its a chain, i hate chains and franchises usually. but i like this place. i started going to einstein«back in the day» when they were starting out in norwalk — before corporate moved to colorado, but sadly that original einstein in norwalk closed many years ago and is now a pretty good mexican quick food type place. this fairfield location is nice, its not too far off route 15 — and its usually crowded, but they get you through quick and as long as i have been going there are a few constant familiar faces behind the counter. the bagels are always fresh and good — they try new flavors and do seasonal flavors(last time i was in around halloween they had pumpkin bagels) — the eggs are surprisingly good considering they are made in a microwave, i have never like microwave-eggs but this place somehow gets it acceptably right, and i keep coming back for their egg and cheese on a toasted everything bagel. mmmm. and the coffee is good too, or as they say its Darn Good! on the coffee urns they have tags that tell you about the roast acidity, flavor notes, etc. usually when i am in there getting my sandwich i get a bakers dozen to go. and they don’t last long. when school is in season(college, fairfield U is around the corner.) it can get crowded with college kids in the morning. Soccer moms seem to congregate later in the day after the kids are off to school.
If I could give this place zero stars I would. I stopped there on my way home this morning, and I ordered a bagel with cream cheese. There was nobody in line and 3 people behind the counter One was playing around on the far register, one was changing the trash can and other was texting. I stood there for 5 minutes before anybody helped me. I requested that my bagel was toasted, when I received my bagel it was not. If they do not have toasters there I wish she would of informed me. But fine. When I went to pay the register the girl was still goofing around on the register, and finally rang me out. I also ordered a latte that I’m assuming she didn’t see until I was standing there for a few more minutes after I got my untoasted bagel, that I also ordered a latte. Didn’t apologize about having me wait another few minutes while she was making it. I’ve decided to no longer give this place chances and recommend Fairfield get a Brueggers. Get rid of this terrible place, that has terrible customer service. Wish I could get a refund and my wasted time back.