Gotham Bagels has a really nice atmosphere and the food itself is genuinely tasty, which makes this review a bit tough, but unfortunately, our overall experience just didn’t live up to expectations. We went on a Saturday, so I expected a bit of a wait, but we ended up waiting about an hour for just three bagels, which felt excessive. Still, I was willing to overlook that until we got home and found that all three bagels were made on the wrong kind of bread. We had ordered two on everything bagels and one on garlic, but received what looked like whole wheat or something similar definitely not what we asked for. What really brought the experience down was the lack of communication; if they were out of the bagels we ordered, a quick heads-up would’ve gone a long way. Instead, we were left confused and a bit underwhelmed. Great flavor, but the poor service and incorrect order made it hard to justify more than two stars.
Jul 19 · Marco Estrada-GomezGotham Bagels
112 E Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
Directory information can change. Confirm current hours, prices, products, dietary needs, and custom-order requirements directly with the bakery.
Essential details
- Address
- 112 E Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
- Phone
- (608) 467-7642
- Website
- Visit official site
- Rating signal
- 4.0 from 885 recorded reviews
Listed operating hours
- MondayClosed
- Tuesday8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Wednesday8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Thursday8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Friday8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Saturday8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Sunday8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
About and visit notes
Introduction / Overview
For many Wisconsinites, finding an authentic New York-style bagel can be a quest that ends in disappointment. However, in the heart of downtown Madison, Gotham Bagels at 112 E Mifflin St has been serving as the local answer to that craving for over two decades. Founded by a New Yorker who lamented the lack of traditional, high-quality bagels in the Midwest, this shop has dedicated itself to the time-honored process: mixing the ingredients in-house, rolling each bagel
by hand
,kettle-boiling
them, and then baking them in a rotating deck oven. This commitment to traditional methods is what Gotham Bagels believes makes them the best in the Midwest.Gotham Bagels is more than just a bagel shop; it’s a full-service culinary destination, also operating as a
Bakery
, aBreakfast restaurant
, aFast food restaurant
, and a specializedSandwich shop
. The menu reflects this diversity, featuring everything from a simpleSingle Bagel ($1.25)
to elaborate, New York-inspired sandwich creations with memorable names likeThe Moltisanti ($10.00)
andThe Bronx Bomber ($9.95)
. They also carry classic Jewish-American deli and bakery items, includingTraditional Matzo Ball Soup ($6.75)
,Juniors Famous New York Cheese Cake ($4.95)
, and freshCinnamon Babka ($12.00)
. This broad offering ensures that whether you’re rushing to the Capitol Square or settling in for a hearty morning meal, Gotham Bagels has a quality option ready. The business is also a source of local pride, identifying as bothveteran-owned
andwomen-owned
, underscoring its deep ties to the Madison community.While the overwhelming feedback praises the
Great flavor
andgenuinely tasty
food, potential patrons should be aware of a persistent challenge noted in customer experiences: service speed and consistency. Reviewers, including one former New Yorker, found the serviceremarkably slow
and noted instances of incorrect orders, such as getting the wrong bagel bread or having an ingredient like lox/salmon hidden under toppings. The owner’s public persona is also part of the shop's identity, often mentioned in reviews as being part of an intentional "New York attitude." Despite these service challenges, the quality and authenticity of the hand-rolled product remain the central draw, prompting customers to overlook the wait for the taste.Location and Accessibility
Gotham Bagels is centrally and conveniently located at 112 E Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703, USA, placing it just steps away from the Wisconsin State Capitol and Madison’s bustling downtown district. This prime location makes it an ideal spot for locals working or living in the 53703 zip code, as well as visitors exploring the area.
Given its downtown location, the shop provides various accessibility and parking options relevant to the urban setting. Parking is available through both
Paid parking garage
andPaid street parking
, which is typical for the Capitol Square area. For those with accessibility needs, the business facilitates easy access by providing aWheelchair accessible entrance
and pointing customers towards accessible spots, such as the nearby City of Madison parking garages which offer designatedWheelchair accessible parking lot
spaces. This commitment to physical accessibility ensures that all community members can easily access the dining and takeout services. Furthermore, for those who prefer not to navigate downtown traffic, a variety of service options includingDelivery
andIn-store pickup
are offered to make acquiring your favorite bagel or sandwich as convenient as possible.Services Offered
Gotham Bagels provides a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the needs of the fast-paced downtown Madison clientele, covering various dining and convenience preferences.
- Dine-in (Breakfast and Lunch Dining Options)
- Takeout and In-store pickup
- Delivery
- Full Catering Services (Various platter options available)
Customers can choose to enjoy their meal in the shop with the available
Dine-in
option, which is suitable for bothBreakfast
and lunch, or they can opt for quick service viaTakeout
. For peak convenience, Gotham Bagels offersDelivery
to bring their famous New York-style creations directly to homes or offices throughout the Madison area. Beyond individual meals, the establishment also specializes inCatering
for events, offering large platters like theRiverside Park Platter ($70.00)
and theBrighton Beach Platter ($90.00)
, which are perfect for local business meetings or family gatherings. Additionally, the store offers essentials likeCoffee
and various spreads and sides for bulk purchase, including8 oz. Container of Specialty Cream Cheese ($5.95)
andTraditional Matzo Ball Soup ($6.75)
by the quart or pint. The business also accommodates a diverse clientele, identifying asLGBTQ+ friendly
.Features / Highlights
The appeal of Gotham Bagels is built on its commitment to authenticity, its diverse menu, and its unique business identity, making it a distinctive feature of the Madison food scene.
