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87 reviews for City Bagels
Review Highlights
"toasted jalapeno bagel with chive cream cheese."
(in 23 reviews)
"They make great bagel breakfast sandwiches."
(in 7 reviews)
"I miss working at downtown SJ."
(in 5 reviews)
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87 reviews in English
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Review from silvia d.
San Jose, CA
1/25/2012
I LOVE this place. Great selection of yummy bagels, bagel sandwiches, fruit and juices (I haven't tried their coffee).
Courteous and *quick* service; a great option when you have less than 5 minutes to grab something and rush out to the office. -
Review from Bailey M.
1/15/2012
The customer service here is great. The lady behind the counter was incredibly friendly and cheerful.
However, as I was chomping into my bagel with strawberry cream cheese, an enormous cockroach walked out into the middle of the floor. The lady cheerfully came out to squash it... as if it probably wasn't the first time it happened....
I was super grossed out, and I don't think I'll be back :( -
Review from Lynette C.
San Jose, CA
1/15/2012
I normally get the plain bagel and strawberry cream cheese. Hella grubbin. So today I decided to try something new, I wanted a cheese bagel with garlic cream cheese. What I got was poppy seed. Eh not so much a fan of this one. The garlic will definitely keep the vampires away. I did however get to try the cheese bagel (my friend got one) he got jalepeno cream cheese on it. Let me tell you the bagel was grubbin and the cream cheese definitely has a bite to it but still good at the same time. I would recommend the cheese bagel for sure. He also got a maple bar with cream filling, they do not skimp on the cream and OMG its hella good.
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Review from Robert anthony D.
San Jose, CA
12/25/2011
Great breakfast food, my favorite is the egg ham and cheese croissant. not too busy so you can get in and out. Parking may be an issue.
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Review from Maureen D.
Sausalito, CA
7/29/2011 5 Check-ins Here
I have always driven or walked past this awesome bagel sandwich mecca. It wasn't until one day when a close friend wanted a bagel sandwich that I decided to take a leap and FINALLY try City Bagels out for myself. Was I disappointed? NOT AT ALL.
Highlights:
1. Friendliness of staff: My friend was debating between the chicken salad and the tuna salad. The staff were so accomodating that they a) provided their suggestion b) provided samples for her to make a final decision.
2. They have cold bottled YOHOO in their beverage case!
3. The fruit sides are fresh and delicious!
4. LOX AND CREAM CHEESE! Need I say more?!
Downsides:
1. Paying cash if the transaction is less than $5. Why can't I use my debit or credit card? Boo.
2. All the bagel selections are picked over by 12pm! There should be a stocked full bagel case all day until close! Don't get me wrong--they are super delicious, but I want more of a selection too!
Other than that...AN OVERALL AMAZING EXPERIENCE! =)Listed in: South Bay Satisfaction
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Review from Anh W.
Redwood City, CA
11/12/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I came here a few times for some coffee and bagel. Their coffee is good but not great. However, they have happy and nice workers. I like to be greeted by nice and happy people in the morning. It's a good way to start my day. Their bagels are good. I usually get the plain bagel with cream cheese.
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Review from Hannah J.
San Jose, CA
5/26/2011 4 Check-ins Here
This place is my jam for a quick on-the-go breakfast. I usually make my stop here after my Peet's coffee run.
They have a large assortment of bagels, different flavors of cream cheese, bagel sandwiches and donuts for days. Their jalapeno bagel with jalapeno cream cheese is what I usually get; either that or a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich on a wheat bagel. On days where I'm not so hungry, I get their fruit salad. They have a choice of watermelon, strawberries, pineapples or a combo of all three plus cantaloupe. They also sell hard boiled eggs if you just want a little snack.
They only accept cards if your order is $5+ so make sure you have cash if you're not going to be ordering much. I'm pretty sure there's only street parking so it might be an inconvenience if you don't live/work in downtown.
I forgot to mention their friendly service. One of the ladies talks a bit loud so don't think she's yelling at you! It took me a few visits to realize that ha ha ;) -
Review from Mies N.
