Sujal M.
Yelp
This is one of the more surprising reviews that I didn't think I'd be writing. Again, this is largely reflective of how it tasted to me. When I drive through Mass Ave and Chatham Arch, I admire the architecture, the revitalized Bottle Works area, and the businesses that are arriving or already here. Sidedoor is in Chatham Arch, which is a pretty splendid name for a neighborhood. It's in a newer multiuse building with street parking available. The facade is clean and modern, and the inside is beautiful. You can see their bags of high quality flour with an adorable sign asking patrons not to sit on them. It could be the scene for a Wes Anderson short film. The bagels are sourdough based, and they're made fresh. The only legit bagel shop in the downtown area.
Now, let's talk about the price. I'm closer to Bagel Fair in Nora and Ripple Bagel and Deli. Bagel Fair sells bagels for little more than a dollar. This place sells single bagels for $2.50. Their tubs of cream cheese run between 7-9. To substitute amazeball vegan cream cheese is $1.50. Even though they say this is an option to do so on the menu, you don't find out there's an up charge until you go to pay. I think a dozen bagels is $22. Again, sticker shock.
Now for the taste. I ordered the poppy seed bagel, or should I say the cicada surge of poppy seeds. The seeds will fall off and go everywhere. And the bagel sandwich on everything. The bagel had a chewiness to it, but there was something almost bland about the taste. The presentation of the veggie bagel sandwich was very nice, instagrammable. The service was great, and the order and pick up sides are separated for better customer flow.
Overall, I would give this 3.6/5.0 or 7/10. For the hype and plaudits, the taste profile wasn't something I expected or particularly liked. I'll stick to Bagel Fair. They should fix the board to reflect the upcharge for vegan cream cheese pricing. Otherwise, this is a good business to have for Indy.