- Authentic Hand-Rolled, Kettle-Boiled New York-Style Bagels
- Veteran-Owned and Women-Owned Business Status
- Extensive, Creative Deli Sandwiches (e.g., The 'G', The O.M.F.G., The Bronx Bomber)
- Wide Range of Classic Jewish-American Deli and Bakery Items (e.g., Lox, Potato Latkes, Babka)
- High-Convenience Service Options (Delivery, Dine-in, Takeout, Catering)
- Accessibility and Payment Ease (Wheelchair accessible, Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments)
The undisputed centerpiece of Gotham Bagels is the authentic New York bagel, created using traditional methods that many New Yorkers find appealing. Beyond the bagels themselves, the diverse and often inventive
Sandwiches
, like theThe Williamsburg (Piled High Pastrami)
and the vegan optionThe Original 'V'
, offer compelling lunch choices. The availability of traditional items such asPotato Latke ($11.00)
andJuniors Famous New York Cheese Cake
provides a true taste of a classic deli experience rarely found in Wisconsin. As aveteran-owned
andwomen-owned
local business, Gotham Bagels holds a special place in the community. The acceptance of all majorCredit cards
,Debit cards
, andNFC mobile payments
, coupled with theWheelchair accessible entrance
, ensures transactions and access are convenient for everyone.Contact Information
For Madison residents and visitors looking to satisfy their craving for an authentic New York bagel or to inquire about catering, please use the following contact details:
Address: 112 E Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
Phone: (608) 467-7642
Mobile Phone: +1 608-467-7642
What is worth choosing
Gotham Bagels is worth choosing for any Wisconsin patron who values authentic, high-quality, hand-rolled bagels and a robust, creative deli menu, even if it comes with a known wait time. The commitment to New York tradition—from the kettle-boiling process to the offerings like Matzo Ball Soup and Babka—is unmatched in the area. For a local seeking a bagel that is genuinely tasty and flavorful, the food quality itself is consistently rated high. The extensive sandwich menu provides excellent options for any meal, from a simple
Bacon, Egg & Cheddar ($6.75)
for breakfast to the substantialJewish Girl ($13.50)
for lunch.Furthermore, by choosing Gotham Bagels, customers are actively supporting a
veteran-owned
andwomen-owned
business that is deeply invested in the Madison community. The array of convenient services, includingDelivery
, easy payment options, and fullCatering
for large orders, makes them a practical choice for both individuals and businesses. While service issues have been noted, the superior quality and authentic taste of the product make the occasional wait a worthwhile trade-off for the discerning bagel consumer in Wisconsin. It truly offers a little piece of the 'Big Apple' right in the heart of the Badger State.Services and accessibility
These attributes come from the directory record and should be confirmed when essential.
From the business
- Identifies as veteran-owned
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Delivery
- In-store pickup
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Coffee
Dining options
- Breakfast
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
See the bakery
Reviews and recurring themes
Read individual comments as personal experiences, not verified guarantees.
I fully admit, as a former NYer, I can be a bagel snob. The bagels here are ok. Not great, but not bad. The service is remarkably slow. I’ve been here a few times and I’m not quite sure why it takes so long to get a bagel. In NYC, there could be a line out the door and you’d probably get your bagel faster than here. But the worst part was that on a recent trip, I got a bagel that was supposed to have tomato and bacon and found out a few bites into it, that it had lox/salmon (it was under the tomatoes, and blended in, so I missed it at first). Which might not be a big deal to some folks, but I don’t eat salmon. Such a bummer to get home only to find that your $9.00 bagel is now a waste.I know accidents happen, which is why I gave a 3 instead of a 1 for food/service, but it was disappointing nonetheless.
Aug 29 · Chris ClarkeI know there’s some shade on here about the owner and wait times, I’m here to clear some of that up. The New York style bagels are amazing and made fresh, with that it’s going to take longer than a fast food place, you get what you pay for. Go in or order ahead, have some coffee and relax. The owner, he’s passionate about his business and the food he puts out. He’s east coast so yeah, he might be a little louder than your typical midwesterner, you’ll be fine. Highly recommend
Nov 25 · Brian RossGo classic or go home. Got a bacon egg and cheese everything bagel sandwich and it was not bad. Nice thick cut bacon, cheese was real and tasty, and the bagel was not too chewy. The coffee was local JBC roasters and flavorful as usual (even JBCs light roast is bold). The long wait times unfortunately are the reason I cannot give this place a higher rating, also no washroom. Don’t know what the heck takes so long to get a classic bagel sandwich, but if anyone can enlighten me, please do so!
Jan 14 · 道林老师For the last year and a half Gotham Bagels has been our go to bagel shop. The perfect breakfast after the Farmer's Market on a Saturday morning. We found this place through a catering event and absolutely fell in love with the flavors.Have a sweet tooth? Definitely try the Honey Tart Cherry. You can never go wrong with a Salt bagel (if they're in stock). Is the weekend packed? Yes. Is it worth the wait? Depends who you ask. If you're not pressured with time and come with your favorite person then you probably won't notice the wait.We've met Joe once and he was okay. But we are here for the bagels not Joe. You won't know until you try them but whether it's worth the wait that's up to you. It is for us ❤️.
May 29 · Diana Morales MijaresCompare another bakery nearby
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2839 Fish Hatchery Rd Suite 1, Fitchburg, WI 53713, USA
This page combines directory records, available business details, submitted photos, and visitor feedback. Information may be incomplete or change without notice. For corrections, contact server@heavenlydelightsbakery.com.