Don't like giving poor reviews but went in to buy a bunch of bagels and cream cheese for out of town company. Staff were rude, short, and abrasive to customers. There was no reason for the behavior and our guests who came in were shocked by the behavior. I get customer service and having position that requires interfacing with customers is not easy or may not be your cup of tea but this was just awful. Definitely won't be back read more

Willie's Bagel Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Utica, New York

I feel good writing this because this was my first time here (based on a recommendation) and they hit the ball out of the park... It is a small shop but extremely comfortable place to be. I was really happy with this shop.. It's not far from where I was staying and the team member was very enthusiastic about this place. Easy in and out off the main road and they had a reasonable parking lot. We walked into a very busy shop with many people working together behind the counter to make the line move very quickly. Place your order, pay and they put your food together. They had a great selection of everything with plenty of bagel choices. They were all moving extremely quickly here. The bagels were extremely fresh and tasty. I always remark that I like these "plump" bagels. I would not feel the same if they were not as soft and fresh and tasty as there were. I had cream cheese on an onion-egg (not toasted) and my wife had a toasted everything with butter. All good. They put a fair amount of cream cheese on and the butter bagel was not dripping. I will definitely return on my next trip back to Utica. Kudos to the team at Willie's Bagel Cafe read more

See all

So good we made sure to stop on both ends of our trip!! Great NY bagels and bagel sandwiches! Doesn't look like much from the outside but was definitely busy (both mornings) and seemed like a local favorite (and one you would drive to get your bagels for the week!) Great flavor selections of both bagels and cream cheese - get there early they sell out! Friendly but busy staff!! read more

See all

Very nice cashiers, great bagel not too bready, great Jalapeño cream cheese. Perfectly off the highway!

"I know a cat named Way-Out Willie Had a cool little chick named Rockin' Billie" (Eric Clapton) One of the few "good" things about or stay at the horrible and horribly overpriced Red Roof Inn was its proximity to Willie's Bagel Cafe. We had breakfast there on Saturday morning October 2. Willie's is small - real small. It has two booths and a handful of stools along the side window. But seriously, no one goes to Willie's for the ambience. Instead people go for their seriously kickass great bagels. They sell about 20 bagel varieties including a Jalapeno Everything Bagel, ten kinds of cream cheese, six breakfast bagel sandwiches, waffles, French Toast, pancakes, home fries, plus two dozen wraps and lunch sandwiches. They even have pizza bagels. Our breakfast of two coffees, an Everything bagel with lox cream cheese and a plain bagel with Cinnamon Raisin cream cheese ran under $13. I gotta tell ya, the bagels are truly great here. They are made right on site (you can see their bagel oven) and they compare favorably to the best I've had anywhere. A great combination of a crunch outside and a chewy inside. Willie's is a real cool little place with some fantastic food. read more

See all

I feel compelled to provide a bad review given the poor service and attitude. I had a toasted bagel and cream cheese. The bagel and cream cheese was great but the staff was horrible. I should explain what happened with my one and probably only visit to Willie's Bagel Store. The day before my sister died at Wynne Hospital. I was depressed and not doing well. I ordered a bagel toasted with cream cheese and a coffee. The bagel came out but my coffee did not. I asked after I got my bagel about my coffee. The person who waited on me never told me they had to make a new pot of coffee. When I found out I had to wait additionally for my coffee to make, I must have made a face. The other person blew up on me and started yelling. I told her I just lost my sister and she could care less. The person yelling then went and gave me the rest of a pot of coffee that was cold. It could be I made a face but when I ordered and then got my toasted bagel and never got my coffee. Needless to say I was still in shock from my sister's death and may have made a face. I never said anything bad but was treated poorly. read more

My wife and I stopped by after a failed attempt to find the bagel shop for whom the city is named after. Wow! Are we glad we didn't find the other place open!! We both split an Everything with plain cream cheese and we chose six more to bring back to Canandaigua with us. Pictured is a Rainbow that my daughter made up a few hours later. We all loved these bagels and wished there was a shop close by. We will stop here again on our travels to the Mohawk Valley. read more

Willie's Bagel Cafe - Rainbow bagel - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Utica, New York

The service is wonderful. The food is fresh, and there is an ample selection of bagels. The location size is on the small side and usually busy, but most people take their orders to go. There are, however, a few tables inside. read more

