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    Back East Bagels

    3.4 (387 reviews)
    Closed 5:30 am - 1:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Back East Bagels Photos

    Business Info

    BACK EAST BAGELS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed

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    Cool sticker design paying homage to the state flag
    Chris B.

    The prospect of treating myself to a traditional cream cheese and lox bagel had me pretty excited, and so I looked this place up and realized it was in a familiar shopping center. It's the NW corner of McClintock & Sothern, which is where I go to shop at Sprouts or get my car wash at Clean Freak. Location aside, I was pretty disappointed with the bagel. One negative was the price. It cost $8 for the straightforward bagel plus cream cheese with a slice of lox, but if you stepped it up to include capers and onions it would run you $16! I opted for the $8 tier, threw in a $1 tip, got it to go, and dressed it up with capers and onions at home. It was barely flavorful. This was the cheddar jalapeño bagel, and I could barely taste it. The texture was wrong too. Not dense, no real chew, and no glossy exterior. Was this a bun with hole in the middle disguised as a bagel? In addition, the cream cheese was as dull as could be and the lox did not taste fresh or even very lox-like. I only ate half the bagel and threw the rest away. I'm adding an extra star for charm and decor, but I mostly judge a place by its food and not necessarily its aesthetic. Maybe I caught them on an off-day because it seemed pretty popular as it was somewhat busy. I just feel like a Jedi mind-trick was played on me because these were not the bagels I was looking for.

    Emily R.

    Bizarre to me these places in AZ advertise to be as good as east coast, yet they serve you an overpriced Einstein bagel. They can't toast them, no cinnamon raisin, bottom half of the everything is essentially a plain bagel. New York would never. Fine if you don't know what an east coast bagel is.

    Norm W.

    Forgot I was here about 6 years ago. Was happy to find a bagel place open at 6:00. Loved the fact this is an independent family owned business. Love the Vibe "Old Tempe." And the music. Had a sesame bagel with a slice of lox $8. You can get the whole 9 yard bagel and lox for $16 which is pretty much on par these days. Bagel was tasty and the coffee was hot. Not much else you want for a quick mellow stop. All good here.

    Inside at counter
    Holly M.

    Enjoyed a toasted garlic bagel with veggie cream cheese. Bagel was soft and airy which was reminiscent of my NYC bagels from the past. However the garlic tasted off to me a bit. Maybe it wasn't what I remember? But it was good still. I of course ate it. Topped it with a coffee to wash all the goodness down. Service was super friendly and happy! That's always a plus in the service industry nowadays. Inside devote was retro funky with old license plates hanging all over the walls and bopping 80's music playing. It was a happy vibe for sure!! Rock on!!

    Ariyana J.

    Literally the best bagels I've ever had, no glaze. Me and my bfs mom stopped in and got the Rueben on garlic and the Turkey Tempe on onion; everything is super fresh and soft. 10/10 definitely recommend! +the store is so cute and the workers are so sweet/funny; def will be back.

    Breakfast Egg Florentine

    It's a chill place. It has indoor and outdoor seating. The food is delicious. Bagels are soft and the cream cheese is so good. The staff is friendly.

    James P.

    Back East Bagels 1628 E Southern Ave #2, Tempe, AZ 85282 Back East Bagels 1628 E Southern Ave #2, Tempe, AZ 85282 I recently visited Back East Bagels, and unfortunately, my experience was disappointing, primarily due to the customer service. While the bagels themselves have a good reputation, my interaction with the staff left much to be desired. I found the service to be slow and unhelpful, which detracted from the overall experience. It's frustrating when you're excited to try a new place, but the service doesn't match the quality of the food. This visit will likely be my first and last at this bagel restaurant, as I value good customer service just as much as I do quality food.

    High gluten
    Tim M.

