After a full morning of exploring Ithaca, wandering through Cornell University and chasing waters, we found ourselves a bit hungry. Collegetown Bagels and surrounding were the perfect stops. The area was quiet with school out of session, that only added to the charm. We enjoyed sitting outside and soaking in the calm summer vibes - just what we needed. CTB offers a great variety - bagels, creative sandwiches and assortment of drinks and tempting desserts. There’s definitely something for everyone here.
Jul 8 · Canh VoBAKERY PROFILE
Collegetown Bagels
★ 4.01,289 recorded reviewsUS$10–20
420 College Ave, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
Directory information can change. Confirm current hours, prices, products, dietary needs, and custom-order requirements directly with the bakery.
PLAN THE VISIT
Essential details
- Address
- 420 College Ave, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
- Phone
- (607) 273-0982
- Website
- Visit official site
- Rating signal
- 4.0 from 1,289 recorded reviews
HOURS
Listed operating hours
- Monday6:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday6:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday6:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday6:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday6:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday6:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday6:30 AM – 10:00 PM
About and visit notes
In the vibrant and bustling neighborhood of Collegetown in Ithaca, New York, intimately connected to the renowned Cornell University, stands a local institution that has become a staple for countless residents and visitors: Collegetown Bagels on College Avenue. More than just a simple bagel shop, this location serves as a lively hub, offering an impressive array of bagels, creative sandwiches, and an assortment of drinks and tempting desserts. For New Yorkers in the Finger Lakes region, particularly those in and around the academic heart of Ithaca, this Collegetown Bagels branch provides a dynamic and diverse culinary experience.
Collegetown Bagels at 420 College Ave is a place where variety truly shines. It caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences, ensuring that there’s "definitely something for everyone here." Whether you're a student grabbing a quick bite between classes, a local resident enjoying a leisurely morning, or a visitor exploring the unique charm of Ithaca, this spot offers a welcoming atmosphere. Its ability to draw a consistent crowd, even during non-peak academic seasons, speaks to its enduring appeal and quality offerings.
While some experiences may vary, particularly concerning service speed or individual interactions, the overall consensus points to Collegetown Bagels as a reliable choice for a hearty meal or a delightful treat. The charm of its outdoor seating, especially during quieter times, adds to its allure, making it a perfect spot to soak in the local ambiance. It’s a testament to the diverse and engaging food scene that thrives within Ithaca.
---Location and Accessibility
Collegetown Bagels is conveniently situated at 420 College Ave, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA. This address places it squarely in the heart of Collegetown, the lively commercial and residential district directly adjacent to Cornell University. This location is one of the most vibrant and accessible areas in Ithaca, known for its student-centric atmosphere and a mix of shops, eateries, and academic buildings.
College Avenue itself is a central artery within Collegetown, making the bagel shop highly visible and easy to find for anyone navigating the area. For students and faculty of Cornell University, it's typically within comfortable walking distance from dorms, academic buildings, and campus facilities. For other residents of Ithaca, the location is well-served by local public transportation, and while street parking in Collegetown can sometimes be competitive, various parking garages and lots are usually available within a short walk. The option for outdoor seating further enhances its appeal, especially during pleasant weather, allowing patrons to enjoy their meals while soaking in the local College Avenue vibe.
The strategic placement of Collegetown Bagels on College Avenue ensures it remains a prime destination for a wide demographic, from those exploring Ithaca's famous gorges and university grounds to those simply looking for a convenient and delicious meal in a lively urban setting.
---Services Offered
Collegetown Bagels on College Avenue offers an expansive menu that extends far beyond traditional bagel shop fare, positioning itself as a comprehensive cafe and eatery. Their diverse offerings cater to breakfast, lunch, and snack needs throughout the day. Here’s a detailed look at their services:
- Wide Variety of Bagels: As their name implies, bagels are a core offering. They provide numerous bagel varieties (e.g., Plain, Poppy, Sesame, Rosemary Salt, Long Island Everything, Whole Wheat Everything, Za'atar Sesame, Spicy Italian, Cinnamon Raisin, Granola, Honey Wheat, Salt). All bagels except the honey one are vegan.
