Einstein: Bagels no longer just a breakfast food

Hot Chocolate at Einstein Bros. Bagels. (Photo by Mark Gilliland)

Across one of Einstein Bros. Bagels' counters, there was a stack of baker's dozen cardboard boxes. "JOLLYVILLE," each of the boxes read in large, colorful lettering.

"Those are all our call-in orders waiting to be picked up," said Amber Randall, general manager at Einstein's Hixson location. "It looks like that every Monday."

That's because every Monday, both local Einstein locations offer $7 baker's dozens all day long. A baker's dozen comes with 13 regular bagels - options like blueberry, cinnamon-sugar and pumpernickel - and two tubs of "shmear." Typically, these baker's dozen boxes cost $10.99 each.

But every Tuesday-Sunday from 3 p.m. to close, they are offered at an even further discount: half-price. Moreover, during these hours, baker's dozens are not limited to Einstein's regular bagels. Diners may choose from among the gourmet selection, too, which includes favorites such as cheesy hash brown, spinach florentine and green chile.

I was most intrigued by that green chile bagel. It does have a bit of a bite, Amber told me, explaining it is made by blending real green chilies with Asiago cheese - a mixture that is then baked on top of the bagel. The green chile bagel, I learned, is featured in one of Einstein's best-selling hot bagel sandwiches, the green chile club, made with roasted turkey, Applewood bacon, lettuce, tomato, red onion and pepper jack cheese.

Other popular hot bagel sandwiches, Amber said, are the cheese or pepperoni pizza bagels - thus proving that bagels are, in fact, not just for breakfast. So if you're looking for a way to further spice up your lunch hour, may I suggest Einstein's newest limited-time offer: the California nova lox sandwich, showcasing cold smoked salmon, pickled cucumber salad, avocado and wasabi-ginger shmear, all served on a sesame seed bagel.

Though, it is worth mentioning that Einstein serves breakfast or lunch anytime. Jollyville, indeed.