SECOND LOCATION ON ORISKANY STREET. Bagels are very good. We love the bagels and the place is very clean inside. 1) When you buy an Onion Bagel(s) - among other types, they put the Onion Bagel in the same bag. This is BAD. The Onion flavor is extremely intense and ALL your bagels will taste like Onions. Ask for it in a separate bag. It really cross contaminates the other bagels. 2) Go early - they sell out fast, and do not make many bagels. 3) Since they never say thank you when you tip, save your tip money. I've bee there 3 times and tipped the counter crew 3 tips. Not one thank you. I will never tip them again. And if you are into this kind of thing they have gay/lesbian bagels too! Me? I like sesame bagels myself read more

See all

My friends and I drive all the way from Hamilton, NY (Colgate university) to have Willie's bagels. While it is a 45 minutes drive it's worthy of every second. It is the best bagel in the central New York area, hands down. Affordable prices, extremely nice workers and service, and a clean and tasteful ambience. I've had every bagel and every smear. Go to Willie's bagel cafe it'll change your life. read more

Bagels are always great. Customers service lacks, they post that they open at 6am, past 3 times I have been here, that's very subjective, 06:05, 06:10, 06:07, and this morning at 06:05. Though they opened the door, the owner was not really prepared for the orders. 06:10 their "cook" arrived, not even prepared for a large order she had to get ready. This is a clear indication of our workforce just not caring anymore. This will be my last visit to this establishment...you could be so much better if you found the people that help you grow, not turn customers away. read more

The bagels were great ! I had a bacon egg cheese on an everything. Coffee, not so much !

Wow, wow, wow. Willie's Bagel Cafe is amazing. I discovered this place thanks to a friend who gave me a bagel from there, and it was the best thing ever. I had to go and see for myself, and I was not disappointed. I ordered the Nova lox sandwich with salmon and cream cheese and onions, which was so delicious and they don't skimp on the toppings ! I also tried the eggplant parm sandwich, which was cheesy, saucy, crispy, and melty. And the bagels, oh my god, the bagels. They were soft, chewy, and perfect. They were the best bagels I have ever had in my life. I bought a dozen to take home, and I couldn't stop eating them. They were so addictive. The best part was the service. The staff at Willie's were so friendly and helpful. They made me feel welcome and appreciated. They were quick and efficient, and they gave me a smile and a thank you. They really care about their customers and their bagels. This is going to be a regular stop for me when I am in the Utica area. read more

See all

Excellent . . . Deserves every bit of praise. Came because it had received hype on CNBC as well as best bagel list

Absolutely DELICIOUS!!!! Wow! We could tell the food was going to be amazing based on how busy it was on a Sunday morning. We were so impressed! Absolutely delicious bagels, toasted to perfection. Wish we lived in the area so we couod frequent often! Yum! read more

Willie's Bagel Cafe - Business front - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Utica, New York

These are some crazy-good bagels & tasty breakfast sandwiches. What they are not is fast. That doesn't really bother me, though, since I don't live in Utica full-time nor do I have to anywhere else I need to be when I am there. That said, they could use a number machine like you see in delis. On my most recent visit, a guy who walked in after me had his order taken before me because it was just impossible for anyone to know where the line was & who was in it. I wasn't happy about it, but I also wasn't going to raise a fuss about it. The sandwiches are made fresh, after all, so a line is to be expected. This place is busting at the seams when I'm there, but I imagine if they put in a drive-thru, that would only create more problems. Maybe a walk-up window? Online ordering? I can offer suggestions all day long, but I'm guessing ol' Willie has probably heard them all and considered a few of his own ideas. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. That's probably Willie's motto. (I don't know because I haven't met him, but I can imagine a guy like Willie probably lives by that or a similar motto.) read more

Several breakfast sandwich choices and even more options for bagels! Service was super quick and the staff were all friendly. It's a small place but there's some tables off to the side for a quieter place to eat. read more

Bagels were still warm when we picked up a bakers dozen this morning. Great selection of flavors. We added a container of regular cream cheese and a jalapeño cream cheese and the total was just over $20. What I liked best is that the seeded bagels were coated on both sides and the fact that this place is open on Mondays! read more

Fabulous bagels -- worth the wait in line!! We ordered the basic -- plain bagels toasted with cream cheese smear -- very simple order, and best in flavor. So good, we stood in line again to order more bagels to take home! read more