Menlo Park, CA
7/11/2011
crack bagels, if I may.
Bagel sandwiches here are consistently well made and delicious. Who knew that bagels came in jalapeno and spinach flavors? The ladies here are wonderful and prepare the sandwiches very quickly. Every time I'm there, I'm in and out in minutes.
Cash only if under $5, card ok otherwise. -
Review from Tram N.
3/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cash only but if your purchase is more than $5 then you can use your Visa or MasterCard. I do not know why certain establishments do this. Unlike some or most, I do not carry cash. Luckily the guy paid but then again when he asked me to join, he made it seem like he was going to pay.. =)
I noticed that they have a lot of bagel selections but by the time I got there.. 11:30, most were gone. I got a spinach bagel, no cream cheese and gobbled the whole thing up. The guy ordered a breakfast bagel.. ham, eggs, mushrooms, and sprouts.. it looked good.
I didn't notice the menu to be honest but I do see a variety of smoothies and milkshakes available.. very intriguing for a fatty like myself.
The service was OK. The girl that took our order wasn't really patient and I didn't even confirm my order, I just pointed to what I think I will get and she just grabbed it! She asked if I wanted anything on it, I thanked her but declined, she puts the bagel in the bag, then I said I would like the bagel toasted. She then goes, "That's why I asked you."
Jesus. Vietnamese-owned places.. I swear.
I wouldn't mind going back here to give the bagel sandwiches a try.Listed in: Breakfast Spots, From Dating to…
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Review from priscilla M.
San Jose, CA
3/29/2011
If you are in need of a good bagel sandwich in downtown San Jose, leave all your worries behind. They give you a generous amount and their bagels are huge. My lox bagel came with alfalfa sprouts, tomato, cucumber, lox, onions (i picked them out), pickles, and cream cheese.
Unlike their fellow rivals, conglomerate or not, they hook you up, leaving you full and a little confused because you aren't sure if you just had breakfast or lunch.
They are also the bagel shop that turned my world upside down and smack down in love with lox. Because once you go lox...it will knock you right out your socks. -
Review from Celeste B.
San Jose, CA
4/15/2011
I'd give it a 4th star if they consistently had chocolate on chocolate cake donuts that I love so much.
Otherwise, great service and a huge menu of pretty much whatever you want.
Except my chocolate on chocolate cake donut. :-| -
Review from Ken L.
9/12/2011
Got the cheese and jalapeno bagel, which was good, though I think the bagels here are a bit pricey. (But I guess they're comparably priced to Noah's so maybe I think bagels in general are just pricey.)
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Review from Jonathan D.
Shelby, NC
Took the advice in a review of a fellow Yelper and was not disappointed. Had the veggie bagel with sun dried tomato cream cheese and it was superb. As a pescatarian, it is sometimes difficult to find a delicious breakfast... especially in my hometown.
City Bagels put my normal oatmeal breakfast to shame. The ladies were very nice and the service was fast. Overall pleasant experience. -
Review from Nathan W.
Alameda, CA
2/28/2011
Nice little family-run bagel shop downtown popular with the working stiffs...
Their cheddar, ham, and jalapeno bagel is short lesson in gluttony...
The owner is loud, but genuinely nice... -
Review from Heather P.
San Jose, CA
2/19/2011
City Bagels = regularly carb-fueling my weekends for all the years I've been in downtown SJ. This little locally-owned place is great! The bagels are nice and chewy on the insides (reminiscent of my beloved NY bagels), and service is wonderful. Their menu is surprisingly large, but being vegan, I have had the same order forever: toasted bagel with avocado (it might actually be an entire avocado -- they don't mess around!) and toasted bagel with peanut butter. Sometimes I wish they had hummus, though.
It's busiest on weekday mornings, but service is very efficient, and everyone is incredibly nice. Not a lot of room to sit down, but the space is kind of long, so there's ample standing room to wait (I've even brought my bike inside a few times, when I didn't have my lock with me, and all was fine). They do have free Wifi, though, if you manage to grab a seat. -
Review from Cheryl P.
