I grew up making frequent trips to visit the bagel man. I don't remember a time in my life without the bagel man. I was probably about 6 months old when I first met the bagel man, and I still visit him today. Who is the bagel man you ask?
John Marx. He is the owner and has been running a more than successful bagel store in Cincinnati since 1968.
My childhood memories of the Bagel Man are pretty consistent with the above picture. I remember going into the the bagel shop and getting mini cinnamon raisin bagels slathered in butter. So amazing. I also have memories of getting the best tuna salad in the world on those cinnamon bagels as well. May sound gross, but that's what I got and I still love it to this day. As a child the bagel man appeared as some magical character right out of a children's book (his story would probably make a fascinating children's book actually). He always wore his bagel glasses and the store seemed like it had a huge, unlimited supply of bagels (which it pretty much does have). My childhood perspective of this place is so magical and naive as if the only thing that mattered in the world were bagels and glasses made out of bagels.
As I sat at the counter today and had my usual tuna bagel I realized something I had never noticed before. He was waiting on several women, one who was visiting Cincinnati for the first time from the south. He was joking around with them and giving them a hard time. He was joking about silly things like asking if they think they are fat because they ordered diet coke and things like that. They were a little taken aback as the conversation turned into him being very sarcastic and almost making fun of these women. Then he asked if they read the sign on the door. There are two signs. The first one says "Owner is not politically correct. Why be normal?" and the second says "This is not a restaurant, it's an experience". Both of those signs have been hanging there for years and I have never once read them. It was so funny how much they really sum up the place. Referring to the first sign: the owner is what some may call an asshole...but he is just being himself and he's run an absolutely successful business on those principals. It may not be how I would treat a customer, but it's refreshing to see someone being so honest. Referring to the second sign: that sums up every memory I have of the bagel man and Marx Hot Bagels. I never thought of it as a restaurant, but an experience. I know it's silly, but I think it's a great way to view almost everything in life. It's an experience.
A little side story...
I cannot talk about Marx Hot Bagels and not mention this story. When I was entering my freshman year at Miami University I was told about the famous Bagel and Deli. Everyone who has gone to Miami, or just has visited Oxford knows about Bagel and Deli. It's well known and it's supposed to be the best bagel place ever. Growing up on Marx Hot Bagels I was skeptical about these "best bagels ever", but of course, I was going to give it a try. I will never forget the first time I walked into that hole in the wall. I was with a few friends before our Freshman year even started and we had gone up to Oxford for the day. We ate lunch at Bagel and Deli and I walked in to find I was in for a big surprise. I order my bagel and as soon as they took my order, I see them reach into one of the bags of bagels that are lined up on the back wall. I read the label on the package and what does it say? Marx Hot Bagels. Yep. The famous "best bagels in the world" were the exact same bagels I have been growing up on my whole life. I thought it was hilarious.
Now, in all fairness, I have to give Bagel and Deli tons of credit. They sure know how to prepare a bagel. They steam them and have all these great combinations and that is what they are known for. I hold a special place in my heart for Bagel and Deli and I will be making a trip to Oxford soon to get a Banana Surprise!
Ok...well, who knew I could talk about bagels for so long? If you aren't hungry for a bagel by now, I don't know what's wrong with you. I do know I will be visiting Marx Hot Bagels on a regular basis, not only for the amazing food, but the nostalgia as well.
Visit Marx Hot Bagels:
9701 Kenwood Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45242
Cincinnati, OH 45242
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