Willow's Bagels

Hello, Vermont locals! If you're "in love with" finding a breakfast spot that truly hits the mark, especially one offering fantastic options for diverse dietary preferences, then you absolutely need to discover Willow's Bagels in Burlington. This isn't just another bagel shop; it's a vibrant hub where authentic, soft, and chewy bagels are crafted daily, and where creativity in sandwich building, especially for vegans, truly shines. For residents of Burlington and beyond, Willow's Bagels offers a refreshing and consistently delicious experience that keeps customers coming back, often daily!

Willow's Bagels has quickly become a beloved fixture in the Burlington culinary scene, earning a reputation for the "quality of bagel" that many Vermont residents seek. Customers consistently praise the texture and flavor, describing the bagels as "nice" and "soft," with "coordination of ingredients" in their sandwiches that "couldn't be better." This commitment to the core product—a truly great bagel—is what makes Willow's stand out. They aim for a "Burlington-style bagel," which is described as a delightful balance, somewhere between the puffy chewiness of New York bagels and the denser, slightly sweet profile of Montréal bagels.

What truly sets Willow's Bagels apart, beyond their exceptional bagels, is their remarkable dedication to inclusivity and customer satisfaction. They offer an impressive array of "awesome vegan breakfast options," making it a paradise for plant-based eaters who often struggle to find diverse and delicious choices at bagel shops. The ability for customers to have "a lot of fun creating new sandwiches every day" speaks to the flexibility and variety available on their menu. Coupled with friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere, whether you choose to eat inside or enjoy the outdoor picnic tables, Willow's Bagels provides a truly fulfilling breakfast or lunch experience for everyone in Vermont.

Willow's Bagels is conveniently located at 71 S Union St, Burlington, VT 05401, USA. This places it in downtown Burlington, a vibrant and easily accessible part of the city. A notable landmark for finding them is their location "behind City Market," making them a familiar and simple destination for many local residents.

The accessibility of Willow's Bagels on South Union Street is a significant advantage for Vermont locals. Downtown Burlington is well-connected and a central hub for activity, ensuring that whether you're coming from the waterfront, the University of Vermont, or surrounding towns like Winooski, Colchester, or South Burlington, reaching the bagel shop is straightforward. The availability of "parking in our shared lot" further enhances convenience, allowing customers to easily stop in for a quick pick-up or to enjoy their meal on-site.

For Burlington residents, the location behind City Market means it's often a convenient stop during daily errands. The area itself is dynamic, with other local businesses, adding to the appeal of visiting. Even for those a bit further afield in Vermont, the journey to downtown Burlington for Willow's Bagels is often considered well worth the effort, especially for those seeking high-quality, authentic, and diet-inclusive breakfast and lunch options.

Willow's Bagels offers a diverse and accommodating menu, focusing on freshly made bagels and creative sandwich combinations, with a strong emphasis on vegan options. Here’s a detailed look at their services and products:

