I was skeptical after reading these reviews -- but when visiting New York I decided to give it a try. First the order taker was knowledgeable -- hand delivered my order to the manager. They toasted and prepared my bagel in a separate area. Maybe it was all the lox cream cheese on it -- but I though that it was very tasty-- like a real bagel! Agreed with other reviews -- $3 extra for gluten free is pretty steep!