The Absolute Best Bagels in Athens [Updated 2025]

Having tried and tested a whopping 12 bagel joints in Athens, I am confident in my ability to guide you to the crème de la crème of bagels in this charming Georgia city. From New York style to unique artisanal flavors, there is no shortage of options for bagel enthusiasts like myself.

Athens truly offers a bagel experience like no other, and I have scoured every nook and cranny to bring you the most authentic and delectable offerings. So sit back, relax, and let me take you on a journey through the absolute best bagels Athens has to offer!

Jittery Joe's Coffee

Highlights
Variety of coffee
Amazing staff
Great muffins
Excellent customer service
Yummy white chocolate peppermint mocha

Let's be real for a second. Coffee and bagels are like a match made in heaven. So when I heard that Jittery Joe's Coffee had a reputation for serving up some stellar bagels along with their variety of coffee options, I had to see if the rave reviews were true.

Upon entering the cozy café, I was greeted by the amazing staff who were more than happy to help me navigate their menu. A quick glance at the display case revealed an array of tempting treats, including some seemingly great muffins that made me momentarily forget about the bagels.

But my mission was clear: focus on the bagels. And boy, was I glad I did. The bagels at Jittery Joe's were fresh, chewy, and oh-so-satisfying. From plain to everything, they had a variety of flavors to choose from. The toppings were perfectly balanced, enhancing the overall taste without overpowering the bagel itself.

What made my experience even better was the excellent customer service. The staff went above and beyond to ensure that I had a delightful visit. They were knowledgeable about their offerings and made helpful suggestions based on my preferences.

Although I'm primarily a coffee aficionado, I couldn't resist trying one of their signature beverages. The yummy white chocolate peppermint mocha was like a festive winter wonderland in a cup. It perfectly complemented my bagel and added a touch of sweetness to my visit.

After my visit to Jittery Joe's Coffee, it's safe to say that they have earned their spot in Athens' best bagels club. The combination of their warm and welcoming atmosphere, delightful bagel selection, and fantastic coffee options make it a must-visit for bagel enthusiasts. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

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Big City Bread Cafe

Highlights
Quick service
Amazing French Toast
Delicious food
Beautiful dining area
Great atmosphere

Walking into Big City Bread Cafe was like entering a cozy haven of bagel goodness. The first thing that struck me was the quick service. The staff was friendly, attentive, and efficient, making sure that my bagel fix was promptly satisfied.

Now, let's talk about their bagels. While the establishment is known for their amazing French Toast, their bagels did not disappoint. Each bite was an explosion of flavor. Whether you prefer a classic plain bagel or something more adventurous like an everything bagel, they have a wide variety to choose from. The dough was perfectly chewy, with a delicious depth of flavor that left my taste buds dancing with joy.

One thing that really impressed me about Big City Bread Cafe was their attention to detail. The beautiful dining area provided a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a leisurely brunch. The walls adorned with local art added a touch of personality to the space, creating a unique and genuine experience.

In conclusion, if you're on the hunt for the best bagels in Athens, look no further than Big City Bread Cafe. Their combination of quick service, delicious food, beautiful dining area, and great atmosphere truly make them stand out from the competition. So, grab a friend, head over there, and indulge in the magical world of bagels that awaits you.

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Jittery Joe's Coffee - Alps Village

Highlights
Excellent coffee
Perfect brew
Best hot chocolate
Friendly staff
Amazing latte

From the moment I walked in, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, instantly putting a smile on my face. The excellent coffee at Jittery Joe's Coffee - Alps Village truly lives up to its reputation. Every sip was a delight, as the baristas consistently delivered the perfect brew.

But let's not forget about the bagels! While Jittery Joe's is primarily known for its coffee, I was pleasantly surprised by their selection of delectable bagels. The moment I took a bite, I knew I had found a hidden gem. The bagels were freshly baked, with a perfect combination of chewiness and crispness. Whether I opted for a plain bagel or one with an assortment of toppings, each bite was a flavor explosion.

The staff at Jittery Joe's Coffee - Alps Village were incredibly friendly and welcoming. They greeted me with a smile and took the time to answer any questions I had about their amazing latte options. It's always a pleasure to be served by people who are passionate about their craft.

While the bagels stole the show for me, I must mention their best hot chocolate, which was incredibly rich and velvety. It was the perfect indulgence on a chilly morning.

In conclusion, Jittery Joe's Coffee - Alps Village is an absolute must-visit for coffee lovers looking to pair their beverage with a fantastic bagel. The combination of excellent coffee, friendly staff, and mouthwatering bagels make this place a hidden gem in Athens. I can't wait to return and try more of their delicious offerings.

