Latham Bagel Shop — Restaurant in Town of Colonie

Up until recently my group of friends and colleagues, many of them hardcore downstaters, would tell you that there is only one, undisputed King of Bagels in Albany: Uncommon Grounds. We scoff at Bruegger's. We turn our noses up at grocery store bagels. The struggling bakery at Whole Foods, usually a bastion of quality, caters to the vegan crowd, and metes out a very meager bread hole. Only at Uncommon Grounds could we find a "hardcore" bagel: the size, the texture, the leathery crunchy crust with the pillow-soft interior, flavorful toppings, and cream cheese that punches you in the mouth.

Until now.

Golden Krust, apparently carrying the torch under new ownership, has thrown down the gluten gauntlet and produced bagels that satisfy even the most particular of Westchester Karens. They're fresh, they crunch, the mouthfeel is right, all the things that can be found elsewhere in town to a degree. What sets them apart are the toppings themselves; as other reviewers identified, the bagels are liberally saturated in flavor sprinkles, and most importantly, on BOTH sides, the right and true way of bagelery (Uncommon Grounds has a cornmeal bottom). The other plus is the size: they're as small as they should be. Like most of the American restaurant scene, bakeries usually buy into the Texas "Bigger is Better" mindset, with out of proportion portions. I strive to include bagels within a limited calorie budget given my Dad waistline, so it's nice to get all the flavor in a modestly sized bagel.

Bagel theory aside, it's the cream cheese that really blows the mind. "Extreme" could be said about the heaps of goodies within the cream cheese, akin to Ben & Jerry's ice cream vs. a few Oreo crumbs in a shamefully labeled grocery Cookies & Cream. The jalapeño variety was absolutely crammed with pepper rings, but it's the bacon horseradish that is our family favorite as freaky people who gobble hot pickled peppers and wasabi on pretty much everything we eat. Less tangible is the texture at temp; only Philadelphia is easy to spread while cold; other local cream cheeses and grocery store off-brands, while very good, need to rest on the hot bagel for a minute to be able to spread easily. Golden Krust, however they're doing it, produces huge cream cheese that can be spread easily right out of the fridge, a small thing perhaps, unless you're having "that" morning trying to get out the door to work.

Add in the convenient location right off Rte. 9 in Latham, an appealing storefront, cozy kitchen feel, and an affable owner who will talk all things bagel, Golden Krust has stolen the crown from Uncommon Grounds when it comes to bagels in our view; God help us all if Golden Krust starts roasting coffee beans with the same zeal they approach their stand mixers: we might have to chase away...

I'm not one that writes reviews But I'm very upset on how rudely I was just treated on the phone I do not live in the area But I had an appointment In Latham so I googled Bagel shops ( I am in search of a New York style bagel The bagels I tried in the city had a more dense consistency) l bought a few bagals from Bruegger's So I was going to go in and buy a few from this place But I called 1st to make sure that they had a good variety left because it was 4:15 in the afternoon I told the lady what I was looking for and asked her if they had any specialty bagels She proceeded to tell me that they were not dense and heavy But I was going to try them anyway and she told me that they just had the regular flavors and she named off some of them So then I asked her if she had any the pumpernickel left and she said I have two I said OK and before I could say anything else she said I need to get off the phone I have customers waiting 1st off I own my own business have owned my own business for 25 years I would never treat 1 of my customers like that my customers come 1st every one of them because they're the ones that put the money in my pocket and I'm always looking to grow my business and I would have been a new customer to this Establishment had I liked their bagels and had I not been treated that way But obviously they make too much money and they don't need new customers They should take some of that money and hire more employees To take care of everyone of their customers whether they walk in off the street or they're on the phone and definitely People that have better customer service skills than the lady that I talk to on...

A Hidden Gem for Bagel Lovers—Latham Bagel Shop is a Must-Visit.

Latham Bagel Shop is a true treasure nestled in the heart of Latham, NY. As someone who’s savored bagels from all over New York, I can confidently say that this family-run business offers the best bagels outside of NYC. Every visit feels like coming home to a warm, welcoming atmosphere where quality and care are at the forefront.

Julie, the remarkable owner, runs a spotless and well-organized establishment. Her dedication to excellence shines through in every aspect of the business, from the friendly service to the mouthwatering selection of bagels and other treats. Whether you're craving a classic everything bagel with cream cheese or one of their innovative specialty options, each bite is a testament to the shop's commitment to top-notch ingredients and flawless preparation.

Beyond bagels, Latham Bagel Shop boasts a menu filled with delicious offerings that never disappoint. The sandwiches are expertly crafted, the coffee is always fresh, and the overall experience is nothing short of delightful. It’s clear that Julie and her team pour their hearts into this business, creating not just food but an experience that keeps you coming back.

If you're a bagel enthusiast—or just someone who appreciates high-quality, well-prepared food—Latham Bagel Shop is an absolute must-visit. Trust me, once you’ve tasted their bagels, you’ll be...