The hash browns at this place are terrible. They always come out soggy.
(2)
Thuy H.
Although I believe this place is kinda expensive, my lox n bagel was quite delicious! Mmmmm!!!! As you can see from my pictures, they did stuff it with the right amount of items. Capers, onions, tomatos, cream cheese, and of course the LOX! It tasted so fresh. I think my everything bagel kind of took it over the top though.... Made my sandwich a lil too salty, so next time, I'll be ordering it on a plain bagel. I also ordered a small coffee. I made myself a vanilla nut coffee with some cream and sugar. The vanilla nut flavored coffe has such a nice aroma to it! I can still smell it now even though I had it yesterday...lol! I def will be back, but not too often bc $10 for breakfast all the time will cause a huge dent in my wallet
(4)
Rebecca P.
Philly is a veritable bagel wasteland. There, my pompous NJ self said it. I have yet to have even a remotely good bagel in this city. I have been to other Manhattan Bagels and I must say the customer service here is not great. No one is overly friendly. As for the product, it's a standard bagel chain. The bagels are edible, but again, not great. The coffee is self serve and generally pretty weak. Positives include the location and outdoor seating.
(2)
Mike M.
Definitely not a NY bagel, they are pretty small and the quality is eh. Lax cream cheese was very fishy and didn't taste to fresh. I am not a fan of their hygiene, I think they should do a better job cleaning their working stations because it is covered in food residue. The dog bagels are a cool idea, but it seems as if they have been there for 4 years? I got one and it was harder than the concrete on the ground. Their egg, cheese, and sausage isn't too bad... Nothing special.
(3)
Rosie S.
The best bagels in Philadelphia, that I've experienced so far. If you eat Dunkin Donuts bagels you're doing it wrong. I would recommend coming in early or coming mid day for the freshest bagels (they get 2 deliveries, they don't make the bagels there). Honey whole wheat everything is my favorite, as well as the blueberry glazed bagel. They have a $1.99 deal for bagel with egg and cheese occasionally, definitely snag one when they do.
(4)
Stephanie S.
Meh, was expecting a lot better. Salmon lox bagel & cream cheese for $8.50? I can get that for $4.50 at Au Bon Pain in Liberty place. Highway robbery! The egg & cheese was only $2.80, and the egg was fresh, but underwhelmingly small portion. All other breakfast sandwiches around $6? Robbery again. Coffee was average, $1.80 for medium, but there's no Splenda and no cinnamon. Disappointing. I won't be coming back., not unless the prices drop several dollars.
(2)
Paul B.
Food is good but overpriced. Staff is very unfriendly and seem like they hate life. Manual receipt system seems to cause long waits and food served out of order. Would not go back.
(2)
Bakchun K.
This is a standard breakfast place in the heart of Philadelphia. It opens early at 6am. They have a full kitchen in front of you and the menu has many selections, bagels, muffins, juices, and sandwiches. I had the standard egg on a bagel, tasted good. You can add an extra egg for an extra charge. There are not that many affordable breakfast places in the area.
(3)
Michael F.
A bagel shop in the Rittenhouse neighborhood - nice coffee and decent sandwiches. Very limited seating inside the window with bar stools, so plan to take-away. They do have a grill that makes the real eggs, so I do like this place. Some restaurants microwave theirs which I don't find appealing. Very inexpensive and friendly staff as well.
(4)
Jamie S.
I went for the first time and I will never return. I got charged for two bagels when I only ordered one and when I got home realized I had gotten the wrong order. When I returned, I only got refunded for one bagel and they wouldn't make me the correct one. So essentially I paid for a bagel and left with nothing. The bagel I did get was tiny and I could have eaten three. Overall, terrible customer service and the bagels are minuscule.
(1)
Allison C.
Good in a pinch. Their cream cheese was pretty mediocre; think that pasty hard stuff from Dunkin' Donuts. Their bagels, however, not too shabby. I opted for the seasonal cranberry bagel; if it had been served with some hearty and creamy cream cheese, plus toasted a little bit more, it would have been a hit. However, the flavor of the bagel was pretty tasty, with little pockets of dried cranberries giving off an occasional burst of tart sweetness as I wolfed it down. They have a pretty decent corn muffin as well.
(3)
Reema B.
They overcharge you.. Blatantly.. I ordered two bagels with cream cheese.. The lady charged me 3.99 I paid and as I waited for my order she realized she only charged me for one bagel.. She proceeded to then tell me my total was near a total of 7 dollars.. As she shows me the receipt (which they never ask you if you want a copy of) it shows she charged me for an item I didn't even purchase which was more expensive Moral of the story... They charge u for items you're not purchasing.. And way overpriced if it really is 7 dollars for two bagels with cream cheese.. Don't go here or if you do get a receipt from the register each time
(1)
Karen F.
Mediocrity. Came here when I was in a huge rush and Hip City Veg (next door) was bustling and Nom Nom ramen had a long line. Spent about $6 on a latte and a stale bagel with veggie "light" cream cheese, tomato and cucumber. Bitter overpriced latte. BLAH. Waste of calories. Not goin' back.
(2)
Amy B.
I'm glad I decided to give this Manhattan Bagel another chance. This time around the workers were very friendly and the bagel was good. I may come back again!!
(4)
Shannon S.
I'll preface this review by saying I've only ever ordered a bagel with cream cheese, which is pricey but tastes good. I'll also say that I never go during a busy time. My problem is with product delivery and customer service. At least three times I have opened up my bagel at work only to find barely enough cream cheese to cover all four quarters (I do like that they quarter the bagel for you). Other times I find it barely toasted. One time it was either stale or baked(?) because the whole bagel was toasted, not just the surfaces. Another time I ordered my usual, got to work and found that there was no cream cheese! I wasn't charged for it but I had ordered "bagel with cream cheese" and didn't know I wasn't charged for what I wanted due to using charge card. I will say that one time they asked me to wait because they had burnt my bagel and wanted to make it right. Props but not enough. Finally, they have weird customer service. A woman came in who made it clear she was a regular as she ignored those in line to pay (I had already paid) and proceeded to hand over a $20 for a bunch of cups of coffee.
(2)
Estelle W.
i got a chicken bagel sandwich and it was really good except the bagel was burnt on the inside!!!! i didn't like that. i also got strawberry lemonade which was very good but a little small.
(3)
Aaliyah P.
I frequent this place when im hungover and in need of a good greasy breakfast sandwich.Its close to work and they have every type of bagel under the sun. My only issue is that the sandwiches tend to be on the smaller side. Service is always speedy and ive only encountered an incorrect order once. Id recommend the breakfast sandwiches i havent experienced lunch or any other food options.
(3)
Candace S.
The bagel was pretty good, and the lox cream cheese is fantastic. The staff is always friendly and the coffee is great!
(4)
Cannon K.
If you are in dire need of a real NYC/North Jersey bagel, I guess this place does the job. it's not anything special, but the bagels are more than 'circle bread.' Crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside. It still doesn't feel quite like home, though... 3/5 -CK
(3)
Adhish R.
This place gets busy, so get your bagel in early For about 3 or 4 bucks, you're getting a good bagel sandwich. I got the egg and cheese on... Me: Wheat? MB: Sorry we're out Me: Everything Bagel? MB: Sorry we're out Me: Blueberry MB: You got the last one bro... Moral of the story, early bird gets the bagel. Also, coffee was mediocre I wouldn't recommend it.
(3)
Sara P.
I dont get bagels often but I really had a desire for a fall-themed bagel. I stopped in here today and was delighted. They had a terrific California something or other bagel that had a bunch of dried fruits and seeds in it. They also had a pumpkin bagel that was spectacular. Best of all, the service was terrific. They asked several times if I needed anything to go with the bagels, specifically mentioning butter, cream cheese and coffee at various times. My bagel was perfectly toasted with the cream cheese quanity I requested. Prices seemed in line with every other bagel place.
(5)
Rachel S.
I was craving lox and bagel so I popped into Manhattan Bagel just to see if they even had lox spread which would do the trick. They actually did have lox and bagel on the menu for $7.99 which was fine with me because when you gotta have it, you're paying premium prices no matter what. It was awesome and perfectly hit the spot. I like mine on an everything bagel with tomato and red onion. Great location also.
(3)
Jamie D.
I've had their bacon,egg,and cheese bagels a few times now and it's my favorite morning starter. For the same price as Dunkin' Donuts, you get real egg, melty cheese, and legit bacon. The toasted bagel is perfect. Do this place.
(5)
Anthony R.
The bagels are toasted to perfection and the coffee smooth and delicious...or maybe I'm too hungry this morning after a long night of driving!?!
(5)
Tyler T.
When I arrived at 4:00 which was an hour before closing I asked for egg and cheese on a bagel, I was told he can't do that because he already cleaned up the stove. So I went with a chocolate chip bagel, plain bagel, and two mini pumpkin bagels. He didn't toast the bagels for me so then I sat down an started eating, an old lady came in and the worker said "nothing for you" since he has already put all the bagels away and it was still 20 minutes till close. Before that he told me and my friend that we have 10 minutes to leave because they are closing, this was at 4:30. Overall I thought I was gonna have a better experience and I was sadly mistaken, I'll give it another try if that ignorant worker isn't there.
(1)
Alyssa L.
I like Manhattan bagel, the bagels are great. I also really like espresso, but I am a bit of a late sleeper. Unfortunately after a certain time one cannot venture to get an espresso because they turn their espresso machine off after the morning. Is starbucks the only place someone can get an espresso until they close that's fast? Anyway I still give them 3 stars because they have awesome bagels and it's great for grab and go.
(3)
Pasquale R.
The hotel I was staying at wasn't too far from here. Don't let the name fool you. Their bagels DO NOT taste, look, feel like bagels from Manhattan. Their prices do. Had a bagel with scallion cc since they don't have olive cc. Smaller bagel which was palatable. Had the next day a "pork roll" & cheese on a everything. The Taylor Ham, yes Taylor ham her in Jersey, not pork roll, tasted off. Didn't have the same flavor as what we serve here. Anyway, their coffee was good. Surprisingly. I guess since I live near the mecca of bagels it's hard to compare. Yeah I know it's a chain but for people to think that's what bagels should taste like, they are surely missing out.
(2)
Tony P.
Not Brooklyn Bagels but you know in a pinch, I'll keep going back when I'm back in Philadelphia.
(3)
Nicole B.
Ladies, chivalry and romance are not dead; you just haven't yet met Rafael at Philadelphia's Manhattan Bagel.
(2)
Liz F.
This particular Manhattan Bagel rules for a number of reasons: 1. Location- close to everything & makes for some great people watching while you enjoy your bagel looking out the window 2. The dude who takes your order- he's hilarious and i love his accent. All the other employees were way nice, too. 3. (and most importantly) the bagels are delicious. They do lox and a bagel some serious justice.
(5)
Bif P.
Good bagel places don't need to toast their bagels so I should have taken their in insistence on toasting as a sign. I opted to not toast and it was a mistake. Crunchy exterior but with the texture of collapsing cardboard... just not good.
(1)
Tiffany L.
Stopped in to grab a quick brunch sandwich/bagel sandwich. I was really surprised at how yummy my sandwich was! I got the Ellis Island Hot Pastrami, and it was so good - hit the stop for sure. The staff were patient and helpful (since it was my first time there). There is a decent amount of window seating if you decide to munch on your food in the store. I will have to try out their bagels in the future!
(4)
Lissa C.
I hate this place and even in a pinch I've gone there (like today) because it's the closest place to work that has bagels and again Disappointment city. Bagels come two ways- not toasted enough or burnt to a crisp. There is no in between. I always get butter and it's usually drenched and sloppy. I have to pat it down with several napkins. Also they're expensive and they don't give you the napkins, you have to get them yourself. Go to Le Bus- you'll have to butter it yourself but it's better than this awful establishment.
(1)
Laura S.
Two happily-caffeinated and carbohydrate-full thumbs up. I'm kind of incoherent in the morning and am usually incapable of managing to feed myself until I've been awake for longer than an hour. When I have to be out the door early in the morning, this poses quite the challenge. Luckily, Manhattan Bagel does not require me to be either coherent or capable. I walk my sleepy-eyed self in the door and walk out with a bagel and coffee for a totally reasonable price. They've got a wide variety of bagels and cream cheeses and will put just about anything on them that you ask for. I tend to ignore the menu on the wall (see above re: incoherence) and they have always been able to give me whatever it is I've asked for (including a side of bacon, which might have been a weird request come to think of it but they didn't bat an eyelash). They've got some seating inside if you've got time to sit and eat. Service has always been friendly and quick.
(4)
Kate H.
I come here all the time for breakfast. Try their tostini with roasted red peppers,it's delicious. Staff knows me by name. Friendly and fast. I always walk out spending less than $5, full and happy.
(4)
Danielle J.
Stopped in here for a quick breakfast while visiting my friend who lives a couple blocks away. I was looking up at the menu & had a guy ask me if I was ready to order... then 20 seconds later, another guy asked... then 10 seconds later yet another guy asked... I felt uncomfortable & quickly decided on a honey whole wheat everything bagel with LF veggie cream cheese... and no one was standing there this time. It only took about 5 seconds for one of the 5 or 6 guys to take my order, then he gave me a ticket. I took the ticket to the cashier & he said, "uhh I can't read that, what did you get?" I told him my bagel & the total was higher than it should be so I asked & he said "and the water?" (which was almost empty) and I told him I brought it in with me. He said, "Oh, yea, that's not even the brand we sell." (A simple mistake, but I was already frazzled from his coworkers.) The bagel was fine... not the best or worst I've had... and more like whole wheat everything.. I guess I was expecting it to be salty & slightly sweet but there was no sweetness. Cream cheese was good. Overall I was just very thrown by repeatedly being asked if I was ready when I was clearly staring at the menu. Not writing it off but not looking to go back either.
(2)
Sarah D.
Wow! I can't believe how many people don't like this place. Granted, I've never had a real New York bagel and I was also just visiting when I came here, but I thought I'd give it a review. I liked the place just fine. I wasn't floored, but I liked it all the same. I had an egg and cheese bagel. It wasn't as good as a biscuit, but I was still satisfied. The staff was fine. They didn't knock my socks off or anything, but I thought that they were nice. Overall, I recommend it if you're visiting. My experience was good.
(4)
Tim H.
The hash browns at this place are terrible. They always come out soggy.
(2)
Jerry T.
Sure, it's not a mom-and-pop bagel shop with traditional old-style bagels - it is what it is - a chain that actually produces a decent mass-produced bagel. I prefer the jalapeno cheddar one, personally, toasted with butter. But, that's not the reason I give it 4 stars. I give it 4 stars because of Lisa who will provide you with the best customer service possible. She's been there ever since I first started stopping in a few years back and she is what makes me continue to come back. I always say it - customer service can make an otherwise mediocre place special - and Lisa makes sure this happens at the Rittenhouse Manhattan Bagel!
(4)
Kristin W.
I had high hopes for bagels when I moved to Philly. NYC has amazing bagels, NYC is in NY, NY touches PA, PA contains Philly...but sadly, the transitive property evidently doesn't apply to bagels. That said, I think Manhattan Bagel has the best bagels in Philly, but they're not up to their namesake. For the cream cheese, I would skip the Light Veggie which tastes a little plastic-y...Garlic & Herb is pretty good, especially spread on an Everything Bagel.
(4)
Lisa J.
I guess I'm in the minority that doesn't have a problem with this place. Philly does not have good bagels. Get over it. These ones are still edible and actually not that bad! The veggie cream cheese is so good I could eat it with a spoon. Prices on some of the sandwiches are a bit high, but whatever, it's a chain and they probably have no control over that. Employees are always friendly! I've never had a problem with any of them. In fact, one of them (I think his name is Stefan?) is always super nice to me and seems to remember me whenever I come in. I like that.
(3)
Grace S.
Been here a few times since it's convenient and I keep hoping the bagels will get better, but they are really terrible. Coming from NYC, I guess I've been spoiled but the consistency of their bagels is similar to thick stale bread, the flavor is completely lacking--overall, it's just a very unsavory piece of bread. The prices aren't even cheap!
(1)
Christina P.
I have given this place many tries. Breakfast is my favorite meal and I really wanted to like it, especially since they're named after the holy grail of bagels. Do not be fooled though, because these bagels are nothing like what you'll find in New York. The bagels are small, dry, and instead of being hard on the outside and soft on the inside, they're hard all the way through. I guess it's good that they're smaller, I really don't need to be eating a bagel the size of my face. But it is wayyy overpriced for what you get. I got a turkey bacon, egg white, and cheese on a multigrain bagel with a coffee and it came to close to $7. Also, the multigrain bagel was actually a white bagel with some "grains" sprinkled on top! The only saving grace of this place is their coffee, which is actually really good. If you do go (hopefully just for coffee), try the vanilla nut. Le Bus two doors down has bagels that are 100x better.
(2)
Jill T.
Pork roll, Egg, and Cheese on an everything bagel toasted please! I love their bagels, what can I say? Jalapeno and cheese bagel- amazing! For a quick, easy, inexpensive breakfast- this is the spot!
(4)
Sylvia M.
Never had Manhattan Bagel, always walked by, love bagels SO got some for work. Nothings better than going to work on Monday Morning and having some Manhattan Bagels! I got an assortment like whole wheat, everything, plain, cin. raisin, blueberry (i think)... well, i had an everything and it was good! they have little cream cheese containers and the veggie one was really good! i had no time to get lunch at work so a whole wheat bagel with veggie cream cheese was my lunch and i think it was better than my everything with plain cream cheese. i got coupons from the staff and their breakfast sandwiches look so i want to go back and get some. needless to say, i love breakfast sandwiches and im sure id be back for some goodies!
(4)
Mike C.
i been eating bagels all my life. i have seen the best and worst of the nyc bagel scene. what makes a bagel a bagel? fluffy and soft inside, but crispy crunchy outside. with that being said, the bagels at manhattan bagels is really soft and fluffy. i ordered the philly steak and egg on an everything bagel, and although the steak is not pats quality, the over all sandwich hits the spot, the bottom o my belly! Next time, i will have a bagel over something more conventional, i.e. butter, cream-cheese, jelly or a combination of all the above. in closing, would i drive down to philly strictly for the bagel, and then proceed to drive back to brooklyn after eating it? probably not. However, if i am in the area, craving a bagel, i would not hesitate to drop on in. i really wish there is a 3.5 stars rating!
(4)
Sean M.
I frequent this location, as it is on my way to work and as I go in early, it is very convenient. The food quality is fine, while overpriced, but my experience has always been fast with quality service and without issue. That is until the last three visits I have made there. I did not realize there was an issue until the second of the three visits, when I got my change. A bagel with cream cheese comes to $3.23 after tax. The clerk handed me 3 quarters. I recalled the same happened the day before, so I said something, "where is the rest of my change?" He said, "Oh," and handed me a dime from the tip jar. Now yesterday, the same thing happened, so I helped myself to the tip jar and took out 2 pennies. I said, "That's a bit presumptuous, keeping the pennies." The clerk (same from visit #2) mumbled something about saving a ton of money at the end of the year, indicating it was intentional. I stated, "It's stealing from your customers." The food is fine, but the staff is dishonest. Be mindful of your change.
(1)
Jill A.
This location always has salt bagels. Do people not like them?! Eating one (with cheese, tomato and mayo) results in a most pleasurable experience. It's high up there on my "Favorite Things To Do" chart, alongside cleaning my ears with Q-tips and taking a pee after a long car ride. Oh, how I love you, salt bagel.
(3)
Rachel U.
I heart the egg and cheese sandwiches here; actual griddle = actual freshly cooked eggs, not scary spongy microwaved eggs. When we lived closer we used to come every Sunday morning, get breakfast and, if the weather was nice, eat it in the park. Now that we live on the other side of the city we'll still make the trek back to Manhattan Bagel on occasion because it's still the best egg & cheese we've found in the city. I also heart the people who work here; always friendly. And though my New Yorker husband maintains that real NY bagels ought to be the size of your head (not my preference), I find the bagels here to be yummy and just the right size, and I like the flavor options they have.
(4)
K C.
YUCK! This morning was my first visit to Manhattan Bagel in Philadelphia. I ordered a pumpkin bagel with pumpkin cream cheese. It was the worst bagel and cream cheese I've ever had. The bagel was small and thin, the cream cheese was almost watery, and they didn't have the courtesy to include a napkin in my to-go-bag. So, when the watery-pumkin mess went all over, I didn't have anything to clean it up. The bagel was rubbery and after a few bites I just threw the rest out. It was gross. I will never go back.
