Amber White
I’m truly confused on the people recently writing the bagels are great? I’ve given them many chances over the last few months with always the same results and won’t be going back. They are always out of all kinds of bagels in the morning but what’s worse is the bagels are almost always dry, stale and lacking flavor. I’ve even tried their sandwiches instead and they are very bland. It’s unfortunate. Do not order loose bagels to save and use through the week- they’re barely good day-of. Just wouldn’t recommend, sadly. I’ve dined in and taken out and the results don’t change.
… moreTate Townsend
First time to this location. Walked in very friendly environment. They had a lot of bags on the side for pickup ( good sign ). Ordered the jalapeño & cheddar bagel BEC sandwich with hot sauce & ketchup. Bagel was fresh soft seemed boiled, sandwich pretty flavorful. Only negative very tiny sandwich a few strips of bacon no more then two slices and one egg. More bagel then sandwich. Would recommend a bagel with just a spread. Over all not the worst bagel sandwich I’ve ever had.
Update: came back & ordered same sandwich was better this time around w/ more meat.
… moreJeffrey Kaplan
Let’s get something straight — if you’re comparing this place to a real New York bagel shop, you’ve either never been to one, or you’re just fooling yourself. These are not NY bagels, not even in the same ballpark.
I used to stop in here occasionally when it was under previous ownership. Back then, it was never anything exceptional, but it was at least decent and consistent. Now, it’s a different story entirely:
Prices are outrageous for what you’re getting. The food does not justify the cost — not even close.
The bagels are frequently hard, dry, and poorly made. It’s like they sit out all morning and get served anyway. Even during peak hours, they’re still rock-solid and lack any proper texture or freshness.
The staff seems lost. Orders are often wrong or incomplete, and there’s no sense of urgency or attention to detail.
Love the teenagers on their phone instead of taking care of customers also.
The food preparation is sloppy. A simple bagel with cream cheese came out with globs unevenly spread, half falling off the sides. It’s careless and reflects poorly on the kitchen.
Management is nowhere to be found. There’s no visible leadership, no one ensuring standards, and when issues are brought up, it feels like no one cares.
The place isn’t even open half the week. Who closes for three days in the food business? It’s confusing and unprofessional.
They’re constantly out of core menu items. How are you running a bagel shop and out of bagels? Inventory and planning seem like an afterthought.
Broken equipment and excuses are a running theme. There’s always something not working, and it’s usually used as a reason for poor service or missing items.
Cleanliness is another concern. Take a good look around — tables are often dirty, counters cluttered, and prep areas don’t inspire confidence. It’s the kind of neglect that hints at larger issues behind the scenes.
In short, this place has become a disappointment across the board — poor product, poor service, and poor management.
There are far better breakfast and bagel spots in the area that actually care about quality and customer experience. Sadly, this is no longer one of them. Move on.
… moreStephanie S
I don’t have anything good to say about this place since they changed owners. The OWNER is not pleasant, watched him confirm an order with a customer walking in to pick up and he didn’t say “hi or good morning how can I help you” and then afterwards didn’t even say “thank you have a nice day” or anything…. Customer service starts with your staff and how they treat the customers.
… moreRonald Rouzer
Only place around with true New York style bagels. Wish they would still be as customer friendly as old owners and gave you a “baker’s dozen” when buying loose bagels. Ordering online is easy but need to improve the app to show all available flavors, not just the “standards.” really wanted asiago or jalipino ☹️ cute display though
… moreAmy Christine
I was really excited to try this place because I doordash for them and the bagels always look incredible! The reviews looked very mixed, and sadly the bad ones were correct. My bagel was supposed to be toasted and was barely warm, and was very tough. The appearance was stunning, but almost no flavor and I felt like I was going to break a tooth trying to bite it. The inside, which looked fluffy, was dense and tough as well, overall not great.
… moreAmanda
Their bagels are seriously the best! The cream cheese is even better!
… moreLocal Review Guy
The pottstown store is much better. The bagels are good, but it’s the staff that kinda sucks. They are nothing but rude people who think they are busy. The place was dead, and they still gave me attitude. Keep that great passionate attitude, everyone.
… moreDana Costa
I used to love coming to Barristers Bagels — it was always a go-to spot for fresh, delicious bagels. Unfortunately, my recent experience was disappointing. The bagels were dry and barely toasted, which was such a letdown compared to how they used to be. Not sure what’s changed, but it’s a real shame.
… moreLynne Swaren
I have given this bagel shop numerous chances to redeem themselves but they are just too inconsistent. The sugar and cinnamon cream cheese (sometimes) has so much cinnamon in it it’s barely palatable. Sometimes there is an acceptable amount of cream cheese on the bagel and sometimes they just wave the bagel over the cream cheese and hope some of it jumps on. Goodbye Barristers.
… more