    I have always been a person who prefers Mom and Pop shops over the big chains. I have been going to Back East Bagels for over 18 years. My number one complaint is that when you order a Toasted Bagel it NEVER has any toast or crispness they are barely warmed. I have asked numerous times for the bagel to be double Toasted even double Toasted is only a slightly warmer bagel. When I order bagels to go and NOT Toasted I can toast them at home and they are very delicious. I should NOT have take home a bagel egg, ham and cheese sandwich and have to re-toast it. Today I ordered two bagel ham and cheese sandwiches and ask for them to be EXTRA Toasted. The cashier said we will double toast it and then acknowledged they need a new toaster oven. My to go order came out and the lady repeated what I ordered Green Chili Cheddar ham and egg and a Jalapeño ham and egg sandwich. I arrived at home only to discover a Green Chili and a Everything Bagle sandwich and neither one was toasted; warm yes but visible or physically toast was not on either bagel. I went back to have the sandwich made with right bagel and again asked please make sure it is toasted towhich she replied snarkily I'll triple toast it. I paid 15 bucks for two sandwiches and tipped 5 bucks I don't think it's too much to ask for it to be made right. Long story short. Great bagels lousy toaster and staff that seems to be mad at me they did not make the order correctly.

    Salt bagel with plain cream cheese
    Sara F.

    Smaller more dense compared to other bagel spots in the valley. Egg and sausage are mixed and microwaved (pre cooked) No flavor on the jalepeno cream cheese Jalepeno bagel is a more of a red pepper flake baked in and topped. Spicy but not flavorful. Out of most of the bagels (No every thing) Cream cheese (plain) is flavorless and the salt bagel (bottom) has a sourdough or egg bagel flavor Salt top is salty (duh) and crunchy. Overall we would not return as there are really great places in the valley and this one just didn't land for us. Also.. they sell out, but according to the cashier they sell out because they are short staffed so they don't make as much.

    Back east bagels
    Katie M.

    Great bagel shop really clean with an excellent menu. They're usually open till 1 pm if they haven't sold out. The menu has a wide variety of options for a bagel shop and service is generally great.

    Local vibes
    Daisy W.

    Good bagels as proven by the line that collects past the front door, but it does move quickly. Awesome price for a bagel and lox. I had a green chili heddar bagel with onion & chive. Loved the local vibe with all the stickers and license plate collection. Keeping this place in mind the next time I'm visiting!

    Menu
    Hannah R.

    Pros: -People working there were really nice -Pretty good menu variety -Bagel tasted fresh -I like the kinda grungy-license plate eclectic decor Cons: -Honestly, the bagel was kinda small and just not the best bagel I've had

    caullie in the wild

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    2 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    7 months ago

    Great tasty bagels! Lots to choose from! Adequate amount of cream cheese.. Service is quick and friendly.

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    2 years ago

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    5 months ago

    Bagel was so fresh and so delicious!!! Very friendly staff and super cute atmosphere.

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    8 months ago

    Theres a lot of mixed reviews but Bagels are great no question!!And really thats all you want from this place.

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    Oof, they microwave everything, kind of wack, you should actually cook the food, that's not "back east"

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    3 years ago

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    Alter Ego

    Alter Ego

    3.9
    (247 reviews)
    2.4 mi
    $$

    Fun place with outdoor and indoor seating. We came in for a Saturday brunch and it did not…read moredissapoint. I actually Yelp'd it prior to going and the menu I saw a pic of in Yelp is no longer the brunch menu. When I asked about a substitution they did not hesitate and the chef was all over making me my meal! The service is also really great here and everyone is super friendly. They offer, breakfast, brunch on the weekends, lunch and dinner so I would get over and try!