(1)
Cherie C.
It's a chain. It's in a neighborhood with some great bakeries. Why not have a croissant or a cup of La Colombe nearby? But if you want a reliable egg-on-a-bagel, this will do. It's no H&H, but it's not terrible. They also gave out some big coupon booklets recently, so I stopped in for my free cup of coffee. La Colombe is the really good, but it's not free.
(3)
Kathy L.
I wanted to give them 3 stars but hey - let's be honest...I'm probably here twice a month on average, which is probably more than any other food retailer, with exception to starbucks and la colombe. I would never drink coffee here. I do not serve myself, thank you very much. By definition, it cannot be good coffee if I have to pump it. What is there to say? The people who work her are courteous and make an effort to give good service. Yes, the have a tendency to run out of plain bagels in the early afternoons on weekends, but that's what I get for waking up late. With the dearth of good bagel places in the city, I prefer MB. I guess 4th street deli also has good bagels, but they charge more...and don't have lite cream cheese. Or lite anything...
(4)
Ernest S.
Not a bad bagel, although they put very little lox spread on! Come on! It's just the spread, not gobs of real fish.
(3)
Stephanie M.
Manhattan Bagel is where I go to grab a coffee before taking my dogs to the Square. Its always near my hotel, quick and friendly. No you are not going to get gourmet coffee or NY quality bagels here. Yes they are a bit over priced.
(3)
Ben P.
Weak. The bagel sucked. The staff was worse. Rude, nasty people. Get over yourselves. If you don't like doing your job, get a new one but don't take it out on your customers. That's what I get for going to a big chain bagel place.
(2)
Tarah H.
A wide variety of fresh, flavorful bagels? Yes please! And they have a griddle that they make real eggs on as opposed to those spongy things at other chains? Even better! The line moved fast, the food was hot and good, the prices were reasonable and staff was decent. I needed food and fast and this place was great for what it was and made me happy.
(3)
Jake P.
Philadelphia is truly lacking in the bagel department. One on hand you've got the saran-wrapped, cream cheese filled numbers that the lunch trucks leave out in the sun all day. As a formidable alternative, you've got Cosi's wait-in-line 20 minutes for a revolutionary square bagel, or you've got watered-down franchise numbers like these. At least the chains back home (Bruegger's/Einstein) had tact in bagel-making. They specialized in freshness, and while the bagels themselves would never make you consider a second the way that Northern New Jersey's bagelries might, they sufficed. Manhattan Bagel is truly just a Dunkin Donuts posing as a bagel shop... only Dunkin Donuts has good coffee. Mayor Bloomberg should sue the company for advertising these tasteless balls of dough as having anything to do with a 14-mile island. Terrible... I'd sooner eat a lunch truck bagel than these.
(1)
Parisa S.
AUGH. Truly awful. The bagels here have to be among the worst I've EVER had. EVER. I swear. Not fresh, not tasty, just plain WRONG. Avoid, avoid, avoid. Their coffee sucks too.
(1)
Charles L.
I agree with some of the other reviews that the bagels here are not New York Bagels but nothing down in Philly is because of the water in NYC. With Brueggars now closed in the area I have been trying this Manhattan Bagels store again for a regular breakfast bagel. The bagels are pretty good but the service in the place leaves a lot to be desired. I originally stopped buying here and went to Brueggars because I was getting the same thing from Brueggars for $1.25 that I was getting at Manhattan Bagel for $2.15. The Manhattan Bagel was just not ninety cent better. Now I am back and remembering all the other things I don't like about this place. The short-sightedness on having quantities of all their "mainstay" bagels is amazing. The people behind the counter obviously don't want to be there and seem to be just as happy(or unhappy) if you are not. They don't seem to understand that you butter a bagel on both sides not spread it so thick on one side of the bagel that it might possibly migrate to the other side. One of the guys behind the counter said to me the other day that he does that every time well he might be the only one in the place who does. The wrong Bagel store closed in Center City.
(2)
Brandon R.
This place is da bomb!!!!!!!!! But I have to fast today :(
(5)
Brando A.
Long wait for lousy chow. AVOID
(1)
Mohsin B.
Was I'm the mood for a egg and cheese on a croissant. The guy took down my order wrong. I couldn't quite tell what he said but I thought I heard, "soft bagel" I figured it wouldn't be that bad, so I went with it even it was wrong. Got to the counter to pay and once again heard "salted" vs "soft". I even tried to explain to the cashier that I had ordered a croissant. Once again, no acknowledgement. I was too hungry to argue, and I waited to eat my "soft" bagel. In the end, I was a salted bagel, which is basically a round soft pretzel. I spent half my meal scraping salt off the top. The cheese was melty, bagel was toasted well, and the egg was just right, but right now I need a large glass of water.
(3)
Jennifer J.
The people working were very confused about what food they still had in stock and didn't make it clear they basically had nothing left to order. We watched two other people order well after us and still had to wait for our very simple sandwiches. Once we had finally received our sandwiches, they were incorrect and we were missing our sides. I had eaten here before in a pinch, but this will be our last time.
(1)
Casey B.
I eat here way too frequently, but I'm such a sucker for carb-cheese-egg combos. My favorites are: Thintastic classic eggwhite: thinly sliced sesame seed bagel, turkey sausage, eggwhites, american cheese & avocado Croissant classic: Eggwhites, chedda, tomato and turkey bacon on a croissant Service is quick & friendly, perfect cure for that morning hanger.
(5)
Anita L.
The egg white asparagus and mushroom bagel is amazing. You can choose whichever cream cheese and bagel you want. I got the jalapeño cheddar bagel with garden vegetable cream cheese. This bagel is a winner: the perfect amount of spice from the bagel, filled with enough flavor from the cream cheese, and it stuffs you up so well because of the eggs. The perfect breakfast.
(5)
Anrenee R.
Spinach florentine bagel with egg and cheese. It was good, but I'd have prefered the bagel to be toasted and not merely warned up.
(4)
Aria S.
Amongst my food vices are bagels (mac n cheese and ice cream are on that list if we're getting personal). So before Erin Express, I tried to line my body with some carbs and wake up with some iced coffee. Bagel - as everyone else commented, there was not enough cream cheese at all and the bagel wasn't as toasty as I like and almost stale. Coffee - The beans were so obviously burned which is the worst kinda way to f up a coffee. So meh, don't plan on returning.
(2)
Jessie H.
I always get the same thing when I come here. I've never gotten anything else. Go with what you know. Pork roll, egg, cheese on a plain toasted bagel. (~5). Super filling and can prob last through most of the morning/afternoon. Located conveniently in rittenhouse square, it's also right by the rittenhouse park. My go-to breakfast spot when I want to make sure I'm full so I can eat a later lunch.
(4)
Lea L.
I love them so much! Great food all the time, never had any issues with service. Great coffee. Absolutely love the counter girl, Amber! Such a doll every time I come in. Always stop there on my way to work. (:
(5)
Casey B.
I eat here way too frequently, but I'm such a sucker for carb-cheese-egg combos. My favorites are: Thintastic classic eggwhite: thinly sliced sesame seed bagel, turkey sausage, eggwhites, american cheese & avocado Croissant classic: Eggwhites, chedda, tomato and turkey bacon on a croissant Service is quick & friendly, perfect cure for that morning hanger.
(5)
Anita L.
The egg white asparagus and mushroom bagel is amazing. You can choose whichever cream cheese and bagel you want. I got the jalapeño cheddar bagel with garden vegetable cream cheese. This bagel is a winner: the perfect amount of spice from the bagel, filled with enough flavor from the cream cheese, and it stuffs you up so well because of the eggs. The perfect breakfast.
(5)
Anrenee R.
Spinach florentine bagel with egg and cheese. It was good, but I'd have prefered the bagel to be toasted and not merely warned up.
(4)
Aria S.
Amongst my food vices are bagels (mac n cheese and ice cream are on that list if we're getting personal). So before Erin Express, I tried to line my body with some carbs and wake up with some iced coffee. Bagel - as everyone else commented, there was not enough cream cheese at all and the bagel wasn't as toasty as I like and almost stale. Coffee - The beans were so obviously burned which is the worst kinda way to f up a coffee. So meh, don't plan on returning.
(2)
Jessie H.
I always get the same thing when I come here. I've never gotten anything else. Go with what you know. Pork roll, egg, cheese on a plain toasted bagel. (~5). Super filling and can prob last through most of the morning/afternoon. Located conveniently in rittenhouse square, it's also right by the rittenhouse park. My go-to breakfast spot when I want to make sure I'm full so I can eat a later lunch.
(4)
Mohsin B.
Was I'm the mood for a egg and cheese on a croissant. The guy took down my order wrong. I couldn't quite tell what he said but I thought I heard, "soft bagel" I figured it wouldn't be that bad, so I went with it even it was wrong. Got to the counter to pay and once again heard "salted" vs "soft". I even tried to explain to the cashier that I had ordered a croissant. Once again, no acknowledgement. I was too hungry to argue, and I waited to eat my "soft" bagel. In the end, I was a salted bagel, which is basically a round soft pretzel. I spent half my meal scraping salt off the top. The cheese was melty, bagel was toasted well, and the egg was just right, but right now I need a large glass of water.
(3)
Jennifer J.
The people working were very confused about what food they still had in stock and didn't make it clear they basically had nothing left to order. We watched two other people order well after us and still had to wait for our very simple sandwiches. Once we had finally received our sandwiches, they were incorrect and we were missing our sides. I had eaten here before in a pinch, but this will be our last time.
(1)
Lea L.
I love them so much! Great food all the time, never had any issues with service. Great coffee. Absolutely love the counter girl, Amber! Such a doll every time I come in. Always stop there on my way to work. (:
(5)
Bakchun K.
This is a standard breakfast place in the heart of Philadelphia. It opens early at 6am. They have a full kitchen in front of you and the menu has many selections, bagels, muffins, juices, and sandwiches. I had the standard egg on a bagel, tasted good. You can add an extra egg for an extra charge. There are not that many affordable breakfast places in the area.
(3)
Thuy H.
Although I believe this place is kinda expensive, my lox n bagel was quite delicious! Mmmmm!!!! As you can see from my pictures, they did stuff it with the right amount of items. Capers, onions, tomatos, cream cheese, and of course the LOX! It tasted so fresh. I think my everything bagel kind of took it over the top though.... Made my sandwich a lil too salty, so next time, I'll be ordering it on a plain bagel. I also ordered a small coffee. I made myself a vanilla nut coffee with some cream and sugar. The vanilla nut flavored coffe has such a nice aroma to it! I can still smell it now even though I had it yesterday...lol! I def will be back, but not too often bc $10 for breakfast all the time will cause a huge dent in my wallet
(4)
Rebecca P.
Philly is a veritable bagel wasteland. There, my pompous NJ self said it. I have yet to have even a remotely good bagel in this city. I have been to other Manhattan Bagels and I must say the customer service here is not great. No one is overly friendly. As for the product, it's a standard bagel chain. The bagels are edible, but again, not great. The coffee is self serve and generally pretty weak. Positives include the location and outdoor seating.
(2)
Mike M.
Definitely not a NY bagel, they are pretty small and the quality is eh. Lax cream cheese was very fishy and didn't taste to fresh. I am not a fan of their hygiene, I think they should do a better job cleaning their working stations because it is covered in food residue. The dog bagels are a cool idea, but it seems as if they have been there for 4 years? I got one and it was harder than the concrete on the ground. Their egg, cheese, and sausage isn't too bad... Nothing special.
(3)
Rosie S.
The best bagels in Philadelphia, that I've experienced so far. If you eat Dunkin Donuts bagels you're doing it wrong. I would recommend coming in early or coming mid day for the freshest bagels (they get 2 deliveries, they don't make the bagels there). Honey whole wheat everything is my favorite, as well as the blueberry glazed bagel. They have a $1.99 deal for bagel with egg and cheese occasionally, definitely snag one when they do.
(4)
Stephanie S.
Meh, was expecting a lot better. Salmon lox bagel & cream cheese for $8.50? I can get that for $4.50 at Au Bon Pain in Liberty place. Highway robbery! The egg & cheese was only $2.80, and the egg was fresh, but underwhelmingly small portion. All other breakfast sandwiches around $6? Robbery again. Coffee was average, $1.80 for medium, but there's no Splenda and no cinnamon. Disappointing. I won't be coming back., not unless the prices drop several dollars.
(2)
Paul B.
Food is good but overpriced. Staff is very unfriendly and seem like they hate life. Manual receipt system seems to cause long waits and food served out of order. Would not go back.
(2)
Michael F.
A bagel shop in the Rittenhouse neighborhood - nice coffee and decent sandwiches. Very limited seating inside the window with bar stools, so plan to take-away. They do have a grill that makes the real eggs, so I do like this place. Some restaurants microwave theirs which I don't find appealing. Very inexpensive and friendly staff as well.
(4)
Jamie S.
I went for the first time and I will never return. I got charged for two bagels when I only ordered one and when I got home realized I had gotten the wrong order. When I returned, I only got refunded for one bagel and they wouldn't make me the correct one. So essentially I paid for a bagel and left with nothing. The bagel I did get was tiny and I could have eaten three. Overall, terrible customer service and the bagels are minuscule.
(1)
Allison C.
Good in a pinch. Their cream cheese was pretty mediocre; think that pasty hard stuff from Dunkin' Donuts. Their bagels, however, not too shabby. I opted for the seasonal cranberry bagel; if it had been served with some hearty and creamy cream cheese, plus toasted a little bit more, it would have been a hit. However, the flavor of the bagel was pretty tasty, with little pockets of dried cranberries giving off an occasional burst of tart sweetness as I wolfed it down. They have a pretty decent corn muffin as well.
(3)
Shannon S.
I'll preface this review by saying I've only ever ordered a bagel with cream cheese, which is pricey but tastes good. I'll also say that I never go during a busy time. My problem is with product delivery and customer service. At least three times I have opened up my bagel at work only to find barely enough cream cheese to cover all four quarters (I do like that they quarter the bagel for you). Other times I find it barely toasted. One time it was either stale or baked(?) because the whole bagel was toasted, not just the surfaces. Another time I ordered my usual, got to work and found that there was no cream cheese! I wasn't charged for it but I had ordered "bagel with cream cheese" and didn't know I wasn't charged for what I wanted due to using charge card. I will say that one time they asked me to wait because they had burnt my bagel and wanted to make it right. Props but not enough. Finally, they have weird customer service. A woman came in who made it clear she was a regular as she ignored those in line to pay (I had already paid) and proceeded to hand over a $20 for a bunch of cups of coffee.
(2)
Reema B.
They overcharge you.. Blatantly.. I ordered two bagels with cream cheese.. The lady charged me 3.99 I paid and as I waited for my order she realized she only charged me for one bagel.. She proceeded to then tell me my total was near a total of 7 dollars.. As she shows me the receipt (which they never ask you if you want a copy of) it shows she charged me for an item I didn't even purchase which was more expensive Moral of the story... They charge u for items you're not purchasing.. And way overpriced if it really is 7 dollars for two bagels with cream cheese.. Don't go here or if you do get a receipt from the register each time
(1)
Karen F.
Mediocrity. Came here when I was in a huge rush and Hip City Veg (next door) was bustling and Nom Nom ramen had a long line. Spent about $6 on a latte and a stale bagel with veggie "light" cream cheese, tomato and cucumber. Bitter overpriced latte. BLAH. Waste of calories. Not goin' back.
(2)
Amy B.
I'm glad I decided to give this Manhattan Bagel another chance. This time around the workers were very friendly and the bagel was good. I may come back again!!
(4)
Liz F.
This particular Manhattan Bagel rules for a number of reasons: 1. Location- close to everything & makes for some great people watching while you enjoy your bagel looking out the window 2. The dude who takes your order- he's hilarious and i love his accent. All the other employees were way nice, too. 3. (and most importantly) the bagels are delicious. They do lox and a bagel some serious justice.
(5)
Bif P.
Good bagel places don't need to toast their bagels so I should have taken their in insistence on toasting as a sign. I opted to not toast and it was a mistake. Crunchy exterior but with the texture of collapsing cardboard... just not good.
(1)
Tiffany L.
Stopped in to grab a quick brunch sandwich/bagel sandwich. I was really surprised at how yummy my sandwich was! I got the Ellis Island Hot Pastrami, and it was so good - hit the stop for sure. The staff were patient and helpful (since it was my first time there). There is a decent amount of window seating if you decide to munch on your food in the store. I will have to try out their bagels in the future!
(4)
Lissa C.
I hate this place and even in a pinch I've gone there (like today) because it's the closest place to work that has bagels and again Disappointment city. Bagels come two ways- not toasted enough or burnt to a crisp. There is no in between. I always get butter and it's usually drenched and sloppy. I have to pat it down with several napkins. Also they're expensive and they don't give you the napkins, you have to get them yourself. Go to Le Bus- you'll have to butter it yourself but it's better than this awful establishment.
(1)
Estelle W.
i got a chicken bagel sandwich and it was really good except the bagel was burnt on the inside!!!! i didn't like that. i also got strawberry lemonade which was very good but a little small.
(3)
Aaliyah P.
I frequent this place when im hungover and in need of a good greasy breakfast sandwich.Its close to work and they have every type of bagel under the sun. My only issue is that the sandwiches tend to be on the smaller side. Service is always speedy and ive only encountered an incorrect order once. Id recommend the breakfast sandwiches i havent experienced lunch or any other food options.
(3)
Candace S.
The bagel was pretty good, and the lox cream cheese is fantastic. The staff is always friendly and the coffee is great!
(4)
Cannon K.
If you are in dire need of a real NYC/North Jersey bagel, I guess this place does the job. it's not anything special, but the bagels are more than 'circle bread.' Crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside. It still doesn't feel quite like home, though... 3/5 -CK
(3)
Adhish R.
This place gets busy, so get your bagel in early For about 3 or 4 bucks, you're getting a good bagel sandwich. I got the egg and cheese on... Me: Wheat? MB: Sorry we're out Me: Everything Bagel? MB: Sorry we're out Me: Blueberry MB: You got the last one bro... Moral of the story, early bird gets the bagel. Also, coffee was mediocre I wouldn't recommend it.
(3)
Sara P.
I dont get bagels often but I really had a desire for a fall-themed bagel. I stopped in here today and was delighted. They had a terrific California something or other bagel that had a bunch of dried fruits and seeds in it. They also had a pumpkin bagel that was spectacular. Best of all, the service was terrific. They asked several times if I needed anything to go with the bagels, specifically mentioning butter, cream cheese and coffee at various times. My bagel was perfectly toasted with the cream cheese quanity I requested. Prices seemed in line with every other bagel place.
(5)
Rachel S.
I was craving lox and bagel so I popped into Manhattan Bagel just to see if they even had lox spread which would do the trick. They actually did have lox and bagel on the menu for $7.99 which was fine with me because when you gotta have it, you're paying premium prices no matter what. It was awesome and perfectly hit the spot. I like mine on an everything bagel with tomato and red onion. Great location also.
(3)
Jamie D.
I've had their bacon,egg,and cheese bagels a few times now and it's my favorite morning starter. For the same price as Dunkin' Donuts, you get real egg, melty cheese, and legit bacon. The toasted bagel is perfect. Do this place.
(5)
Anthony R.
The bagels are toasted to perfection and the coffee smooth and delicious...or maybe I'm too hungry this morning after a long night of driving!?!
(5)
Tyler T.
When I arrived at 4:00 which was an hour before closing I asked for egg and cheese on a bagel, I was told he can't do that because he already cleaned up the stove. So I went with a chocolate chip bagel, plain bagel, and two mini pumpkin bagels. He didn't toast the bagels for me so then I sat down an started eating, an old lady came in and the worker said "nothing for you" since he has already put all the bagels away and it was still 20 minutes till close. Before that he told me and my friend that we have 10 minutes to leave because they are closing, this was at 4:30. Overall I thought I was gonna have a better experience and I was sadly mistaken, I'll give it another try if that ignorant worker isn't there.
(1)
Alyssa L.
I like Manhattan bagel, the bagels are great. I also really like espresso, but I am a bit of a late sleeper. Unfortunately after a certain time one cannot venture to get an espresso because they turn their espresso machine off after the morning. Is starbucks the only place someone can get an espresso until they close that's fast? Anyway I still give them 3 stars because they have awesome bagels and it's great for grab and go.
