitely don’t recommend and will never return.

Edit after response from owner: I assure you from the time I paid until the time I received the yogurt that I had to remind your staff about twice, it was 45 minutes. If that is "timely" for a bagel sandwich and yogurt, then my apologies! Also, I wouldn't say the restaurant was "busy". No worse than similar shops I've been in that took no longer than 10-15 min. to provide the order. Obvious you were understaffed and underprepared. Sad that an owner can't admit failure and argues with a reviewer. Waste of a good portion...