Lunch for under $5 is unheard of these days unless you go to a taco stand and order one lonely sad taco... your other option is Bagels Forever... their bagel sandwiches are made right, fast and to your specifications! My sandwich, turkey and cheddar on a toasted onion bagel with lettuce, red onion and mayo sets me back about $3.30, which leaves money left over for a can of soda or a bag of chips.... and still keeps it under $5. I get pretty excited when I happen to be near Bagels Forever on my day off and it's time for lunch! read more

Bagels Forever - Yum! Turkey on a poppy seed bagel - Bagels Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Stopped here on our way out of Madison...really good bagel sandwiches! It reminds me of a deli and you pick a number and wait to be called to order. Small place but good. Only plain coffee seemed available. read more

Bagels Forever - Bacon egg and cheese on an onion bagel - Bagels Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

We decided to try Bagels Forever for breakfast last weekend on our way out to Middleton. The store is easiest to get to if you are traveling east. We had to do a U-turn on University to arrive from the east. Then heading west we had to take some back-roads until we got to a light to turn left on university. Minor travail. Once inside they have numerous bagels and toppings to choose from. The cashier taking our order was on the surly side. He just stood there. Didn't ask if he could take our order or help us. I know it's hard to be 'on' all the time, but even a 'hi' would have been nice. That being said, the prices were exceptional. It felt like half the price I pay at other bagel joints. The bagels were slightly smaller than other bagel eateries but my sandwich with egg, turkey pastrami, and cheese was very tasty and not impactful to my wallet so I was very pleased. Although not super convenient location for me, if I'm in the area, I'll definitely stop by again. read more

Best breakfast bagel sandwiches! I've been twice since discovering how good they are. Take a number when you get there. They have several cheese options and plenty of bagel choices! The eggs are fluffy and never overcooked and the bagels are crusty, then soft as you bite in. Route 11 chips. Can't beat the price!!! read more

absolutely shocked by the good reviews this place has. After I ordered and noticed there wasn't a grill in sight I should have known. I ordered two bacon egg and cheese sandwiches. The bacon was clearly microwaved (think, free continental breakfast buffet) and the egg was an EGG PATTY. Not even a real egg!!! Thankfully it wasn't expensive so I didn't waste too much money but WOW. Huge disappointment. read more

Best bagels in Madison. Very tasty. Great sandwiches with Boar's Head meats. Very reasonably priced.

So good! The bagels are delicious and cheap. I had the jalapeno cornmeal with sausage and egg and the everything bagel with garden veggie cream cheese. You really can't beat the value! read more

Maaaan. I love this place. There's nothing fancy about it but Bagels Forever just makes simple, solid, delicious bagels. You can find their products in a lot of grocery stores, but I love stopping by to order a baker's dozen and choose a variety of bagel types at the same time. Unpopular opinion, but I LOVE the egg bagel! Goes so well with either sweet or savory toppings, especially after taking these home (try salted butter and add some honey on a toasted bagel - mmm!!). They've also got great breakfast sandwiches you can customize. Super reasonably priced and appropriately sized bagels. The only thing I wish they had was an Asiago bagel! (Hint hint!!) Thanks for being my favorite bagel stop! read more

Bagels Forever is a staple here in Madison, they have great prices, great bagels and great over the counter customer service. The space is small but every bit of space is used to serve the customer. This place you find that there is an open kitchen type of space, where you can see your sandwich or bagel box constructed. I visited them to buy 4 bagel sandwiches. I initially called and ordered 2. The guy who answered the phone wasn't customer friendly. He didn't state the name of the business when he answered the phone, he did ask how he can help. He took my order but not my name or my number. This was a problem for me. Customer Satisfaction must be important to businesses that serve customers. The phone staff must be different than the counter staff. The counter staff was ready, open and helpful. I will continue to return to this place, I just don't know if I will continue to order ahead... read more

this place is awesome! i'm from ny and I really enjoy this place makes me feel back home!

Food was delicious and they had good Covid procedures. We got lox and bagels, very yummy.

I don't eat bagels very often, yet every now and then I want nothing other than Bagels Forever. Sure, you can buy the bagels frozen from a local grocery store, but the best part about this place is the made-to-order bagel sandwiches. They are fresh and cheap, and come wrapped with a pickle. Try the veggie sandwich on an everything bagel. There are a variety of deli meat options too. The pizza bagel with mini pepperoni comes with the cheese melted on top - so don't expect to eat it like a sandwich. This annoyed me for some reason, but clearly it wasn't enough to keep me from coming back for it again...and again...it's been my go-to order for the past several months. Try it on the sun-dried tomato and basil bagel. Also, Bagels Forever has the best boxed coffee in town. Be an office hero and get some for your coworkers. Or, a small coffee for yourself is just $0.85. read more