(3)
Pasquale R.
The hotel I was staying at wasn't too far from here. Don't let the name fool you. Their bagels DO NOT taste, look, feel like bagels from Manhattan. Their prices do. Had a bagel with scallion cc since they don't have olive cc. Smaller bagel which was palatable. Had the next day a "pork roll" & cheese on a everything. The Taylor Ham, yes Taylor ham her in Jersey, not pork roll, tasted off. Didn't have the same flavor as what we serve here. Anyway, their coffee was good. Surprisingly. I guess since I live near the mecca of bagels it's hard to compare. Yeah I know it's a chain but for people to think that's what bagels should taste like, they are surely missing out.
(2)
Tony P.
Not Brooklyn Bagels but you know in a pinch, I'll keep going back when I'm back in Philadelphia.
(3)
Nicole B.
Ladies, chivalry and romance are not dead; you just haven't yet met Rafael at Philadelphia's Manhattan Bagel.
(2)
Laura S.
Two happily-caffeinated and carbohydrate-full thumbs up. I'm kind of incoherent in the morning and am usually incapable of managing to feed myself until I've been awake for longer than an hour. When I have to be out the door early in the morning, this poses quite the challenge. Luckily, Manhattan Bagel does not require me to be either coherent or capable. I walk my sleepy-eyed self in the door and walk out with a bagel and coffee for a totally reasonable price. They've got a wide variety of bagels and cream cheeses and will put just about anything on them that you ask for. I tend to ignore the menu on the wall (see above re: incoherence) and they have always been able to give me whatever it is I've asked for (including a side of bacon, which might have been a weird request come to think of it but they didn't bat an eyelash). They've got some seating inside if you've got time to sit and eat. Service has always been friendly and quick.
(4)
Kate H.
I come here all the time for breakfast. Try their tostini with roasted red peppers,it's delicious. Staff knows me by name. Friendly and fast. I always walk out spending less than $5, full and happy.
(4)
Kristin W.
I had high hopes for bagels when I moved to Philly. NYC has amazing bagels, NYC is in NY, NY touches PA, PA contains Philly...but sadly, the transitive property evidently doesn't apply to bagels. That said, I think Manhattan Bagel has the best bagels in Philly, but they're not up to their namesake. For the cream cheese, I would skip the Light Veggie which tastes a little plastic-y...Garlic & Herb is pretty good, especially spread on an Everything Bagel.
(4)
Lisa J.
I guess I'm in the minority that doesn't have a problem with this place. Philly does not have good bagels. Get over it. These ones are still edible and actually not that bad! The veggie cream cheese is so good I could eat it with a spoon. Prices on some of the sandwiches are a bit high, but whatever, it's a chain and they probably have no control over that. Employees are always friendly! I've never had a problem with any of them. In fact, one of them (I think his name is Stefan?) is always super nice to me and seems to remember me whenever I come in. I like that.
(3)
Danielle J.
Stopped in here for a quick breakfast while visiting my friend who lives a couple blocks away. I was looking up at the menu & had a guy ask me if I was ready to order... then 20 seconds later, another guy asked... then 10 seconds later yet another guy asked... I felt uncomfortable & quickly decided on a honey whole wheat everything bagel with LF veggie cream cheese... and no one was standing there this time. It only took about 5 seconds for one of the 5 or 6 guys to take my order, then he gave me a ticket. I took the ticket to the cashier & he said, "uhh I can't read that, what did you get?" I told him my bagel & the total was higher than it should be so I asked & he said "and the water?" (which was almost empty) and I told him I brought it in with me. He said, "Oh, yea, that's not even the brand we sell." (A simple mistake, but I was already frazzled from his coworkers.) The bagel was fine... not the best or worst I've had... and more like whole wheat everything.. I guess I was expecting it to be salty & slightly sweet but there was no sweetness. Cream cheese was good. Overall I was just very thrown by repeatedly being asked if I was ready when I was clearly staring at the menu. Not writing it off but not looking to go back either.
(2)
Sarah D.
Wow! I can't believe how many people don't like this place. Granted, I've never had a real New York bagel and I was also just visiting when I came here, but I thought I'd give it a review. I liked the place just fine. I wasn't floored, but I liked it all the same. I had an egg and cheese bagel. It wasn't as good as a biscuit, but I was still satisfied. The staff was fine. They didn't knock my socks off or anything, but I thought that they were nice. Overall, I recommend it if you're visiting. My experience was good.
(4)
Jerry T.
Sure, it's not a mom-and-pop bagel shop with traditional old-style bagels - it is what it is - a chain that actually produces a decent mass-produced bagel. I prefer the jalapeno cheddar one, personally, toasted with butter. But, that's not the reason I give it 4 stars. I give it 4 stars because of Lisa who will provide you with the best customer service possible. She's been there ever since I first started stopping in a few years back and she is what makes me continue to come back. I always say it - customer service can make an otherwise mediocre place special - and Lisa makes sure this happens at the Rittenhouse Manhattan Bagel!
(4)
Grace S.
Been here a few times since it's convenient and I keep hoping the bagels will get better, but they are really terrible. Coming from NYC, I guess I've been spoiled but the consistency of their bagels is similar to thick stale bread, the flavor is completely lacking--overall, it's just a very unsavory piece of bread. The prices aren't even cheap!
(1)
Christina P.
I have given this place many tries. Breakfast is my favorite meal and I really wanted to like it, especially since they're named after the holy grail of bagels. Do not be fooled though, because these bagels are nothing like what you'll find in New York. The bagels are small, dry, and instead of being hard on the outside and soft on the inside, they're hard all the way through. I guess it's good that they're smaller, I really don't need to be eating a bagel the size of my face. But it is wayyy overpriced for what you get. I got a turkey bacon, egg white, and cheese on a multigrain bagel with a coffee and it came to close to $7. Also, the multigrain bagel was actually a white bagel with some "grains" sprinkled on top! The only saving grace of this place is their coffee, which is actually really good. If you do go (hopefully just for coffee), try the vanilla nut. Le Bus two doors down has bagels that are 100x better.
(2)
Jill T.
Pork roll, Egg, and Cheese on an everything bagel toasted please! I love their bagels, what can I say? Jalapeno and cheese bagel- amazing! For a quick, easy, inexpensive breakfast- this is the spot!
(4)
Sylvia M.
Never had Manhattan Bagel, always walked by, love bagels SO got some for work. Nothings better than going to work on Monday Morning and having some Manhattan Bagels! I got an assortment like whole wheat, everything, plain, cin. raisin, blueberry (i think)... well, i had an everything and it was good! they have little cream cheese containers and the veggie one was really good! i had no time to get lunch at work so a whole wheat bagel with veggie cream cheese was my lunch and i think it was better than my everything with plain cream cheese. i got coupons from the staff and their breakfast sandwiches look so i want to go back and get some. needless to say, i love breakfast sandwiches and im sure id be back for some goodies!
(4)
Mike C.
i been eating bagels all my life. i have seen the best and worst of the nyc bagel scene. what makes a bagel a bagel? fluffy and soft inside, but crispy crunchy outside. with that being said, the bagels at manhattan bagels is really soft and fluffy. i ordered the philly steak and egg on an everything bagel, and although the steak is not pats quality, the over all sandwich hits the spot, the bottom o my belly! Next time, i will have a bagel over something more conventional, i.e. butter, cream-cheese, jelly or a combination of all the above. in closing, would i drive down to philly strictly for the bagel, and then proceed to drive back to brooklyn after eating it? probably not. However, if i am in the area, craving a bagel, i would not hesitate to drop on in. i really wish there is a 3.5 stars rating!
(4)
Sean M.
I frequent this location, as it is on my way to work and as I go in early, it is very convenient. The food quality is fine, while overpriced, but my experience has always been fast with quality service and without issue. That is until the last three visits I have made there. I did not realize there was an issue until the second of the three visits, when I got my change. A bagel with cream cheese comes to $3.23 after tax. The clerk handed me 3 quarters. I recalled the same happened the day before, so I said something, "where is the rest of my change?" He said, "Oh," and handed me a dime from the tip jar. Now yesterday, the same thing happened, so I helped myself to the tip jar and took out 2 pennies. I said, "That's a bit presumptuous, keeping the pennies." The clerk (same from visit #2) mumbled something about saving a ton of money at the end of the year, indicating it was intentional. I stated, "It's stealing from your customers." The food is fine, but the staff is dishonest. Be mindful of your change.
(1)
Jill A.
This location always has salt bagels. Do people not like them?! Eating one (with cheese, tomato and mayo) results in a most pleasurable experience. It's high up there on my "Favorite Things To Do" chart, alongside cleaning my ears with Q-tips and taking a pee after a long car ride. Oh, how I love you, salt bagel.
(3)
Charles L.
I agree with some of the other reviews that the bagels here are not New York Bagels but nothing down in Philly is because of the water in NYC. With Brueggars now closed in the area I have been trying this Manhattan Bagels store again for a regular breakfast bagel. The bagels are pretty good but the service in the place leaves a lot to be desired. I originally stopped buying here and went to Brueggars because I was getting the same thing from Brueggars for $1.25 that I was getting at Manhattan Bagel for $2.15. The Manhattan Bagel was just not ninety cent better. Now I am back and remembering all the other things I don't like about this place. The short-sightedness on having quantities of all their "mainstay" bagels is amazing. The people behind the counter obviously don't want to be there and seem to be just as happy(or unhappy) if you are not. They don't seem to understand that you butter a bagel on both sides not spread it so thick on one side of the bagel that it might possibly migrate to the other side. One of the guys behind the counter said to me the other day that he does that every time well he might be the only one in the place who does. The wrong Bagel store closed in Center City.
(2)
Brandon R.
This place is da bomb!!!!!!!!! But I have to fast today :(
(5)
Brando A.
Long wait for lousy chow. AVOID
(1)
Rachel U.
I heart the egg and cheese sandwiches here; actual griddle = actual freshly cooked eggs, not scary spongy microwaved eggs. When we lived closer we used to come every Sunday morning, get breakfast and, if the weather was nice, eat it in the park. Now that we live on the other side of the city we'll still make the trek back to Manhattan Bagel on occasion because it's still the best egg & cheese we've found in the city. I also heart the people who work here; always friendly. And though my New Yorker husband maintains that real NY bagels ought to be the size of your head (not my preference), I find the bagels here to be yummy and just the right size, and I like the flavor options they have.
(4)
K C.
YUCK! This morning was my first visit to Manhattan Bagel in Philadelphia. I ordered a pumpkin bagel with pumpkin cream cheese. It was the worst bagel and cream cheese I've ever had. The bagel was small and thin, the cream cheese was almost watery, and they didn't have the courtesy to include a napkin in my to-go-bag. So, when the watery-pumkin mess went all over, I didn't have anything to clean it up. The bagel was rubbery and after a few bites I just threw the rest out. It was gross. I will never go back.
(1)
Cherie C.
It's a chain. It's in a neighborhood with some great bakeries. Why not have a croissant or a cup of La Colombe nearby? But if you want a reliable egg-on-a-bagel, this will do. It's no H&H, but it's not terrible. They also gave out some big coupon booklets recently, so I stopped in for my free cup of coffee. La Colombe is the really good, but it's not free.
(3)
Kathy L.
I wanted to give them 3 stars but hey - let's be honest...I'm probably here twice a month on average, which is probably more than any other food retailer, with exception to starbucks and la colombe. I would never drink coffee here. I do not serve myself, thank you very much. By definition, it cannot be good coffee if I have to pump it. What is there to say? The people who work her are courteous and make an effort to give good service. Yes, the have a tendency to run out of plain bagels in the early afternoons on weekends, but that's what I get for waking up late. With the dearth of good bagel places in the city, I prefer MB. I guess 4th street deli also has good bagels, but they charge more...and don't have lite cream cheese. Or lite anything...
(4)
Ernest S.
Not a bad bagel, although they put very little lox spread on! Come on! It's just the spread, not gobs of real fish.
(3)
Stephanie M.
Manhattan Bagel is where I go to grab a coffee before taking my dogs to the Square. Its always near my hotel, quick and friendly. No you are not going to get gourmet coffee or NY quality bagels here. Yes they are a bit over priced.
(3)
Ben P.
Weak. The bagel sucked. The staff was worse. Rude, nasty people. Get over yourselves. If you don't like doing your job, get a new one but don't take it out on your customers. That's what I get for going to a big chain bagel place.
(2)
Tarah H.
A wide variety of fresh, flavorful bagels? Yes please! And they have a griddle that they make real eggs on as opposed to those spongy things at other chains? Even better! The line moved fast, the food was hot and good, the prices were reasonable and staff was decent. I needed food and fast and this place was great for what it was and made me happy.
(3)
Jake P.
Philadelphia is truly lacking in the bagel department. One on hand you've got the saran-wrapped, cream cheese filled numbers that the lunch trucks leave out in the sun all day. As a formidable alternative, you've got Cosi's wait-in-line 20 minutes for a revolutionary square bagel, or you've got watered-down franchise numbers like these. At least the chains back home (Bruegger's/Einstein) had tact in bagel-making. They specialized in freshness, and while the bagels themselves would never make you consider a second the way that Northern New Jersey's bagelries might, they sufficed. Manhattan Bagel is truly just a Dunkin Donuts posing as a bagel shop... only Dunkin Donuts has good coffee. Mayor Bloomberg should sue the company for advertising these tasteless balls of dough as having anything to do with a 14-mile island. Terrible... I'd sooner eat a lunch truck bagel than these.
(1)
Parisa S.
AUGH. Truly awful. The bagels here have to be among the worst I've EVER had. EVER. I swear. Not fresh, not tasty, just plain WRONG. Avoid, avoid, avoid. Their coffee sucks too.
(1)
Aria S.
Amongst my food vices are bagels (mac n cheese and ice cream are on that list if we're getting personal). So before Erin Express, I tried to line my body with some carbs and wake up with some iced coffee. Bagel - as everyone else commented, there was not enough cream cheese at all and the bagel wasn't as toasty as I like and almost stale. Coffee - The beans were so obviously burned which is the worst kinda way to f up a coffee. So meh, don't plan on returning.
(2)
Jessie H.
I always get the same thing when I come here. I've never gotten anything else. Go with what you know. Pork roll, egg, cheese on a plain toasted bagel. (~5). Super filling and can prob last through most of the morning/afternoon. Located conveniently in rittenhouse square, it's also right by the rittenhouse park. My go-to breakfast spot when I want to make sure I'm full so I can eat a later lunch.
(4)
Mohsin B.
Was I'm the mood for a egg and cheese on a croissant. The guy took down my order wrong. I couldn't quite tell what he said but I thought I heard, "soft bagel" I figured it wouldn't be that bad, so I went with it even it was wrong. Got to the counter to pay and once again heard "salted" vs "soft". I even tried to explain to the cashier that I had ordered a croissant. Once again, no acknowledgement. I was too hungry to argue, and I waited to eat my "soft" bagel. In the end, I was a salted bagel, which is basically a round soft pretzel. I spent half my meal scraping salt off the top. The cheese was melty, bagel was toasted well, and the egg was just right, but right now I need a large glass of water.
(3)
Jennifer J.
The people working were very confused about what food they still had in stock and didn't make it clear they basically had nothing left to order. We watched two other people order well after us and still had to wait for our very simple sandwiches. Once we had finally received our sandwiches, they were incorrect and we were missing our sides. I had eaten here before in a pinch, but this will be our last time.
(1)
Lea L.
I love them so much! Great food all the time, never had any issues with service. Great coffee. Absolutely love the counter girl, Amber! Such a doll every time I come in. Always stop there on my way to work. (:
(5)
Thuy H.
Although I believe this place is kinda expensive, my lox n bagel was quite delicious! Mmmmm!!!! As you can see from my pictures, they did stuff it with the right amount of items. Capers, onions, tomatos, cream cheese, and of course the LOX! It tasted so fresh. I think my everything bagel kind of took it over the top though.... Made my sandwich a lil too salty, so next time, I'll be ordering it on a plain bagel. I also ordered a small coffee. I made myself a vanilla nut coffee with some cream and sugar. The vanilla nut flavored coffe has such a nice aroma to it! I can still smell it now even though I had it yesterday...lol! I def will be back, but not too often bc $10 for breakfast all the time will cause a huge dent in my wallet
(4)
Rebecca P.
Philly is a veritable bagel wasteland. There, my pompous NJ self said it. I have yet to have even a remotely good bagel in this city. I have been to other Manhattan Bagels and I must say the customer service here is not great. No one is overly friendly. As for the product, it's a standard bagel chain. The bagels are edible, but again, not great. The coffee is self serve and generally pretty weak. Positives include the location and outdoor seating.
(2)
Mike M.
Definitely not a NY bagel, they are pretty small and the quality is eh. Lax cream cheese was very fishy and didn't taste to fresh. I am not a fan of their hygiene, I think they should do a better job cleaning their working stations because it is covered in food residue. The dog bagels are a cool idea, but it seems as if they have been there for 4 years? I got one and it was harder than the concrete on the ground. Their egg, cheese, and sausage isn't too bad... Nothing special.
(3)
Rosie S.
The best bagels in Philadelphia, that I've experienced so far. If you eat Dunkin Donuts bagels you're doing it wrong. I would recommend coming in early or coming mid day for the freshest bagels (they get 2 deliveries, they don't make the bagels there). Honey whole wheat everything is my favorite, as well as the blueberry glazed bagel. They have a $1.99 deal for bagel with egg and cheese occasionally, definitely snag one when they do.
(4)
Stephanie S.
Meh, was expecting a lot better. Salmon lox bagel & cream cheese for $8.50? I can get that for $4.50 at Au Bon Pain in Liberty place. Highway robbery! The egg & cheese was only $2.80, and the egg was fresh, but underwhelmingly small portion. All other breakfast sandwiches around $6? Robbery again. Coffee was average, $1.80 for medium, but there's no Splenda and no cinnamon. Disappointing. I won't be coming back., not unless the prices drop several dollars.
(2)
Paul B.
Food is good but overpriced. Staff is very unfriendly and seem like they hate life. Manual receipt system seems to cause long waits and food served out of order. Would not go back.
(2)
Michael F.
A bagel shop in the Rittenhouse neighborhood - nice coffee and decent sandwiches. Very limited seating inside the window with bar stools, so plan to take-away. They do have a grill that makes the real eggs, so I do like this place. Some restaurants microwave theirs which I don't find appealing. Very inexpensive and friendly staff as well.
(4)
Jamie S.
I went for the first time and I will never return. I got charged for two bagels when I only ordered one and when I got home realized I had gotten the wrong order. When I returned, I only got refunded for one bagel and they wouldn't make me the correct one. So essentially I paid for a bagel and left with nothing. The bagel I did get was tiny and I could have eaten three. Overall, terrible customer service and the bagels are minuscule.
(1)
Allison C.
Good in a pinch. Their cream cheese was pretty mediocre; think that pasty hard stuff from Dunkin' Donuts. Their bagels, however, not too shabby. I opted for the seasonal cranberry bagel; if it had been served with some hearty and creamy cream cheese, plus toasted a little bit more, it would have been a hit. However, the flavor of the bagel was pretty tasty, with little pockets of dried cranberries giving off an occasional burst of tart sweetness as I wolfed it down. They have a pretty decent corn muffin as well.
(3)
Shannon S.
I'll preface this review by saying I've only ever ordered a bagel with cream cheese, which is pricey but tastes good. I'll also say that I never go during a busy time. My problem is with product delivery and customer service. At least three times I have opened up my bagel at work only to find barely enough cream cheese to cover all four quarters (I do like that they quarter the bagel for you). Other times I find it barely toasted. One time it was either stale or baked(?) because the whole bagel was toasted, not just the surfaces. Another time I ordered my usual, got to work and found that there was no cream cheese! I wasn't charged for it but I had ordered "bagel with cream cheese" and didn't know I wasn't charged for what I wanted due to using charge card. I will say that one time they asked me to wait because they had burnt my bagel and wanted to make it right. Props but not enough. Finally, they have weird customer service. A woman came in who made it clear she was a regular as she ignored those in line to pay (I had already paid) and proceeded to hand over a $20 for a bunch of cups of coffee.
(2)
Reema B.