    I've been here a total of four times prior and never had complaints. Today was different. I…read moreunderstand the changes of seasonal menu but I just seem like the recent menu had no main concept. My boyfriend got the pizza and it tasted as if it were a frozen pizza. I got the bang bang shrimp and it was good (6/10). The problem that I have is the pistachio gin fizz was an absolute no! I am a HUGE fan of pistachio and gin so immediately I had to get his drink but it was beyond mediocre. Are we drinking only syrup??? My last complaint is the coconut tres leches dessert.... Do we actually know how to make tres leches or we just naming desserts however we want? Just curious. It came out super hot, steaming more like a molten cake. As a Hispanic woman, I was expecting a creamy moist cake to celebrate my graduation but this was not it as well. Last but not least if the bald manager with the orange shirt wants to eat in the back of the kitchen, not the problem I get it (I work at restaurants) HOWEVER shoving your two index fingers into your mouth to get your debris out was my last straw. Like I said I like this restaurant and never had problems but today felt like a fever dream there.

    Photos
    Banh Mi Bowl
    Banh Mi Bowl
    Front desk, lobby. Nice place to read and chill.
    Front desk, lobby. Nice place to read and chill.
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    Daily Jam - Breakfast & Brunch Restaurant

    Daily Jam - Breakfast & Brunch Restaurant

    3.9
    (1.3k reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $$
    Free WiFi
    Outdoor seating

    Everyone was happy and enjoying conversations but most of all eating their breakfast…read more Friday morning brunch time and it was still full but things were moving along. Stand and order at the counter... ahh, no pressure if there's line. Then go and find a table for six...yikes. Our breakfasts were on our tables quickly and all at the same time, perfect. From Chicken and Waffles to the Eggs Benedicts and my grandkids pancakes were all taken down quickly with no fuss. We shared a few bites, I refilled my coffee and were out. Smoothly run, large menu, outside space and a clean bathroom is enough for me to try Daily Jam again. Last word... let's go.

    3/14/26: It's not often I give such sucky ratings, but in this case, it was warranted. Not much…read moreroom to move, dry rolls, tough toast, no flavor (for the most part). We popped in this particular Saturday morning while trouncing through the Tempe Festival of the Arts. There was a line (no surprise since it is ASU territory), but the layout of the line meant people brushing by you & getting too close. The guy who took our order was uncheerful & came across as "I don't want to be here; what do you want?" Not the best impression. We placed our order & were lucky enough to find a seat. There is a small patio on their south side; the light rail to their north. The guy who delivered our food was more friendly. The cinnamon roll was so dry, I swear it had been sitting out for a week -- and there was too much cinnamon. My sister's classic eggs benedict was unappetizing; the English muffin, too, was dry. So dry she practically needed a steak knife to cut into it. There's a Proof Bread shop just down the street. How Daily Jam can have such God-awful muffins is beyond me. The potatoes had no seasoning, she had to salt them -- and the salt & pepper shakers needed filling. My croque madame was edible, if simple. In short, there is absolutely no desire to visit Daily Jam again.

    Photos
    Plain & Simple, Eggs Toast & Potatoes with Bacon
    Plain & Simple, Eggs Toast & Potatoes with Bacon
    Red Velvet Waffles! Awarded best in AZ by Food Network!
    Red Velvet Waffles! Awarded best in AZ by Food Network!
    Morning Glory Omelette (egg white)!

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    Morning Glory Omelette (egg white)!
    Over Easy - Tempe

    Over Easy - Tempe

    4.6
    (122 reviews)
    2.2 mi

    Absolute Perfection at Over Easy!…read more I had an incredible experience at the Over Easy in Tempe, and I can't recommend it enough. From the moment the food hit the table, I was blown away. Every plate looked exactly like a TV commercial--beautifully presented and picture-perfect. Better yet, it tasted even better than it looked. The food was cooked to absolute perfection; honestly, I'm not sure it could have been any better. Sitting at the bar, I was looked after by David, who was an awesome and incredibly attentive server. He went above and beyond, even making sure to put the World Cup match on the TV for me while I ate. To top it all off, they offered me a to-go cup for my drink on the way out. When it's 110 degrees outside in Tempe, that kind of thoughtful hospitality makes all the difference. Five stars all around for the food, the service, and David. I will definitely be back!