12/5/2010 1 Check-in Here
OHMYBAGEL. This spot is such an incredible breakfast joint. Probably one of the most awesomest in DTSJ. It's just a hop, skip and a couple jumps away from you SJSU SPARTANS! Wish I knew about this place when I went there as an undergrad.
Now, don't let the lady behind the counter scare you away with her loud voice. She's just truly excited to serve you!
I ordered the chicken salad sandwich on a toasted poppy seed bagel.
Lady: You want everything on it.
Me: Yes, except the tomatoes.
5 minutes later. Lady hands me bagel.
Me: Is there mustard and pickles in there?
Lady: Yea, you said everything.
Me: ((disgusted face)) Okay. Yea, I said everything.
Why am I including this dialogue? Well, I hate mustard and pickles and was already going to just nibble around the sides but I took a bite. And damn, the mustard wasn't overpowering and the pickles weren't that bad. I actually reallllllyyyyyy likkked it. Now, you're thinking this must be a segway into mustard for me. NO. But that sandwich was a damn good sandwich.
Now, go. Go get the bagel sandwich. If you hate mustard, make sure to say it. And please, try the lox bagel for me and let me know how it is!
CITY BAGELS. Thank you. I heart you and heart you and love you and think you are so aweeee-some!Listed in: My Must Go San Jose Eats
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Review from Natasha S.
San Jose, CA
2/6/2011
Mmmmm smells like toasted bagels. This little spot is in the middle of downtown, a little hole in the wall with a surprising amount of options once inside. I made this pit stop after dropping my kid off for ballet in downtown SJ since I was in dyer need for a coffee.
Let's see how that coffee tastes..... Uhhhhh well, it so-so. Should get the job done but by far from impressive. I prefer Hannah's. -
Review from Laura H.
San Jose, CA
8/31/2011
More like Shitty Bagels. Maybe it's because I visited at 11 AM, but the bagel selection was measly and my "asiago" bagel was actually a bagel with a little sprinkle of cheese on top, plus a bunch of poppy seeds inside. Where's the cheesy goodness??
The lady was nice enough but kind of seemed anxious to get my order, asking me twice if I was ready when I clearly said that I wasn't. Then she barely toasted my bagel and slopped a ton of cream cheese on it. It was gross. Oh, and I also found out after I had visited that my coworker got really sick from one of their egg sandwiches once.
For the price, I can definitely get a better bagel prepared. Next time I'll just go to Safeway and make it myself. -
Review from Archana S.
San Jose, CA
2/4/2011
Read all the good reviews and decided to grab a bagel and this was the only place open at 7 AM. Unfortunately I think i got a not so fresh bagel...may be yesterdays.... I got the BLT...bacon is a lil underdone...if u like it crunchy n crispy you may not like this...Overall was okay...i will def be back to try something else and will prolly come arnd 10 or so when thr fresh stuff shud be out.
Staff was super friendly.... -
Review from Sonya A.
San Jose, CA
11/18/2011
I LOVE BREAKFAST BAGELS! Very nice and friendly people.
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Review from Justin A.
San Leandro, CA
8/17/2010
Came here for the first time today. Was looking or a cheap sandwich place around the corner from my work and I think I've found my new sandwich shop!
Came in around 1pm and everyone behind the counter said "hello" and was ready to help me. I order the tuna salad sandwich on a whole wheat bagel and when I ask if they had jalapenos they could add to it and they said "yes" I knew I found my new spot.
The only reason I go to subway is because it's the only damn sandwich place that has jalapenos. When I find a local sandwich shop that has them to add to your sandwich I stick with it. Also they put sprouts on every sandwich and that is something I do at home so that also struck a chord with me!
But, there is a downside. The sandwiches are rather small. I know it's only 5 bucks, but for that you can get a footlong at Subway. They say their busy time is breakfast, so if you come in for lunch you probably will not have to deal with a line. -
Review from Cindy T.
10/13/2010
If you live around the area or go to SJSU, check out this b-fast joint! They offer fresh bagel sammies of all sorts and they're all deliciously good. Their bagel selection is quite huge and they offer different types of jams if you hate cream cheese like I do!