They overcharge you.. Blatantly.. I ordered two bagels with cream cheese.. The lady charged me 3.99 I paid and as I waited for my order she realized she only charged me for one bagel.. She proceeded to then tell me my total was near a total of 7 dollars.. As she shows me the receipt (which they never ask you if you want a copy of) it shows she charged me for an item I didn't even purchase which was more expensive Moral of the story... They charge u for items you're not purchasing.. And way overpriced if it really is 7 dollars for two bagels with cream cheese.. Don't go here or if you do get a receipt from the register each time
(1)
Karen F.
Mediocrity. Came here when I was in a huge rush and Hip City Veg (next door) was bustling and Nom Nom ramen had a long line. Spent about $6 on a latte and a stale bagel with veggie "light" cream cheese, tomato and cucumber. Bitter overpriced latte. BLAH. Waste of calories. Not goin' back.
(2)
Amy B.
I'm glad I decided to give this Manhattan Bagel another chance. This time around the workers were very friendly and the bagel was good. I may come back again!!
(4)
Liz F.
This particular Manhattan Bagel rules for a number of reasons: 1. Location- close to everything & makes for some great people watching while you enjoy your bagel looking out the window 2. The dude who takes your order- he's hilarious and i love his accent. All the other employees were way nice, too. 3. (and most importantly) the bagels are delicious. They do lox and a bagel some serious justice.
(5)
Sara P.
I dont get bagels often but I really had a desire for a fall-themed bagel. I stopped in here today and was delighted. They had a terrific California something or other bagel that had a bunch of dried fruits and seeds in it. They also had a pumpkin bagel that was spectacular. Best of all, the service was terrific. They asked several times if I needed anything to go with the bagels, specifically mentioning butter, cream cheese and coffee at various times. My bagel was perfectly toasted with the cream cheese quanity I requested. Prices seemed in line with every other bagel place.
(5)
Rachel S.
I was craving lox and bagel so I popped into Manhattan Bagel just to see if they even had lox spread which would do the trick. They actually did have lox and bagel on the menu for $7.99 which was fine with me because when you gotta have it, you're paying premium prices no matter what. It was awesome and perfectly hit the spot. I like mine on an everything bagel with tomato and red onion. Great location also.
(3)
Jamie D.
I've had their bacon,egg,and cheese bagels a few times now and it's my favorite morning starter. For the same price as Dunkin' Donuts, you get real egg, melty cheese, and legit bacon. The toasted bagel is perfect. Do this place.
(5)
Anthony R.
The bagels are toasted to perfection and the coffee smooth and delicious...or maybe I'm too hungry this morning after a long night of driving!?!
(5)
Tyler T.
When I arrived at 4:00 which was an hour before closing I asked for egg and cheese on a bagel, I was told he can't do that because he already cleaned up the stove. So I went with a chocolate chip bagel, plain bagel, and two mini pumpkin bagels. He didn't toast the bagels for me so then I sat down an started eating, an old lady came in and the worker said "nothing for you" since he has already put all the bagels away and it was still 20 minutes till close. Before that he told me and my friend that we have 10 minutes to leave because they are closing, this was at 4:30. Overall I thought I was gonna have a better experience and I was sadly mistaken, I'll give it another try if that ignorant worker isn't there.
(1)
Alyssa L.
I like Manhattan bagel, the bagels are great. I also really like espresso, but I am a bit of a late sleeper. Unfortunately after a certain time one cannot venture to get an espresso because they turn their espresso machine off after the morning. Is starbucks the only place someone can get an espresso until they close that's fast? Anyway I still give them 3 stars because they have awesome bagels and it's great for grab and go.
(3)
Cannon K.
If you are in dire need of a real NYC/North Jersey bagel, I guess this place does the job. it's not anything special, but the bagels are more than 'circle bread.' Crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside. It still doesn't feel quite like home, though... 3/5 -CK
(3)
Adhish R.
This place gets busy, so get your bagel in early For about 3 or 4 bucks, you're getting a good bagel sandwich. I got the egg and cheese on... Me: Wheat? MB: Sorry we're out Me: Everything Bagel? MB: Sorry we're out Me: Blueberry MB: You got the last one bro... Moral of the story, early bird gets the bagel. Also, coffee was mediocre I wouldn't recommend it.
(3)
Pasquale R.
The hotel I was staying at wasn't too far from here. Don't let the name fool you. Their bagels DO NOT taste, look, feel like bagels from Manhattan. Their prices do. Had a bagel with scallion cc since they don't have olive cc. Smaller bagel which was palatable. Had the next day a "pork roll" & cheese on a everything. The Taylor Ham, yes Taylor ham her in Jersey, not pork roll, tasted off. Didn't have the same flavor as what we serve here. Anyway, their coffee was good. Surprisingly. I guess since I live near the mecca of bagels it's hard to compare. Yeah I know it's a chain but for people to think that's what bagels should taste like, they are surely missing out.
(2)
Tony P.
Not Brooklyn Bagels but you know in a pinch, I'll keep going back when I'm back in Philadelphia.
(3)
Nicole B.
Ladies, chivalry and romance are not dead; you just haven't yet met Rafael at Philadelphia's Manhattan Bagel.
(2)
Bif P.
Good bagel places don't need to toast their bagels so I should have taken their in insistence on toasting as a sign. I opted to not toast and it was a mistake. Crunchy exterior but with the texture of collapsing cardboard... just not good.
(1)
Tiffany L.
Stopped in to grab a quick brunch sandwich/bagel sandwich. I was really surprised at how yummy my sandwich was! I got the Ellis Island Hot Pastrami, and it was so good - hit the stop for sure. The staff were patient and helpful (since it was my first time there). There is a decent amount of window seating if you decide to munch on your food in the store. I will have to try out their bagels in the future!
(4)
Lissa C.
I hate this place and even in a pinch I've gone there (like today) because it's the closest place to work that has bagels and again Disappointment city. Bagels come two ways- not toasted enough or burnt to a crisp. There is no in between. I always get butter and it's usually drenched and sloppy. I have to pat it down with several napkins. Also they're expensive and they don't give you the napkins, you have to get them yourself. Go to Le Bus- you'll have to butter it yourself but it's better than this awful establishment.
(1)
Estelle W.
i got a chicken bagel sandwich and it was really good except the bagel was burnt on the inside!!!! i didn't like that. i also got strawberry lemonade which was very good but a little small.
(3)
Aaliyah P.
I frequent this place when im hungover and in need of a good greasy breakfast sandwich.Its close to work and they have every type of bagel under the sun. My only issue is that the sandwiches tend to be on the smaller side. Service is always speedy and ive only encountered an incorrect order once. Id recommend the breakfast sandwiches i havent experienced lunch or any other food options.
(3)
Candace S.
The bagel was pretty good, and the lox cream cheese is fantastic. The staff is always friendly and the coffee is great!
(4)
Jerry T.
Sure, it's not a mom-and-pop bagel shop with traditional old-style bagels - it is what it is - a chain that actually produces a decent mass-produced bagel. I prefer the jalapeno cheddar one, personally, toasted with butter. But, that's not the reason I give it 4 stars. I give it 4 stars because of Lisa who will provide you with the best customer service possible. She's been there ever since I first started stopping in a few years back and she is what makes me continue to come back. I always say it - customer service can make an otherwise mediocre place special - and Lisa makes sure this happens at the Rittenhouse Manhattan Bagel!
(4)
Kristin W.
I had high hopes for bagels when I moved to Philly. NYC has amazing bagels, NYC is in NY, NY touches PA, PA contains Philly...but sadly, the transitive property evidently doesn't apply to bagels. That said, I think Manhattan Bagel has the best bagels in Philly, but they're not up to their namesake. For the cream cheese, I would skip the Light Veggie which tastes a little plastic-y...Garlic & Herb is pretty good, especially spread on an Everything Bagel.
(4)
Lisa J.
I guess I'm in the minority that doesn't have a problem with this place. Philly does not have good bagels. Get over it. These ones are still edible and actually not that bad! The veggie cream cheese is so good I could eat it with a spoon. Prices on some of the sandwiches are a bit high, but whatever, it's a chain and they probably have no control over that. Employees are always friendly! I've never had a problem with any of them. In fact, one of them (I think his name is Stefan?) is always super nice to me and seems to remember me whenever I come in. I like that.
(3)
Grace S.
Been here a few times since it's convenient and I keep hoping the bagels will get better, but they are really terrible. Coming from NYC, I guess I've been spoiled but the consistency of their bagels is similar to thick stale bread, the flavor is completely lacking--overall, it's just a very unsavory piece of bread. The prices aren't even cheap!
(1)
Christina P.
I have given this place many tries. Breakfast is my favorite meal and I really wanted to like it, especially since they're named after the holy grail of bagels. Do not be fooled though, because these bagels are nothing like what you'll find in New York. The bagels are small, dry, and instead of being hard on the outside and soft on the inside, they're hard all the way through. I guess it's good that they're smaller, I really don't need to be eating a bagel the size of my face. But it is wayyy overpriced for what you get. I got a turkey bacon, egg white, and cheese on a multigrain bagel with a coffee and it came to close to $7. Also, the multigrain bagel was actually a white bagel with some "grains" sprinkled on top! The only saving grace of this place is their coffee, which is actually really good. If you do go (hopefully just for coffee), try the vanilla nut. Le Bus two doors down has bagels that are 100x better.
(2)
Jill T.
Pork roll, Egg, and Cheese on an everything bagel toasted please! I love their bagels, what can I say? Jalapeno and cheese bagel- amazing! For a quick, easy, inexpensive breakfast- this is the spot!
(4)
Laura S.
Two happily-caffeinated and carbohydrate-full thumbs up. I'm kind of incoherent in the morning and am usually incapable of managing to feed myself until I've been awake for longer than an hour. When I have to be out the door early in the morning, this poses quite the challenge. Luckily, Manhattan Bagel does not require me to be either coherent or capable. I walk my sleepy-eyed self in the door and walk out with a bagel and coffee for a totally reasonable price. They've got a wide variety of bagels and cream cheeses and will put just about anything on them that you ask for. I tend to ignore the menu on the wall (see above re: incoherence) and they have always been able to give me whatever it is I've asked for (including a side of bacon, which might have been a weird request come to think of it but they didn't bat an eyelash). They've got some seating inside if you've got time to sit and eat. Service has always been friendly and quick.
(4)
Kate H.
I come here all the time for breakfast. Try their tostini with roasted red peppers,it's delicious. Staff knows me by name. Friendly and fast. I always walk out spending less than $5, full and happy.
(4)
Danielle J.
Stopped in here for a quick breakfast while visiting my friend who lives a couple blocks away. I was looking up at the menu & had a guy ask me if I was ready to order... then 20 seconds later, another guy asked... then 10 seconds later yet another guy asked... I felt uncomfortable & quickly decided on a honey whole wheat everything bagel with LF veggie cream cheese... and no one was standing there this time. It only took about 5 seconds for one of the 5 or 6 guys to take my order, then he gave me a ticket. I took the ticket to the cashier & he said, "uhh I can't read that, what did you get?" I told him my bagel & the total was higher than it should be so I asked & he said "and the water?" (which was almost empty) and I told him I brought it in with me. He said, "Oh, yea, that's not even the brand we sell." (A simple mistake, but I was already frazzled from his coworkers.) The bagel was fine... not the best or worst I've had... and more like whole wheat everything.. I guess I was expecting it to be salty & slightly sweet but there was no sweetness. Cream cheese was good. Overall I was just very thrown by repeatedly being asked if I was ready when I was clearly staring at the menu. Not writing it off but not looking to go back either.
(2)
Sarah D.
Wow! I can't believe how many people don't like this place. Granted, I've never had a real New York bagel and I was also just visiting when I came here, but I thought I'd give it a review. I liked the place just fine. I wasn't floored, but I liked it all the same. I had an egg and cheese bagel. It wasn't as good as a biscuit, but I was still satisfied. The staff was fine. They didn't knock my socks off or anything, but I thought that they were nice. Overall, I recommend it if you're visiting. My experience was good.
(4)
Mike C.
i been eating bagels all my life. i have seen the best and worst of the nyc bagel scene. what makes a bagel a bagel? fluffy and soft inside, but crispy crunchy outside. with that being said, the bagels at manhattan bagels is really soft and fluffy. i ordered the philly steak and egg on an everything bagel, and although the steak is not pats quality, the over all sandwich hits the spot, the bottom o my belly! Next time, i will have a bagel over something more conventional, i.e. butter, cream-cheese, jelly or a combination of all the above. in closing, would i drive down to philly strictly for the bagel, and then proceed to drive back to brooklyn after eating it? probably not. However, if i am in the area, craving a bagel, i would not hesitate to drop on in. i really wish there is a 3.5 stars rating!
(4)
Sean M.
I frequent this location, as it is on my way to work and as I go in early, it is very convenient. The food quality is fine, while overpriced, but my experience has always been fast with quality service and without issue. That is until the last three visits I have made there. I did not realize there was an issue until the second of the three visits, when I got my change. A bagel with cream cheese comes to $3.23 after tax. The clerk handed me 3 quarters. I recalled the same happened the day before, so I said something, "where is the rest of my change?" He said, "Oh," and handed me a dime from the tip jar. Now yesterday, the same thing happened, so I helped myself to the tip jar and took out 2 pennies. I said, "That's a bit presumptuous, keeping the pennies." The clerk (same from visit #2) mumbled something about saving a ton of money at the end of the year, indicating it was intentional. I stated, "It's stealing from your customers." The food is fine, but the staff is dishonest. Be mindful of your change.
(1)
Jill A.
This location always has salt bagels. Do people not like them?! Eating one (with cheese, tomato and mayo) results in a most pleasurable experience. It's high up there on my "Favorite Things To Do" chart, alongside cleaning my ears with Q-tips and taking a pee after a long car ride. Oh, how I love you, salt bagel.
(3)
Rachel U.
I heart the egg and cheese sandwiches here; actual griddle = actual freshly cooked eggs, not scary spongy microwaved eggs. When we lived closer we used to come every Sunday morning, get breakfast and, if the weather was nice, eat it in the park. Now that we live on the other side of the city we'll still make the trek back to Manhattan Bagel on occasion because it's still the best egg & cheese we've found in the city. I also heart the people who work here; always friendly. And though my New Yorker husband maintains that real NY bagels ought to be the size of your head (not my preference), I find the bagels here to be yummy and just the right size, and I like the flavor options they have.
(4)
K C.
YUCK! This morning was my first visit to Manhattan Bagel in Philadelphia. I ordered a pumpkin bagel with pumpkin cream cheese. It was the worst bagel and cream cheese I've ever had. The bagel was small and thin, the cream cheese was almost watery, and they didn't have the courtesy to include a napkin in my to-go-bag. So, when the watery-pumkin mess went all over, I didn't have anything to clean it up. The bagel was rubbery and after a few bites I just threw the rest out. It was gross. I will never go back.
(1)
Sylvia M.
Never had Manhattan Bagel, always walked by, love bagels SO got some for work. Nothings better than going to work on Monday Morning and having some Manhattan Bagels! I got an assortment like whole wheat, everything, plain, cin. raisin, blueberry (i think)... well, i had an everything and it was good! they have little cream cheese containers and the veggie one was really good! i had no time to get lunch at work so a whole wheat bagel with veggie cream cheese was my lunch and i think it was better than my everything with plain cream cheese. i got coupons from the staff and their breakfast sandwiches look so i want to go back and get some. needless to say, i love breakfast sandwiches and im sure id be back for some goodies!
(4)
Tim H.
The hash browns at this place are terrible. They always come out soggy.
(2)
Cherie C.
It's a chain. It's in a neighborhood with some great bakeries. Why not have a croissant or a cup of La Colombe nearby? But if you want a reliable egg-on-a-bagel, this will do. It's no H&H, but it's not terrible. They also gave out some big coupon booklets recently, so I stopped in for my free cup of coffee. La Colombe is the really good, but it's not free.
(3)
Kathy L.
I wanted to give them 3 stars but hey - let's be honest...I'm probably here twice a month on average, which is probably more than any other food retailer, with exception to starbucks and la colombe. I would never drink coffee here. I do not serve myself, thank you very much. By definition, it cannot be good coffee if I have to pump it. What is there to say? The people who work her are courteous and make an effort to give good service. Yes, the have a tendency to run out of plain bagels in the early afternoons on weekends, but that's what I get for waking up late. With the dearth of good bagel places in the city, I prefer MB. I guess 4th street deli also has good bagels, but they charge more...and don't have lite cream cheese. Or lite anything...
(4)
Ernest S.
Not a bad bagel, although they put very little lox spread on! Come on! It's just the spread, not gobs of real fish.
(3)
Stephanie M.
Manhattan Bagel is where I go to grab a coffee before taking my dogs to the Square. Its always near my hotel, quick and friendly. No you are not going to get gourmet coffee or NY quality bagels here. Yes they are a bit over priced.
(3)
Ben P.
Weak. The bagel sucked. The staff was worse. Rude, nasty people. Get over yourselves. If you don't like doing your job, get a new one but don't take it out on your customers. That's what I get for going to a big chain bagel place.
(2)
Tarah H.
A wide variety of fresh, flavorful bagels? Yes please! And they have a griddle that they make real eggs on as opposed to those spongy things at other chains? Even better! The line moved fast, the food was hot and good, the prices were reasonable and staff was decent. I needed food and fast and this place was great for what it was and made me happy.
(3)
Jake P.
Philadelphia is truly lacking in the bagel department. One on hand you've got the saran-wrapped, cream cheese filled numbers that the lunch trucks leave out in the sun all day. As a formidable alternative, you've got Cosi's wait-in-line 20 minutes for a revolutionary square bagel, or you've got watered-down franchise numbers like these. At least the chains back home (Bruegger's/Einstein) had tact in bagel-making. They specialized in freshness, and while the bagels themselves would never make you consider a second the way that Northern New Jersey's bagelries might, they sufficed. Manhattan Bagel is truly just a Dunkin Donuts posing as a bagel shop... only Dunkin Donuts has good coffee. Mayor Bloomberg should sue the company for advertising these tasteless balls of dough as having anything to do with a 14-mile island. Terrible... I'd sooner eat a lunch truck bagel than these.
(1)
Parisa S.
AUGH. Truly awful. The bagels here have to be among the worst I've EVER had. EVER. I swear. Not fresh, not tasty, just plain WRONG. Avoid, avoid, avoid. Their coffee sucks too.
(1)
Charles L.
I agree with some of the other reviews that the bagels here are not New York Bagels but nothing down in Philly is because of the water in NYC. With Brueggars now closed in the area I have been trying this Manhattan Bagels store again for a regular breakfast bagel. The bagels are pretty good but the service in the place leaves a lot to be desired. I originally stopped buying here and went to Brueggars because I was getting the same thing from Brueggars for $1.25 that I was getting at Manhattan Bagel for $2.15. The Manhattan Bagel was just not ninety cent better. Now I am back and remembering all the other things I don't like about this place. The short-sightedness on having quantities of all their "mainstay" bagels is amazing. The people behind the counter obviously don't want to be there and seem to be just as happy(or unhappy) if you are not. They don't seem to understand that you butter a bagel on both sides not spread it so thick on one side of the bagel that it might possibly migrate to the other side. One of the guys behind the counter said to me the other day that he does that every time well he might be the only one in the place who does. The wrong Bagel store closed in Center City.
(2)
Brandon R.
This place is da bomb!!!!!!!!! But I have to fast today :(
(5)
Brando A.
Long wait for lousy chow. AVOID
(1)
Anrenee R.
Spinach florentine bagel with egg and cheese. It was good, but I'd have prefered the bagel to be toasted and not merely warned up.
(4)
Bakchun K.
This is a standard breakfast place in the heart of Philadelphia. It opens early at 6am. They have a full kitchen in front of you and the menu has many selections, bagels, muffins, juices, and sandwiches. I had the standard egg on a bagel, tasted good. You can add an extra egg for an extra charge. There are not that many affordable breakfast places in the area.
(3)
Casey B.
I eat here way too frequently, but I'm such a sucker for carb-cheese-egg combos. My favorites are: Thintastic classic eggwhite: thinly sliced sesame seed bagel, turkey sausage, eggwhites, american cheese & avocado Croissant classic: Eggwhites, chedda, tomato and turkey bacon on a croissant Service is quick & friendly, perfect cure for that morning hanger.
(5)
Anita L.