    REVISED: After being very unsure about returning, I have to say that this second trip was worth it…read more Right away I could see they were fully staffed and one of the servers opened the door and welcomed us in. The space is so bright and sunny. I love the cute style of the little diner lots of yellows to help you wake up. There is a bar area to sit inside at a big picture window overseeing the Novus Place structure and greenspace. There is a lot of outdoor seating for the nice weather months. They have a drink bar for special cocktail drinks and coffees. They had little league championships on the tvs. The menu doesn't have a lot of vegetarian choices listed but they do have many gluten free options. I special ordered my chiliquiles without chicken with no issues. The waitress even offered to check on the sauce to see if there were any animal based broths in the recipe. The dish was so flavorful topped with sour cream, and very fresh tomatoes and green onions in the salsa. The tortilla chips were perfectly done not soggy like they can get if not prepared carefully. I ordered my eggs scrambled and they were very cheesy and so delicious. I ordered a single pancake as pancakes are my favorite breakfast food. I can say it was perfectly fluffy and tasty and I am picky about my pancakes. My husband ordered a California Omelet he said it was absolutely delicious with very fresh vegetables. His exact words were this was night and day from the first time we came. I am so happy to say that we will definitely be returning, confidently bring out of state visitors, and recommend this cute diner to others. For locals I noticed they offer a day with 20% for students and faculty at ASU. I am very pleasantly surprised by the difference from the first experience. The management was very respectful and receptive. I appreciate it so much when a business can work to make things right. Thank you for the wonderful breakfast experience I really wanted to like this little brunch place in the Novus Plaza. As a vegetarian it is often hard to find good choices at a standard restaurant. Usually breakfast, brunch style is the best for me because I still eat dairy and eggs. I can't tell you how disappointed I was with the food. The menu was cute and had trendy food from their "As Seen on TV" menu from TV shows featuring certain recipes. I had high hopes as the reviews have been overall good. So after searching the menu for a good vegetarian choice I could only find pancakes and had to order my protein * scrambled eggs separately to fill out my meal. Saying the quality of my food was horrendous is an understatement. I haven't seen burnt pancakes since I was making them myself at 10 years old. Not only did they burn them but they served them to me that way. The cook obviously realized it because he put the worst burnt one on the bottom of the stack. I was so hungry so I tried to eat them but just couldn't yuck. . I enjoyed my scrambled eggs and watched my husband enjoy his bisuits and gravy which he said was decent. The server (singular) was so busy. He was running the bar area and the tables. Not totally his fault but he didn't get back to check on us until my husband had almost finished his entire meal and I still had burnt pancakes. He offered to get me something else but there was nothing else on the menu for me and the experience put me off of pancakes. The menu online looked like it had many more choices maybe the Tempe restaurant limited their menu, I'm not sure. I ended up getting a refund for my pancakes and going home hungry. The restaurant itself was adorable, it had a retro-ish vibe and the server really was trying to get to the 4 or 5 tables that had customers at the time.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    French Toast
    French Toast
    Avo toast

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    Avo toast
    Foch Café & Bistro

    Foch Café & Bistro

    4.4
    (190 reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$

    Let's start with the food: 5/5. I got the breakfast bowl and it was hands down the best breakfast…read morebowl I've ever had. It had duck bacon (was curious about this bc I'm not a fan of duck), turkey sausage, black beans, quinoa, egg, spinach and more. Somehow that entire medley was perfection when it comes to flavor. Usually bowls can be dry with no sauce, but it was not lacking at all. Staff and service: 5/5 we brought our dog Tom who's a pretty big golden doodle and sometimes can get overly excited when he gets brought outside. But their staff was nice enough to give us a dog bowl with water for him and served his egg on a little to go box plate. It's a little stressful with Tom at times and they made it so much easier. Inside/outside set-up: 5/5. They have a gorgeous inside dining with bar situation. Interior design was super cute for a date and I loved the hanging lamps. Outside had a dog friendly patio and they had cute canopy booths. Overall, we went here on a whim and it's my new favorite spot.