They also have free WiFi and the atmosphere is good, so feel free to chill here and get some work done. -
Review from Maronita I.
San Jose, CA
4/2/2010
I boycotted this place for a while but jumped on the bagelwagon recently.. said I'd never review them due to my mixed feelings...but here goes somethin'.....!
It seems to be many people's favorite spot downtown.
I have to admit, I LOVE their jalapeno bagel w/ jalapeno c/c.
It is to die for...the perfect soft texture but gets a crisp outer layer when toasted just right...the c/c gives you just the right amount of spice in the back of your throat...
The reason for my mixed feelings:
The ladies who work/ own it... can be very rude. Once, the older lady asked "how many months"... i was bloated that day okaaay? Geez. That's just plain RUDE!!!!!!!!
They charge too much for an extra side of c/c. I think $1.25 is outrageous. They may just charge meee that, who knows...?
Contrary to my bad experiences with personality flaws and inflation of cream cheese...I really enjoy the quality of their end product.
I don't bother with breakfast sandwiches much being that they microwave the egg to a fluffed up pillow of yellow tastelessness. If you should decide to it....ask her to heat up your ham....otherwise it will be cold............and it's not good that way. Who likes cold meat in a hot sam.
If you're in the area...get yourself a bagel... They have refreshments and donuts too.. =)
NOTE: They have a credit card minimum of $5.00 -
Review from Joshua L.
San Jose, CA
3/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ive been stopping at this Bagel shop for about three months now at least once a week. And I've noticed recently that price's change daily depending on who's working the front register.I normally order a cheese bagel with Lox and red onions. The mother charges me $5.00. When the daughter is working the register she charges me $6.22. The older couple that works in the shop are very friendly and helpful. But I've noticed whenever the daughter is working she is very unfriendly and most of the time just plain rude.
Went in this morning and she was working the front a customer order the exact same item as I did, when it came time to pay the daughter charged the customer before me $4.00 and when I approached the register she attempted charge me $6.22. I asked her why am I being charge two dollars extra when the customer before me only paid four dollar for the same exact bagel. She quickly corrected me and said that it was not the same item and I need to pay $6.22 for the bagel. I explained to her that I knew for a fact that it was the same bagel as mine because currently we are the only two customers in the shop. She again told me I was wrong and had to pay $6.22 for the bagel!
So be warned people prices changed based on who is working and how much you are liked. And apparently I'm not one of the customers the daughter really likes...haha -
Review from Erik H.
Los Gatos, CA
7/29/2011
I work just down the street from City Bagel and I go there 3-4 times per week. Sometimes I just get coffee, other times I get bagel sandwiches, and more often than not, I go there for lunch.
The bottom line is that City Bagel has great food and great service. The women that work there are fast, efficient and friendly.
Try the turkey/bacon sandwich for lunch on wheat bread, you will be pleased! -
Review from Jennifer B.
San Jose, CA
5/5/2008
The vegetarian sandwich on a garlic bagel with sun-dried tomato cream cheese. Heaven for $5.
The service is excellent. Lattes are cheap and delicious. I wish they were open for longer hours, though. -
Review from O G.
San Francisco, CA
6/16/2008
I go here once a week for breakfast. The bagels are always fresh (I get the feta or spinach) and the toasting and amount of cream cheese is always right on!
Try the House bagel (cream cheese, avocado and tomato) - great combination of flavors!
The staff is incredibly nice and friendly! -
Review from Wilhelm Y.
San Francisco, CA
7/30/2007
Fast, friendly service on a Saturday morning. I was running late for my stage-side shift at the San Jose Grand Prix, and this was the perfect place to stop in to grab a quick breakfast on the go. There are about a dozen sandwich options on bagels or croissants that are photographed and enlarged on the overhead menu. They have a very good selection of fresh bagels and many different schmears to choose from. While waiting for my bagel I noticed they have fresh fruit salad and macaroni salad in a refrigerated part of the counter.
