Woodinville Bagel Bakery — Restaurant in Woodinville

Updating my original 5-star review, due to the recent change in ownership and resulting shocking drop in quality.

I've been visiting the Woodinville Bagel Bakery every weekend for the past eight years, but today is unfortunately my last time. This was an amazing business that had many friendly, talented employees.

A couple weeks ago, I came in and I believe there was only 3 people working, only one of which I recognized. The other two, being trained by the one, were an elderly man and woman with limited english skills. This immediately stuck me as a little odd, as this business had seemingly always focused on hiring younger kids to give them a first job. I just dismissed it as maybe I came it a little earlier than usual and the regular employees were coming in later. Last week, it was still just the same two, and after giving the man my drink order a few times (large hazelnut mocha with oat milk, not even a complicated order) and watching him write it on the cup, I was still waiting 15 minutes later. When I asked, he apologized and retook my order. He had somehow lost the cup sitting on the counter? When I finally did get it and left, I'm 90% sure it was just normal milk.

Came in earlier today and there were now five employees! Again, only one of which I recognized, and the other four being the same two elderly ones, as well as two new older employees. With only one experienced employee there, service was fairly slow, and the line was reaching out the door by the time I finally got my food.

After not seeing the regular employees for three weeks, I checked the reviews here while waiting and read the other recent reviews about the new owners firing everyone, and my heart goes out to them. I hope they can find another stable job soon that's as great as this place used to be. Thank you to all of them for making it such a nice place to...

TDLR: there is a certain order to place your order. Fresh!

Cafe-like setting with enough seating. There's a white noise hum of a fan from the kitchen along with the normal hustle and bustle of a cafe.

Drink and food menu posted on the wall behind the counter. They sell "Day Old" bagels in packs to the far right of the counter.

Service: order at the "Food Orders" sign, pick out your bagel and then your toppings (if you want your bagel toasted, make sure you say so), you will be handed your ticket, walk over to the "Drink Orders" sign, order a drink if you'd like and pay at the register. Your drink will be called for pick up to the left of the register around the corner. Your bagel/name will be called out and/or delivered to you. Bus your own table to the left of the drink cooler near the poster wall.

I like that you get a little slice of citrus with your bagel to make a smiley face. :)

Salmon Lox Pacific King: yummm! The smoke salmon proportion is generous. Excellent blend of cream cheese, salmon, and capers. The red onion was a little hard to eat and had some stringy bits--I think if the onion were chopped, then it would be easier to eat and you wouldn't have to worry about holding it or risk it springing up and hitting your schnoz. Beware the capers, they like to tuck and roll!

Mixed Berry Smoothie: smooth indeed! Not too sweet and not too sour. Very refreshing! I really enjoyed mine--I love berries!

French Toast Bagel: hint of cinnamon and sprinkled with sugar crystals! Very sticky but good!

Strawberry Cream Cheese: local stuff! Lightly sweetened and has a very light tang. Tasted a little more artificial than I expected but it's probably because of the cream cheese. In my honest opinion, I think they could have lathered up my bagel a little more generously with the...

New review as of 3/16/24: this was my favorite place to go for breakfast with my partner. When we walked in it seemed like all of our favorite staff members were fired, and replaced with all new staff which honestly made me sad. The bagel options were also reduced. This place used to feel so magical and happy. Currently it feels like a shell of its former self. Our bagels took considerably longer to come out than any previous time we've been there, and the line for the register was the slowest I've ever seen. At one point my partner and I went weekly, but I don't think we'll be coming back any time soon. (Note not related to staff: it seemed like there were a ton of customers that did not know how to order their bagels. There are signs everywhere that show you how to order your bagel. Please take into consideration the limited space in the building when waiting in line. Today we had 9 people from the same group waiting in line when only one paid and 2 got drinks. This caused the line to be considerably longer than it had to be.)

TLDR: This place used to be our goto spot for a fun weekend morning, but with changes in management and staff, we probably won't be coming back.

Note to new management: If you hadn't fired the old staff, we would have no reason to leave a negative review.

Old review: Always delicious! The staff here are super friendly and quick. Today we ordered 3 bagel sandwiches and by the time we sat down after paying, we had already...