On the plus side, you can witness for yourself Einstein's little-known theory of inefficiency at this location. Â I saw it myself last Saturday and it kind of blew my mind. Â It would be hard to explain it mathematically, so let me just describe what it involves:
-three apathetic employees behind the counter, doing things including burning something
-one employee taking a break, in front at a table, having an extended yet slow phone conversation while the line grows around him
-one line of people who'd like their bagel-eating experience to take less than a half hour and who cannot figure out why that doesn't seem possible
-one of the aforementioned apathetic employees took my order but then a different one handed it to me, which made me doubt that I got the 50% reduced fat cream cheese I'd requested with the original one and thus making me anxious about my butt size
Â
-two other customers sharing a table behind me, one of whom had her cream cheese applied by an employee, one who just got a DIY tub-let
In spite of the nonsensical and inconsistent nature of the behind-the-counter activities, there is one good thing. Â You can make the tea a drinkable temperature because it's self-serve: you can add cold water from the fountain machine to the blisteringly hot water from the coffee maker. Â But let's be honest, that kind of thing is an accident in a place like this.
First, I am a big fan of Einstein's Bagels. Even though the bagels are nowhere near as good as you'd get at a real deli, you get good value for the meal. The sandwiches are good, if you stay in the coffee is bottomless and if I am traveling and see an Einstein's I know what I will get and in an unfamiliar place am glad to see the goofy logo.
But this particular Einstein's is awful. I know I'm echoing a lot of what's been said previously but maybe, just maybe, someone up the food chain (pun intended) at Einstein's corporate will see these reviews and do something about this outlet.
I'll just give a snapshot of my last two visits to this place. Since I work nights and weekends, my 'weekends' are Thursday and Friday. On Thursdays I (used to) like to grab a couple papers, and after the morning rush head to this Einstein and have a bagel sandwich and a couple cups of coffee as I read the papers and get ready for the rest of my weekend. It used to be low-key and relaxing but not anymore. Even though there were no more than four people in the entire place my last two visits, they gave me the wrong bagel on a sandwich, and as I stood in line someone just basically tossed my sandwich on the counter in front of me.
On my most recent visit the loud boorish manager (? i say that because he was reading a Red Eye at a table the last time I walked in) slammed my sandwich down on the counter about two feet from me, not in front of me and when I told him "I'd like a medium coffee, too," he said "What size!" I also ordered a plain bagel on the side -- nothing on it, not toasted or anything, and when I asked the big goof where it was, he said, 'it's coming.' Five minutes later, I asked again, he said 'what kind of bagel!' I told him, he said 'Not toasted?!' I said "no..." He rolled his eyes, huffed and grabbed a bagel and put it on a tray and handed it to me -- no "here ya go, sorry about that,' or anything; just thrust it at me and turned away, back to yelling at anyone and no one.
And do they not realize that when you have three or four people waiting to pay for their food when it is not particularly busy, it can be very frustrating to watch employees walk past you without even acknowledging you're there? People at this Einstein used to say hello as you walked in and thank you before you left. No one working there now seems to care.
Recently a Potbelly opened two doors away. I can't wait until they open for breakfast.
Dear Einstein Bros,
I want to love you more. Why? Because I like bagels dammit, and if I was forced to eat one everyday, I'd be OK with that. You're the only bagel joint within walking distance and you when I need a fix, I turn to you.
OK, so you're no Ess-A-Bagel or H&H, but we're also not in NYC, so I forgive you. Actually, I can't really complain about the quality of your food, as I'm yet to be disappointed with anything I've eaten there.
But here's the thing: WTF is going on with the organization of the place? Why am I waiting to pay when there is only one person ahead of me? No matter how busy or slow it is, I'm always left standing there, awkwardly holding my money and wondering what I'm supposed to do. Shall I sit and wait for someone to bring me my bagel? Should I stand around the counter and constantly tell other customers that no, I'm not in line? Why does the amount of cream cheese seem to vary? Why have I ordered two *gasp* bagels at one time and the girl couldn't get my order right on two different occasions? Am I going to have to do that McDonald's pull over tactic to make sure I don't leave without something?
Besides the manager who is frankly not the type of person I'd think you'd want as the face of Einstein Bros with his boorish behavior and complete lack of (sales) charm, everyone else is mostly friendly, though sometimes terse.
Maybe I've just gotten used to the mostly neighborhood friendly service in Andersonville that always makes you feel at home. I know you're a chain and I don't mean to force you into the whole "Cheers" mentality, but still. I want you guys to make it simply because the thought of having to go any further than a few blocks to get a decent bagel is absolutely devastating.
I'll keep coming...I just wish I didn't leave there feeling so empty inside.
I want my pickle!
I like Einstein's and this one is super close to my house, so I sometimes run in for a bagel or sandwich every once in a while. It's alright, but I've definitely been to better staffed locations. My biggest peeve about this place? They never give me my pickle with my sandwich. Every other location I've been to gives a delicious slice of dill pickle, and everytime I order my sandwich I think - this will be the day they remember, only to get home and be disappointed. Tragic.
Einsteins of Andersonville - I'm underwhelmed.