Their donuts appear to be brought in from another bakery. I noticed the pastry boxes sitting nearby. Lots of bottled drinks and fresh made smoothie options also. This was the second time I've run in and out of this place. Maybe one day I'll actually sit inside and eat my breakfast.Listed in: Shark Bites
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Review from Patrick L.
San Jose, CA
7/20/2008
One of those random little places you wouldn't know was there between a starbucks a block down and a petes next door. I've been around downtown a lot, but I realized I need to explore places like this more often. So there I am, parked right in front by happenstance.
I'm super glad I did. These guys have such an array of yummy breakfast sandwiches. Service is super personal, friendly, quaint (in a good way). It reminds you that there are still places with real people and real service instead of pressing the play button on a pre-recorded standard corporate message to greet you at the register.
So far I found out they have yummy coffee, an excellent sausage/egg/cheese sandwich, pretty solid lox bagel and a nice, if drab, 'city' atmosphere befitting of the name. Funny saying that in San Jose (generally sprawled-out-suburbia atmosphere). I'm looking forward to trying a straight up bagel next time. -
Review from Joanne E.
San Jose, CA
8/25/2007
YUMMMMY....
The girls at the salon go here all the time. I never understood why until this past weekend when a few of my RUSK colleagues bought breakfast there.
WOW...the croissant ham and cheese and egg with bacon number was delicious a little greasy, but hey what's grease going to do except put a few inches on those thighs.
Their yogurt parfait with granola and extra large blueberries looked so good. I didn't want to devour the yogurt from my co workers although they probably wouldn't notice the entire thing gone.
They've got donuts too for those extra lady humps you want to increase over time.
All in all a great breakfast joint. I've never had a salad or a sandwich from here yet, but maybe in the future. -
Review from David D.
San Jose, CA
5/12/2007
I was going to have something at Peet's, but they didn't have anything very substantial for a breakfast. The guy at the counter kindly suggested I go a couple doors down to City Bagels.
From outside, it looks like a hole in the wall sort of place, and Lord knows I've passed right by however many times without noticing it. So I decided to go in.
The small storefront hides the fact that this place is pretty big -- quite a few two-top tables, and a flat screen TV was playing Babar subtitled. Huh. Okay.
Quite a few bagel or croissant sandwiches to choose from, so I decided on their regular breakfast bagel on toasted Feta. (I often go with the house specialty the first time, just to see on what they pride themselves.)
Egg, cheese, mushrooms, and chives. Fresh and really really hot -- hotter than the coffee, even, which was hot. (And pretty good!)
Well, let me tell you. This sandwich is addictive. I've started ordering the breakfast sandwich with sausage added, and it's terrific. I don't know if they make their own sausage or not, but these aren't the pressed, dry sausage patties you often find in breakfast sandwiches -- it's a fairly thick and really juicy slab. Really, really good.
The staff -- mostly family members -- is really nice and friendly and on it; the place isn't much to look at, but it's clean and laid out nicely. Regulars are often greeted by name.
This could easily become a regular lunch stop for me if I worked downtown. Nice joint, recommended.
Five dollar credit card minimum.Listed in: Top Dowtown San Jose…
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Review from Alex T.
Milpitas, CA
3/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place never upsets me. For a guy always on the go, this place is quick and simple and the sandwhiches are money. Not to mention the girl there is cute. Cheers
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Review from Michael C.
Fremont, CA
12/13/2007
Great food. Great bagles. Great donuts. Great company.
This place has great written all over it. And most of all they have GREAT employees.
Must try their bacon/egg/cheese bagel. One of their employees is NOTORIOUS for making bagel sandwiches. -
Review from JASMIN O.
San Jose, CA
5/4/2010
City Bagels is located across from Chase Bank, a couple shops away from Peet's Coffee. Street, metered parking sucks.. anyone know of a nearby parking lot?
From the outside you would never guess how much room is inside! Spacious, clean, bright, and a plasma to watch your morning news.. niiiice.
The old Asian woman was super friendly, excellent customer service, and greeted regular customers by name.
Not much of a selection when compared to bigger bagel places, but their handy picture menu of the different combination of bagel sandwiches you can get is very helpful.
