The Bagel Factory on Independence Square

What part of «Toasted? No, thank you» don’t these people understand? There’s no language barrier; they just don’t listen to you.

Really surprised at the poor reviews here. I’m a BIG fan. Bagels are simply fabulous. Try the Jalapeño; really special. Staff is unbelievably friendly. One time I had a quick brunch for a bunch of people and thought I’d have to run around to buy lox, greens, tomato, cucumber, etc. elsewhere — but they got that together for me, too; saved me a ton of time… not to mention that everything was fresh and delish. My friends really loved the bagels, too. So fresh. We’re from NY, LA, NJ and Philly.
I live across from Knead Bagels — Not only a huge rip-​off, but they try to be elitist with bagels that have very little taste and have an unfriendly staff. (How about adding butter for $ 2??!)

Perfect no-​frills bagel place. Nothing fancy, but they are yummy — and what else do you need? I’m not expecting gourmet. The salads are a bit on the small side. Also, I might have a crush on one of the dudes who works there. He helps keep me coming back.

In my vernacular, this place is referred to as ‘The Bagel Crappery’ given its poor food, terrible service and elevated prices, the triple crown of a poor Unilocal rating!
Time and time again I give The Bagel Crappery a second, third and fourth chance for redemption, as it is convenient. However, each time, I am left disappointed and angry.
The bagels are mediocre and rarely fresh. The service is pathetic, with staff lazy and slow, more concerned with their smart-​phones and joking among themselves than providing adequate service.
The menu lacks substance and creativity. A look into the refrigerated glass casing provides immediate red flags. A Wendy’s salad bar runs circles around this place.
All told, The Bagel Crappery is better off shutting down and re-​opening as a different concept with a new menu, improved and motivated staff and pricing reflecting appropriate value.

Affordable and great tasting bagels in center city! Try the strawberry cream cheese.

I have no idea why people don’t like the bagels here — they are the best I have found in Philly — they are no New York bagel, for sure, but at least they aren’t soft and taste like a chunk of bread like most of the bagels around here. They are chewy but in the way that bagels are SUPPOSED to be. I hope this location stays there after the renovations are done because it is my go-​to place for bagels in the city.

I was also surprised to see how many poor reviews of this establishment were on here. I only started going a few weeks ago but it’s where I go for breakfast most of the week!
I think their bagels are just dandy. Bacon, Egg, and Cheese sandwhiches are pretty darn tastey. Coffee is a good price if you bring your own mug! Yay for having a positive impact on the environment!
The thing I love the most about coming there is that their staff is super friendly. The one counterperson Rob really knocks it out of the park. After I was only there twice he made a point to greet me specifically. They all work very efficiantly and even though the line is long sometimes, I never have to wait very long for my food.
I work on the south side of washington square park. Yes, there are very few breakfast places to get food, but I am glad this is one of them. If I have to be at work at 9 and get off my bike at the square at 840, I have enough time to walk the 2 blocks, get my food, and walk back and be on time. THAT is hard to find in a busy breakfast place.

I have tried everything from the pretzels to the bagels to the sandwiches to the desserts, and nothing has been above a C+ or so. The service has ranged from poor to excellent, but the atmosphere never feels inviting. Unfortunately, a lack of other eateries nearby and no shortage of employees in the 20-​story building allows this place to thrive despite the mediocrity.

«Meh» sums it up. As a person who does not eat dairy, I really wish they would offer hummus or vegan cream cheese.

Yum. Probably the best bagel I’ve eaten in a long time. So soft and fresh and delicious!
They also make great breakfast sandwiches and I love that the egg is prepared fresh on a flat top and isn’t some microwaved crap (ahem, talking to you Dunkin’).
Prices are reasonable. The Asiago and jalepeno bagels are to die for! Surprisingly, they also make really good soups.
Sometimes the wait in the morning and at lunch can be a bit long, but really my only qualm with this place is the unfriendly clerk there. He just has a bad attitude: kind of rushes you through your order, doesn’t ask specifics, and seems annoyed with your questions. I don’t know his name but he reminds me of Sean Hayes (from Two and a Half Men) — really sour personality considering he’s in customer service and hospitality.
Highly recommended. Great bagels!

No clue what happened but they use to have a good hard bagel, now actually just now I got a bagel went back to my office took a bite and it was like bubble gum. This isn’t the first time but wanted to give them a second chance. Bagels suck but they do have a good muffin. Unless they change that recipe next.

Its in my building at work. Over priced but for a cup of coffee and a bagel or don’t feel like going out for lunch when its freezing or raining, you don’t have much choice.

Their bagels aren’t always that good, I’ve heard a lot of complaints from coworkers. Personally, I’ve never had a bad experience. But really, the grilled muffins are the way to go! I like the banana nut muffin. They butter it and grill it so it’s deliciously crunchy and soft at the same time. Choose that over the bagel!

I really have no idea what everyone else is complaining about — I loved the bagels here (and I know a good bagel from a bad bagel).
The housemade cream cheeses are also a plus — even the plain is much more flavorful than what you typically get. Over time I’ll have to try some of the more adventurous ones too, like horseradish cheddar!

Unfortunately, this is one of those places that I don’t like, but that I will keep going to because it is so conveniently located in the lobby of my office building.
Overall, everything is overpriced. The quality of the food is mediocre at best. I’ve tried a few things (salad, bagel sandwich, tuna sandwich) none of which I’ll ever order again. When it comes to this place, I stick to bagel with cream cheese, or, when truly desperate, egg and cheese on toast.
I will give praise when praise is due, and most of the employees are friendly and very nice.
Also, how about a discount for people who work in the building? Just a thought…

After my second undercooked bagel, I have had enough. This is in my building so I have tried so hard to like it for days I simply cannot get away from my desk and didn’t pack lunch. Overpriced, undercooked. No good.

4 ½ stars for the service.

Major convenience factor if you work in the building, but no real reason to come here if you don’t (and they’re only open during regular business hours). The bagels are nothing to write home about. Sometimes they’re really chewy. Salads are decent, sandwiches are disappointing.
Solid «meh» overall. Everyone in my office grumbles about the place, and yet we all keep going back, because, well, it’s right there. We’re a captive (and lazy) audience.
On the plus side, they have no minimum for credit card transactions, which is handy when you want to grab a quick bagel but don’t have cash.

LAME! Bagels are ok. Do not get a salad. Bad. Also, HAD to go there today for lunch since it was raining and it is in my building… ordered a soup and half a sandwich… they have stopped giving out crackers with soup (cheap) and the sandwich was on a stale baguette. SO BAD! And it cost me $ 7.50 for this lameness!!!

Stood in line today after about 15 minutes waiting for a toasted bagel. Counter help was so horribly lazy, she did nothing. I just stood there. Then I just walked out without my food. I even paid for it.
I was soooo disgusted. They are so bad, and so poorly managed… not sure why they are in business.