Yum!!! Try the specialty sandwiches!! Very good with fresh squeezed orange juice. Gotham is a great alternative to long breakfast waits or pricey brunches. read more

Best bagels in Madison. Bagels are delicious, all the cream cheeses are good and they're always rotating a few specialty ones. I love the Chimichurri cream cheese. Favorite sandwich and go to is the Brighton Beach on Super Egg Everything. They often have very good special sandwiches. Today I had a cup of the clam and oyster chowder. Wow...tons of clam and oyster meat, so it made for a delicious, perfectly salted, meaty chowder. Also went with my go-to - Brighton Beach. read more

Stiffed w/"Raw Deal." They used to be good, uncertain what happened. Last purchase was inedible; done on the outside/raw dough in the middle. I dared email them about it & received a back-handed apology / lecture. May only be chump change to them, hope selling me a "raw deal" was worth losing a good customer over. No intention of purchasing anything from them in the future. Was made aware they never set out to make "every" bagel perfect & that human error was bound to show up at some point in time (eloquently informed). No longer a Gotham Bagel customer. Moving on to the land of GREAT BAGELS at Brueggers, Einstein, etc.... Should have stuck with them to begin with, as they're tried, trusted & tasty. read more

These are hands down the best bagels in Madison. I'm from the east coast and I am spoiled on good NY style bagels. Trust me, Einstein and Bagels Forever are not good bagels. This place has a wonderful selection, the bagels are made right and very tasty. My personal favorites are the sesame, onion, garlic and egg bagels. I usually get a bagel and cream cheese but i've tried a few of their other savory sandwiches like the egg breakfast bagel and the chicken salad sandwich which were wonderful as well. My rating on the service here is that it is pretty standard. The staff are generally friendly and the food is prepared quickly. I recommend this place for a good bagel. read more

Flies everywhere....Gross... The bagels themselves aren't bad, but not fantastic either and you get enough cream cheese for 2 bagels on the one you order too. While I haven't gotten sick or had terrible service like some of the other people, the whole experience of eating while flies circled my head was enough to make me never return. read more

The hand-rolled bagel was good, and there was a line, so we had high hopes. One of the older employees, however, was a complete jerk. My son accidentally splashed a few drops of water on him while pulling the water-jug spout (it splashed each time), and the rude employee reprimanded him (for a water cooler he has no control over). Not to be outdone with just one incident, the same employee again reprimanded my son as we were leaving for taking the bathroom key (attached to a spoon) off the counter. My son was taking it because the prior person left it there, and the rude employee actually accused him of slamming the key on the counter. I couldn't believe it! I was standing right there and watched what happened. If he's the manager -- shame on him. If he's not the manager, he ought to reconsider why he works in a restaurant that has customers. We'll not support this business again. read more

As much as I love the food at this joint, they have coffee shop syndrome: the service is slow and rude, and many of the employees are way too cool for many of the customers. Every time I've been here it's one problem or another; which is a shame, because I could eat the pumpernickel with scallion cream cheese, everyday. I realize that they're busy at times, but waiting 20 minutes for a bagel with cream cheese is ridiculous, then slowly realizing they forgot to make your order and only to be told they'e out of bagels... at 12:30pm, when they close at 3:00pm? No, I don't want to wait another 10 minutes for a bagel, I'll walk down to Pinkus McBride and get a delicious sandwich. At least they aren't rudely calling out my order and then getting pissed off when it takes me over 20 seconds to get up to the counter. The only thing they could learn from coffee shops, is that they should give "our service sucked today, your next bagel is on us" coupons. read more

I used to love this place and would try and frequent it on the weekends--but this place hows gone WAY DOWN HILL! I keep going back hoping that they get better but no such luck. The service is terrible and they treat customers like you are bugging them when ordering. They ALWAYS get my order wrong ( I get the tofu spread- cant eat cheese) and when I try and get my order fixed they make a fuss. But worst of all- the people making your bagels do not wear gloves. They handle money at the register and go straight to making your food without washing their hands. Terrible. I used to love this place and now I refuse to ever go back. read more

I'm from NYC and I've been living here for 4 years and I can assure you that it's THE ONLY PLACE IN MADISON TO GET QUALITY BAGELS!! The staff is all so friendly and the service is quick. read more

I love their bagels and their atmosphere. A fresh from the oven everything bagel with melted cream cheese and lox is heaven.

