I am all for supporting local, especially with establishments that are popping up in the Sanford area. With all the new businesses coming, it is pushing the city to become a new place of opportunity for others. Downhill Bagel certainly is helping this momentum of opportunity, which hurts me to write anything negative.
That being said, let's start with the positive. Downhill Bagel has come a long way since opening less than a year ago. Having gone on opening day, my partner and I were not totally impressed with the bagels, but now the bagels are large in size, they have a variety of flavors to choose from (Zaatar, Korean Chili, Everything, Onion, etc.), and they have cream cheese to go (which they didn't offer initially) and there are a variety of cream cheese offerings (chive, olive, etc.).
Additionally, Downhill is providing other opportunities such as open mic nights, wine and light bites, drag shows, etc. to the community, which again, adds so much value to the greater community.
Where I struggle with Downhill Bagels is the price point of the bagels. On a recent trip, my partner and I ordered 2 bagels with cream cheese and it cost us $17. Again, I have no problem supporting local and paying more for something homemade, but it just felt a little steep for what it is. Additionally, the venue itself is lacking vision. There are small tables to sit at, but the venue seemed unorganized with boxes everywhere, wine places all over the counter top...and it just felt dirty.
Again, there are a lot of good things that Downhill Bagel is providing in the Sanford/Springvale area, I just hope they can continue given their price point and overall quality. read more