The egg white asparagus and mushroom bagel is amazing. You can choose whichever cream cheese and bagel you want. I got the jalapeño cheddar bagel with garden vegetable cream cheese. This bagel is a winner: the perfect amount of spice from the bagel, filled with enough flavor from the cream cheese, and it stuffs you up so well because of the eggs. The perfect breakfast.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Tim H.
The hash browns at this place are terrible. They always come out soggy.
(2)Thuy H.
Although I believe this place is kinda expensive, my lox n bagel was quite delicious! Mmmmm!!!! As you can see from my pictures, they did stuff it with the right amount of items. Capers, onions, tomatos, cream cheese, and of course the LOX! It tasted so fresh. I think my everything bagel kind of took it over the top though.... Made my sandwich a lil too salty, so next time, I'll be ordering it on a plain bagel. I also ordered a small coffee. I made myself a vanilla nut coffee with some cream and sugar. The vanilla nut flavored coffe has such a nice aroma to it! I can still smell it now even though I had it yesterday...lol! I def will be back, but not too often bc $10 for breakfast all the time will cause a huge dent in my wallet
(4)Rebecca P.
Philly is a veritable bagel wasteland. There, my pompous NJ self said it. I have yet to have even a remotely good bagel in this city. I have been to other Manhattan Bagels and I must say the customer service here is not great. No one is overly friendly. As for the product, it's a standard bagel chain. The bagels are edible, but again, not great. The coffee is self serve and generally pretty weak. Positives include the location and outdoor seating.
(2)Mike M.
Definitely not a NY bagel, they are pretty small and the quality is eh. Lax cream cheese was very fishy and didn't taste to fresh. I am not a fan of their hygiene, I think they should do a better job cleaning their working stations because it is covered in food residue. The dog bagels are a cool idea, but it seems as if they have been there for 4 years? I got one and it was harder than the concrete on the ground. Their egg, cheese, and sausage isn't too bad... Nothing special.
(3)Rosie S.
The best bagels in Philadelphia, that I've experienced so far. If you eat Dunkin Donuts bagels you're doing it wrong. I would recommend coming in early or coming mid day for the freshest bagels (they get 2 deliveries, they don't make the bagels there). Honey whole wheat everything is my favorite, as well as the blueberry glazed bagel. They have a $1.99 deal for bagel with egg and cheese occasionally, definitely snag one when they do.
(4)Stephanie S.
Meh, was expecting a lot better. Salmon lox bagel & cream cheese for $8.50? I can get that for $4.50 at Au Bon Pain in Liberty place. Highway robbery! The egg & cheese was only $2.80, and the egg was fresh, but underwhelmingly small portion. All other breakfast sandwiches around $6? Robbery again. Coffee was average, $1.80 for medium, but there's no Splenda and no cinnamon. Disappointing. I won't be coming back., not unless the prices drop several dollars.
(2)Paul B.
Food is good but overpriced. Staff is very unfriendly and seem like they hate life. Manual receipt system seems to cause long waits and food served out of order. Would not go back.
(2)Bakchun K.
This is a standard breakfast place in the heart of Philadelphia. It opens early at 6am. They have a full kitchen in front of you and the menu has many selections, bagels, muffins, juices, and sandwiches. I had the standard egg on a bagel, tasted good. You can add an extra egg for an extra charge. There are not that many affordable breakfast places in the area.
(3)Michael F.
A bagel shop in the Rittenhouse neighborhood - nice coffee and decent sandwiches. Very limited seating inside the window with bar stools, so plan to take-away. They do have a grill that makes the real eggs, so I do like this place. Some restaurants microwave theirs which I don't find appealing. Very inexpensive and friendly staff as well.
(4)Jamie S.
I went for the first time and I will never return. I got charged for two bagels when I only ordered one and when I got home realized I had gotten the wrong order. When I returned, I only got refunded for one bagel and they wouldn't make me the correct one. So essentially I paid for a bagel and left with nothing. The bagel I did get was tiny and I could have eaten three. Overall, terrible customer service and the bagels are minuscule.
(1)Allison C.
Good in a pinch. Their cream cheese was pretty mediocre; think that pasty hard stuff from Dunkin' Donuts. Their bagels, however, not too shabby. I opted for the seasonal cranberry bagel; if it had been served with some hearty and creamy cream cheese, plus toasted a little bit more, it would have been a hit. However, the flavor of the bagel was pretty tasty, with little pockets of dried cranberries giving off an occasional burst of tart sweetness as I wolfed it down. They have a pretty decent corn muffin as well.
(3)Reema B.
They overcharge you.. Blatantly.. I ordered two bagels with cream cheese.. The lady charged me 3.99 I paid and as I waited for my order she realized she only charged me for one bagel.. She proceeded to then tell me my total was near a total of 7 dollars.. As she shows me the receipt (which they never ask you if you want a copy of) it shows she charged me for an item I didn't even purchase which was more expensive Moral of the story... They charge u for items you're not purchasing.. And way overpriced if it really is 7 dollars for two bagels with cream cheese.. Don't go here or if you do get a receipt from the register each time
(1)Karen F.
Mediocrity. Came here when I was in a huge rush and Hip City Veg (next door) was bustling and Nom Nom ramen had a long line. Spent about $6 on a latte and a stale bagel with veggie "light" cream cheese, tomato and cucumber. Bitter overpriced latte. BLAH. Waste of calories. Not goin' back.
(2)Amy B.
I'm glad I decided to give this Manhattan Bagel another chance. This time around the workers were very friendly and the bagel was good. I may come back again!!
(4)Shannon S.
I'll preface this review by saying I've only ever ordered a bagel with cream cheese, which is pricey but tastes good. I'll also say that I never go during a busy time. My problem is with product delivery and customer service. At least three times I have opened up my bagel at work only to find barely enough cream cheese to cover all four quarters (I do like that they quarter the bagel for you). Other times I find it barely toasted. One time it was either stale or baked(?) because the whole bagel was toasted, not just the surfaces. Another time I ordered my usual, got to work and found that there was no cream cheese! I wasn't charged for it but I had ordered "bagel with cream cheese" and didn't know I wasn't charged for what I wanted due to using charge card. I will say that one time they asked me to wait because they had burnt my bagel and wanted to make it right. Props but not enough. Finally, they have weird customer service. A woman came in who made it clear she was a regular as she ignored those in line to pay (I had already paid) and proceeded to hand over a $20 for a bunch of cups of coffee.
(2)Estelle W.
i got a chicken bagel sandwich and it was really good except the bagel was burnt on the inside!!!! i didn't like that. i also got strawberry lemonade which was very good but a little small.
(3)Aaliyah P.
I frequent this place when im hungover and in need of a good greasy breakfast sandwich.Its close to work and they have every type of bagel under the sun. My only issue is that the sandwiches tend to be on the smaller side. Service is always speedy and ive only encountered an incorrect order once. Id recommend the breakfast sandwiches i havent experienced lunch or any other food options.
(3)Candace S.
The bagel was pretty good, and the lox cream cheese is fantastic. The staff is always friendly and the coffee is great!
(4)Cannon K.
If you are in dire need of a real NYC/North Jersey bagel, I guess this place does the job. it's not anything special, but the bagels are more than 'circle bread.' Crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside. It still doesn't feel quite like home, though... 3/5 -CK
(3)Adhish R.
This place gets busy, so get your bagel in early For about 3 or 4 bucks, you're getting a good bagel sandwich. I got the egg and cheese on... Me: Wheat? MB: Sorry we're out Me: Everything Bagel? MB: Sorry we're out Me: Blueberry MB: You got the last one bro... Moral of the story, early bird gets the bagel. Also, coffee was mediocre I wouldn't recommend it.
(3)Sara P.
I dont get bagels often but I really had a desire for a fall-themed bagel. I stopped in here today and was delighted. They had a terrific California something or other bagel that had a bunch of dried fruits and seeds in it. They also had a pumpkin bagel that was spectacular. Best of all, the service was terrific. They asked several times if I needed anything to go with the bagels, specifically mentioning butter, cream cheese and coffee at various times. My bagel was perfectly toasted with the cream cheese quanity I requested. Prices seemed in line with every other bagel place.
(5)Rachel S.
I was craving lox and bagel so I popped into Manhattan Bagel just to see if they even had lox spread which would do the trick. They actually did have lox and bagel on the menu for $7.99 which was fine with me because when you gotta have it, you're paying premium prices no matter what. It was awesome and perfectly hit the spot. I like mine on an everything bagel with tomato and red onion. Great location also.
(3)Jamie D.
I've had their bacon,egg,and cheese bagels a few times now and it's my favorite morning starter. For the same price as Dunkin' Donuts, you get real egg, melty cheese, and legit bacon. The toasted bagel is perfect. Do this place.
(5)Anthony R.
The bagels are toasted to perfection and the coffee smooth and delicious...or maybe I'm too hungry this morning after a long night of driving!?!
(5)Tyler T.
When I arrived at 4:00 which was an hour before closing I asked for egg and cheese on a bagel, I was told he can't do that because he already cleaned up the stove. So I went with a chocolate chip bagel, plain bagel, and two mini pumpkin bagels. He didn't toast the bagels for me so then I sat down an started eating, an old lady came in and the worker said "nothing for you" since he has already put all the bagels away and it was still 20 minutes till close. Before that he told me and my friend that we have 10 minutes to leave because they are closing, this was at 4:30. Overall I thought I was gonna have a better experience and I was sadly mistaken, I'll give it another try if that ignorant worker isn't there.
(1)Alyssa L.
I like Manhattan bagel, the bagels are great. I also really like espresso, but I am a bit of a late sleeper. Unfortunately after a certain time one cannot venture to get an espresso because they turn their espresso machine off after the morning. Is starbucks the only place someone can get an espresso until they close that's fast? Anyway I still give them 3 stars because they have awesome bagels and it's great for grab and go.
(3)Pasquale R.
The hotel I was staying at wasn't too far from here. Don't let the name fool you. Their bagels DO NOT taste, look, feel like bagels from Manhattan. Their prices do. Had a bagel with scallion cc since they don't have olive cc. Smaller bagel which was palatable. Had the next day a "pork roll" & cheese on a everything. The Taylor Ham, yes Taylor ham her in Jersey, not pork roll, tasted off. Didn't have the same flavor as what we serve here. Anyway, their coffee was good. Surprisingly. I guess since I live near the mecca of bagels it's hard to compare. Yeah I know it's a chain but for people to think that's what bagels should taste like, they are surely missing out.
(2)Tony P.
Not Brooklyn Bagels but you know in a pinch, I'll keep going back when I'm back in Philadelphia.
(3)Nicole B.
Ladies, chivalry and romance are not dead; you just haven't yet met Rafael at Philadelphia's Manhattan Bagel.
(2)Liz F.
This particular Manhattan Bagel rules for a number of reasons: 1. Location- close to everything & makes for some great people watching while you enjoy your bagel looking out the window 2. The dude who takes your order- he's hilarious and i love his accent. All the other employees were way nice, too. 3. (and most importantly) the bagels are delicious. They do lox and a bagel some serious justice.
(5)Bif P.
Good bagel places don't need to toast their bagels so I should have taken their in insistence on toasting as a sign. I opted to not toast and it was a mistake. Crunchy exterior but with the texture of collapsing cardboard... just not good.
(1)Tiffany L.
Stopped in to grab a quick brunch sandwich/bagel sandwich. I was really surprised at how yummy my sandwich was! I got the Ellis Island Hot Pastrami, and it was so good - hit the stop for sure. The staff were patient and helpful (since it was my first time there). There is a decent amount of window seating if you decide to munch on your food in the store. I will have to try out their bagels in the future!
(4)Lissa C.
I hate this place and even in a pinch I've gone there (like today) because it's the closest place to work that has bagels and again Disappointment city. Bagels come two ways- not toasted enough or burnt to a crisp. There is no in between. I always get butter and it's usually drenched and sloppy. I have to pat it down with several napkins. Also they're expensive and they don't give you the napkins, you have to get them yourself. Go to Le Bus- you'll have to butter it yourself but it's better than this awful establishment.
(1)Laura S.
Two happily-caffeinated and carbohydrate-full thumbs up. I'm kind of incoherent in the morning and am usually incapable of managing to feed myself until I've been awake for longer than an hour. When I have to be out the door early in the morning, this poses quite the challenge. Luckily, Manhattan Bagel does not require me to be either coherent or capable. I walk my sleepy-eyed self in the door and walk out with a bagel and coffee for a totally reasonable price. They've got a wide variety of bagels and cream cheeses and will put just about anything on them that you ask for. I tend to ignore the menu on the wall (see above re: incoherence) and they have always been able to give me whatever it is I've asked for (including a side of bacon, which might have been a weird request come to think of it but they didn't bat an eyelash). They've got some seating inside if you've got time to sit and eat. Service has always been friendly and quick.
(4)Kate H.
I come here all the time for breakfast. Try their tostini with roasted red peppers,it's delicious. Staff knows me by name. Friendly and fast. I always walk out spending less than $5, full and happy.
(4)Danielle J.
Stopped in here for a quick breakfast while visiting my friend who lives a couple blocks away. I was looking up at the menu & had a guy ask me if I was ready to order... then 20 seconds later, another guy asked... then 10 seconds later yet another guy asked... I felt uncomfortable & quickly decided on a honey whole wheat everything bagel with LF veggie cream cheese... and no one was standing there this time. It only took about 5 seconds for one of the 5 or 6 guys to take my order, then he gave me a ticket. I took the ticket to the cashier & he said, "uhh I can't read that, what did you get?" I told him my bagel & the total was higher than it should be so I asked & he said "and the water?" (which was almost empty) and I told him I brought it in with me. He said, "Oh, yea, that's not even the brand we sell." (A simple mistake, but I was already frazzled from his coworkers.) The bagel was fine... not the best or worst I've had... and more like whole wheat everything.. I guess I was expecting it to be salty & slightly sweet but there was no sweetness. Cream cheese was good. Overall I was just very thrown by repeatedly being asked if I was ready when I was clearly staring at the menu. Not writing it off but not looking to go back either.
(2)Sarah D.
Wow! I can't believe how many people don't like this place. Granted, I've never had a real New York bagel and I was also just visiting when I came here, but I thought I'd give it a review. I liked the place just fine. I wasn't floored, but I liked it all the same. I had an egg and cheese bagel. It wasn't as good as a biscuit, but I was still satisfied. The staff was fine. They didn't knock my socks off or anything, but I thought that they were nice. Overall, I recommend it if you're visiting. My experience was good.
(4)Tim H.
The hash browns at this place are terrible. They always come out soggy.
(2)Jerry T.
Sure, it's not a mom-and-pop bagel shop with traditional old-style bagels - it is what it is - a chain that actually produces a decent mass-produced bagel. I prefer the jalapeno cheddar one, personally, toasted with butter. But, that's not the reason I give it 4 stars. I give it 4 stars because of Lisa who will provide you with the best customer service possible. She's been there ever since I first started stopping in a few years back and she is what makes me continue to come back. I always say it - customer service can make an otherwise mediocre place special - and Lisa makes sure this happens at the Rittenhouse Manhattan Bagel!
(4)Kristin W.
I had high hopes for bagels when I moved to Philly. NYC has amazing bagels, NYC is in NY, NY touches PA, PA contains Philly...but sadly, the transitive property evidently doesn't apply to bagels. That said, I think Manhattan Bagel has the best bagels in Philly, but they're not up to their namesake. For the cream cheese, I would skip the Light Veggie which tastes a little plastic-y...Garlic & Herb is pretty good, especially spread on an Everything Bagel.
(4)Lisa J.
I guess I'm in the minority that doesn't have a problem with this place. Philly does not have good bagels. Get over it. These ones are still edible and actually not that bad! The veggie cream cheese is so good I could eat it with a spoon. Prices on some of the sandwiches are a bit high, but whatever, it's a chain and they probably have no control over that. Employees are always friendly! I've never had a problem with any of them. In fact, one of them (I think his name is Stefan?) is always super nice to me and seems to remember me whenever I come in. I like that.
(3)Grace S.
Been here a few times since it's convenient and I keep hoping the bagels will get better, but they are really terrible. Coming from NYC, I guess I've been spoiled but the consistency of their bagels is similar to thick stale bread, the flavor is completely lacking--overall, it's just a very unsavory piece of bread. The prices aren't even cheap!
(1)Christina P.
I have given this place many tries. Breakfast is my favorite meal and I really wanted to like it, especially since they're named after the holy grail of bagels. Do not be fooled though, because these bagels are nothing like what you'll find in New York. The bagels are small, dry, and instead of being hard on the outside and soft on the inside, they're hard all the way through. I guess it's good that they're smaller, I really don't need to be eating a bagel the size of my face. But it is wayyy overpriced for what you get. I got a turkey bacon, egg white, and cheese on a multigrain bagel with a coffee and it came to close to $7. Also, the multigrain bagel was actually a white bagel with some "grains" sprinkled on top! The only saving grace of this place is their coffee, which is actually really good. If you do go (hopefully just for coffee), try the vanilla nut. Le Bus two doors down has bagels that are 100x better.
(2)Jill T.
Pork roll, Egg, and Cheese on an everything bagel toasted please! I love their bagels, what can I say? Jalapeno and cheese bagel- amazing! For a quick, easy, inexpensive breakfast- this is the spot!
(4)Sylvia M.
Never had Manhattan Bagel, always walked by, love bagels SO got some for work. Nothings better than going to work on Monday Morning and having some Manhattan Bagels! I got an assortment like whole wheat, everything, plain, cin. raisin, blueberry (i think)... well, i had an everything and it was good! they have little cream cheese containers and the veggie one was really good! i had no time to get lunch at work so a whole wheat bagel with veggie cream cheese was my lunch and i think it was better than my everything with plain cream cheese. i got coupons from the staff and their breakfast sandwiches look so i want to go back and get some. needless to say, i love breakfast sandwiches and im sure id be back for some goodies!
(4)Mike C.
i been eating bagels all my life. i have seen the best and worst of the nyc bagel scene. what makes a bagel a bagel? fluffy and soft inside, but crispy crunchy outside. with that being said, the bagels at manhattan bagels is really soft and fluffy. i ordered the philly steak and egg on an everything bagel, and although the steak is not pats quality, the over all sandwich hits the spot, the bottom o my belly! Next time, i will have a bagel over something more conventional, i.e. butter, cream-cheese, jelly or a combination of all the above. in closing, would i drive down to philly strictly for the bagel, and then proceed to drive back to brooklyn after eating it? probably not. However, if i am in the area, craving a bagel, i would not hesitate to drop on in. i really wish there is a 3.5 stars rating!
(4)Sean M.
I frequent this location, as it is on my way to work and as I go in early, it is very convenient. The food quality is fine, while overpriced, but my experience has always been fast with quality service and without issue. That is until the last three visits I have made there. I did not realize there was an issue until the second of the three visits, when I got my change. A bagel with cream cheese comes to $3.23 after tax. The clerk handed me 3 quarters. I recalled the same happened the day before, so I said something, "where is the rest of my change?" He said, "Oh," and handed me a dime from the tip jar. Now yesterday, the same thing happened, so I helped myself to the tip jar and took out 2 pennies. I said, "That's a bit presumptuous, keeping the pennies." The clerk (same from visit #2) mumbled something about saving a ton of money at the end of the year, indicating it was intentional. I stated, "It's stealing from your customers." The food is fine, but the staff is dishonest. Be mindful of your change.
(1)Jill A.
This location always has salt bagels. Do people not like them?! Eating one (with cheese, tomato and mayo) results in a most pleasurable experience. It's high up there on my "Favorite Things To Do" chart, alongside cleaning my ears with Q-tips and taking a pee after a long car ride. Oh, how I love you, salt bagel.
(3)Rachel U.
I heart the egg and cheese sandwiches here; actual griddle = actual freshly cooked eggs, not scary spongy microwaved eggs. When we lived closer we used to come every Sunday morning, get breakfast and, if the weather was nice, eat it in the park. Now that we live on the other side of the city we'll still make the trek back to Manhattan Bagel on occasion because it's still the best egg & cheese we've found in the city. I also heart the people who work here; always friendly. And though my New Yorker husband maintains that real NY bagels ought to be the size of your head (not my preference), I find the bagels here to be yummy and just the right size, and I like the flavor options they have.
(4)K C.