WOW. What's with the one star reviews? Maybe I got lucky when I went but I didn't have any problem getting my order mixed up nor getting any attitude from the staff *Thank God* We went here to grab a quick bite for breakfast and ordered their bagel breakfast: garlic bagel, egg, spinach and mushroom. I didn't like their orange juice though-I thought it was fresh but it tasted nothing more like minute maid.
Review Source:Just 3 words for the food, decor and service: AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME!!!
Anyone who gave bad reviews for this place, obviously didn't appreciate the manager's quirky Chicago sense of humor. Â Darn transplants. Â
The entire staff here cracks me up with that sarcastic frowns, sighs, moans and what have you every time I order. Â Then when I laugh, they all perk up and say, "See? Â He gets us!" Â And they all laugh along knowing that I caught onto their little morning game and I appreciate their humor like a breath of fresh air. Â
So for a great time, great service and the funniest bunch of employees here in the city, head down to Einstein Bagels where the rest of this world can learn a thing or two from these folks, especially when it comes to taking the stick out. Â
I keed, I keed.
Wow! Â I would have never guessed from my one trip to this Einstein's that people disliked it as much as I did. Â I went last Saturday around 10AM, primetime for this place.
I ordered just after their rush had settled down ... the line was empty, the tables full. Â I ordered a bacon and egg sandwhich on everything. Â NO CHEESE. Â Sandwhich came with cheese. Â Thanks for following directions, EINSTEIN.
This has to be the worst Einstein's I've ever been forced to frequent. Â It is so disappointing that a simple bagel and drink order can be turned in to a death stare, slouched shoudlers, and loud sighs. I'm sorry, but I thought the folks standing behind the counter donning Einstein Bros gear were there to take my order. No?
I have yet to go in here and not get attitude from the staff. Either I'm ordering in the wrong place--may god strike you down if you order a drink at the bagel counter beneath the "order here" sign--or I'm ordering the wrong thing--how dare I order a blended berry smoothie when it's on the menu?! Let the death stares begin.
I can't stand this place.
How difficult is it to toast a bagel and schmear some cream cheese on it? Â At this location it is very difficult. Â
C'mon Einstein Bro., you're in Andersonville and it's Pride Parade day. Â You have hungry gays (and friends of gays) looking for a little booze-a-hol base before catching the bus to Boystown. Â Get it together!
We walked in and found one person in line ahead of us and 4 employees scurrying around behind the counter busy making things. Â We waited for almost 10 minutes while each employee would occasionally look up, notice us, and go back to whatever they were making behind the counter. Â At first I thought "wow, this guy in front of me has a big order that they are getting ready!" Â Nope, not true. Â Eventually a cashier came over and asked the guy in front of me what he wanted to order. Â
So, let me break this down. Â 1 guy in line + 4 of us standing behind him - 4 employees behind the counter making the bagels - 1 cashier who finally came over to help X no one acknowledging our existance = BAD SERVICE!! Â
My bagel sucked too. Â It was barely toasted. Â The salmon cream cheese was disgust-o. Â And the iced coffee was nasty. Â To top it all off, they had a big tub of ice near the fountain drinks with a plastic cup in it for customers to scoop their own ice with. Â Hey Germy Germison's at Einstein, fix your ice machine!!
I'm not even going to comment on the health violations in the other reviews. Â Ok, yes I will: Â GROSSSSSS!!!! Â I wish I had known before I ate there. Â Ugh!
Never again, Andersonville Einstein Bros. Â Never ever again.
I read the reviews and heard about all of the drama surrounding this little bagel shop. Yes they have been closed twice due to health hazards but who what's to live forever anyways... I mean when you need a bagel, you NEED a bagel.
OK honestly the reviews scared me but seeing how packed it is in there all the time it can't be that bad or people (especially in this area) wouldn't go, so I chanced it for my very first time. It was great, didn't have to wait long at all, more like in and out. The staff was friendly and most importantly it was clean. So maybe they learned their lesion.
The bagels were ok, nothing special, but at least they didn't kill me
Wait, wait the lights are getting dim... ehahh...
After reading Gary B.'s review I now understand why this location always seems to empty... and now my stomach wants to empty itself...
I've only ever had decent to good experiences here service wise. One time they did not have the type of bagel I wanted, but it was towards the end of the day, no hard feelings. Nothing about this Einstein's makes it any different than the typical Einstein's.
THIS PLACE IS DISGUSTING - DO NOT GO THERE!
I am very troubled by what has been happening at my local store at 5318 N. Clark in Chicago.. Â Einstein Bros., 5318 N. Clark, was shut down after CDPH inspectors discovered over 300 MOUSE FECES in the kitchen and other parts of the shop; bagel dogs held at unsafe temperatures; and a build-up of thick black goo in the shops ice machine. A sign posted on the front door states that the shop is temporarily closed to repair structual issues. Â This is the SECOND time in a short period that this shop cannot stay clean -- and they are in the food business!