- Creative Sandwiches: Customers highlight their "creative sandwiches" as a major draw. These range from classic breakfast sandwiches with eggs and various meats (bacon, sausage, chicken sausage, pastrami, roast beef) to more elaborate lunch options like the "Zabs" (turkey, avocado, chipotle aioli on ciabatta), "Frickin' Chicken" (pesto chicken, asiago, mushrooms on focaccia), "Renwick Reuben," and many more. They also offer a "Build Your Own Sandwich" option.
- Extensive Cream Cheese and Spreads: A vast selection of cream cheese flavors is available, including Plain, Chive, Scallion, Parsley Garlic, Green Olive, Cinnamon Raisin, Honey Walnut, Jalapeño, Veggie, Bacon Scallion, and Nova. Other spreads like various hummuses and a Raspberry Jalapeño Jam are also offered.
- Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Collegetown Bagels is very accommodating to dietary preferences, offering a wide array of clearly labeled vegetarian and vegan options. This includes vegan bagels, vegan cream cheese (e.g., tofu cream cheese), vegan chicken salad, seitan sandwiches, Beyond Egg and Beyond Sausage options, and vegan soups, salads, and baked goods.
- Salads and Bowls: They offer a range of fresh salads (e.g., Chicken Caesar, Greek, Strawberry Fields, Vegan Caesar) and warm grain bowls (e.g., Bahn Voyage with chicken or tofu, Brain Power, Brekky Bowl, Jerk-Island Vibes) providing healthier and substantial meal choices.
- Soups: Daily soup selections are available, typically starting from mid-morning, with at least one vegan soup option often featured.
- Coffee, Tea & Beverages: A full range of cafe beverages including coffee, espresso drinks, various teas, and smoothies are offered. Seasonal specialties like the "seasonal cookie butter chai latte" are also available.
- Desserts and Baked Goods: Beyond bagels, they offer a tempting assortment of other baked goods and desserts, appealing to those with a sweet tooth.
- Outdoor Seating: The location provides outdoor seating, allowing customers to enjoy their meals al fresco, which enhances the dining experience, especially during pleasant weather.
Features / Highlights
Collegetown Bagels on College Avenue possesses several distinctive features and highlights that contribute to its popularity and standing in the Ithaca community. These aspects create a unique and appealing experience for its patrons:
- Expansive and Creative Menu: A key highlight is the sheer breadth and creativity of their menu. It goes far beyond standard bagel shop fare, offering innovative sandwich combinations, diverse salad and bowl options, and a wide array of bagels and cream cheeses. This extensive selection ensures that repeat visits always offer something new to try.
- Abundant Vegetarian and Vegan Choices: For a community like Ithaca, which has a strong focus on conscious eating, the explicitly labeled and numerous vegetarian and vegan options are a significant draw. From vegan bagels and cream cheeses to plant-based proteins in sandwiches and salads, they cater comprehensively to these dietary needs.
- Vibrant College Town Atmosphere: The location itself contributes to the experience. When school is in session, it's bustling with student life, and even "with school out of session," it maintains a "quiet" and charming "calm summer vibe," making it adaptable to different times of the year and preferences.
- Outdoor Seating: The availability of "outdoor sitting" is a major plus, allowing customers to enjoy the fresh air and the "good location vibe," which is particularly appreciated during pleasant weather.
- Community Hub: As an "icon and community space," Collegetown Bagels serves as more than just an eatery; it's a meeting point, a place for study breaks, and an integral part of the Cornell and Ithaca culture.
- Freshly Prepared Ingredients: While one review noted that "the taste of sandwiches were pretty average," the general sentiment and the variety of fresh ingredients available suggest a commitment to using good quality components.
- "Something for Everyone": This frequently echoed sentiment highlights the inclusivity of their menu, making it suitable for groups with diverse preferences.
While some customers have noted occasional issues with slow service or staff demeanor, the overall positive feedback on menu variety, quality of options, and the general ambiance remains strong, making these points notable highlights.