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Jittery Joe's Coffee - Downtown

As I strolled into Jittery Joe's Coffee - Downtown in Athens, I was instantly captivated by the aromatic embrace of freshly brewed coffee. But it was their bagels that truly stole the show. Crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these divine circles of perfection danced on my taste buds, leaving me in a state of sheer bagel bliss. Whether smeared with cream cheese or paired with a schmear of artisanal jam, each bite delivered a symphony of flavors that left me longing for more. Jittery Joe's Coffee - Downtown is a bagel haven waiting to be discovered by bagel connoisseurs like myself. So, grab a cup of their rich coffee and prepare for a bagel experience that will leave you jittery with joy.

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Jittery Joe's Coffee - Eastside

As I entered Jittery Joe's Coffee - Eastside in Athens, a warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeted me. I glanced at the menu, searching for the perfect bagel to pair with my drink. Their wide selection didn't disappoint. After thoughtful contemplation, I settled on a classic everything bagel with a generous spread of creamy chive cream cheese. The first bite transported me to bagel heaven. The outer crust had a satisfying crunch, while the soft interior was delightfully chewy. The blend of flavors from the everything seasoning was perfectly balanced, adding a hint of savory to every bite. The chive cream cheese was rich and velvety, complementing the bagel's texture and enhancing its taste. The friendly staff and cozy ambiance only added to the overall experience. Whether you're a bagel aficionado or a coffee lover looking for a tasty breakfast option, Jittery Joe's Coffee - Eastside should be at the top of your list. It's a bagel haven that will leave you craving for more.

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Jittery Joe's Coffee - Five Points

Jittery Joe's Coffee - Five Points holds a special place in my heart as it combines my two favorite things: coffee and bagels. Their bagels are irresistibly soft and chewy, making every bite a little slice of heaven. With a variety of flavors to choose from, there's something for everyone. And the best part? They pair perfectly with a steaming cup of Jittery Joe's coffee. Can I get an amen? It's worth every penny, so don't hesitate to swing by this delightful spot for a bagel experience you won't forget!

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Ideal Bagel Co

I must say, Ideal Bagel Co lives up to its name! Their bagels are perfectly chewy on the inside and deliciously crisp on the outside. The variety of flavors is mind-boggling, and the friendly staff make the whole experience extra enjoyable. Definitely a must-visit spot for bagel lovers in Athens!

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Einstein Bros. Bagels

I have to say, my taste buds were taken on a delightful adventure at Einstein Bros. Bagels in Athens. From the moment I walked in, the aroma of freshly baked bagels filled the air, making it impossible to resist their allure. With a stunning array of flavors, from classics like everything and cinnamon raisin to creative options like jalapeno cheddar and sundried tomato, there was something to satisfy every craving. The bagels themselves were a dream: crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. To add some pizzazz to my breakfast, I topped my bagel with their scrumptious smoked salmon and cream cheese. Talk about a match made in bagel heaven! The service was exceptional, with the staff offering warm smiles and helpful suggestions. Overall, Einstein Bros. Bagels is a must-visit for bagel enthusiasts in Athens. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

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Athens Bagel Company

Athens Bagel Company in Athens is a dreamy paradise for bagel enthusiasts. From the first bite to the last crumb, their bagels are a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. The staff is friendly as can be, making this a must-visit spot for bagel connoisseurs. Get ready for a bagel experience that will have you saying "oopa!" in delight.

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Dunkin'

Calling it a bagel would be an insult to bagels everywhere. Dunkin' should stick to their donuts because their bagels are a sad excuse for the real deal. Unimpressed with the taste and texture, I'll be searching for a better breakfast option elsewhere in Athens.

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Panera Bread

Panera Bread in Athens was a delightful surprise! Their bagels were fresh and flavorful, with a perfectly chewy texture. I was particularly impressed with their wide range of creative flavors. The staff was friendly and efficient, making for an overall excellent bagel experience. Highly recommended for bagel lovers in Athens!

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Jittery Joe's Coffee - UGA Miller Learning Center

Jittery Joe's Coffee - UGA Miller Learning Center in Athens is a bagel gem! The perfectly crispy yet chewy bagels are a delight. The variety of flavors, from savory to sweet, will satisfy any bagel lover's cravings. The friendly staff and cozy atmosphere make it the perfect spot for bagel aficionados. Don't miss out on this bagel haven!

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