Collegetown Bagels — Restaurant in City of Ithaca

Collegetown Bagels (CTB) is an iconic, must-visit spot in Ithaca, serving up a perfect blend of delicious bagels, hearty sandwiches, and an all-around cozy atmosphere. With locations in both Collegetown and downtown Ithaca, this popular café has been a local favorite for years, offering a welcoming vibe that draws in students, locals, and visitors alike. Whether you're grabbing a quick breakfast, enjoying a leisurely brunch, or fueling up for a busy day, Collegetown Bagels never disappoints.

The bagels at CTB are, without a doubt, the star of the show. Baked fresh daily, they are the ideal balance of chewy, soft, and slightly crispy on the outside. There’s a wide selection of flavors, from classic plain and everything to more unique options like cinnamon raisin and garlic. Pair any bagel with a spread, and you’ve got a satisfying meal. Their cream cheese options are extensive, with favorites like chive, garden veggie, and honey walnut, all generously slathered on their bagels.

For something more substantial, the bagel sandwiches are a great option. The Nova Lox sandwich, with cream cheese, smoked salmon, red onions, and capers, is a classic. If you're craving something warm and comforting, try the breakfast sandwich with scrambled eggs, cheese, and your choice of bacon, sausage, or ham, all served on a freshly baked bagel. For lunch, the Turkey Club or Caprese sandwich are both great options, offering a perfect balance of fresh ingredients and bold flavors.

In addition to bagels, Collegetown Bagels also serves up a variety of salads, soups, and baked goods, all made with the same attention to quality and freshness. Their cookies, especially the chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin, are a popular choice for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth after a savory meal.

The café’s atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, with a charming, cozy interior that’s perfect for studying, hanging out with friends, or grabbing a coffee to go. The staff is friendly and always willing to recommend something if you're not sure what to choose.

What makes Collegetown Bagels stand out is its consistency—no matter when you visit, you can always count on high-quality food, fresh ingredients, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a staple in Ithaca, and whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular, CTB is sure to leave you satisfied and...

Ive been coming here since forever ago. I stopped in this morning to grab my usual nova lox with cream cheese on the salted rosemary and a drink. The lady at the sandwich station was bursting with positive energy and kindness. Spiked collar and all! Kudos to her... Ahhhhh but here we go down to the coffee station and "ole fussy pants" was my next person. Sheesh, she should have just taken the day off if bothering her about coffee choices was such an inconvenience! Needless to say the signage board for coffee options is far left and facing in a manner that doesn't lend itself to my poor vision. Sooooorrrrrrrryyyyyy! Her tone, her responses, and her attitude was so condescending and off-putting I'da just rathered got my usual (remember? nova lox/cream cheese) and left. Unfortunately, since I was waiting and interested in a coffee OPTION I mustered through her negative vibe and quickly left to the pay station.

The whole setup is wild - not as welcoming as the old spot across the road.

Regardless, spending close to $30 for some bagel sandwiches and some coffees, and then getting that pessimistic service is a hard no for me dawg. Hard no!

I know I'm only one customer - who cares, right? But I'll spend my $ elsewhere moving...

Overrated and overpriced. I genuinely cannot fathom the chokehold that Collegetown Bagels has on the city of Ithaca. THIS is the place that kept Dunkin' Donuts from opening a location here? Seriously believe that the only thing keeping this location afloat is their convenient location (proximity to Cornell campus). The service is absolute garbage. Employees are mostly students, and they are visibly incompetent. Before ordering, one of the cashiers had informed us that the wait would be around 30 minutes. Well, we placed our order and ended up waiting in line for nearly an HOUR. Had we known how long it would actually take, we wouldn't have ordered at all. The employees were evidently incapable of handling a rush, judging from the constant throng of people hovering around the waiting area. Not to mention, I can't even say that the wait was worth it. The food itself is extremely mediocre, and that's being generous. $40 for a stale a*s bagel (the bread was literally hard as a rock), a mediocre avocado sandwich (with barely any avocado), and some flavorless, watered-down fruit smoothies. All things considered, this place is undeserving of even one star lol. First and last time...