The Golden Bagel has honestly become more than just a breakfast spot for me -- it feels like family every time I walk through the door. I've been coming here for the past 5 years, and the service, food, and atmosphere have always been amazing. The staff is welcoming, friendly, and genuinely makes you feel appreciated every single visit. The bagels are always fresh, delicious, and made perfectly, and you can tell they truly care about quality. Whether it's a quick coffee run or sitting down for breakfast, this place never disappoints. It's rare to find a spot that stays this consistent for years while still making customers feel at home. Hands down the best place to go if you want great food and an even better experience. The Golden Bagel is a local gem, and I'll keep coming back for many more years! read more

As much as I enjoy supporting smaller businesses, the quality, service, and pricing were all lackluster. The cashier seemed to be in disdain while taking my order, and my single bagel took quite some time to prepare. I was greatly disappointed in the plain bagel, as it was overly dense and chewy. It also leaned on the thinner side, so it struggled to hold all the ingredients of my open lox. Strangely, there was more lettuce than tomato, capers, and onion. There was a measly slice of smoked salmon on each half. While the tomato was sweet, the lettuce watered everything down. The cream cheese was passable, but I would have preferred more saltiness from the capers and a sharper bite from the onion. The open faced lox bagel did not seem to justify the $15.99 price tag. I was not impressed by the base bagel either, so I would not return even for the baked goods. read more

Golden Bagel Cafe - Open faced lox bagel - Bagels Near Me - El Cajon, California

The Be Donate Are Great Period I Have order Beegle Here For Party Of 30 People. The Services, Great they have 3 people behind the counter Keep Coming Here read more

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Dad and I were on our way to a father daughter Starbucks study date. Knowing he would want to order a bagel with butter at Starbucks I suggested he instead get it at The Golden Bagel. We hit them around 2:30 or 3 so the options were limited - many of our favorite bagels were sold out. So I explored something new (to me) a potatoe bagel and ask to combine the cream cheese with jelly (why wouldn't you have a combo)?! Dad ordered poppyseed with hummus. While we have a standard biweekly order at a large chain so we can get a desk, we really enjoyed this departure. There are two terrific reasons to get your bagels here: 1. The owner, Frank, explained to me that the bagels are home made - he starts at...yawn...4am!!! Reminds me of the old commercial, time to make the donuts! 2. This is a local business. Frank has owned the business for three years and really enjoys having the store. I'm a huge fan of supporting local businesses. So shake it up, go local and try something handmade -- notice the difference and enjoy! read more

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Ordered 3 dozen bagels for an event and they were a hit! Everyone kept asking where these bagels come from? The cream cheese spreads were delicious my favorite was the sun-dried tomato. The cheddar jalapeño bagel is a definite must. read more

NEW OWNER!!! I've been coming to Golden Bagel for many years and I'm so happy to see it in great hands with the new owner, Mayzan. He's a very nice, hardworking young man and you can tell he really cares about the details and customer service. I brought my brother visiting from Chicago to try what I think are the best bagels in town and we had a great experience. Mayzan was even kind enough to give us a couple colorful bagels to take home for my brother's kids. Great bagels, great service. We'll definitely be back. Don't forget to drop something in his tip jar. WELL DESERVED! read more

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This is the second time I've tried this place since I moved down to San Diego and both times bagels have been completely stale. I heard this place always changes ownership as well. It's very disappointing when you can't even chew on the bagels. Hopefully they can get it right. read more

Custom service was bussin. The owner was such a nice guy he gave us a free chocolate chip bagel with cream cheese that was extraordinarily extravagantly delicious and he was cute so a plus. Made my morning a little more magical. Quality ass bagels too will be back :) read more

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The food is good but the service is very unwelcoming especially the girl at the cashier she barely talks and barely assist with the money exchange, so uncomfortable and the older bald man thinks it's OK for him to approach your children. I had a three-year-old who was touching the sign and he was starting to approach her to tell her to stop and I asked him not to talk to her that he talks to me, you know handling a three and four-year-old can be quite a handful, but with that said both the employees made it quite uncomfortable, which is a shame because they have such a delicious menu I purchased the Thai chicken wrap read more

Golden Bagel Cafe - Thai chicken wrap - Bagels Near Me - El Cajon, California

It's been years since I had been to Golden Bagel, and I think the last time I came, they were under a different ownership. It seems they have kept everything the same, along with the menu. The caesar salad is my favorite and the dressing has basil in it that adds the perfect flavor. They have so many bagel options and their bagel sandwiches always sound delicious. Next time I'm in the area, I'll definitely have to try one! read more

I walked up super early on a Sunday morning and the owner was outside sweeping. He was extremely kind and it's clear he takes pride in his business. The bagels were fluffy and delicious and there was a big variety. We came as a big group but the service was fast. The orange juice was amazing too. Highly recommend! read more

Golden Bagel Cafe - Bagels, juice, coffee, breakfast sandwiches - Bagels Near Me - El Cajon, California

Amazing food, and the smoothies were sooo bombbbb I come like every other morning the customer service is amazing the guy at the front counter made me felt like a brother like if i known him all my life. I always eat inside it's a cozy vibe and so comfortable Im always coming back here. read more

This place is AMAZING. Recently under new management and you can definitely tell. Great customer service, ambiance is super chill, food/drinks are yummy and just a great spot to hit after a nice morning run. 10/10!!!! read more

Great place,new owner and its delicious. Great place to come in the morning. Its a cozy small place with great vibes.