    Handsome lil spot! I definitely enjoyed the ambiance & decor. We had rezzies for noon on a…read moreSaturday, which was a very good idea because the place was hoppin'. We were welcomed with a friendly smile. We explained that the other half of our party was on their way & the host promptly prepared our table... mostly. There were small plates set for each of us, but only one roll-up/napkin (for 4) & no drink menu. Minor details, but it kinda set the tone for the service experience. Now listen... the spot itself is cute. Once we actually got service, our waiter was cool. It just took forevvverrrrr & I ended up having to request cutlery after food was served. To be fair, it was busy, but there also seemed to be plenty of wait staff, so I'm not exactly sure where the disconnect was. Food-wise: the spinach artichoke dip was definitely the table favorite. My caprese panini was ok, it was sadly lacking pesto which feels a little criminal for a caprese situation. Our friends loved the fancy French toast & I was absolutely there for the prickly pear mimosas The entire brunch honestly felt like it was one dropped plate away from becoming a sitcom episode. One poor new waiter dropped a plate on the floor, then later knocked glasses off the rack above the bar & shattered a couple right next to guests sitting there. I genuinely felt bad for him because you could tell he was having a rough shift. That said, I really appreciated that they acknowledged the long wait & gave us a discount without us having to ask. That kind of accountability goes a long way. Overall, I'd still go back & give them another try because the atmosphere was fun, the vibe was there, and I can see the potential. Every restaurant has an off day -- especially during a busy brunch rush.

    Photos
    Inside seating area
    Inside seating area
    Foch Café & Bistro
    Tequila Sunrise

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    Tequila Sunrise
    Neighborhood Services Bar + Restaurant

    Neighborhood Services Bar + Restaurant

    4.5
    (36 reviews)
    2.5 mi

    Pleasantly surprised by the scrumptious food here! Everything I got was devine! The steak frites…read morewere cooked to perfection. The shrimp ceviche was bright, fresh, and balanced with acidity, sweetness, heat, and crunch. The brussel sprouts were grilled and flavored to perfection! My Gold Rush cocktail, exquisite! My servers, on both visits, were friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive! Like I said, everything, perfection! Restaurant is located on the 1st floor inside the Omni hotel. I absolutely love the restaurant layout and decor. It's very chic and modern! They also have happy hour from 3-5pm! Give them a try! They're spectacular!

    Our experience at Neighborhood Services Bar + Restaurant, located beneath the Omni Hotel in Tempe,…read morewas unfortunately not a particularly memorable meal. While I can certainly understand the convenience for hotel guests, I would recommend managing expectations if you are visiting specifically for the dining experience. We started with the Chili Chilies, which I was especially excited to try because it's a personal favorite. Unfortunately, the eggs arrived burnt rather than over-easy, sitting on what we could only describe as Mexican masa--almost like an attempt at corn chips. Next came the Hash, but unfortunately, it also seemed to have spent far too long under the heating lamp. By that point, I decided the safest choice for my breakfast experience was simply going to be the poached eggs. I do want to be fair and say that every restaurant can have an off morning, and perhaps this was simply ours. However, between the food being overcooked or seemingly held under the heat lamp too long, the meal just didn't leave the impression we had hoped for. One other thing worth knowing if you're visiting: parking is a challenge. The nearby garages appeared to be reserved for valet parking, leaving us to park about a block away to avoid any possibility of being towed. Overall, I'd probably keep this one primarily on the radar for Omni hotel guests looking for convenience, rather than making it a destination breakfast. Hopefully, our experience was an exception, because the concept certainly has potential.

    Photos
    Empty on a Sunday during Tempe Arts Festival.
    Empty on a Sunday during Tempe Arts Festival.
    Neighborhood Services Bar + Restaurant
    Interior of the dining room

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    Interior of the dining room

    Back East Bagels - bagels - Updated August 2026

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