Hands down the best bagel shop around. Everything is made from scratch with local ingredients. They have rotating bagel specials & the staff is super helpful. This is my goto when picking up bagels for the office or a quick lunch on the square. read more

So Gotham consistently gets my order wrong (giving me the wrong bagel, charging me extra for onions and then forgetting to put them in my sandwich) but I can't get too mad because they're the only bagel place approaching decent in town. read more

Gotham Bagels did finally get back to me, after we wrote a long letter with our complaints. The owner called me back and told me he'd left me a voice-mail (which I never got), that they'd fired the terrible employee, and that he'd give me a gift certificate to try to make up for my bad experience. So. At least they tried to remedy the situation. read more

Gotham Bagels really came thru for us this past Sunday. We live out of Madison but needed to send a Shiva Tray to the family of a dear friend. It needed to be a Lox, Bagel, Cream Cheese tray. I found Gotham Bagels, the only place online I could find that listed lox rather than smoked salmon, and could handle the size trays I had to order. They came thru including delivery on Sunday morning before the family left for the cemetery. And,a we received lovely "thank yous" from the family commenting on the quality and nice presentation of the food. Go Gotham!! read more

This is the premier bagel shop in Madison. The bagels are excellent with great texture and freshness. They have a great variety of cream cheeses that compliment the bagels perfectly. The service is great and they also have an great sandwich selection. I'm definitely a repeat customer and highly recommend Gotham! read more

Best bagels in town. They recently have taken the way of the economy and shrunk a bit but still the best! Awesome cream cheese too. This was the first place to bring authentic pastrami to town as well. Oh so good. read more

The owner treats people like crap, and the bagel sandwiches are overpriced for Madison, Wisconsin. Need I say more?

I raved about this place when it first opened. I came with my parents one blustery April morning and got a toasted super egg everything bagel with cream cheese and boy was I hooked. I kept dragging the boy here, weekend after weekend.. but something's happened! The coffee is terrible, the bagels have become smaller, harder, and less toasted! I don't know if this is a consequence of getting more business (I'm glad to see this place packed, because I love me some carbs in the morning), but please go back to your old ways Gotham!! The cinnamon raisin bagels with sultanas made me a convert to the cinnamon raisin clan! Also, the cream cheese is housemade! So yummy. Please turn up the heat on your toaster so that it gets all melty on my bagel again. read more

Was very excited to try Gotham Bagels located near the capital in Madison. They claim the bagels are the closest thing to NY bagels. I would say that's pretty accurate for Madison. Everything we had was good from the egg salad to the turkey sandwich. Our favorite was the Farve and I highly recommend that. Make sure you ask for generous portions because we felt skimped on the whitefish salad. Great for a quick breakfast or lunch. We will be back but my expectations won't be as high. read more

I've been eating Gotham Bagels for a while now, and while they probably won't win awards for "Most Congenial Staff" I certainly don't think they go out of their way to be rude. Their bagels are pretty darn good, and as a former bagel baker myself, (yes, as in making the dough, forming the bagels, and baking them at 4:30 AM,) I can tell you, there are far worse bagels to be had. These are just dense enough, not bricks, nor angel food consistency, quite a feat. If you want standard, "fast service" and cheap prices, I recommend Einstein Brothers. If you want something that tastes good, made by local folks, and maybe a few quirks, then go to Gotham. I certainly will continue my patronage. read more

Taking 45 minutes to make 2 bagels currently. SMH. It's a bagel spot it shouldn't take more than 5 min tops

Delicious bagels with great variety of spreads and sandwiches. I'm from the tri-state area and after a lox on pumpernickel I say it's legit

