New Yorkers will argue it for days on end: great bagels depend on great water. And only New York City has the quality of water necessary to produce a proper bagel.
The folks of Original Bagel Brothers of New York say it's not so. Actually, they say it loud and clear on the back of their work shirts, in big, bold letters: "IT AINT THE WATER."
Regardless of who's right on the water issue, Bagel Brothers has turned this corner of downtown Stuart into a great place for breakfast, lunch, dessert and coffee, served indoors or outside. This location (one of three; the other two are in Port St. Lucie) opened six months ago, moving into the space formerly occupied by a German-themed deli. The menu offers an all-day breakfast menu of omelettes, waffles, pancakes and French toast, along with their house-made bagels. The bagel flavors range from the usual plain, onion and sesame to asiago cheese, spinach Parmesan, egg onion and French toast. Manager Frank Marto says the unusual flavors are the ones that sell out the fastest, and the French toast bagel is especially good "heated in the microwave, with a little maple syrup poured on it." And to go with the bagels, try a cream cheese spread such as bacon and scallion, or the Italian, which is sun-dried tomatoes in oil and fresh basil.
The lunch offerings include burgers, panini, cheesesteaks, gyros, salads and soups, but it's the wraps and sandwiches that seem to be the most-wanted items here. The Long Islander is a filling wrap of grilled chicken, Cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, salsa and jalapenos. Considering its wet ingredients, the sandwich held together well and did not leak or fall apart. The Cracked Russian (cracked pepper turkey, Swiss cheese, bacon, lettuce tomato and Russian dressing) was another good offering. The bacon was crisp as promised, and the dressing was noticeable but not overwhelming. Sandwiches come with a choice of house-made macaroni, potato or pasta salad. The macaroni salad stood out from ordinary thanks to a slight vinegar tang. Other unusual items include the Manhattan Wrap (roast beef smothered in mozzarella cheese and gravy ans served in a toasted garlic wrap), Pesto Wrap (grilled chicken, spring mix, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes and house-made pesto sauce) and create-your-own bagelwiches.
Desserts have their own section of the display case, and along with the classic Italian cookies, you can choose from truffle brownies, black-and-whites, cupcakes, pistachio muffins, and for the virtuous, chilled fresh fruit cups.
Service is the step-up-to-the-counter variety, for both ordering and pickup. There are daily specials and a children's menu, and if you come in after 2 p.m. any day and buy bagels, you get a free bagel for every one you buy. Breakfast prices range from $3-$8, with bagels priced at $1.10 for a single bagel to $9.25 for a baker's dozen (that's two free bagels in the order). Lunch prices are $7.29 for wraps, sandwiches, bagelwiches and panini. Burgers, salads and hot heroes are priced from $6-$9.
The staff is happy and friendly, and one customer was overheard to say that this was the only restaurant he comes to where the employees remember his name. Manager Frank Marto says that customer service matters to him more than anything. "I know people can go somewhere else to eat, but if we treat them right, they will come here."
If the staff keeps up the excellent food and customer service, no one's ever going to ask them about the water thing anyway.
Original Bagel Brothers of New York, 40 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart, FL 34994, phone 772-345-6558, fax 772-872-6559. Open Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Other locations: 1156 Port St. Lucie Blvd. (City Fountain Center), Port St. Lucie, FL 34952. Phone 772-237-5032 and 10350 SW Village Center Drive (Tradition Square), Port St. Lucie, FL 34987. Phone 772-345-1770. Both these locations open 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. seven days.
Website: http://bagelbrothersofny.com/
Comments
I am on the road often so I eat at all three Bagel Brothers. They are the cleanest places around. The food is fresh and all the meats and cheeses are Boar's Head! Order from the glass window that's where they have the "Sandwiches of The Day"!
New York Bagels are in a league of its own when it comes to consumption.
Many other cities try to imitate the taste but just can’t get close.
People who aren’t from NYC or haven’t been here may not be able to understand or relate. But there are people that have tried to replicate the style in places like Denver and
Oklahoma City
Authenticate Fresh NY Bagels shipped overnight and they are amazing.
www.BestNewYorkBagel.com
I have been in both Stuart and Tradition stores. I was very happy to hear that a new location on Port St Lucie Blvd is open. I found Port St Lucie number through website and placed an order to pick up; two breakfast sandwiches. I went to pick up my order; they couldn't find my order. One guy asked me if I called their number; I said "yes" and continued "I looked up the port st lucie number on the internet". He, very aggressively, said that I probably called tradition number so I will have to go pick it up from that store. I said "are you asking me to go all the way up to tradition?". He said "Yes". He called Tradition store to see if my order was there. After he hung up he said "you will either go to tradition store to pick up your order or I will charge you extra for your order here". He continued "we are having the same problem with a lot of people, the food is going waste". I asked him if this is an ongoing problem, why are they not answering the phones with location name to prevent the problem. He was very mean and demanding with the tone of his voice that he had no intentions to provide customer service at any level. I told him that Tradition and Stuart locations are excellent with their customer service. I told him I rather walk out; he did not care. I will never ever step in that location again. He didn't care about it much but I hope someone at a higher level will recognize his unprofessional and sarcastic manners towards customers.
I completely disagree with John !! having moved here from NY i actually tried those bagels that he was shamelessly promoting. By far the worst tasting bagels i have EVER had. Then to ship them overnight, even worse. They shouldn't associate themselves with NY. I have frequented Bagel Brothers , and think they do a hell of a job and is the closest thing to a NY bagel since i have been down here 5 years.
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