This review is based on one simple order. I orders a pumpernickel bagel with olive cream cheese. It was excellent. Over the years I have tried all the best bagel places in NYC and New Jersey and this bagel compares. The bagel was delicious and the cream cheese was great. The woman at the counter was cheerful and nice and I only waited a few minutes. I can't wait to go back and try all the different flavored bagels and cream cheeses. I noticed you can grab lunch there as well. A little rough inside but it's still worth it. read more

Terrific bagels! I had the French toast with cinnamon raisin homemade cream cheese and the family had the sesame with butter and jelly. Soooo good! The coffee was very good! It had a NY diner style to it that you can't beat. They also had a variety of other items, like muffins and fruits that looked delicious! The servers behind the counter were friendly and efficient. If you love bagels this is the place! read more

Recently, on a drive through Utica for work, a small, unassuming building with the name Willie's Bagel Cafe caught my eye on the side of the road. I checked Yelp and saw the great reviews they had, and decided I'd give then a shot. It was about noonish, but a breakfast sandwich sounded good to me still, so I went with a sausage, egg and cheese on an everything bagel and a side of their home fries. Again, the place is tint, only about 3 small tables in the place. The girl who waited on me was very friendly, and it seems like everyone who works there may be family. My sandwich took a bit longer than I expected, but everything was fresh, so I'm not complaining. I wish I had seen beforehand that you can get your egg cooked any way you'd like, as I would've preferred a fried egg, but I caught that a little too late. One thing I did notice while I was waiting though, was that a lot of their menu items have the option of adding a spicy, I believe the menu said Mexican, twist to them. The people working there spoke Spanish to each other, so I'm assuming they're of Hispanic decent and that's where all the spicy twists come from, which came in unexpectedly later for me. I got my food and paid, very affordable at just over $8 for a sandwich, side of home fries and an orange juice. I took it to go, and when I opened my home fries and took a bite, I was surprised to find that they have a nice spiciness to then. It was unexpected, but as a lover of spicy food, I really enjoyed the flavor. The sandwich was very good as well. My bagel was toasted, but still soft, a decent sized sausage patty, what looked to be a cheese sauce instead of sliced cheese, and while I'm not a fan usually if the scrambled, folded over type breakfast sandwich egg, they made it very light and fluffy and enjoyable. Delicious. Overall, it was a great little place. Good service, nice staff, tasty, fresh, affordable food. A place I'd definitely go back to if I'm ever in the area. read more

See all

The best bagels I've found in the area. Crispy outside, soft fluffy fresh inside, and yummy cream cheese. I like mine extra toasted. I've also had the turkey sausage breakfast sandwich and an egg and cheese and both were good. Fair prices too and nice quick service. I prefer this location to their new location because of the consistency and they always get my order right. read more

There are lots to love about this humble bagel shop! ++ Friendly ladies who make your bagel sandwich right before your eyes Restroom on site: a lifesaver on this visit! A choice of potato or macaroni side salad for takeaway: potato salad was simple with a mustard dressing and tasty $5 bagel special during Restaurant Week 2018 was a hoot! - - Maybe, just maybe I'm expecting a bit much, but I wish the chicken was anything but canned...with the exception of Subway "chicken," of course! read more

See all

Stopped and picked up some everything bagels yesterday. These are a very well made bagel. No complaints. Friendly servers, clean inside and out. Fair prices too. Will definitely make this a regular when I visit Utica. read more

Great bagels! Friendly service. Would return for bagels and olive cream cheese! Everything Bagel

My go to bagel place. Super tasty, great menu, awesome people. Can't get any better... read more

Willie's Bagel Cafe - Sausage, egg and cheese on plain bagel - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Utica, New York

Amazing little hole in the wall bagel Café. We ended up doing a U-turn at the sight of it. Place was happening! Great employees. I found a salt bagel after not finding a salt bagel in over five years! And cheap! For three bagels with cream cheese and two drinks I might have paid 10 bucks! read more

Willie's Bagel Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Utica, New York

Great stop, it's an easy on and off the I90. This place had Excellent bagels and sandwiches, they were fresh and tasted great; I wish I bought more bagels for the long car ride. We had to wait for our food but it was so worth it. We will be back. read more

Willie's saved my breakfast on Thanksgiving day. The nearby Red Roof doesn't offer a real breakfast so we walked here. Outstanding staff and beautiful bagels and options. read more

Worst costumer service I've ever seen, the lady working the counter was extremely rude and unhelpful. I won't be going back to this location. read more

