Gotham Bagels, one of the few establishments that the undergrads will walk past State St. for food, maybe because they are young and not worried about excess carbs yet.
This place is definitely popular, maybe because they are one of the few dedicated bagel places in Madison? If I want a bagel I would come here. My 3 star rating does not mean they are bad. They are A-ok in my book and that is what a 3 star is. They claim they are New York style bagel but I'm not sure what that exactly tastes like so I can't make a proper comparison.
It takes awhile for food to come out. Especially if it's Saturday morning and the farmers market is going on. If there is a long line prepare to wait 10 mins to line and about another 15 for food. I don't mind spending some time resting my feet here while shopping at the farmer's market.
If you order a sandwich the bagel isn't toasted. I can't imagine eating a bagel untoasted. I'm not sure if the same goes for a regular bagel with cream cheese if you have to specify you want toasted. I thought toasting a bagel was a given but apparently not. But if you do get a toasted bagel here it is quite heavenly. I do enjoy their super egg everything bagel, one that I have not seen elsewhere. A standard bagel and butter or cream cheese will run you about 3 dollars. Anything more than that lox or veggies will easily start getting you in the $6+ dollar range.
I spent a few Saturdays here this summer, for some reason I kept craving bagels. There's plenty of seating so you can munch on your bagel and listen to undergrads talk about where the best frat party is that night. Or how they don't have money and haven't gone grocery shopping in a month. But then why are you buying bagels!? Oh well...maybe I'm just getting old.