Wonderful bagels! I was in town all the way from Julian, CA for a dr appt and I stopped by for some breakfast with my little. The owner was very kind as soon as he saw my toddler walk in upset. He gave him two licorice candy! The food was a 10/10! The coffee was a 10/10! I got the a chicken pesto sandwhich and my little got the pizza bagel. I purchased a bag of their bagels to take home. The owner also threw in some free cream cheese for our take home bagels. The service was beyond expectations as the owner was extremely generous. The environment felt like a mom and pop shop. We love to support local businesses and will definitely be back again! I never write yelp reviews but I had to give one for this bagel shop one. read more

Golden Bagel Cafe - Bagel w/Cream Cheese - Bagels Near Me - El Cajon, California

Watch out for this place. I tried to order an egg and cheese sandwich on a bagel. I asked what types of cheeses they offer and he named them, and I said "cheddar." When I saw on the bill that he had added some $1.50 upgrade charge for cheddar, when the menu clearly states that cheese is included, he made up some nonsense BS to try to explain it away. You just permanently lost a customer, congratulations. read more

We use to love this place! Unfortunately, we went this morning and all three of the bagels we purchased were underbaked and doughy. Super disappointed. read more

This used to be my favorite bagel shop but....they must have changed owners. The bagels were pale, dry, not golden brown and they had no taste. To make matters worse, I paid $22 for a dozen bagels. Seriously, $22.00! Bruegger's bagels are better than these and so much cheaper. Never again. read more

Golden Bagel Cafe - Bagels Near Me - El Cajon, California

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The best bagels! I love the rainbow ones and the service is fast and friendly! The Open faced avocado bagel was exceptional in flavor and tenderness. The golden scramble was perfect and the eggs are perfect. The owner is very personable and talks to every customer. He's thoughtful energetic and friendly and wants to make amazing bagels read more

New owner! Was so so kind, let us try different cream cheese flavors they had just made. Got three bagels and they were all delicious! Perfect quick breakfast spot. read more

Thus place is so good and the owner and the workers are always so welcoming and friendly!!! The bagels are so good too!!! Highly recommend golden bagel!!! And it is always decorated and clean!!! read more

I seriously love Golden Bagel. The bagels are always fresh, warm, and just have that homemade feel that's hard to find. It's the kind of comfort food that makes you feel at home. The name really fits every bagel honestly feels like a golden one. You can tell they put care into what they do. The bagel I got was so warm and fresh my mouth watered with every bite! Also, the staff is super friendly. They're always welcoming and kind, which makes the whole experience even better. This place is definitely a favorite of mine now. read more

Golden Bagel Cafe - Spinach bagel - Bagels Near Me - El Cajon, California

Amazing service!! Fantastic bagels! Definitely my go to bagel place. The owner was incredibly kind and thoughtful. 10/10 experience. Edit: just tried their sourdough bagel fresh out of the oven and I think I can safely conclude that if Jesus returned tomorrow he would stop in there and make that bagel the the newest covenant of his body. God bless. read more

NEW OWNERS!!!! Suzan and Frank are LOVELY humans working hard to turn around a business impacted by negative reviews from PREVIOUS, horrible owner. Despite owning the business for about a year now, Yelpers are posting negative reviews based on previous owners and it's hurting this business. PLEASE POST WITH KINDNESS AND CONSIDERATION OF NEW OWNERS!!! The employees are friendly and welcoming, the bagels are the perfect consistency of dense and chewy I expect, because these bagels are made fresh daily by Suzan and food is prepared with love. THESE ARE THE BEST BAGELS!!! We had driven around the La Mesa, Fletcher Heights area, stopping at FIVE locations looking for a simple croissant, egg, cheese, ham sandwich. Before driving to another bakery/cafe, I called Golden and asked if they make breakfast sandwiches with croissants. Yes they do! It's not listed on their menu, but they do make the croissant sandwiches on request. Hubby enjoyed his ham, cheese, egg croissant and I enjoyed my sandwich on fresh bialy - SO GOOD! So good, in fact, I went back and got a plain bialy to go AND bagel chips to enjoy at home. IF they survive my appetite on the drive home. Also love that they offer bags of day old bagels for $5.99 at the counter. Golden bagel is smart to not try and compete with the Starbucks next door, so we saw many people with their Starbucks drinks and fresh bagels enjoying the seating inside and out. BOTH are plentiful. If you want a simple cup of diner coffee that won't cost $6, then Golden has you covered with basic decaffeinated and regular coffees in hot carafes at the counter with .99 refills. They also offer salads, wraps, smoothies and specialty flavors of bagel spreads. PLEASE give these LOVELY NEW OWNERS a chance to thrive with this great business and try some bagels today! Cheers! "CC" read more