See all

Bagels Forever, I will forever be amazed by your prices. One bagel smeared with cream cheese will set you back a measly $2. I had the opportunity to walk through the factory portion of this headquarters on University and saw conveyor belts of bagels on bagels baking up. I love that their bagels have evaded the American tendency to jack up portion sizes to twice what they should be. Yep, these bagels are unlike other bakery bagels you will find because they are normal size. None of that bagel-with-enough-carbs-to-fuel-your-whole-day craziness. Perfectly portioned, certainly affordable, and freshly baked right in store, they have a knack for making lifelong patrons. If you like bagels, give Bagels Forever a whirl. read more

Bagels Forever - pumpernickel with salmon cream cheese. amazed at how inexpensive this place is. this bagel was like $1 - Bagels Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Blah, blah, I'm from NY and I chose my apartment based on its proximity to Bagels Forever. Whatever NY-style bagels are, these are not, but they are still excellent and affordable bagels. I will say that they're a bit small, hence the 45¢, but the everything (and I believe plain) are normal sized and cost more, accordingly. The everything has some kind of herb on it that sets it apart from comparable everythings, and they tend to be somewhat well done (crispier). Really, it's all about the cranbarry oat (play on "Barry", the owner) and plain. Cranbarry is particularly sweet, with cranberries. BF is definitely the best bagel place in the area. They're packed on weekends, so remember to take a number if you're stopping by. (They're opening up a new parking lot soon, so that should help a bit.) There are little pads to write out your orders to make things easier. Their sandwiches are also good for both the quality and the price. BF also sells cold cuts (an employee in plainclothes told me they're comparable or better than supermarket deli prices when she returned for some) and have a refrigerated unit with their orange juices and milks and soda cans and spreads. They're also something of a local brand--their bagels are in every local supermarket and they have their own cream cheese in the fridge. It's a little cheesier than I've previously tasted. Perhaps that's fresh, but in that case, I'll take artificial. read more

Bagels Forever - Plain and "cranbarry" oat. Most BF bagels are smaller than your average bagel and that's okay - Bagels Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

See all

Best bagels in the Midwest! (I am not saying I have had every bagel available in the Midwest, but I doubt any are better) Awesome selection, the prices are great and the sandwiches are soooo good! Mostly friendly service, only had 1 grumpy guy, probably just a bad day. Definitely recommend! read more

Literally one of my favorite places ever. I order a breakfast sandwich (~$3?) on a jalapeño cornmeal bagel and make sure to add veggies and cheese. Simple bagels, but they're made right in shop so they're fresh/amazing. Good selection of soda cans to make it a meal. There's no sitting area in the shop, but a small standing table if you want to dive in to your bagels right there (as I always do). The employees there aren't especially friendly, but I find that to be part of the charm. Prices are low, perfect to have close to a college campus. 50¢ a bagel read more

Bagels Forever - Bagels Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

See all

I really love bagels forever but for once I would like them to get my order right. Got everything but the lox.. read more

Bagels Forever - Missing the lox. - Bagels Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Bagel was good, was my first time here. Unfortunately, Michael, the employee, was very rude and had an attitude. He rolled his eyes when questions were asked about the sandwiches. read more

Bagels forever honestly got me addicted to bagels. I never knew a bagel sandwich could taste so good! I always get the lox sandwich. The sandwich definitely has a good filling to bagel ratio, they definitely don't skimp on the lox and veggies. And the price is really great too. I really wish I had more to say. But really this review is simple, because the bagel sandwiches and bagels are SIMPLY delish :) read more

This is definitely my favorite bagel place I. Madison!! I've tried the different flavors so my fav, is the multigrain bagel. Had a bfast sandwich this morning and it kept me full till noon. Service is smooth and they have the order for,s for you to fill out so it e pedi tea the process. read more

I remember coming here when I was a little girl! My family and I would always eat Bagels Forever for all our bagel needs. From breakfast and lunch bagels, to buying dozens at a time, you can find what your craving bagel wise. When you enter this adorable little shop, you feel like you're at the right place. On the left side of the shop, there is a refrigerator, which hold different sodas, drinks, and cream cheese. Also there is a cooler filled with ice cream. In the front, there is bagel heaven. From blueberry to everything to plain, they'll satisfy your bagel craving. The place is fairly inexpensive. The buttered bagel is only $0.60, which is their most inexpensive sandwich. Then the most expensive was their Lox bagel, which is $4.27. read more

They get a bit busy weekday mornings and most of the day Saturday. They have my favorite lox and bagel sandwiches in Madison, and with these I tend to go with the tomato basil or whole wheat bagels as a base. Another thing to consider bagels forever for is catering. Two to three dozen bagels with cream cheese and one or two proteins can go a long way to breaking the ice at new jobs or helping increase employee/client buy-in at training seminars. read more

Fresh bagels taste great. Their bagel sandwiches are so good and reasonably priced. They also have great breakfast and lunch bagel sandwiches. read more

Inexpensive bagels and sandwiches. Had a breakfast sandwich for the first time and was a good change from "fast food". A must stop when in Madison. read more

