Bagel Time — Restaurant in Worcester

Now that they're in the new location I wanted to update my review! As of right now their website isn't updated yet so for my fellow people without Instagram/FB I uploaded pics of their menu if youre like me and prefer to see what's available ahead of going there.

[Wait Time] I arrived about 10:45am on Sunday, there was a line out the building going down the side walk - and I did not make it out of the place with two bagels and two drinks in hand until 12:02pm. THIS IS NOT THEIR FAULT! this is the nature of a small business dealing with high demand and clearly over 90% of the customers are college students. I am not sure if this is just hype for them being newly reopened or the new norm. If its the new norm then they're gonna need another new building sooner rather than later lol. I love Bagel Time, but unfortunately for me at NO fault of their own, the long wait standing with not remotely enough seating and crammed like a sardine can (and customers coming in sick hacking a lung spreading illness to others crammed inside ☠️) sadly does not make it worth it for me to go back... I will try again one more time on a Thursday and update review if its less crazy. I didnt check out their parking lot but I wish there was some options for outdoor seating to enjoy the bagel and cool breeze after a long hot wait inside.

[Stock] Again, no fault of their own. I don't think THEY were expecting this level of demand (which makes me hopeful this is just early opening hype that will eventually become less crazy even if still busy). But with the insane crammed line means things running out of stock. If you're someone who comes here for ONE particular flavor of something and will be deeply dissapointed without the specific thing -- it might be an exhausting wasted trip for you. Just be prepared for that possibility and dont take it out on innocent staff.

[Staff/Order Accuracy] Always remember the human first. I worked in a restaraunt once and I would never do that again personally so I hold zero judgement and a lot of empathy for the workers here. Right now Bagel Time has the most people working at one time than Ive ever seen over the years being a regular, but even despite that the demand at least today is clearly past their limit. The long wait meant me witnessing several customers ahead of me returning to point out mistakes like being given the wrong order. Missing items. Etc. Personally I paid for two large drinks and they forgot one that I had to prompt ask about as people behind me got their drinks. They lost track of my slip. And when they got it done they gave a small instead of a large and quickly disappeared to help someone else. The lid was lose and partially spilled on myself as I was trying to exit the sardine can packed place and someone bumped me. I didnt want to wait even longer having the mistake fixed. I am not remotely upset - its just a drink. I am a chill cucumber. THEY ARE HUMAN and the demand is truly crazy. But I point this out because if something like this is going to ruin your day -- for both their sake and your own just stay home.

[Something to improve] What I will say, is I am pretty sure THAT many customers in the place is some kinda fire hazard. I know people want to cram in to stay warm but for both the comfort of staff and customers I kinda wish they put up some kind of line barriers/banister that limited how many people squished inside. This would help send less patient people home and help better pace things for staff, and give customers more room so that I didnt have to struggle to even exit the place and get my drink spilled. Even better if the barrier started right at the double doors forcing people to enter through the right door when entering. And then having to exit through the other door. I was bumped into several times during that long wait and left exhausted.

[Food] Still the same good eats! I missed them while they were closed. And I sadly guess I will continue to miss Bagel Time so long as demand is this crazy. Not their fault! They are THE Worcester...

In the bustling heart of the city, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee blends seamlessly with the city's own unique fragrance, lies a quaint yet remarkable haven for bagel enthusiasts - Bagel Time. This unassuming establishment, much like a hidden culinary treasure, invites one into a world where the humble bagel is elevated to a gastronomic delight.

Upon entering, one is greeted not just by the warm and comforting ambiance, but by the alluring scent of bagels, baked to perfection. These are no ordinary bagels; they are a symphony of flavors and textures. Each bite takes you on a journey - from the satisfyingly crispy outer shell to the soft, chewy heart that lies within. The bagels here, much like fine wine, seem to tell a story of craftsmanship and passion.

But let us not overlook their pièce de résistance, the falafel sandwich. It's a masterpiece that perfectly balances the crispy, spiced falafel with the soft bagel, creating a harmony of flavors that dances on the palate. Each ingredient is carefully chosen, each flavor thoughtfully combined, resulting in a sandwich that is not just food, but an experience.

For the ethically and health-conscious, Bagel Time offers a splendid range of vegan options. These dishes defy the stereotype of vegan food being bland or uninspired. Here, they are bursting with flavor, ingeniously crafted to please even the most discerning of palates.

And then, the coffee. Ah, the coffee! It is not merely a beverage here but a testament to the art of coffee making. Each cup is brewed with a precision and love that elevates it beyond mere caffeination. It complements every meal like a trusted companion, enhancing the overall experience.

In conclusion, Bagel Time is not just a café. It is a celebration of flavors, a testament to the art of baking, and a homage to the simple yet profound joy that good food can bring. It stands as a beacon to all who seek not just to eat, but to savor and relish the very essence of...

Oh, how the mighty have fallen! Remember when this place was on Park Ave? Those were the glory days. Now, it's like they've forgotten the 'service' part of 'food service.'

Picture this: It's 18° outside (aka penguin weather), and there we are at 8:05 AM, doing our best impression of human popsicles while the staff inside takes their sweet time opening up. The $28/hour employees were even gesturing at us through the window - thanks for the wave, folks, really warms the soul! 🥶

Being the clever cookie I am, I retreated to my car until 8:10. When I finally ventured inside, it was chaos theory in action - about eight people milling around with no clear line or system. It was like watching a game of musical chairs, except nobody knew when the music stopped.

Then came the ordering saga. After watching three people who came in after me somehow get served first (time travel, perhaps?), I finally got my turn. I was promptly told to "SPEAK UP" while ordering - because apparently, my indoor voice wasn't indoor enough.

The real kicker? Everything I love has vanished from the menu: Indian harvest bagels? Gone. Pumpernickel? Nope. Pumpkin raisin with honey walnut cream cheese? Just a beautiful memory.

The coup de grâce? I ordered a medium dirty chai with almond milk (both listed on their menu), only to be told they exclusively use regular milk for hot drinks. Because apparently, we're living in 1995.

Yes, the space is bigger now, but the menu is smaller, and the personality meter reads zero. If only they had a drive-through - at least then we could avoid the joy-vacuum that is their customer service. On the bright side, if you're looking to practice your mime skills while ordering breakfast, this is your place!

My hot chai tastes like burnt coffee with no sign of any dairy whatsoever. I used it to fill a pothole in the...