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Went here with my family yesterday. The new owner Mayzin is wonderful. He was so welcoming and friendly. The food was so good and the service was amazing! read more

The service was amazing I was attended quickly and the food gave me an orgasm. The guy in the front was cool too. Would highly recommend this place. read more

At Golden Bagel they are so personable and have amazing bagels. I was recommended the lox cream cheese, and it was amazing! They have really interesting cream cheese flavors. The new owner was so accommodating and welcoming and we will be back! read more

I decided to come back here and give them a shot. I had gotten there early enough it was noon, the manager/owner recognize me from my negative Yelp review and instead of trying to make a situation better he just kept egging me on and refused service. That's his right. Also worst business owner in the history of businesses. Completely unprofessional and rude. His wait staff seems miserable. Once again I'd give this zero Stars especially when it comes to service. Not to mention the place was dingy and dirty inside and I swear I saw things crawling. Screw this place I still stand by Big City bagels they're just a little far away read more

The bagels we ate in store were so good that I bought one of their "yesterday's bagels" bags for $7. When we got home, every single bagel from the bag that I had bought had spots of mold. read more

Golden Bagel Cafe - "Yesterday's Bagels" bag - Bagels Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Great bagels, great service! Always a perfect way to start the morning. I have grown up going to this cozy local gem because the bagels (and cream cheese!!) are amazing. After coming for a long time, I have really noticed the improvement in service the past year since the new ownership. The owner has been right at the counter taking my order, so friendly and welcoming, plus the bagels are still delicious! Highly recommend supporting their business!! read more

I love finding places where I feel like a "regular" and I definitely do at Golden Bagel. The friendly staff remembers not only what I like to order, but also all the members of my family. They even remember our alternate orders. I love bagels and the flavors are amazing. My favorite is the Golden Scramble with bacon add jalapeño cream cheese. It's a great place to grab a bagel and a coffee and enjoy the outdoor patio. read more

Under new ownership! Decided to stop in while waiting on Starbucks to make my coffee, I'm glad I did. The new owner is an energetic young man that made sure I felt welcome. This is not your normal bagel shop....my breakfast bagel was great, but the owners attention made it taste so much better. If you haven't been to a bagel shop in a while, I would highly suggest you stop in and grab one. read more

I used to come here all the time . Wonderful chewy fresh baked bagels with the best Homade flavored cream cheese. I came today after probably a year maybe less. The bagels were all pale and dry and not as poofy and golden brown and shiny as they used to be (zoom in on photo) they were all white and dry looking . Then I got my bagel and it was not chewy as a bagel should be. I'm a man amateur bread baker and grew up at Jewish bakeries... and there should be a glossier finish and chewiness to a bagel.... Not sure what changed in their recipe but I'm sad it was like biting into basic bread . Used to love this place . read more

Golden Bagel Cafe - Pale and dry bagels :( - Bagels Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Amazing bagels and fresh orange juice and smoothies, I came all the way from Arizona and I would definitely come back again, they have amazing service too! read more

I got the golden scramble with meat on a sourdough bagel. I like that you are able to choose the type of bagel you want. They have a great selection of bagels to choose from. I am not a huge fan of bagels but i must admit the bagel was good. Quick service and great customer service. read more

Owner is a coward! He was very rude to a female customer and decided to use profanity towards her. I immediately cancelled my order and questioned him about his foul language toward her. He didn't seem so tough towards a man. The women who worked there looked embarrassed, I'm sure they deal with his coward behavior on a regular basis. Avoid this place! read more

Was initially going to stop at Starbucks to grab a quick bite but the bagel shop caught my eye, I walked in and got greeted with friendly smiles from the staff. The owner himself even came out to hand our food. very good experience overall and even better bagels. THE AISAGO IS A MUST TRY !!! read more

Food and service was amazing, definitely recommend to family and friends!! Everyone was very kind and patient, great way to start a morning

The most delicious bagels and best service!! We went and had breakfast after our kids soccer game on Saturday! The new owner Mayzin was there and was so welcoming. The bagels were so fresh, the bagel shop was so clean, and the service was excellent! Definitely recommend coming and brining your entire family! read more

I love this place! Such a cute family run establishment. I always get the jalapeño bagel with chive and garlic cream cheese. I think this is the best combination in my opinion. I come once at least once a week. read more

Golden Bagel Cafe - Jalapeño bagel with chive and garlic cream cheese - Bagels Near Me - El Cajon, California

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