• Handmade Bagels: Daily boiled and baked bagels with flavors including plain, sesame, everything, garlic, poppy, salt, and rotating seasonal flavors like roasted red pepper asiago, cinnamon raisin (contains honey, but otherwise vegan), jalapeño cheddar chive, and butternut squash. Vegan bagel options are clearly marked.
• Breakfast Sandwiches: A wide variety of breakfast sandwiches, including classic Egg and Cheese, Meat, Egg & Cheese, and unique creations like the "Spike Bagel" and "Bolt Sandwich" (often specials). Many options can be customized with vegan alternatives.
• Vegan Breakfast Options: They are highly praised for their extensive vegan offerings, including Impossible sausage, Morning Star sausage, Violife cheese, and vegan egg. They also offer a vegan carrot lox sandwich and various vegan pastries.
• Create Your Own Deli Sandwich: This highly popular option allows customers to choose from different types of bagels or house-made bread, with an array of vegan toppings like vegan cheese, vegan sausage, avocado, and hash browns.
• Spreads: A selection of spreads, including various cream cheeses (with vegan options), house-made peanut butter, house-made hummus, jam, and butter.
• Baked Goods: Beyond bagels, they offer a range of baked goods like soft pretzels (vegan), strawberry pop tarts (vegan), GF carrot cake muffins, blueberry muffins (vegan), raspberry lemon thyme muffins (vegan), cinnamon buns (dairy + vegan options), blueberry breakfast bars (gluten-free/vegan), and chocolate chunk cookies (vegan).
• Coffee and Beverages: A selection of coffee, including vegan hot chocolate with plant milk options, ensuring comprehensive beverage choices.
• Gluten-Free Options: While they offer gluten-free bread for sandwiches, note that they do not offer gluten-free bagels themselves and have faced supply chain issues with gluten-free bagels.
• Bulk Bagels: Available for purchase in half-dozens and dozens, including frozen, house-made GF bagels when in stock.
• Online Ordering: Customers can easily order ahead online for convenient pickup, which helps manage busy periods.

Willow's Bagels boasts several impressive features that contribute to its popularity and strong local appeal:

• Exceptional Bagel Quality: Consistently praised for their "nice," "soft," and chewy texture, along with perfectly coordinated ingredients in their sandwiches. They offer a unique "Burlington-style bagel" that balances New York and Montreal characteristics.
• Extensive Vegan Options: A major highlight is their "awesome vegan breakfast options," including vegan eggs, cheese, sausage, and a unique carrot lox, making them a top choice for plant-based diners.
• Creative Menu & Specials: The ability to "create new sandwiches every day" and the presence of innovative specials like the "Bolt sandwich" showcase their culinary creativity.
• Friendly and Welcoming Staff: Customers consistently describe the staff as positive and helpful, contributing to a pleasant experience even during busy times.
• Outdoor Seating: The availability of "picnic tables" for outdoor eating enhances the dining experience, especially during pleasant weather.
• Convenient Downtown Location: Situated behind City Market on S Union St, it's easily accessible with shared parking available, making it a convenient stop for locals.
• "Hit the Spot" Satisfaction: Multiple reviews mention the food "hit the spot," indicating a high level of customer satisfaction with their flavorful and well-prepared items.
• Commitment to Authenticity: Their approach to bagel-making, aiming for a distinct Burlington style, reflects a dedication to quality and craftsmanship.

For Vermont locals eager to experience the delightful bagels and unique offerings at Willow's Bagels, here's their contact information:

Address: 71 S Union St, Burlington, VT 05401, USA

Phone: (802) 540-6884

Willow's Bagels is an exceptionally suitable destination for Vermont locals, particularly those in Burlington and surrounding communities, for a myriad of compelling reasons. Firstly, their commitment to producing a truly high-quality bagel, balancing the best attributes of various bagel styles, makes them a standout choice for anyone seeking authentic and delicious bagels. The consistent praise for their texture and flavor ensures that locals can rely on Willow's for a satisfying and superior bagel experience every time.

Secondly, and perhaps most notably for a broad segment of the Vermont population, Willow's Bagels offers an incredibly extensive and creative array of vegan breakfast and sandwich options. This dedication to catering to plant-based diets, with a variety of delicious meat and cheese alternatives, sets them apart and makes them a highly inclusive and appealing spot for a significant portion of the community who often struggle to find such diverse choices.

Furthermore, the friendly staff, convenient downtown Burlington location with parking, and inviting outdoor seating options all contribute to a positive and enjoyable visit. It's a place where locals can easily stop for a quick, high-quality breakfast, or take their time to create a custom sandwich tailored to their exact preferences. For Vermont residents seeking not just a bagel, but a full, satisfying, and conscientiously prepared meal from a welcoming local establishment, Willow's Bagels is undoubtedly a beloved and highly recommended gem.

Willow's Bagels

71 S Union St, Burlington, VT 05401, USA