Best bagel place in Madison. Great sandwiches, fresh meat and made fresh. Usually busy on the weekends but worth the wait. I personally love the breakfast sandwiches but you really can't go wrong here. read more

Gotham Bagels: a staple brunch option for a northeast midwestern transplant. The OMFG is what you would imagine. Thick bacon, melted cheddar and a nice runny egg all loaded up on your choice of bagel (for me it's an everything bagel.) Be ready to face a long line and possibly a long wait for your bagel on a weekend. Arrive early, they often run out of your favorite bagel. read more

I love the bagels here. They are the only place that has tofu "cream cheese", but I've gotten my order messed up so many times. How hard is it to toast a bagel, when you ask for it? I didn't think it was that difficult. Just because I'm ordering an all veggie bagel does not mean it shouldn't be toasted, when I CLEARLY specify for it to be toasted. No point in walking 3 blocks to get a new bagel. Disappointing service. Food is still good. read more

best bagels in Madison. Service is hit or miss

Came here before the Illinois game and was very disappointed. First off, the guy running the cash register was an asshole. He was very crass and did not greet anyone or say thank you etc. He just screamed NEXT in your face even when you were standing right in front of him. I felt like screaming my order right back in his face. This guy looked like the manager or owner - He's heavyset and looks like he just woke up from up with a nice disheveled appearance. I can deal with bad service if the food makes up for it, but this did not happen. I ordered a bagel with lox and scallion cream cheese. My bagel came with plain cream cheese...wtf? After I realized I had plain cream cheese I began to search for the lox. I couldn't taste any in my first bite. Looking...there don't seem to be any lox on my bagel. O wait there is one little piece - I can see it with my magnifying glass. O there is another the size of a sesame seed. What a joke. If I'm paying $8 for a bagel with lox you better load that thing with salmon. I kid you not there was one strip 1 cm thick on one half of the bagel. The other side literally had none. This place is a joke and an insult to NYC bagels. It's an insult to the other great Madison restaurants as well. Close this place down and put in a park or a public toilet - something useful. Gets two stars because the woman manning the coffee was very nice and helpful. read more

Bagels and sandwiches were excellent. I am still dreaming about the Brighten Beach! Coffee was so-so.

Had to get a quick bite and stopped through for breakfast this morning. Had an "Everything" bagel with their special jalapeno garlic cream cheese, not toasted. It was "everything" I could hope for in a bagel. Not too soft, not too hard - just right, flavorful, easy to eat. The cream cheese was so fluffy and tasty. I couldn't find caloric information anywhere, but I can't imagine it's any good. This was my "cheat" breakfast of the week. read more

I'll start out by saying I love Gotham's food and have always recommended it to people, however I can't keep supporting a place with such god awful service. I've always given them a pass, but I'm done. My dad went in to pick up some bagels yesterday and after waiting for 10 minutes just to get a dozen bagels, they non-apologetically told him they were out of poppy seed and sesame seed AT OPEN on a Sunday, my dad seemed shocked. Instead of saying "I'm sorry", they guy behind the counter yelled at my dad and said "DO YOU WANT YOUR BAGELS OR NOT?!". He then proceeded to yell at my dad (with other customers around) and slammed the bagels on the counter. I've heard from other people that the abuse at Gotham is REAL and I've encountered it myself (one time I went in and ordered 3 dozen bagels and got a ton of attitude about how I really should have called that order in. Umm what? You're a bagel shop and it's just 3 dozen bagels...). I also one time witnessed a horrific incident between the owner and what I could gather was maybe an ex-employee. The owner was yelling at the guy saying "I gave you your fucking money!!" while the ex-employee was holding a toddler on his hip. Oh and this was inside of the packed store. Their food is good but that gives them absolutely no right to treat paying customers like crap. I refused to support these guys any longer. read more