YUCK! This morning was my first visit to Manhattan Bagel in Philadelphia. I ordered a pumpkin bagel with pumpkin cream cheese. It was the worst bagel and cream cheese I've ever had. The bagel was small and thin, the cream cheese was almost watery, and they didn't have the courtesy to include a napkin in my to-go-bag. So, when the watery-pumkin mess went all over, I didn't have anything to clean it up. The bagel was rubbery and after a few bites I just threw the rest out. It was gross. I will never go back.
(1)Cherie C.
It's a chain. It's in a neighborhood with some great bakeries. Why not have a croissant or a cup of La Colombe nearby? But if you want a reliable egg-on-a-bagel, this will do. It's no H&H, but it's not terrible. They also gave out some big coupon booklets recently, so I stopped in for my free cup of coffee. La Colombe is the really good, but it's not free.
(3)Kathy L.
I wanted to give them 3 stars but hey - let's be honest...I'm probably here twice a month on average, which is probably more than any other food retailer, with exception to starbucks and la colombe. I would never drink coffee here. I do not serve myself, thank you very much. By definition, it cannot be good coffee if I have to pump it. What is there to say? The people who work her are courteous and make an effort to give good service. Yes, the have a tendency to run out of plain bagels in the early afternoons on weekends, but that's what I get for waking up late. With the dearth of good bagel places in the city, I prefer MB. I guess 4th street deli also has good bagels, but they charge more...and don't have lite cream cheese. Or lite anything...
(4)Ernest S.
Not a bad bagel, although they put very little lox spread on! Come on! It's just the spread, not gobs of real fish.
(3)Stephanie M.
Manhattan Bagel is where I go to grab a coffee before taking my dogs to the Square. Its always near my hotel, quick and friendly. No you are not going to get gourmet coffee or NY quality bagels here. Yes they are a bit over priced.
(3)Ben P.
Weak. The bagel sucked. The staff was worse. Rude, nasty people. Get over yourselves. If you don't like doing your job, get a new one but don't take it out on your customers. That's what I get for going to a big chain bagel place.
(2)Tarah H.
A wide variety of fresh, flavorful bagels? Yes please! And they have a griddle that they make real eggs on as opposed to those spongy things at other chains? Even better! The line moved fast, the food was hot and good, the prices were reasonable and staff was decent. I needed food and fast and this place was great for what it was and made me happy.
(3)Jake P.
Philadelphia is truly lacking in the bagel department. One on hand you've got the saran-wrapped, cream cheese filled numbers that the lunch trucks leave out in the sun all day. As a formidable alternative, you've got Cosi's wait-in-line 20 minutes for a revolutionary square bagel, or you've got watered-down franchise numbers like these. At least the chains back home (Bruegger's/Einstein) had tact in bagel-making. They specialized in freshness, and while the bagels themselves would never make you consider a second the way that Northern New Jersey's bagelries might, they sufficed. Manhattan Bagel is truly just a Dunkin Donuts posing as a bagel shop... only Dunkin Donuts has good coffee. Mayor Bloomberg should sue the company for advertising these tasteless balls of dough as having anything to do with a 14-mile island. Terrible... I'd sooner eat a lunch truck bagel than these.
(1)Parisa S.
AUGH. Truly awful. The bagels here have to be among the worst I've EVER had. EVER. I swear. Not fresh, not tasty, just plain WRONG. Avoid, avoid, avoid. Their coffee sucks too.
(1)Charles L.
I agree with some of the other reviews that the bagels here are not New York Bagels but nothing down in Philly is because of the water in NYC. With Brueggars now closed in the area I have been trying this Manhattan Bagels store again for a regular breakfast bagel. The bagels are pretty good but the service in the place leaves a lot to be desired. I originally stopped buying here and went to Brueggars because I was getting the same thing from Brueggars for $1.25 that I was getting at Manhattan Bagel for $2.15. The Manhattan Bagel was just not ninety cent better. Now I am back and remembering all the other things I don't like about this place. The short-sightedness on having quantities of all their "mainstay" bagels is amazing. The people behind the counter obviously don't want to be there and seem to be just as happy(or unhappy) if you are not. They don't seem to understand that you butter a bagel on both sides not spread it so thick on one side of the bagel that it might possibly migrate to the other side. One of the guys behind the counter said to me the other day that he does that every time well he might be the only one in the place who does. The wrong Bagel store closed in Center City.
(2)Brandon R.
This place is da bomb!!!!!!!!! But I have to fast today :(
(5)Brando A.
Long wait for lousy chow. AVOID
(1)Mohsin B.
Was I'm the mood for a egg and cheese on a croissant. The guy took down my order wrong. I couldn't quite tell what he said but I thought I heard, "soft bagel" I figured it wouldn't be that bad, so I went with it even it was wrong. Got to the counter to pay and once again heard "salted" vs "soft". I even tried to explain to the cashier that I had ordered a croissant. Once again, no acknowledgement. I was too hungry to argue, and I waited to eat my "soft" bagel. In the end, I was a salted bagel, which is basically a round soft pretzel. I spent half my meal scraping salt off the top. The cheese was melty, bagel was toasted well, and the egg was just right, but right now I need a large glass of water.
(3)Jennifer J.
The people working were very confused about what food they still had in stock and didn't make it clear they basically had nothing left to order. We watched two other people order well after us and still had to wait for our very simple sandwiches. Once we had finally received our sandwiches, they were incorrect and we were missing our sides. I had eaten here before in a pinch, but this will be our last time.
(1)Casey B.
I eat here way too frequently, but I'm such a sucker for carb-cheese-egg combos. My favorites are: Thintastic classic eggwhite: thinly sliced sesame seed bagel, turkey sausage, eggwhites, american cheese & avocado Croissant classic: Eggwhites, chedda, tomato and turkey bacon on a croissant Service is quick & friendly, perfect cure for that morning hanger.
(5)Anita L.
The egg white asparagus and mushroom bagel is amazing. You can choose whichever cream cheese and bagel you want. I got the jalapeño cheddar bagel with garden vegetable cream cheese. This bagel is a winner: the perfect amount of spice from the bagel, filled with enough flavor from the cream cheese, and it stuffs you up so well because of the eggs. The perfect breakfast.
(5)Anrenee R.
Spinach florentine bagel with egg and cheese. It was good, but I'd have prefered the bagel to be toasted and not merely warned up.
(4)Aria S.
Amongst my food vices are bagels (mac n cheese and ice cream are on that list if we're getting personal). So before Erin Express, I tried to line my body with some carbs and wake up with some iced coffee. Bagel - as everyone else commented, there was not enough cream cheese at all and the bagel wasn't as toasty as I like and almost stale. Coffee - The beans were so obviously burned which is the worst kinda way to f up a coffee. So meh, don't plan on returning.
(2)Jessie H.
I always get the same thing when I come here. I've never gotten anything else. Go with what you know. Pork roll, egg, cheese on a plain toasted bagel. (~5). Super filling and can prob last through most of the morning/afternoon. Located conveniently in rittenhouse square, it's also right by the rittenhouse park. My go-to breakfast spot when I want to make sure I'm full so I can eat a later lunch.
(4)Lea L.
I love them so much! Great food all the time, never had any issues with service. Great coffee. Absolutely love the counter girl, Amber! Such a doll every time I come in. Always stop there on my way to work. (:
(5)Casey B.
I eat here way too frequently, but I'm such a sucker for carb-cheese-egg combos. My favorites are: Thintastic classic eggwhite: thinly sliced sesame seed bagel, turkey sausage, eggwhites, american cheese & avocado Croissant classic: Eggwhites, chedda, tomato and turkey bacon on a croissant Service is quick & friendly, perfect cure for that morning hanger.
(5)Anita L.
The egg white asparagus and mushroom bagel is amazing. You can choose whichever cream cheese and bagel you want. I got the jalapeño cheddar bagel with garden vegetable cream cheese. This bagel is a winner: the perfect amount of spice from the bagel, filled with enough flavor from the cream cheese, and it stuffs you up so well because of the eggs. The perfect breakfast.
(5)Anrenee R.
Spinach florentine bagel with egg and cheese. It was good, but I'd have prefered the bagel to be toasted and not merely warned up.
(4)Aria S.
Amongst my food vices are bagels (mac n cheese and ice cream are on that list if we're getting personal). So before Erin Express, I tried to line my body with some carbs and wake up with some iced coffee. Bagel - as everyone else commented, there was not enough cream cheese at all and the bagel wasn't as toasty as I like and almost stale. Coffee - The beans were so obviously burned which is the worst kinda way to f up a coffee. So meh, don't plan on returning.
(2)Jessie H.
I always get the same thing when I come here. I've never gotten anything else. Go with what you know. Pork roll, egg, cheese on a plain toasted bagel. (~5). Super filling and can prob last through most of the morning/afternoon. Located conveniently in rittenhouse square, it's also right by the rittenhouse park. My go-to breakfast spot when I want to make sure I'm full so I can eat a later lunch.
(4)Mohsin B.
Was I'm the mood for a egg and cheese on a croissant. The guy took down my order wrong. I couldn't quite tell what he said but I thought I heard, "soft bagel" I figured it wouldn't be that bad, so I went with it even it was wrong. Got to the counter to pay and once again heard "salted" vs "soft". I even tried to explain to the cashier that I had ordered a croissant. Once again, no acknowledgement. I was too hungry to argue, and I waited to eat my "soft" bagel. In the end, I was a salted bagel, which is basically a round soft pretzel. I spent half my meal scraping salt off the top. The cheese was melty, bagel was toasted well, and the egg was just right, but right now I need a large glass of water.
(3)Jennifer J.
The people working were very confused about what food they still had in stock and didn't make it clear they basically had nothing left to order. We watched two other people order well after us and still had to wait for our very simple sandwiches. Once we had finally received our sandwiches, they were incorrect and we were missing our sides. I had eaten here before in a pinch, but this will be our last time.
(1)Lea L.
I love them so much! Great food all the time, never had any issues with service. Great coffee. Absolutely love the counter girl, Amber! Such a doll every time I come in. Always stop there on my way to work. (:
(5)Bakchun K.
This is a standard breakfast place in the heart of Philadelphia. It opens early at 6am. They have a full kitchen in front of you and the menu has many selections, bagels, muffins, juices, and sandwiches. I had the standard egg on a bagel, tasted good. You can add an extra egg for an extra charge. There are not that many affordable breakfast places in the area.
(3)Thuy H.
Although I believe this place is kinda expensive, my lox n bagel was quite delicious! Mmmmm!!!! As you can see from my pictures, they did stuff it with the right amount of items. Capers, onions, tomatos, cream cheese, and of course the LOX! It tasted so fresh. I think my everything bagel kind of took it over the top though.... Made my sandwich a lil too salty, so next time, I'll be ordering it on a plain bagel. I also ordered a small coffee. I made myself a vanilla nut coffee with some cream and sugar. The vanilla nut flavored coffe has such a nice aroma to it! I can still smell it now even though I had it yesterday...lol! I def will be back, but not too often bc $10 for breakfast all the time will cause a huge dent in my wallet
(4)Rebecca P.
Philly is a veritable bagel wasteland. There, my pompous NJ self said it. I have yet to have even a remotely good bagel in this city. I have been to other Manhattan Bagels and I must say the customer service here is not great. No one is overly friendly. As for the product, it's a standard bagel chain. The bagels are edible, but again, not great. The coffee is self serve and generally pretty weak. Positives include the location and outdoor seating.
(2)Mike M.
Definitely not a NY bagel, they are pretty small and the quality is eh. Lax cream cheese was very fishy and didn't taste to fresh. I am not a fan of their hygiene, I think they should do a better job cleaning their working stations because it is covered in food residue. The dog bagels are a cool idea, but it seems as if they have been there for 4 years? I got one and it was harder than the concrete on the ground. Their egg, cheese, and sausage isn't too bad... Nothing special.
(3)Rosie S.
The best bagels in Philadelphia, that I've experienced so far. If you eat Dunkin Donuts bagels you're doing it wrong. I would recommend coming in early or coming mid day for the freshest bagels (they get 2 deliveries, they don't make the bagels there). Honey whole wheat everything is my favorite, as well as the blueberry glazed bagel. They have a $1.99 deal for bagel with egg and cheese occasionally, definitely snag one when they do.
(4)Stephanie S.
Meh, was expecting a lot better. Salmon lox bagel & cream cheese for $8.50? I can get that for $4.50 at Au Bon Pain in Liberty place. Highway robbery! The egg & cheese was only $2.80, and the egg was fresh, but underwhelmingly small portion. All other breakfast sandwiches around $6? Robbery again. Coffee was average, $1.80 for medium, but there's no Splenda and no cinnamon. Disappointing. I won't be coming back., not unless the prices drop several dollars.
(2)Paul B.
Food is good but overpriced. Staff is very unfriendly and seem like they hate life. Manual receipt system seems to cause long waits and food served out of order. Would not go back.
(2)Michael F.
A bagel shop in the Rittenhouse neighborhood - nice coffee and decent sandwiches. Very limited seating inside the window with bar stools, so plan to take-away. They do have a grill that makes the real eggs, so I do like this place. Some restaurants microwave theirs which I don't find appealing. Very inexpensive and friendly staff as well.
(4)Jamie S.
I went for the first time and I will never return. I got charged for two bagels when I only ordered one and when I got home realized I had gotten the wrong order. When I returned, I only got refunded for one bagel and they wouldn't make me the correct one. So essentially I paid for a bagel and left with nothing. The bagel I did get was tiny and I could have eaten three. Overall, terrible customer service and the bagels are minuscule.
(1)Allison C.
Good in a pinch. Their cream cheese was pretty mediocre; think that pasty hard stuff from Dunkin' Donuts. Their bagels, however, not too shabby. I opted for the seasonal cranberry bagel; if it had been served with some hearty and creamy cream cheese, plus toasted a little bit more, it would have been a hit. However, the flavor of the bagel was pretty tasty, with little pockets of dried cranberries giving off an occasional burst of tart sweetness as I wolfed it down. They have a pretty decent corn muffin as well.
(3)Shannon S.
I'll preface this review by saying I've only ever ordered a bagel with cream cheese, which is pricey but tastes good. I'll also say that I never go during a busy time. My problem is with product delivery and customer service. At least three times I have opened up my bagel at work only to find barely enough cream cheese to cover all four quarters (I do like that they quarter the bagel for you). Other times I find it barely toasted. One time it was either stale or baked(?) because the whole bagel was toasted, not just the surfaces. Another time I ordered my usual, got to work and found that there was no cream cheese! I wasn't charged for it but I had ordered "bagel with cream cheese" and didn't know I wasn't charged for what I wanted due to using charge card. I will say that one time they asked me to wait because they had burnt my bagel and wanted to make it right. Props but not enough. Finally, they have weird customer service. A woman came in who made it clear she was a regular as she ignored those in line to pay (I had already paid) and proceeded to hand over a $20 for a bunch of cups of coffee.
(2)Reema B.
They overcharge you.. Blatantly.. I ordered two bagels with cream cheese.. The lady charged me 3.99 I paid and as I waited for my order she realized she only charged me for one bagel.. She proceeded to then tell me my total was near a total of 7 dollars.. As she shows me the receipt (which they never ask you if you want a copy of) it shows she charged me for an item I didn't even purchase which was more expensive Moral of the story... They charge u for items you're not purchasing.. And way overpriced if it really is 7 dollars for two bagels with cream cheese.. Don't go here or if you do get a receipt from the register each time
(1)Karen F.
Mediocrity. Came here when I was in a huge rush and Hip City Veg (next door) was bustling and Nom Nom ramen had a long line. Spent about $6 on a latte and a stale bagel with veggie "light" cream cheese, tomato and cucumber. Bitter overpriced latte. BLAH. Waste of calories. Not goin' back.
(2)Amy B.
I'm glad I decided to give this Manhattan Bagel another chance. This time around the workers were very friendly and the bagel was good. I may come back again!!
(4)Liz F.
This particular Manhattan Bagel rules for a number of reasons: 1. Location- close to everything & makes for some great people watching while you enjoy your bagel looking out the window 2. The dude who takes your order- he's hilarious and i love his accent. All the other employees were way nice, too. 3. (and most importantly) the bagels are delicious. They do lox and a bagel some serious justice.
(5)Bif P.
Good bagel places don't need to toast their bagels so I should have taken their in insistence on toasting as a sign. I opted to not toast and it was a mistake. Crunchy exterior but with the texture of collapsing cardboard... just not good.
(1)Tiffany L.
Stopped in to grab a quick brunch sandwich/bagel sandwich. I was really surprised at how yummy my sandwich was! I got the Ellis Island Hot Pastrami, and it was so good - hit the stop for sure. The staff were patient and helpful (since it was my first time there). There is a decent amount of window seating if you decide to munch on your food in the store. I will have to try out their bagels in the future!
(4)Lissa C.
I hate this place and even in a pinch I've gone there (like today) because it's the closest place to work that has bagels and again Disappointment city. Bagels come two ways- not toasted enough or burnt to a crisp. There is no in between. I always get butter and it's usually drenched and sloppy. I have to pat it down with several napkins. Also they're expensive and they don't give you the napkins, you have to get them yourself. Go to Le Bus- you'll have to butter it yourself but it's better than this awful establishment.
(1)Estelle W.
i got a chicken bagel sandwich and it was really good except the bagel was burnt on the inside!!!! i didn't like that. i also got strawberry lemonade which was very good but a little small.
(3)Aaliyah P.
I frequent this place when im hungover and in need of a good greasy breakfast sandwich.Its close to work and they have every type of bagel under the sun. My only issue is that the sandwiches tend to be on the smaller side. Service is always speedy and ive only encountered an incorrect order once. Id recommend the breakfast sandwiches i havent experienced lunch or any other food options.
(3)Candace S.
The bagel was pretty good, and the lox cream cheese is fantastic. The staff is always friendly and the coffee is great!
(4)Cannon K.
If you are in dire need of a real NYC/North Jersey bagel, I guess this place does the job. it's not anything special, but the bagels are more than 'circle bread.' Crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside. It still doesn't feel quite like home, though... 3/5 -CK
(3)Adhish R.
This place gets busy, so get your bagel in early For about 3 or 4 bucks, you're getting a good bagel sandwich. I got the egg and cheese on... Me: Wheat? MB: Sorry we're out Me: Everything Bagel? MB: Sorry we're out Me: Blueberry MB: You got the last one bro... Moral of the story, early bird gets the bagel. Also, coffee was mediocre I wouldn't recommend it.
(3)Sara P.
I dont get bagels often but I really had a desire for a fall-themed bagel. I stopped in here today and was delighted. They had a terrific California something or other bagel that had a bunch of dried fruits and seeds in it. They also had a pumpkin bagel that was spectacular. Best of all, the service was terrific. They asked several times if I needed anything to go with the bagels, specifically mentioning butter, cream cheese and coffee at various times. My bagel was perfectly toasted with the cream cheese quanity I requested. Prices seemed in line with every other bagel place.
(5)Rachel S.
I was craving lox and bagel so I popped into Manhattan Bagel just to see if they even had lox spread which would do the trick. They actually did have lox and bagel on the menu for $7.99 which was fine with me because when you gotta have it, you're paying premium prices no matter what. It was awesome and perfectly hit the spot. I like mine on an everything bagel with tomato and red onion. Great location also.
(3)Jamie D.
I've had their bacon,egg,and cheese bagels a few times now and it's my favorite morning starter. For the same price as Dunkin' Donuts, you get real egg, melty cheese, and legit bacon. The toasted bagel is perfect. Do this place.
(5)Anthony R.
The bagels are toasted to perfection and the coffee smooth and delicious...or maybe I'm too hungry this morning after a long night of driving!?!
(5)Tyler T.
When I arrived at 4:00 which was an hour before closing I asked for egg and cheese on a bagel, I was told he can't do that because he already cleaned up the stove. So I went with a chocolate chip bagel, plain bagel, and two mini pumpkin bagels. He didn't toast the bagels for me so then I sat down an started eating, an old lady came in and the worker said "nothing for you" since he has already put all the bagels away and it was still 20 minutes till close. Before that he told me and my friend that we have 10 minutes to leave because they are closing, this was at 4:30. Overall I thought I was gonna have a better experience and I was sadly mistaken, I'll give it another try if that ignorant worker isn't there.
(1)Alyssa L.
I like Manhattan bagel, the bagels are great. I also really like espresso, but I am a bit of a late sleeper. Unfortunately after a certain time one cannot venture to get an espresso because they turn their espresso machine off after the morning. Is starbucks the only place someone can get an espresso until they close that's fast? Anyway I still give them 3 stars because they have awesome bagels and it's great for grab and go.
