Jersey Girl Bagels — Restaurant in Sarasota

Disappointment at Jersey Girl Bagels

Came to Jersey Girl this morning (Saturday) in search of tranquility after a busy work week, and a toasted everything bagel/w cc for my wife and me. Although I got there early, a very long line quickly formed after me, throwing the place into chaos.

At about this time the manager/owner loudly announced to the line, which was now out the door, "we have two people who called in today, so I hope you don't mind waiting". No one left, so I assume everyone was ok with this. I placed my order, and left a tip for the staff, as the place was clearly very short-handed.

Also I want to note for the record that since we are new to the area, each of the three times I have been there previously (usually Saturday or Sunday) the coffee which is ln a Thermos is always lukewarm at best and to me, even trying to doctor it up with milk and Equal, tastes bitter and horrible.

There were about six orders on the board ahead of me, so I sat down to wait patiently for my order to be filled. However, after about 10 minutes I noticed that three people who were behind me got their orders, and my order had not been filled yet. So I waited until I could get the manager/owner's attention, and after I did, I said "excuse me, I think my order has been lost."

You could tell the manager/owner was under stress, and she probably did not hear me, as it was very loud in there. Her first words to me were both loud and rude. "What do you want? You are going to have to get in line". I said, "I have already placed my order, and I'm looking for two toasted bagels. Three people who were behind me in line have already gotten their orders".

At this point the manager/owner went silent and just turned her back to me. By this time, I would say 15 minutes had gone by. She saw two bagels sitting on the side counter that had been toasted, but by now of course they had gone cold. Then she sort of mumbled with her back still turned to me "See? your bagels are there", and then instructed one of the other workers to just go ahead and put some cream cheese on them.

Then, she put the bagels in a bag, and turned to me, handed me the now-cold bagels, and said one word "sorry" but you could tell it was not sincere. I said very quietly to her "me too." Then she was off to the next customer. I should have just left the bagels behind, as I knew they were now cold, but I did not want to make a scene with so many hungry people in line.

So, to summarize, the bagels at Jersey Girl are very good. If you go on a Saturday morning, expect to stand in a long line, and then experience a long wait for your order, and you won't be disappointed. Expect lukewarm and bitter coffee from a half-empty Thermos, and you won't be disappointed. Then, if by some chance your order gets lost, expect a very rude manager/owner who will act like it's your fault, and you won't be disappointed. For me, I've had enough and am moving on, there are plenty of other places to go for a bagel...

When I found out Jersey girls bagels finally had gluten-free bagels. I was super excited because unfortunately, I have celiac disease and since I found that out a few years ago, I’m unable to eat bagels anymore so since I found out, I’ve been coming for the last four weeks to get one day the first two times I had to eat them cold, which I was OK with with cream cheese and whatever within the third time was there I was offered to have it wrapped and put in the oven which was the last time I was there which was last Thursday and the lady wrapped it in a foil put in the oven and tomato and use a different knife to make sure that there was an open costume contamination and I was able to have it toasted and eat it cold. Well I went in today expecting the same experience wanting that wonderful bagel it taste amazing Even though it’s gluten-free and the young lady which I did not catch her name. I told her you know, she knows me she seen me the last four times again I have a gluten allergy. I want the gluten-free bagel. Could you please wrap it up put it in the oven so you can toast it and then I want extra cream cheese. Well I get my bag and I decided to eat it there. I sit down and I eat it open it up and it’s cold was not toasted very any cream cheese and I at that point I was just angry. I walked to the girl and I asked her did you did you put this in the oven and put extra cream cheese like I asked you to and she stated yes I said well no you did not and she stated well. She asked me if I wanted to do it and at that point, I said no so if you guys are going to offer gluten-free bagels, then you need to also make sure employees do what they’re supposed to you last a very good customer. I’ve been coming in every week and I was gonna continue to. Well I came back in today and the owner was very nice and apologetic about what happened and rectified the problem. She did ask if I wanted to get a bagel made and I said no I was just coming there to go grab a few gf bagels for the day and she went ahead and paid for them which wasn’t necessary at all and then sat and talked to me for about 15 minutes and I appreciate her owning the problem with some of her staff and then trying to rectify it. I now will be coming back...

I’ve been going to Jersey Girl Bagels for years, and it’s honestly one of the most complicated relationships in my life. It’s that ex you can’t quit — you leave swearing you’re done, then wake up one day craving it again. You go back, take that first perfect bite, and immediately remember why it didn’t work out… but it’s too late. You’re hooked again.

Let’s start with the good: the bagels themselves are phenomenal. When they’re toasted properly, they’re hands-down the best in Sarasota. The flavor, the texture, the chew — pure bagel perfection. I’ve tried every other place in town, and nothing comes close when Jersey Girl gets it right.

Now for the other side of the coin: the customer service. It’s not just bad — it’s impressively bad. Like, “method acting for a Jersey diner” bad. Today I walked in, and the cashier just stared at me. No “Good morning,” no “What can I get you?” — just dead silence and a look that said, “What are you looking at?” I asked for a bagel with cream cheese, she rang it up, walked away without a word, then later dropped the bag on the counter, mumbled “Here you go,” and vanished. I thanked her and said, “Have a good day,” and she rewarded me with a glare that could melt butter.

But here’s the thing: somehow, that’s exactly what makes Jersey Girl Bagels special. It’s the full New Jersey experience — phenomenal food, zero friendliness, and a lingering sense of regret you’ll laugh about later.

If you’re the kind of person who enjoys a little emotional damage with your breakfast, this place is a masochist foodie’s dream. You’ll leave slightly bruised but completely satisfied. The bagels are that good. Terrible customer service included, no...