Bagel Exchange is a brand new bagel shop in downtown Alhambra. You can build your own bagel sandwich or choose from one of their signature offerings. Order ahead (on their website) to save time.

Score: 38/50

Food: 4/5 – I had one bagel which was average but they were generous with the veggies on my veggie bagel. It took a long time to get my bagel though – and I was the only customer. They have cream cheese spreads, bagel sandwiches (made-to-order with a build your own option), muffins, and bagel bites.

Coffee: 3/5 – They carry Dillanos from Sumner, Washington. My coffee was okay but I didn’t order a fancier drink.

Wi-fi: 5/5 – Free, unlimited, secure. Ask for the password. It worked fine and didn’t seem super slow.

Ambiance: 3/5 – It’s okay. The big TVs and stock information were distracting but they tried to make it homey by offering board games.    

Noise: 4/5 – Dance music but it’s not super loud

Plugs: 5/5 – Lots!

Parking: 5/5 – You can usually find something in the neighborhood if you park on the side streets. Free unlimited parking.

Comfort: 3/5 – The chairs are padded but the benches aren’t.  

Bathroom: 3/5 – I think there’s one in the back.

Art: 3/5 – They have some kind of NFT art?

Tips: You can pay with NFTs/crypto. Earn rewards with FiveStars.

I was a fan of Wise Sons first location, the deli, but it’s been years since I’ve had their bagels. This newer location is smaller with a limited menu but it’s where they bake and have their commissary kitchen. The kitchen takes up most of the space. There’s one communal table outside but it’s mostly a takeout place.

Order your bagels or bagel sandwiches. There’s also a refrigerator with schmears, smoked salmon, chopped liver, trout salad, pickled vegetables, corned beef, pastrami and drinks. They make their own deli meats. House-baked goods include babka, rugelach and breads (rye, challah, seeded wheat).

* Chocolate rugelach ($1.25): Wow, the rugelach was loaded with so much chocolate and surrounded by a light flaky pastry. It was small, two bites worth, but quite tasty.

* Plain bagel & sesame bagel ($2 each): The bagels were quite firm, dense and chewy. The exterior had a slight crunch. They’re even better toasted when they acquire a lovely crunch.

4.5 out of 5 stars