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| - Tucked into the shadow of CPCC and just down from Presby Hospital, this little bagel shop is aiming to fit the need of a place to grab something quick for breakfast or lunch. As it is just getting started, service comes with a smile, but there are still some kinks to work out with their pacing and staffing.
Stopped in with the wife on a Saturday morning just as they opened at 10. Wait... a bagel shop that does not open til 10? Yeah, and then add that they are not open at all on Sunday. I get that they are new and there is no school on the weekend, but the hospital and surrounding neighborhood are buzzing and could easily support an informal eatery that catered to breakfast on weekends. They do open earlier during the week, but I see a serious opportunity here that would be perfect for City Deli.
Bagels are made fresh but presentation could be better- they are put in tiny wire buckets mounted to the wall behind the counter. Not only are they too small, but they look like magazine racks. Luckily, though, the taste is good, with just the right mix of chew and toothless to the outside. I think I like them even better than Owens. All the usual flavor are there, I did not notice anything unusual.
Homemade cream cheese flavors are a plus, as are the usual smattering of breakfast sandwich options at reasonable prices. The budget does get stretched when it comes to their deli sandwiches, though. I don't think I saw one come in under $8. If you are a carnivore, they use Boar's Head meats and pile it high, so maybe the price works, but that's a bit steep for a bagel sandwich. Luckily, orders do come with store-made bagel chips of assorted flavors. Nice and unique addition as compared to any other bagel shop in town.
Service was prompt, but I still get the sense everyone behind the counter is trying to figure out how to make it run smoother. I suppose there are worse problems to have. Good for free wi-fi and the obligatory TV in the dining space, but I prefer people watching from the front windows.
I welcome City Deli to the neighborhood, but hope they work out the kinks and find the time to put some more hours on their open sign.
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