I had the ham and cheese roll/croissant thingy. Disappointing. The bread was delicious and moist, but the type of cheese they used in combination with the ham just turned out gross and left a nasty after taste.
PAYMENT: cash only for transactions less than $5 credit/debit accepted thereafter :)
Looking at other recommendations, I'll come back to try their jalapeno stuff. I was a bit intimidated since they looked PACKED with jalapenos and cheese... but someone needs to msg me a parking plan! -
Review from Kimmie Q.
Alameda, CA
10/12/2007
I came here Thursday morning to pick up some bagels. It took me a while to find a place per BF's instructions, since he told me it was San Fernando.. *ahem*.
In any case, they had bagels, bagel sandwiches, croissants, croissant sandwiches, donuts, sandwiches, fruit, drinks, coffee, juice, milk, wifi and a nice tv.
I ordered 1 cinnamon bun/roll, 1 bagel sandwich, 1 croissant sandwich.. the lady threw in a free donut for me, too!
The food was very tasty! I think I'm more partial to this place over the Bagel place in Naglee Park 'cause they actually have Breakfast sandwiches. -
Review from Dan O.
San Jose, CA
7/26/2010
The bagels are completely average - about as good as you would expect to get at a cart near a train station - that is worth 2 stars. The ambiance is kinda dismal/functional donut shop -esque. The customer service is quick and friendly, and they have free wifi adding an additional star.
Perhaps the sandwiches are better - or maybe they make a great roast duck - I don't know - they are called city bagels, and their bagels are only so-so. -
Review from Chris C.
Union City, CA
6/12/2007
The GF and I came to City Bagels for a quick cheap eats one early Sunday morning. City Bagels is located in downtown SJ just off of Santa Clara. Upon looking on the outside of it, City Bagel looks like it would be a small tiny place, but the moment you walk inside, WOW - I was super impressed with the size.
City Bagels offers... duh bagels... and from when we got there (about 9Amish) they only had about dozen selection. From what I saw this morning nothing really stood out as special or anything I couldn't get at any other bagel shop including a couple of spread options. They also have a limited selection of donuts here that are reasonably priced if you wanted something sweet. The one thing nice about City Bagels is they do offer a lot of Bagel Sandwich options. Most sandwiches you can get between $3-$5.
I decided to go with the Garlic Bagel with Egg and Bacon and the GF got the Whole Wheat Bagel with Egg and Cheese. Probably took the kid about 5 minutes to prep both of ours and we were able to sit down. Cost us about $10 including an OJ that we split and tip. The bagel tasted good and the kid was very generous with the bacon. Cheese seemed a lit thing and didn't really taste it. Would have preferred if they gave us crme cheese as an option. The egg was ok. It was one of those fast food eggs, and could have used more pepper but overall, just looking for a quick bite to eat and City Bagels fulfilled that need. We also got 12 donut holes for a buck. They tasted like regular donut holes, again nothing special.
Overall I give City Bagels 3 stars. Nice little spot, reasonable price, quick service, and they offer free WiFi but City Bagel isn't anything special either. Good for your quick in and out bite to eat. -
Review from reese w.
San Francisco, CA
1/6/2010
Great sandwiches here! Ok, so the bagels aren't anything special, but as a sandwich they seem to do ok (I'm picky about bagels since I grew up in NJ). The people who work here are pretty friendly too and happy to have your business.
Weekend mornings are quiet and it's a nice spot to meet with friends or relax and read the paper. -
Review from Flora M.
San Jose, CA
4/7/2009
They make great bagel breakfast sandwiches. My husband has a weakness for their bagel dogs. The coffee is always fresh and they have tons of other beverages to choose from.
It's a great place to stop at on a weekend or weekday morning to just enjoy a cup of coffee and to read the paper or catch up on some homework. We come here on weekend mornings from time to time, when downtown San Jose is nice and quiet. -
Review from Love L.
San Jose, CA
9/16/2011
sandwiches are really good for the price. The family that owns it is amazingly nice. Bagels are good doughnuts are okay nothing special when it comes to that. if you work downtown its a quick and easy place to hit for break or lunch.