---Contact Information
To experience the wide array of offerings at Collegetown Bagels on College Avenue, or for any inquiries, you can use the following contact details:
Address: 420 College Ave, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
Phone: (607) 273-0982
---Conclusion: Why Collegetown Bagels (College Ave) is Suitable for Locals
For residents of Ithaca, particularly those living in or frequently visiting Collegetown and the Cornell University campus, Collegetown Bagels at 420 College Avenue is exceptionally suitable and a true local asset. Its multifaceted appeal caters directly to the lifestyle and preferences of the community.
Firstly, the "great variety" of meal choices is a significant draw. Locals appreciate having a single establishment where they can find an extensive selection of bagels, creative sandwiches, enticing desserts, and a wide range of beverages. This eliminates the need to visit multiple places for different cravings, making it a convenient one-stop shop for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack. The inclusion of numerous and clearly labeled vegetarian and vegan options further solidifies its local appeal, aligning with Ithaca's progressive and health-conscious ethos, ensuring that diverse dietary needs are well met.
Secondly, the vibrant atmosphere and outdoor seating options contribute significantly to its suitability. Whether it's the bustling energy during the academic year or the "calm summer vibes" when school is out, the location provides a comfortable and engaging environment for dining, socializing, or even studying. For locals, having a pleasant spot to sit outside and enjoy a meal in the heart of Collegetown is a cherished amenity, enhancing their daily routine.
While some reviews mention occasional issues with slow service or individual staff interactions, the overall consistent popularity and the core strength of its diverse menu maintain its standing as a favored local spot. The ability to find "something for everyone here" makes it an ideal choice for friends, families, and colleagues with varying tastes, simplifying meal decisions and fostering a sense of community gathering.
In essence, Collegetown Bagels on College Avenue is more than just a place to eat; it's a reflection of Ithaca's dynamic spirit. It offers convenience, variety, and an appealing atmosphere that resonates deeply with the needs and values of its local patrons, solidifying its role as an indispensable part of the Collegetown experience.
VISIT FEATURES
Services and accessibility
These attributes come from the directory record and should be confirmed when essential.
Service options
- Delivery
- In-store pick-up
- In-store shopping
- On-site services
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
- Coffee
Dining options
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Toilet
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Planning
- Quick visit
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Paid street parking
PHOTOS
See the bakery
VISITOR FEEDBACK
Reviews and recurring themes
Read individual comments as personal experiences, not verified guarantees.
students 23beer 23patio 16bar 11rosemary 10college town 9soup 9baked goods 9staple 5sunrise 5
A lot of options and the ingredients seem pretty good. The taste of sandwiches were pretty average though. The guy at the counter seemed grumpy as well, which isn't the best interaction to start off your day in the morning. The delivery of our food was extremely slow even though we did not have people in front of us. Good location vibe and outdoor sitting.
Jul 6 · Woo Young KimMy friend and I ordered each a coffee. I ordered 6 Mile CreeK and Americano.Staff friendly. Recommend
Jul 16 · Tatar P.Ordered a cappuccino which was completely flat with a thin layer of foam on top (as opposed to properly frothed/steamed). It was also scalding hot (AKA over-steamed) and I burned myself trying to drink it. Got a nova lox bagel ($13) and came out to be $17 after subbing for allergens, making one addition, and tax.The additional fees for subs seems excessive and borderline exploitive to people who require these accommodations to eat, especially when the sub ingredients are likely basement price/quality (basing this off the tofutti cream cheese, which is terrible), and in consideration to the fact these are NOT additions, but substitutions.I would say overall maybe try to incorporate allergy friendly ingredients without overpricing for them and train employees to actuallymake a drink properly so people are gettingwhat they pay for instead of a hotmess (literally). I will say in light of this, the guy who helped me order my food was very easy to talk to and helpful, though he didn’t mention the additional fees for subs.
Nov 14 · zelFood was okay. The sandwich was generic, we weren’t even done ordering before it was put through. I didn’t even get to say what bagel I wanted on the sandwich. She basically just wanted to rush us out. I ended up with a plain bagel, which wasn’t bad but not what I wanted. The place looks good. It’s clean and has condiments available for everyone. The “FreshFruitLemonade” was middle of the road. Wasn’t that sour or sweet. Overall 3 stars. Not from the area and don’t plan on coming back anytime soon. Maybe next year we will try again.
May 5 · Exoh TutorialsNEARBY ALTERNATIVES
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