Ideal Bagel
Welcome to Ideal Bagel, your go-to destination for delicious, freshly made bagels in the heart of Athens, Georgia! Located at 815 W Broad St B, our shop is not just about food; it’s a community hub where flavor meets friendly service. With an impressive rating of 4.7 stars, Ideal Bagel has become a local favorite for both students and residents alike. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic bagel with cream cheese or looking to explore unique flavors like our renowned jalapeño garlic cream cheese, our menu caters to all palates. At Ideal Bagel, we pride ourselves on providing a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Our staff is known for their friendliness and efficiency, ensuring that your experience is as enjoyable as your meal. Customers frequently rave about the vibrant vibes and the delightful taste of our offerings, from bagels and sandwiches to fresh-baked bread sold by the loaf. While we strive for perfection, we also appreciate your feedback to keep improving our service. Conveniently open from 6:30 AM to 2 PM on weekdays and a bit later on weekends, Ideal Bagel is perfect for your breakfast or lunch break. Join us soon, and discover why so many locals consider us their ideal spot for bagels!
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Google Reviews
Andrea Crenshaw
I love this place and have gone here for years, but the last two times I’ve gone in I haven’t been impressed. The past two times I’ve gone in they have barely put any cream cheese on my bagel. If I’m paying almost 10$ for a bagel I feel like I should get a little more than this considering it used to not be like this. Like I said I love this place, just have been a little let down lately.
Jasmine Gutierrez-raya
The staff are great, the vibes are amazing. The food? Even better. This was my first time trying the jalapeño garlic cream cheese and wow, I was scraping my plate for every last of it. 10/10 MUST TRY PLACE
Lauren Elizabeth
The inside is a bit industrial looking, but the staff are very friendly and patient! I come here before work a lot of weekends, and they are fast and the bagels are delicious!
ReinX
We had the "Cadillac" and it very good. Seating is difficult, not many seats available. And you must pay for cream cheese ($2) to be added to your bagel, I would've expected them to come with cream cheese by default. Overall good place.
Kimberly Wise
I enjoy coming here for a nice sandwich or a bagel. They also sell bread by the loaf. It is pricey but it is also good so maybe that evens out.
Teddy Clark
Love this Athens gem. I really only went to buy coffee (I'd buy those beans by the bucket if I could) and grabbed a sandwich. I normally get a breakfast bagel but have to mention the Reuben; very very very impressed, it was way better than I was expecting. The sandwich (portion) was gigantic. Very impressive product, that sammie! Always great service and cool vibe. Love this Athens gem.
Hana Ji
Ideal Bagels is everything. The bagels are perfectly soft, yet satisfyingly chewy — each one bursting with flavor. Every bite feels fresh and crafted with care. And don’t even get me started on the sandwiches… I could inhale one in under five minutes without a single regret. They’re that good. Their spread of shmear options is impressive — classic, creative, and all delicious. Whether you’re feeling sweet, savory, or spicy, they’ve got something for you. And beyond the food, the vibe of the place is just as special. There’s a little typewriter set out where locals leave sweet, funny, and thoughtful messages. It’s such a charming touch that makes this spot feel like home. If you’re anywhere near Athens, Ideal Bagels is an absolute must. 🥰
Michael Trivette
First, a message to the owners of Ideal Bagel — Please start serving/carrying Choco Pronto’s coffee! You have such a fantastic local coffee roaster literally a few streets behind your store! Please support local Athens coffee roasters. Second, Ideal Bagel is really good! My personal favorite is the salt bagel with sundried tomato cream cheese. The bagel sandwiches are delicious and there’s good variety in terms of the bagel options. There’s seating available inside and outside. Parking is somewhat limited if you’re driving, especially during peak morning hours. In a town with limited good bagel options, Ideal Bagel stands alone.
Rik Sen
The bagels were just about ok; not that great. The balance of flavors of the house fish bagel I ordered was off. But it was still edible. On the whole, if you’re really craving a bagel and would be happy with anything that is an approximation, this is good. Else, I don’t see much reason to go here.
K D
I had the bacon egg and cheese on a garlic bagel 10/10 never had a garlic bagel before and this was tasty! Husband had everything bagel and lox, and as a northerner he was mighty surprised at how good it was. Will likely return for another breakfast date. Parking is minimal but if you're up early it is not a concern, or if you're walking.