(3)Pasquale R.
The hotel I was staying at wasn't too far from here. Don't let the name fool you. Their bagels DO NOT taste, look, feel like bagels from Manhattan. Their prices do. Had a bagel with scallion cc since they don't have olive cc. Smaller bagel which was palatable. Had the next day a "pork roll" & cheese on a everything. The Taylor Ham, yes Taylor ham her in Jersey, not pork roll, tasted off. Didn't have the same flavor as what we serve here. Anyway, their coffee was good. Surprisingly. I guess since I live near the mecca of bagels it's hard to compare. Yeah I know it's a chain but for people to think that's what bagels should taste like, they are surely missing out.
(2)Tony P.
Not Brooklyn Bagels but you know in a pinch, I'll keep going back when I'm back in Philadelphia.
(3)Nicole B.
Ladies, chivalry and romance are not dead; you just haven't yet met Rafael at Philadelphia's Manhattan Bagel.
(2)Laura S.
Two happily-caffeinated and carbohydrate-full thumbs up. I'm kind of incoherent in the morning and am usually incapable of managing to feed myself until I've been awake for longer than an hour. When I have to be out the door early in the morning, this poses quite the challenge. Luckily, Manhattan Bagel does not require me to be either coherent or capable. I walk my sleepy-eyed self in the door and walk out with a bagel and coffee for a totally reasonable price. They've got a wide variety of bagels and cream cheeses and will put just about anything on them that you ask for. I tend to ignore the menu on the wall (see above re: incoherence) and they have always been able to give me whatever it is I've asked for (including a side of bacon, which might have been a weird request come to think of it but they didn't bat an eyelash). They've got some seating inside if you've got time to sit and eat. Service has always been friendly and quick.
(4)Kate H.
I come here all the time for breakfast. Try their tostini with roasted red peppers,it's delicious. Staff knows me by name. Friendly and fast. I always walk out spending less than $5, full and happy.
(4)Kristin W.
I had high hopes for bagels when I moved to Philly. NYC has amazing bagels, NYC is in NY, NY touches PA, PA contains Philly...but sadly, the transitive property evidently doesn't apply to bagels. That said, I think Manhattan Bagel has the best bagels in Philly, but they're not up to their namesake. For the cream cheese, I would skip the Light Veggie which tastes a little plastic-y...Garlic & Herb is pretty good, especially spread on an Everything Bagel.
(4)Lisa J.
I guess I'm in the minority that doesn't have a problem with this place. Philly does not have good bagels. Get over it. These ones are still edible and actually not that bad! The veggie cream cheese is so good I could eat it with a spoon. Prices on some of the sandwiches are a bit high, but whatever, it's a chain and they probably have no control over that. Employees are always friendly! I've never had a problem with any of them. In fact, one of them (I think his name is Stefan?) is always super nice to me and seems to remember me whenever I come in. I like that.
(3)Danielle J.
Stopped in here for a quick breakfast while visiting my friend who lives a couple blocks away. I was looking up at the menu & had a guy ask me if I was ready to order... then 20 seconds later, another guy asked... then 10 seconds later yet another guy asked... I felt uncomfortable & quickly decided on a honey whole wheat everything bagel with LF veggie cream cheese... and no one was standing there this time. It only took about 5 seconds for one of the 5 or 6 guys to take my order, then he gave me a ticket. I took the ticket to the cashier & he said, "uhh I can't read that, what did you get?" I told him my bagel & the total was higher than it should be so I asked & he said "and the water?" (which was almost empty) and I told him I brought it in with me. He said, "Oh, yea, that's not even the brand we sell." (A simple mistake, but I was already frazzled from his coworkers.) The bagel was fine... not the best or worst I've had... and more like whole wheat everything.. I guess I was expecting it to be salty & slightly sweet but there was no sweetness. Cream cheese was good. Overall I was just very thrown by repeatedly being asked if I was ready when I was clearly staring at the menu. Not writing it off but not looking to go back either.
(2)Sarah D.
Wow! I can't believe how many people don't like this place. Granted, I've never had a real New York bagel and I was also just visiting when I came here, but I thought I'd give it a review. I liked the place just fine. I wasn't floored, but I liked it all the same. I had an egg and cheese bagel. It wasn't as good as a biscuit, but I was still satisfied. The staff was fine. They didn't knock my socks off or anything, but I thought that they were nice. Overall, I recommend it if you're visiting. My experience was good.
(4)Jerry T.
Sure, it's not a mom-and-pop bagel shop with traditional old-style bagels - it is what it is - a chain that actually produces a decent mass-produced bagel. I prefer the jalapeno cheddar one, personally, toasted with butter. But, that's not the reason I give it 4 stars. I give it 4 stars because of Lisa who will provide you with the best customer service possible. She's been there ever since I first started stopping in a few years back and she is what makes me continue to come back. I always say it - customer service can make an otherwise mediocre place special - and Lisa makes sure this happens at the Rittenhouse Manhattan Bagel!
(4)Grace S.
Been here a few times since it's convenient and I keep hoping the bagels will get better, but they are really terrible. Coming from NYC, I guess I've been spoiled but the consistency of their bagels is similar to thick stale bread, the flavor is completely lacking--overall, it's just a very unsavory piece of bread. The prices aren't even cheap!
(1)Christina P.
I have given this place many tries. Breakfast is my favorite meal and I really wanted to like it, especially since they're named after the holy grail of bagels. Do not be fooled though, because these bagels are nothing like what you'll find in New York. The bagels are small, dry, and instead of being hard on the outside and soft on the inside, they're hard all the way through. I guess it's good that they're smaller, I really don't need to be eating a bagel the size of my face. But it is wayyy overpriced for what you get. I got a turkey bacon, egg white, and cheese on a multigrain bagel with a coffee and it came to close to $7. Also, the multigrain bagel was actually a white bagel with some "grains" sprinkled on top! The only saving grace of this place is their coffee, which is actually really good. If you do go (hopefully just for coffee), try the vanilla nut. Le Bus two doors down has bagels that are 100x better.
(2)Jill T.
Pork roll, Egg, and Cheese on an everything bagel toasted please! I love their bagels, what can I say? Jalapeno and cheese bagel- amazing! For a quick, easy, inexpensive breakfast- this is the spot!
(4)Sylvia M.
Never had Manhattan Bagel, always walked by, love bagels SO got some for work. Nothings better than going to work on Monday Morning and having some Manhattan Bagels! I got an assortment like whole wheat, everything, plain, cin. raisin, blueberry (i think)... well, i had an everything and it was good! they have little cream cheese containers and the veggie one was really good! i had no time to get lunch at work so a whole wheat bagel with veggie cream cheese was my lunch and i think it was better than my everything with plain cream cheese. i got coupons from the staff and their breakfast sandwiches look so i want to go back and get some. needless to say, i love breakfast sandwiches and im sure id be back for some goodies!
(4)Mike C.
i been eating bagels all my life. i have seen the best and worst of the nyc bagel scene. what makes a bagel a bagel? fluffy and soft inside, but crispy crunchy outside. with that being said, the bagels at manhattan bagels is really soft and fluffy. i ordered the philly steak and egg on an everything bagel, and although the steak is not pats quality, the over all sandwich hits the spot, the bottom o my belly! Next time, i will have a bagel over something more conventional, i.e. butter, cream-cheese, jelly or a combination of all the above. in closing, would i drive down to philly strictly for the bagel, and then proceed to drive back to brooklyn after eating it? probably not. However, if i am in the area, craving a bagel, i would not hesitate to drop on in. i really wish there is a 3.5 stars rating!
(4)Sean M.
I frequent this location, as it is on my way to work and as I go in early, it is very convenient. The food quality is fine, while overpriced, but my experience has always been fast with quality service and without issue. That is until the last three visits I have made there. I did not realize there was an issue until the second of the three visits, when I got my change. A bagel with cream cheese comes to $3.23 after tax. The clerk handed me 3 quarters. I recalled the same happened the day before, so I said something, "where is the rest of my change?" He said, "Oh," and handed me a dime from the tip jar. Now yesterday, the same thing happened, so I helped myself to the tip jar and took out 2 pennies. I said, "That's a bit presumptuous, keeping the pennies." The clerk (same from visit #2) mumbled something about saving a ton of money at the end of the year, indicating it was intentional. I stated, "It's stealing from your customers." The food is fine, but the staff is dishonest. Be mindful of your change.
(1)Jill A.
This location always has salt bagels. Do people not like them?! Eating one (with cheese, tomato and mayo) results in a most pleasurable experience. It's high up there on my "Favorite Things To Do" chart, alongside cleaning my ears with Q-tips and taking a pee after a long car ride. Oh, how I love you, salt bagel.
(3)Charles L.
I agree with some of the other reviews that the bagels here are not New York Bagels but nothing down in Philly is because of the water in NYC. With Brueggars now closed in the area I have been trying this Manhattan Bagels store again for a regular breakfast bagel. The bagels are pretty good but the service in the place leaves a lot to be desired. I originally stopped buying here and went to Brueggars because I was getting the same thing from Brueggars for $1.25 that I was getting at Manhattan Bagel for $2.15. The Manhattan Bagel was just not ninety cent better. Now I am back and remembering all the other things I don't like about this place. The short-sightedness on having quantities of all their "mainstay" bagels is amazing. The people behind the counter obviously don't want to be there and seem to be just as happy(or unhappy) if you are not. They don't seem to understand that you butter a bagel on both sides not spread it so thick on one side of the bagel that it might possibly migrate to the other side. One of the guys behind the counter said to me the other day that he does that every time well he might be the only one in the place who does. The wrong Bagel store closed in Center City.
(2)Brandon R.
This place is da bomb!!!!!!!!! But I have to fast today :(
(5)Brando A.
Long wait for lousy chow. AVOID
(1)Rachel U.
I heart the egg and cheese sandwiches here; actual griddle = actual freshly cooked eggs, not scary spongy microwaved eggs. When we lived closer we used to come every Sunday morning, get breakfast and, if the weather was nice, eat it in the park. Now that we live on the other side of the city we'll still make the trek back to Manhattan Bagel on occasion because it's still the best egg & cheese we've found in the city. I also heart the people who work here; always friendly. And though my New Yorker husband maintains that real NY bagels ought to be the size of your head (not my preference), I find the bagels here to be yummy and just the right size, and I like the flavor options they have.
(4)K C.
YUCK! This morning was my first visit to Manhattan Bagel in Philadelphia. I ordered a pumpkin bagel with pumpkin cream cheese. It was the worst bagel and cream cheese I've ever had. The bagel was small and thin, the cream cheese was almost watery, and they didn't have the courtesy to include a napkin in my to-go-bag. So, when the watery-pumkin mess went all over, I didn't have anything to clean it up. The bagel was rubbery and after a few bites I just threw the rest out. It was gross. I will never go back.
(1)Cherie C.
It's a chain. It's in a neighborhood with some great bakeries. Why not have a croissant or a cup of La Colombe nearby? But if you want a reliable egg-on-a-bagel, this will do. It's no H&H, but it's not terrible. They also gave out some big coupon booklets recently, so I stopped in for my free cup of coffee. La Colombe is the really good, but it's not free.
(3)Kathy L.
I wanted to give them 3 stars but hey - let's be honest...I'm probably here twice a month on average, which is probably more than any other food retailer, with exception to starbucks and la colombe. I would never drink coffee here. I do not serve myself, thank you very much. By definition, it cannot be good coffee if I have to pump it. What is there to say? The people who work her are courteous and make an effort to give good service. Yes, the have a tendency to run out of plain bagels in the early afternoons on weekends, but that's what I get for waking up late. With the dearth of good bagel places in the city, I prefer MB. I guess 4th street deli also has good bagels, but they charge more...and don't have lite cream cheese. Or lite anything...
(4)Ernest S.
Not a bad bagel, although they put very little lox spread on! Come on! It's just the spread, not gobs of real fish.
(3)Stephanie M.
Manhattan Bagel is where I go to grab a coffee before taking my dogs to the Square. Its always near my hotel, quick and friendly. No you are not going to get gourmet coffee or NY quality bagels here. Yes they are a bit over priced.
(3)Ben P.
Weak. The bagel sucked. The staff was worse. Rude, nasty people. Get over yourselves. If you don't like doing your job, get a new one but don't take it out on your customers. That's what I get for going to a big chain bagel place.
(2)Tarah H.
A wide variety of fresh, flavorful bagels? Yes please! And they have a griddle that they make real eggs on as opposed to those spongy things at other chains? Even better! The line moved fast, the food was hot and good, the prices were reasonable and staff was decent. I needed food and fast and this place was great for what it was and made me happy.
(3)Jake P.
Philadelphia is truly lacking in the bagel department. One on hand you've got the saran-wrapped, cream cheese filled numbers that the lunch trucks leave out in the sun all day. As a formidable alternative, you've got Cosi's wait-in-line 20 minutes for a revolutionary square bagel, or you've got watered-down franchise numbers like these. At least the chains back home (Bruegger's/Einstein) had tact in bagel-making. They specialized in freshness, and while the bagels themselves would never make you consider a second the way that Northern New Jersey's bagelries might, they sufficed. Manhattan Bagel is truly just a Dunkin Donuts posing as a bagel shop... only Dunkin Donuts has good coffee. Mayor Bloomberg should sue the company for advertising these tasteless balls of dough as having anything to do with a 14-mile island. Terrible... I'd sooner eat a lunch truck bagel than these.
(1)Parisa S.
AUGH. Truly awful. The bagels here have to be among the worst I've EVER had. EVER. I swear. Not fresh, not tasty, just plain WRONG. Avoid, avoid, avoid. Their coffee sucks too.
(1)Aria S.
Amongst my food vices are bagels (mac n cheese and ice cream are on that list if we're getting personal). So before Erin Express, I tried to line my body with some carbs and wake up with some iced coffee. Bagel - as everyone else commented, there was not enough cream cheese at all and the bagel wasn't as toasty as I like and almost stale. Coffee - The beans were so obviously burned which is the worst kinda way to f up a coffee. So meh, don't plan on returning.
(2)Jessie H.
I always get the same thing when I come here. I've never gotten anything else. Go with what you know. Pork roll, egg, cheese on a plain toasted bagel. (~5). Super filling and can prob last through most of the morning/afternoon. Located conveniently in rittenhouse square, it's also right by the rittenhouse park. My go-to breakfast spot when I want to make sure I'm full so I can eat a later lunch.
(4)Mohsin B.
Was I'm the mood for a egg and cheese on a croissant. The guy took down my order wrong. I couldn't quite tell what he said but I thought I heard, "soft bagel" I figured it wouldn't be that bad, so I went with it even it was wrong. Got to the counter to pay and once again heard "salted" vs "soft". I even tried to explain to the cashier that I had ordered a croissant. Once again, no acknowledgement. I was too hungry to argue, and I waited to eat my "soft" bagel. In the end, I was a salted bagel, which is basically a round soft pretzel. I spent half my meal scraping salt off the top. The cheese was melty, bagel was toasted well, and the egg was just right, but right now I need a large glass of water.
(3)Jennifer J.
The people working were very confused about what food they still had in stock and didn't make it clear they basically had nothing left to order. We watched two other people order well after us and still had to wait for our very simple sandwiches. Once we had finally received our sandwiches, they were incorrect and we were missing our sides. I had eaten here before in a pinch, but this will be our last time.
(1)Lea L.
I love them so much! Great food all the time, never had any issues with service. Great coffee. Absolutely love the counter girl, Amber! Such a doll every time I come in. Always stop there on my way to work. (:
(5)Thuy H.
Although I believe this place is kinda expensive, my lox n bagel was quite delicious! Mmmmm!!!! As you can see from my pictures, they did stuff it with the right amount of items. Capers, onions, tomatos, cream cheese, and of course the LOX! It tasted so fresh. I think my everything bagel kind of took it over the top though.... Made my sandwich a lil too salty, so next time, I'll be ordering it on a plain bagel. I also ordered a small coffee. I made myself a vanilla nut coffee with some cream and sugar. The vanilla nut flavored coffe has such a nice aroma to it! I can still smell it now even though I had it yesterday...lol! I def will be back, but not too often bc $10 for breakfast all the time will cause a huge dent in my wallet
(4)Rebecca P.
Philly is a veritable bagel wasteland. There, my pompous NJ self said it. I have yet to have even a remotely good bagel in this city. I have been to other Manhattan Bagels and I must say the customer service here is not great. No one is overly friendly. As for the product, it's a standard bagel chain. The bagels are edible, but again, not great. The coffee is self serve and generally pretty weak. Positives include the location and outdoor seating.
(2)Mike M.
Definitely not a NY bagel, they are pretty small and the quality is eh. Lax cream cheese was very fishy and didn't taste to fresh. I am not a fan of their hygiene, I think they should do a better job cleaning their working stations because it is covered in food residue. The dog bagels are a cool idea, but it seems as if they have been there for 4 years? I got one and it was harder than the concrete on the ground. Their egg, cheese, and sausage isn't too bad... Nothing special.
(3)Rosie S.
The best bagels in Philadelphia, that I've experienced so far. If you eat Dunkin Donuts bagels you're doing it wrong. I would recommend coming in early or coming mid day for the freshest bagels (they get 2 deliveries, they don't make the bagels there). Honey whole wheat everything is my favorite, as well as the blueberry glazed bagel. They have a $1.99 deal for bagel with egg and cheese occasionally, definitely snag one when they do.
(4)Stephanie S.
Meh, was expecting a lot better. Salmon lox bagel & cream cheese for $8.50? I can get that for $4.50 at Au Bon Pain in Liberty place. Highway robbery! The egg & cheese was only $2.80, and the egg was fresh, but underwhelmingly small portion. All other breakfast sandwiches around $6? Robbery again. Coffee was average, $1.80 for medium, but there's no Splenda and no cinnamon. Disappointing. I won't be coming back., not unless the prices drop several dollars.
(2)Paul B.
Food is good but overpriced. Staff is very unfriendly and seem like they hate life. Manual receipt system seems to cause long waits and food served out of order. Would not go back.
(2)Michael F.
A bagel shop in the Rittenhouse neighborhood - nice coffee and decent sandwiches. Very limited seating inside the window with bar stools, so plan to take-away. They do have a grill that makes the real eggs, so I do like this place. Some restaurants microwave theirs which I don't find appealing. Very inexpensive and friendly staff as well.
(4)Jamie S.
I went for the first time and I will never return. I got charged for two bagels when I only ordered one and when I got home realized I had gotten the wrong order. When I returned, I only got refunded for one bagel and they wouldn't make me the correct one. So essentially I paid for a bagel and left with nothing. The bagel I did get was tiny and I could have eaten three. Overall, terrible customer service and the bagels are minuscule.
(1)Allison C.
Good in a pinch. Their cream cheese was pretty mediocre; think that pasty hard stuff from Dunkin' Donuts. Their bagels, however, not too shabby. I opted for the seasonal cranberry bagel; if it had been served with some hearty and creamy cream cheese, plus toasted a little bit more, it would have been a hit. However, the flavor of the bagel was pretty tasty, with little pockets of dried cranberries giving off an occasional burst of tart sweetness as I wolfed it down. They have a pretty decent corn muffin as well.
(3)Shannon S.
I'll preface this review by saying I've only ever ordered a bagel with cream cheese, which is pricey but tastes good. I'll also say that I never go during a busy time. My problem is with product delivery and customer service. At least three times I have opened up my bagel at work only to find barely enough cream cheese to cover all four quarters (I do like that they quarter the bagel for you). Other times I find it barely toasted. One time it was either stale or baked(?) because the whole bagel was toasted, not just the surfaces. Another time I ordered my usual, got to work and found that there was no cream cheese! I wasn't charged for it but I had ordered "bagel with cream cheese" and didn't know I wasn't charged for what I wanted due to using charge card. I will say that one time they asked me to wait because they had burnt my bagel and wanted to make it right. Props but not enough. Finally, they have weird customer service. A woman came in who made it clear she was a regular as she ignored those in line to pay (I had already paid) and proceeded to hand over a $20 for a bunch of cups of coffee.
(2)Reema B.
