Arlington, Massachusetts - Shopping

Average Rating: 3    Total Ratings: 1
789 Massachusetts Ave - Arlington, MA Map (distance: 0.3 miles)
(781) 646-2662

Latest Review:
I wasn't sure if I was walking into the Zathmary's version of a convenience store or a bagel shop when I arrived here. You're immediately faced with a high stack of gourmet cookies and nuts, like rum butter almonds and cranberry pecans. Tempting I must say, but I was there for a bagel, and the "stack" simply blocked my view of what bagels they had to offer. Once I got myself a bit more acquainted with the layout, I realized I'd better figure out this line -- and fast. There's not a lot of space in this shop. It's like someone converted a large living room, with tables off to one end and the counter (with one too many racks blocking it) on the other. There was no organization to the ordering. One person would walk up, order a bagel and coffee, turn around to finish making their coffee near the entrance, wait back in the line, finally get their bagel and then pay. There's no Dunkin-Donuts-esque system going on whatsoever. This place apparently won a Best of Boston award some time ago. I can see it's charm. The folks working behind the counter look like they've been at it for years, and they were both very kind and seem to be well known by some of their patrons. However, they also have no sense of urgency, which unfortunately doesn't work for me when I'm already running late for work at 8:30 in the morning. One thing I did like: The pumpernickel bagel. Very yummy and perfectly toasted. What I didn't like: The massive amounts of cream cheese spread on it. Again, I clearly wasn't used to the routine at this shop and didn't immediately realize that so much spread would be put on the bagel for me. Next time I'll buy my own cream cheese or ask for a lesser amount on there. I just hate having to wipe it all off and waste it. Finally, I was a little taken aback by the price. For a small coffee (made in your regular-old coffee pot) and a bagel with cream cheese, it came to $4.50. If I'm not getting at least a medium latte with my bagel, I'm not going to be paying $4.50, sorry. So I guess I didn't have the best experience overall, but I figure the people are nice and there's got to be a good reason why it would win Best of Boston. I'll give it another shot on the weekend, when I'm not already feeling rushed and put out."