Hella Bagels — Restaurant in Albany

First time at this location. Ordered online with a 25-30 wait time. I entered the location for a pickup. Not acknowledged by the 6 people at the bagel counter. Finally got someones attention. She gave me the order. Then told me I had to pick up my drinks at the other counter. There I stand to the side of the ordering counter. Not acknowledged. So I go in stand in the ordering line.Mind you 6 ppl are in front of me. Then the lady that told me to go get my drinks, said I will help you. Drip coffee came out of hot water dispenser. (I guess my expectations of drip coffee comes from Peets and Philz).Then she proceeded to pull out a Tupperware bin and pulled out a tea bag amidst loose bags ( that both her and the lady at the counter fished through) Then she dropped it in the empty cup that had fallen over twice. Then she filled it a quarter way she literally said that's all the hot water we have. She said I can wait 20 mins for more water. I paid $3 for cup and tea bag. I purchased the city and lox bagels. I paid extra for lox cc. And it clearly was plain cream cheese. There was nothing spectacular about the either bagel. The City had more plain cream cheese than anything so it tasted like a garlic bagel with cream cheese and at $16 price point with extra for lox cream cheese. It was a waste. The birds and squirrels enjoyed it at the Berkeley Marina. Noah's Bagels is better at lower price point. And you actually get lox. My husband had the lox bagel, he stated his tasted like garlic bagel with jalapeno cilantro cream cheese. He prefers the lox bagel at Oakland Grill because he got more lox than cream cheese. He ate his because of the price and did want to waste my money by feeding it to the birds and squirrels. Overall it was terrible experience, they definitely cater to a specific demographic. Customer service was deplorable. Price point is egregious for quality and quantity of food...

Hella Bagels in Berkeley is an absolute gem! From the moment you sink your teeth into their perfectly crafted bagels, you’re transported to a world of flavor and texture. The crust, whether adorned with sesame seeds or other toppings, is a delightful surprise with every bite. And let’s not forget about that extra crunch from the bottom crust – mamma mia!

The open-face bagels are true works of art, boasting fresh heirloom tomatoes and fragrant dill that elevate the experience to new heights. But let’s talk about the cream cheese – decadent, smooth, and bursting with flavor, it’s a true game-changer.

And don’t even get me started on their Soul Coffee, with its deep Ethiopian roast that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning coffee connoisseur.

What truly sets Hella Bagels apart, though, is its welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re a single diner, part of an adult couple, or wrangling kids of any age, you’ll feel right at home. Berkeley’s vibe only adds to the charm of this establishment, making it a must-visit for anyone craving a top-notch...

Hella Bagels in Berkeley is hands-down one of the best spots for bagel lovers in the Bay Area. The vibe is laid-back and welcoming, and the bagels are seriously next level—chewy, fresh, and packed with flavor.

I tried the lox bagel, and it was everything you’d hope for: a generous layer of silky, rich lox paired with perfectly whipped cream cheese, red onions, capers, and tomato on a fresh, chewy bagel. The balance of textures and flavors was spot on—simple, classic, and absolutely delicious.

If you’re looking to branch out, I’d also recommend trying the egg and cheese bagel—a savory favorite—or their whitefish salad, which is super flavorful and satisfying. They also have rotating specials that are worth keeping an eye on, often with creative twists on traditional combos.

Definitely worth a stop whether you’re a local or just passing through. Come early—they tend...