They overcharge you.. Blatantly.. I ordered two bagels with cream cheese.. The lady charged me 3.99 I paid and as I waited for my order she realized she only charged me for one bagel.. She proceeded to then tell me my total was near a total of 7 dollars.. As she shows me the receipt (which they never ask you if you want a copy of) it shows she charged me for an item I didn't even purchase which was more expensive Moral of the story... They charge u for items you're not purchasing.. And way overpriced if it really is 7 dollars for two bagels with cream cheese.. Don't go here or if you do get a receipt from the register each time
(1)Karen F.
Mediocrity. Came here when I was in a huge rush and Hip City Veg (next door) was bustling and Nom Nom ramen had a long line. Spent about $6 on a latte and a stale bagel with veggie "light" cream cheese, tomato and cucumber. Bitter overpriced latte. BLAH. Waste of calories. Not goin' back.
(2)Amy B.
I'm glad I decided to give this Manhattan Bagel another chance. This time around the workers were very friendly and the bagel was good. I may come back again!!
(4)Liz F.
This particular Manhattan Bagel rules for a number of reasons: 1. Location- close to everything & makes for some great people watching while you enjoy your bagel looking out the window 2. The dude who takes your order- he's hilarious and i love his accent. All the other employees were way nice, too. 3. (and most importantly) the bagels are delicious. They do lox and a bagel some serious justice.
(5)Sara P.
I dont get bagels often but I really had a desire for a fall-themed bagel. I stopped in here today and was delighted. They had a terrific California something or other bagel that had a bunch of dried fruits and seeds in it. They also had a pumpkin bagel that was spectacular. Best of all, the service was terrific. They asked several times if I needed anything to go with the bagels, specifically mentioning butter, cream cheese and coffee at various times. My bagel was perfectly toasted with the cream cheese quanity I requested. Prices seemed in line with every other bagel place.
(5)Rachel S.
I was craving lox and bagel so I popped into Manhattan Bagel just to see if they even had lox spread which would do the trick. They actually did have lox and bagel on the menu for $7.99 which was fine with me because when you gotta have it, you're paying premium prices no matter what. It was awesome and perfectly hit the spot. I like mine on an everything bagel with tomato and red onion. Great location also.
(3)Jamie D.
I've had their bacon,egg,and cheese bagels a few times now and it's my favorite morning starter. For the same price as Dunkin' Donuts, you get real egg, melty cheese, and legit bacon. The toasted bagel is perfect. Do this place.
(5)Anthony R.
The bagels are toasted to perfection and the coffee smooth and delicious...or maybe I'm too hungry this morning after a long night of driving!?!
(5)Tyler T.
When I arrived at 4:00 which was an hour before closing I asked for egg and cheese on a bagel, I was told he can't do that because he already cleaned up the stove. So I went with a chocolate chip bagel, plain bagel, and two mini pumpkin bagels. He didn't toast the bagels for me so then I sat down an started eating, an old lady came in and the worker said "nothing for you" since he has already put all the bagels away and it was still 20 minutes till close. Before that he told me and my friend that we have 10 minutes to leave because they are closing, this was at 4:30. Overall I thought I was gonna have a better experience and I was sadly mistaken, I'll give it another try if that ignorant worker isn't there.
(1)Alyssa L.
I like Manhattan bagel, the bagels are great. I also really like espresso, but I am a bit of a late sleeper. Unfortunately after a certain time one cannot venture to get an espresso because they turn their espresso machine off after the morning. Is starbucks the only place someone can get an espresso until they close that's fast? Anyway I still give them 3 stars because they have awesome bagels and it's great for grab and go.
(3)Cannon K.
If you are in dire need of a real NYC/North Jersey bagel, I guess this place does the job. it's not anything special, but the bagels are more than 'circle bread.' Crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside. It still doesn't feel quite like home, though... 3/5 -CK
(3)Adhish R.
This place gets busy, so get your bagel in early For about 3 or 4 bucks, you're getting a good bagel sandwich. I got the egg and cheese on... Me: Wheat? MB: Sorry we're out Me: Everything Bagel? MB: Sorry we're out Me: Blueberry MB: You got the last one bro... Moral of the story, early bird gets the bagel. Also, coffee was mediocre I wouldn't recommend it.
(3)Pasquale R.
The hotel I was staying at wasn't too far from here. Don't let the name fool you. Their bagels DO NOT taste, look, feel like bagels from Manhattan. Their prices do. Had a bagel with scallion cc since they don't have olive cc. Smaller bagel which was palatable. Had the next day a "pork roll" & cheese on a everything. The Taylor Ham, yes Taylor ham her in Jersey, not pork roll, tasted off. Didn't have the same flavor as what we serve here. Anyway, their coffee was good. Surprisingly. I guess since I live near the mecca of bagels it's hard to compare. Yeah I know it's a chain but for people to think that's what bagels should taste like, they are surely missing out.
(2)Tony P.
Not Brooklyn Bagels but you know in a pinch, I'll keep going back when I'm back in Philadelphia.
(3)Nicole B.
Ladies, chivalry and romance are not dead; you just haven't yet met Rafael at Philadelphia's Manhattan Bagel.
(2)Bif P.
Good bagel places don't need to toast their bagels so I should have taken their in insistence on toasting as a sign. I opted to not toast and it was a mistake. Crunchy exterior but with the texture of collapsing cardboard... just not good.
(1)Tiffany L.
Stopped in to grab a quick brunch sandwich/bagel sandwich. I was really surprised at how yummy my sandwich was! I got the Ellis Island Hot Pastrami, and it was so good - hit the stop for sure. The staff were patient and helpful (since it was my first time there). There is a decent amount of window seating if you decide to munch on your food in the store. I will have to try out their bagels in the future!
(4)Lissa C.
I hate this place and even in a pinch I've gone there (like today) because it's the closest place to work that has bagels and again Disappointment city. Bagels come two ways- not toasted enough or burnt to a crisp. There is no in between. I always get butter and it's usually drenched and sloppy. I have to pat it down with several napkins. Also they're expensive and they don't give you the napkins, you have to get them yourself. Go to Le Bus- you'll have to butter it yourself but it's better than this awful establishment.
(1)Estelle W.
i got a chicken bagel sandwich and it was really good except the bagel was burnt on the inside!!!! i didn't like that. i also got strawberry lemonade which was very good but a little small.
(3)Aaliyah P.
I frequent this place when im hungover and in need of a good greasy breakfast sandwich.Its close to work and they have every type of bagel under the sun. My only issue is that the sandwiches tend to be on the smaller side. Service is always speedy and ive only encountered an incorrect order once. Id recommend the breakfast sandwiches i havent experienced lunch or any other food options.
(3)Candace S.
The bagel was pretty good, and the lox cream cheese is fantastic. The staff is always friendly and the coffee is great!
(4)Jerry T.
Sure, it's not a mom-and-pop bagel shop with traditional old-style bagels - it is what it is - a chain that actually produces a decent mass-produced bagel. I prefer the jalapeno cheddar one, personally, toasted with butter. But, that's not the reason I give it 4 stars. I give it 4 stars because of Lisa who will provide you with the best customer service possible. She's been there ever since I first started stopping in a few years back and she is what makes me continue to come back. I always say it - customer service can make an otherwise mediocre place special - and Lisa makes sure this happens at the Rittenhouse Manhattan Bagel!
(4)Kristin W.
I had high hopes for bagels when I moved to Philly. NYC has amazing bagels, NYC is in NY, NY touches PA, PA contains Philly...but sadly, the transitive property evidently doesn't apply to bagels. That said, I think Manhattan Bagel has the best bagels in Philly, but they're not up to their namesake. For the cream cheese, I would skip the Light Veggie which tastes a little plastic-y...Garlic & Herb is pretty good, especially spread on an Everything Bagel.
(4)Lisa J.
I guess I'm in the minority that doesn't have a problem with this place. Philly does not have good bagels. Get over it. These ones are still edible and actually not that bad! The veggie cream cheese is so good I could eat it with a spoon. Prices on some of the sandwiches are a bit high, but whatever, it's a chain and they probably have no control over that. Employees are always friendly! I've never had a problem with any of them. In fact, one of them (I think his name is Stefan?) is always super nice to me and seems to remember me whenever I come in. I like that.
(3)Grace S.
Been here a few times since it's convenient and I keep hoping the bagels will get better, but they are really terrible. Coming from NYC, I guess I've been spoiled but the consistency of their bagels is similar to thick stale bread, the flavor is completely lacking--overall, it's just a very unsavory piece of bread. The prices aren't even cheap!
(1)Christina P.
I have given this place many tries. Breakfast is my favorite meal and I really wanted to like it, especially since they're named after the holy grail of bagels. Do not be fooled though, because these bagels are nothing like what you'll find in New York. The bagels are small, dry, and instead of being hard on the outside and soft on the inside, they're hard all the way through. I guess it's good that they're smaller, I really don't need to be eating a bagel the size of my face. But it is wayyy overpriced for what you get. I got a turkey bacon, egg white, and cheese on a multigrain bagel with a coffee and it came to close to $7. Also, the multigrain bagel was actually a white bagel with some "grains" sprinkled on top! The only saving grace of this place is their coffee, which is actually really good. If you do go (hopefully just for coffee), try the vanilla nut. Le Bus two doors down has bagels that are 100x better.
(2)Jill T.
Pork roll, Egg, and Cheese on an everything bagel toasted please! I love their bagels, what can I say? Jalapeno and cheese bagel- amazing! For a quick, easy, inexpensive breakfast- this is the spot!
(4)Laura S.
Two happily-caffeinated and carbohydrate-full thumbs up. I'm kind of incoherent in the morning and am usually incapable of managing to feed myself until I've been awake for longer than an hour. When I have to be out the door early in the morning, this poses quite the challenge. Luckily, Manhattan Bagel does not require me to be either coherent or capable. I walk my sleepy-eyed self in the door and walk out with a bagel and coffee for a totally reasonable price. They've got a wide variety of bagels and cream cheeses and will put just about anything on them that you ask for. I tend to ignore the menu on the wall (see above re: incoherence) and they have always been able to give me whatever it is I've asked for (including a side of bacon, which might have been a weird request come to think of it but they didn't bat an eyelash). They've got some seating inside if you've got time to sit and eat. Service has always been friendly and quick.
(4)Kate H.
I come here all the time for breakfast. Try their tostini with roasted red peppers,it's delicious. Staff knows me by name. Friendly and fast. I always walk out spending less than $5, full and happy.
(4)Danielle J.
Stopped in here for a quick breakfast while visiting my friend who lives a couple blocks away. I was looking up at the menu & had a guy ask me if I was ready to order... then 20 seconds later, another guy asked... then 10 seconds later yet another guy asked... I felt uncomfortable & quickly decided on a honey whole wheat everything bagel with LF veggie cream cheese... and no one was standing there this time. It only took about 5 seconds for one of the 5 or 6 guys to take my order, then he gave me a ticket. I took the ticket to the cashier & he said, "uhh I can't read that, what did you get?" I told him my bagel & the total was higher than it should be so I asked & he said "and the water?" (which was almost empty) and I told him I brought it in with me. He said, "Oh, yea, that's not even the brand we sell." (A simple mistake, but I was already frazzled from his coworkers.) The bagel was fine... not the best or worst I've had... and more like whole wheat everything.. I guess I was expecting it to be salty & slightly sweet but there was no sweetness. Cream cheese was good. Overall I was just very thrown by repeatedly being asked if I was ready when I was clearly staring at the menu. Not writing it off but not looking to go back either.
(2)Sarah D.
Wow! I can't believe how many people don't like this place. Granted, I've never had a real New York bagel and I was also just visiting when I came here, but I thought I'd give it a review. I liked the place just fine. I wasn't floored, but I liked it all the same. I had an egg and cheese bagel. It wasn't as good as a biscuit, but I was still satisfied. The staff was fine. They didn't knock my socks off or anything, but I thought that they were nice. Overall, I recommend it if you're visiting. My experience was good.
(4)Mike C.
i been eating bagels all my life. i have seen the best and worst of the nyc bagel scene. what makes a bagel a bagel? fluffy and soft inside, but crispy crunchy outside. with that being said, the bagels at manhattan bagels is really soft and fluffy. i ordered the philly steak and egg on an everything bagel, and although the steak is not pats quality, the over all sandwich hits the spot, the bottom o my belly! Next time, i will have a bagel over something more conventional, i.e. butter, cream-cheese, jelly or a combination of all the above. in closing, would i drive down to philly strictly for the bagel, and then proceed to drive back to brooklyn after eating it? probably not. However, if i am in the area, craving a bagel, i would not hesitate to drop on in. i really wish there is a 3.5 stars rating!
(4)Sean M.
I frequent this location, as it is on my way to work and as I go in early, it is very convenient. The food quality is fine, while overpriced, but my experience has always been fast with quality service and without issue. That is until the last three visits I have made there. I did not realize there was an issue until the second of the three visits, when I got my change. A bagel with cream cheese comes to $3.23 after tax. The clerk handed me 3 quarters. I recalled the same happened the day before, so I said something, "where is the rest of my change?" He said, "Oh," and handed me a dime from the tip jar. Now yesterday, the same thing happened, so I helped myself to the tip jar and took out 2 pennies. I said, "That's a bit presumptuous, keeping the pennies." The clerk (same from visit #2) mumbled something about saving a ton of money at the end of the year, indicating it was intentional. I stated, "It's stealing from your customers." The food is fine, but the staff is dishonest. Be mindful of your change.
(1)Jill A.
This location always has salt bagels. Do people not like them?! Eating one (with cheese, tomato and mayo) results in a most pleasurable experience. It's high up there on my "Favorite Things To Do" chart, alongside cleaning my ears with Q-tips and taking a pee after a long car ride. Oh, how I love you, salt bagel.
(3)Rachel U.
I heart the egg and cheese sandwiches here; actual griddle = actual freshly cooked eggs, not scary spongy microwaved eggs. When we lived closer we used to come every Sunday morning, get breakfast and, if the weather was nice, eat it in the park. Now that we live on the other side of the city we'll still make the trek back to Manhattan Bagel on occasion because it's still the best egg & cheese we've found in the city. I also heart the people who work here; always friendly. And though my New Yorker husband maintains that real NY bagels ought to be the size of your head (not my preference), I find the bagels here to be yummy and just the right size, and I like the flavor options they have.
(4)K C.
YUCK! This morning was my first visit to Manhattan Bagel in Philadelphia. I ordered a pumpkin bagel with pumpkin cream cheese. It was the worst bagel and cream cheese I've ever had. The bagel was small and thin, the cream cheese was almost watery, and they didn't have the courtesy to include a napkin in my to-go-bag. So, when the watery-pumkin mess went all over, I didn't have anything to clean it up. The bagel was rubbery and after a few bites I just threw the rest out. It was gross. I will never go back.
(1)Sylvia M.
Never had Manhattan Bagel, always walked by, love bagels SO got some for work. Nothings better than going to work on Monday Morning and having some Manhattan Bagels! I got an assortment like whole wheat, everything, plain, cin. raisin, blueberry (i think)... well, i had an everything and it was good! they have little cream cheese containers and the veggie one was really good! i had no time to get lunch at work so a whole wheat bagel with veggie cream cheese was my lunch and i think it was better than my everything with plain cream cheese. i got coupons from the staff and their breakfast sandwiches look so i want to go back and get some. needless to say, i love breakfast sandwiches and im sure id be back for some goodies!
(4)Tim H.
The hash browns at this place are terrible. They always come out soggy.
(2)Cherie C.
It's a chain. It's in a neighborhood with some great bakeries. Why not have a croissant or a cup of La Colombe nearby? But if you want a reliable egg-on-a-bagel, this will do. It's no H&H, but it's not terrible. They also gave out some big coupon booklets recently, so I stopped in for my free cup of coffee. La Colombe is the really good, but it's not free.
(3)Kathy L.
I wanted to give them 3 stars but hey - let's be honest...I'm probably here twice a month on average, which is probably more than any other food retailer, with exception to starbucks and la colombe. I would never drink coffee here. I do not serve myself, thank you very much. By definition, it cannot be good coffee if I have to pump it. What is there to say? The people who work her are courteous and make an effort to give good service. Yes, the have a tendency to run out of plain bagels in the early afternoons on weekends, but that's what I get for waking up late. With the dearth of good bagel places in the city, I prefer MB. I guess 4th street deli also has good bagels, but they charge more...and don't have lite cream cheese. Or lite anything...
(4)Ernest S.
Not a bad bagel, although they put very little lox spread on! Come on! It's just the spread, not gobs of real fish.
(3)Stephanie M.
Manhattan Bagel is where I go to grab a coffee before taking my dogs to the Square. Its always near my hotel, quick and friendly. No you are not going to get gourmet coffee or NY quality bagels here. Yes they are a bit over priced.
(3)Ben P.
Weak. The bagel sucked. The staff was worse. Rude, nasty people. Get over yourselves. If you don't like doing your job, get a new one but don't take it out on your customers. That's what I get for going to a big chain bagel place.
(2)Tarah H.
A wide variety of fresh, flavorful bagels? Yes please! And they have a griddle that they make real eggs on as opposed to those spongy things at other chains? Even better! The line moved fast, the food was hot and good, the prices were reasonable and staff was decent. I needed food and fast and this place was great for what it was and made me happy.
(3)Jake P.
Philadelphia is truly lacking in the bagel department. One on hand you've got the saran-wrapped, cream cheese filled numbers that the lunch trucks leave out in the sun all day. As a formidable alternative, you've got Cosi's wait-in-line 20 minutes for a revolutionary square bagel, or you've got watered-down franchise numbers like these. At least the chains back home (Bruegger's/Einstein) had tact in bagel-making. They specialized in freshness, and while the bagels themselves would never make you consider a second the way that Northern New Jersey's bagelries might, they sufficed. Manhattan Bagel is truly just a Dunkin Donuts posing as a bagel shop... only Dunkin Donuts has good coffee. Mayor Bloomberg should sue the company for advertising these tasteless balls of dough as having anything to do with a 14-mile island. Terrible... I'd sooner eat a lunch truck bagel than these.
(1)Parisa S.
AUGH. Truly awful. The bagels here have to be among the worst I've EVER had. EVER. I swear. Not fresh, not tasty, just plain WRONG. Avoid, avoid, avoid. Their coffee sucks too.
(1)Charles L.
I agree with some of the other reviews that the bagels here are not New York Bagels but nothing down in Philly is because of the water in NYC. With Brueggars now closed in the area I have been trying this Manhattan Bagels store again for a regular breakfast bagel. The bagels are pretty good but the service in the place leaves a lot to be desired. I originally stopped buying here and went to Brueggars because I was getting the same thing from Brueggars for $1.25 that I was getting at Manhattan Bagel for $2.15. The Manhattan Bagel was just not ninety cent better. Now I am back and remembering all the other things I don't like about this place. The short-sightedness on having quantities of all their "mainstay" bagels is amazing. The people behind the counter obviously don't want to be there and seem to be just as happy(or unhappy) if you are not. They don't seem to understand that you butter a bagel on both sides not spread it so thick on one side of the bagel that it might possibly migrate to the other side. One of the guys behind the counter said to me the other day that he does that every time well he might be the only one in the place who does. The wrong Bagel store closed in Center City.
(2)Brandon R.
This place is da bomb!!!!!!!!! But I have to fast today :(
(5)Brando A.
Long wait for lousy chow. AVOID
(1)Anrenee R.
Spinach florentine bagel with egg and cheese. It was good, but I'd have prefered the bagel to be toasted and not merely warned up.
(4)Bakchun K.
This is a standard breakfast place in the heart of Philadelphia. It opens early at 6am. They have a full kitchen in front of you and the menu has many selections, bagels, muffins, juices, and sandwiches. I had the standard egg on a bagel, tasted good. You can add an extra egg for an extra charge. There are not that many affordable breakfast places in the area.
(3)Casey B.
I eat here way too frequently, but I'm such a sucker for carb-cheese-egg combos. My favorites are: Thintastic classic eggwhite: thinly sliced sesame seed bagel, turkey sausage, eggwhites, american cheese & avocado Croissant classic: Eggwhites, chedda, tomato and turkey bacon on a croissant Service is quick & friendly, perfect cure for that morning hanger.
(5)Anita L.
The egg white asparagus and mushroom bagel is amazing. You can choose whichever cream cheese and bagel you want. I got the jalapeño cheddar bagel with garden vegetable cream cheese. This bagel is a winner: the perfect amount of spice from the bagel, filled with enough flavor from the cream cheese, and it stuffs you up so well because of the eggs. The perfect breakfast.
(5)