All time favorite bagel shop! It's pretty small in here but they've added on a few extra tables.. the menu has a pretty wide selection of different bagels/ sandwhiches.. Its usually busy everytime I've ever come here but they seem to crank out the orders quickly.. Never disappointed. Everything's homemade & very fresh. Their cream cheese is OUT OF THIS WORLD! Come early in the morning if you want the best variety of bagels & the freshest selection! read more

Willie's Bagel Cafe - Blueberry bagel with ham , egg & cheese Everything bagel with Turkey bacon & cheese - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Utica, New York

Delicious bagels and cream cheese! My favorites are the everything, blueberry, and jalapeño. The everything is one of the best I've had, good coverage with seasoning and excellent flavor. I wish the jalapeño had actual jalapeños in it. It seems like it's more red chili flakes? Still really good though. The cream cheese is nice and soft, easy to spread even after being in the fridge. I've been getting plain but next time I'm definitely gonna get one of their flavored varieties. What drew me here were the multicolored ones. Very enjoyable to eat cause they're cute! They have seasonally colored ones for holidays too. Very friendly staff as well! read more

Impressive number of different kinds of bagels, made fresh daily right on premises. Excellent selection of breakfast fare, even if bagels aren't your thing. And the coffee, brewed on a traditional Bunn diner system, is somehow pretty danged good. Even at their busiest - and they are often busy - they still get your order up in record time. Highly recommended. read more

What a great local gem found slightly off of the beaten path. I dipped in to grab breakfast before heading to Cooperstown and was not disappointed. Service was fast and friendly and I loved the selection of bagels. My food tasted fantastic and totally hit the spot. I would absolutely return if I was in the area again. Well worth checking out. read more

Willie's Bagel Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Utica, New York

Great people. Great Bagels and cream cheese. God bless them. We always look forward to going their for breakfast. !!!!

I am in Utica several times a years and frequently pass by this place. The location is known for failing businesses. Over the past 15 years, I have seen many pizza, sandwich, and other small restaurants move in and struggle to survive. Most are not even open for business when I am in town, but yesterday morning the sign was on so I stopped by. The place is small (three 4-person tables, and a bar with stools) and it wasn't too warm. Everywhere I stood I felt a cold breeze, as if they had the A/C on. I ordered a bagel sandwich and they were out of regular bagels so I got a "rainbow" bagel (red, yellow, blue dough intermingled together). The sandwich came up quick. The bacon was super crispy, which I prefer, and the scrambled eggs were substantial. It was a great sandwich, though the colored dough started to break apart into its component colors. The outside of the bagel was greasy which I attribute to the rubber gloves of the workers being greasy. The price with a drink was around $7 I think, which wasn't cheap. The staff were friendly and they told me that they had been in the location for 2 years. I consider that quite an achievement for a restaurant that is only be open for breakfast and lunch. read more

Really great find on my way home from a road trip. I got a breakfast sandwich on a bagel and really enjoyed it. Nice small business. You can tell this place is a hidden gem. They have many options to choose from and I noticed they have rainbow colored bagels! I didn't try it but it was very interesting. They also have coffee. Nothing crazy or fancy. But who doesn't love a coffee with their breakfast? read more

Willie's Bagel Cafe - Breakfast sandwich with egg, sausage and cheese on an onion bagel - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Utica, New York

I came here super hungry with my boyfriend. We both got breakfast sandwiches and I also got home fries. Everything was excellent and extremely filling. Would deff go here again. The host was kinda in a rush taking my order but the cook who was a women she was lovely. She asked how the food was and got me napkins. She was genuinely a sweet women. I didn't know a place like this existed in Utica. I will definitely be back for more ! Would recommend. read more

Willie's Bagel Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Utica, New York

This place is great! Bagels more of a NY style then Bagel Grove. Outside chewy with the inside soft. They make them fresh every day and will last in a ziploc bag for a couple of days. I ordered a breakfast sandwich, egg, sausage and cheese. Hot and delicious. My husband ordered the lox with cream cheese, tomatoes and onions. Came with potato salad. He loved the lox sandwich but we both found the potato salad to taste a little sour like it had vinegar in it so not your typical potato salad. Service was fantastic! The lady serving is was very nice and efficient. The man cooking in the back even made some fruit salad for a customer wanting some for his lunch. Now that is awesome service. read more

Willie's Bagel Cafe - Fresh baked bagels. Yes, that is a rainbow bagel on the tray. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Utica, New York

See all