New York inspired prices for sure. And the attitude of the cashier was definitely NYC surliness. I asked for a bagel and lox and got a blank stare. So I continued and said I'd like a bagel, cream cheese, lox, red onion, tomato and capers; pretty traditional as far as a bagel and lox order goes. She shoved a menu across the counter and pointed at an item that had all that and arugula. I said hold the arugula and we're great. She rolled her eyes and rang me up. I would have forgiven all if the bagel had been good but it was hard as a rock and not even the right type. It's a convenient location and I'm guessing not much competition which is why they unfortunately can get away with subpar fare. read more

I am very confused by people saying that their bagels are too big. They are smaller than the bagels that you get in NYC. There is also no such thing as a bagel that is too big. Obviously, without the magic of New York water, you can't make a real New York bagel. But for the midwest, they're pretty damn close. It's a little pricey, sure, but you get what you pay for. read more

I ordered the toasted Super Egg Everything with their new Jalapeno & Garlic cream cheese and it was INCREDIBLE. Zesty spices, great texture, and totally worth the paying a little bit more. Quick, friendly service. The only reason I wouldn't give it 5 stars is the cleanliness of the dining area, but I did go around noon during a mini lunch crowd so understandable. read more

Love the food here. Sometimes the owner can be a bit crabby but usually only if they're busy.

Waited 45min for just 1 1/2 dozen bagels and cream cheese. No sandwiches. Joe (the dude who struts around the place) walked by me (after I had patiently waited 25min) told me I "don't look very patient". I explained to him my order, but "Mr. Customer Service" just made a face and blew me off. Then after 35min I ask the poor guy frantically making sandwiches why I had to wait so long for just bagels, he found out THEY LOST MY ORDER" OMG. After 45minutes I finally get my $38 worth of bagels and cream cheese in 2 ripping bags. So frustrating. No bagel is good enough for that kind of treatment. read more

Pretty good bagels for the midwest. Way better than any of the crap that is called "bagel" in Chicago. I like the cream cheeses, the bagel selection is good, and overall, this place makes me a happy New Yorker every time I visit. read more

We LOVE Gotham, not just because we are Dark Knight nerds...ahem...fans. Yes, sometimes the parking is difficult, and seating is full, and you need to ask for a bathroom key, but totally worth the extra hassle. The bagels are big, crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, with great, not too much spread. Our "go to" order is to split a chicken breast bagel sandwich and a sweet type bagel with cream cheese. The chicken is absolutely succulent, cooked perfectly, never dry. We take our out of town guests here for breakfast before walking the farmers Market. A hit with them has been the Pastrami. We love the details they put into their items such as the rosemary infused cranberry juice - items you just can't get anywhere. read more

I was in Madison to show my daughter the city and the university. We were so impressed with everything. Well, almost everything. The last morning we decided on bagels and were excited to try the bagel joint. I got there early and it was freezing. Doors were supposed to open at 8a. They didn't. Sat outside when it was 25 degrees watching the employees prepare the store until 803a. Then I got to the cash register were their program was not working and they had to reboot the computer. No biggie. Eventually they got the order right and I began waiting for my to-go meal. That's when the FUN began. I saw the chef cooking and I asked him to make the bacon a little more well done. The chef was very nice and said that he would take care of it. Out of nowhere comes a short , stalky guy--beard and pretty well built. He said -" what's going on?" I said that I was just asking the chef to over cook the bacon. He then said " back off". I thought I misunderstood him so I said , " what"? He said, "just back off ". I couldn't believe what I was hearing. He said " get out of our kitchen". I said - " what are you taking about, I am at the counter waiting for my to-go order." This guy was trying to intimidate me. Unbelievable. I am very happy that I was with my daughter heading to the airport. Otherwise, I don't know what I would have done. We will not be going back to Gotham although the bagels were good. This guy has no business working with the public. My recommendation is to interview your other employees regarding his behavior. Check my facts. Specifically, chat with your chef. He heard everything. You might learn that this guy should not be part of your team. Good luck. read more

I've always had great service and excellent, yummy bagels. I love the super everything with salmon cream cheese...which they also make fresh. Be hungry though as they serve monster portions. read more

I love this place! I ordered three dozen to my house in River Falls. Thanks for making excellent pumpernickel bagels! Its a rare art.