Eva S.
Yelp
At this location, I come here for one thing and one thing only: their Nova Lox Bagel.
It is consistently good. You get your choice of bagel with Lox and cream cheese, and your choice of capers, tomatoes and sliced red onion. Get it with everything, and you'll find yourself with a filling meal for around $7.
They serve it open-faced in a to-go box that is clear on top, which is a nice touch because the nice presentation trumps the fact that I stood in line, paid, and received it after hearing my name being called... all in less than 5 minutes. Kind of like Starbucks.
It's all in the details:
They give you two fat tomato slices on each half of the bagel, and ~two large rings of sweet red onion as well. Gobs of cream cheese, and generous with capers. Since each half is loaded with toppings, I feel like I'm eating two bagels. It's big enough to stretch out over two meals, if you're not too hungry (which is a question I always contemplate when eating at Chipotle). When I come here, I know my order and the way it'll turn out. Woot.
It's also a plus that it's a step away from my office. Their service is quick, a little brisk, but efficient, considering their menu layout is a whirlwind; meandering around 20 signs, trying to find their schmear flavors and differentiating between a classic or signature bagel. With time... a regular customer would be able to get the gist.
Einstein's has other offerings too, like breakfast sandwiches, coffee and even doggie bagels (!). These offerings can definitely be found elsewhere, for cheaper at or least comparable, save for the doggie treats but I wouldn't be sure :)
Since I like their salmon, I'll have to try their salmon schmear next time. And fyi, the schmear flavors are posted on a little sign by the cashier.