I work in Lincolnshire, Illinois, but I live a block from the store at 5318 N. Clark in Chicago.  I am an executive in a large company  and I stop often at my local Einsteins (5318 N. Clark) for coffee and bagels for meetings and for myself on my way to work which is about 30 miles.  The location at 5318 N. Clark has been shutdown by the City of Chicago for MICE DROPPPINGS in both the kitchen and cafe not once - but TWICE!  There is no reason why management of your establishment would not notice this and for the City to cite you is disgusting.  We all know that the City of Chicago is not on top of anything and for you to be shutdown involuntarily is worse than aweful. Â
Moreover, this demonstrates a lack of management at you district or regional level. Â This issue is not about fruitflies, it is about MICE -- and that is a REAL problem. Â You need to invoke better food handling principles, better management of people and operations, and clean up your act. Â I am thoroughly disgusted by your track record at 5318 N. Clark in Chicago - I will not recommend you, buy from you, and also tell my business partners not to purchase from you.
I really enjoyed coming to Einstein's but not after such a disgusting problem and you need to think about cleanliness in your stores and health problems this can cause your customers.
I realize that on a Saturday morning places like this are super busy and its possible to run out of things. However a place known for bagels should probly anticipate this and make extra. For my egg and sausage sandwich I had the option of garlic bagel, garlic bagel or garlic bagel. I went with the garlic bagel.
Garlic breath is not cool when you're snuggling up in the cold with your girlfriend and her eyes are watering because of your ferocious breath.
The service here sucked on top of it. So BOO to this Einstein Bros.
BOO!!!
This is a specific review for the Autumn Roast Einstein's coffee, which is currently making an appearance. Â I have been popping in nearly every morning this month for a medium coffee (at $1.87 you really can't beat it). Â It's maple-y, nutty, roasted flavor conjures up every possible image of fall and the scent wafting out of that cup is enough to attract ooohs and aaahhhs from passers by on the street.
The service here could be better, but I think that's true of most Einsteins. Â Their whole ordering and paying system is totally wack. Â My biggest pet peeve is when I just want coffee and end up standing there forever with my $1.87, just trying to get a cup. Â
But I highly recommend heading to your nearest Einsteins for a cup of Autumn roast joe. Â Limited time only! Â Hurry before they switch it out for the Holiday Blend!!!
First Einstein experience ever. I'm a fan.
I love the plain bagels with smoked salmon cream cheese (although they could have given me a bit more).
The coffee was really good and I was afraid that it would be weak...Nope! I think the place is kind of pricey and I wouldn't go everyday but once a week would  be nice for a little treat. I don't like the order and pay system because it seems kind of awkward so they should re-think that.
Last time I was in here, there were two workers preparing food, and no one manning the register--I awkwardly stood with my rapidly cooling bagel w/shmear waiting for someone (anyone) to ring me up while the prep workers gossiped and cackled. Â MInutes passed and beads of sweat broke out on my brow. Â Also, is it just me, or has Einstein Bros removed their small coffee option? Â Finally, I know prices are higher everywhere, but I do not think a coffee and bagel w/cream cheese should cost over $5. Â These aren't even good bagels. Â
(as an aside, why do pushing-70-ish men always cruise me in this location?)
I have a true addiction to Einstein bagels. Â I could eat an everything bagel with their salsa jalapeno schmeer 3 meals a day every day of the week. Â If I did this I would be a 400 pound woman, so I only indulge in this addiction on weekends.
I have recently moved away from Andersonville and have had to visit other locations of EB. Â I am disappointed that I have had crappy experiences at other locations. Â I am convinced that this is the best EB because of their liberal applications of schmeer and friendly service. Â I might be driving back to Andersonville when I have a bagel craving just so I can get a big fatty dose of the schmeer I deserve!
Potato bagel and cream cheese please! Mmm, their potato bagels are so good. Squishy and doughy and yum! I've had quite a few of their salads which are also really good. What can I say? If you're looking for a quick bite to eat for lunch...stop in. If you happen to stop in during the nicer weather make sure to sit out back in their patio. Nice little place to sit down and relax after a bit of shopping while chomping down a yummy bagel sandwich.
Review Source:Tried Einstein's for the first time in a while, only because Kopi was packed across the street. Â My first welcome was being told I was ordering in the wrong line. Â Had the pizza bagel, which I could have made at home by putting processed cheese in my microwave with 4 little buttons of cat-food looking sausage randomly thrown on top. Â Service with a dumb weak smile. Â Hope to avoid it for the next 5 years until I forget again!
Review Source:Stephanie wasn't kidding when she said they put a lot of cream cheese on when you ask for it, but then again, for the price, I'd hope they hook you up. Â
I always enjoyed coming in here when its cold out because the windows would be all steamy. Â The place is cozy without feeling cramped, and any time I have been in, there were always a few others in, reading the paper and enjoying their food. Â
Friendly staff, decent food/coffee, but more expensive than Dunkin Donuts, etc..
When you ask for cream cheese on a bagel here, boy do they give you a lot. It was enough for two, so I put half of the cheese one someone else's bagel..and it was still a lot. Friendly staff. NEver ate in the shop, but it was clean and nicely kept. I like the bagel flavors they offer. They used to (maybe still do ) have choc. covered espresso beans here. yum.
Review Source:
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