Great bagels and sandwiches! Very affordable too compared to other bagel/coffee shops

I think the bagels and cream cheese here are really good. Breakfast sandwiches are pretty good too they have a good variety of drinks . Although I don't think the bagels they sell in the supermarket tastes as good as the ones you get at their store front. I've been here a couple times and the staff really isn't very friendly also I ordered a bagel with cream cheese and tomato the spread on the bagel and the tomato is just sad. read more

Bagels Forever - Bagels Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Love them! Stop every time we're in town. So many flavors. Some new ones. Spout a salted with plain cream cheese. Perfection! Made a mixed dozen for home. read more

Not enough staff, no seating, long wait times. very disappointed. multiple staff members not helping customers, and we were given the wrong order. sad to see one of my favorite childhood bagel shop neglecting customers and quality service... read more

I am usually buying bagels here every 1.5 to 2 weeks and my orders can vary from low to several dozens (if company is expected). Up until today i would have rated the place a solid 4. Today i ordered 2 types of bagels, 4 each and when i got to the car i was missing a bagel. the place wasnt busy, no rush - not sure what happened. i can understand if i am getting 5 different kinds and all sorts of amounts, having each type bagged individually etc etc but 2 kinds,4 each and missing 1? I will now always wonder when I order or ask them to double check their work... i lost some of my innocence today. read more

Love that I can drop in here and pick up a lunch for mere $4,.25 $3.50 bagel sandwich and $0.75 Jacobson Potato Salad. The employees are extremely nice here and helpful. With your sandwich you can choose premium toppings such as sprouts, freshly sliced cucumbers, peppers, onions, and tomato for no charge. The only extra is the guacamole. I'd definitely recommend this place to pick up sammies for the road our a picnic, or whatever excuse for a cheap lunch! read more

I ordered a veggie sandwich, which apparently is just a bagel unless you tell them that you want xyz in it... she asked me if I wanted cheese, and I said yes (thankfully I at least ended up with a "cheese sandwich" because of that) but then she said "any toppings?" which to me implies "anything extra than what's included in a VEGGIE sandwich?" so I said no. Little did I know that I have just ordered a bagel with cheese for $3.50... I just don't understand in what world a veggie sandwich would not include veggies by default. It was a disappointing "sandwich" to eat when I got home and realized what they've given me. I'm so upset. read more

After dropping Gotham (because the owner was a total d--k), I made my way back to Bagels Forever. Now I'm a regular. I usually pick up a dozen at time, slice and freeze them. They aren't the biggest or the chewiest bagels but they're pretty good. I usually pick them up in the morning so I ALWAYs grab a breakfast sandwich. Beats the hell out any of the chain muffin-type b'fast sammies. I walk out for less than $10. Their lunch sandwiches are pretty damn (inexpensive) good too. Friendly quick, no bull. I am a fan! read more

Dude this place is awesome. I've always wanted to visit, but never had the opportunity, and you have to do all that maneuvering on university ave to get there- but let me tell you: its a winner. I think they should open more locations. One part deli with sliced meats by the lb & sandwiches and two parts bagel factory. Their bagels are slightly smaller than the standard panera type, but they are stunningly fresh and only $.45 ea. Also, I was very impressed with the lox sandwich- and it was only about $3. They also have some special for two dozen bagels and two things of cream cheese for like $10 or something. That is outrageous- they are basically giving stuff away, Check it out. read more

We never thought we'd get bagels as delicious and authentic as the bagels we savored from NY Bagel and Bialy in Chicago. That was, until we read the stellar reviews of Bagels Forever. The truth is, I started out eating their frozen bagels, purchased from Woodmans, only to find out that they were amazingly delicious. Having gotten a Lox sandwich today from the source, I was immediately sold on the whole operation. Their bagels are legit. A crunchy, salty outer layer from the pre-boil and a firm, pillowy center...they've got it all. They are a bit softer than i'm used to, but that's fine, since the flavor makes up for it in every way. The lox bagel was spot on and I nearly fainted when I saw it was all of $3.00!! Needless, to say we'll be back soon. Also, kudo to BF for using Boar's Head meats...there's nothing better. read more

Awesome Value. Their made-to-order Bagel Sandwiches are CHEAP, but excellent. quality ingredients. Breakfast sandwich, egg, meat, chese, is $2. what?? reg. sandwiches are $3.50, lots of meat, cheese, toppings. yay. They also donate their unsold bagels at the end of the day to charitable groups. I've had friends work here, they treat their employees well. read more

These are really good bagels made at the bakery here in Madison. I love the factory store flavors, which are much more exciting than what you can get at the grocery store, and you get to mix and match at their shop. Try the jalapeño cornbread for something unique. I love the maple and the pumpernickel, too! Their sandwiches are really good, made with quality meats and fresh veggies. It's a good and healthy lunch stop. I also like that these are appropriately-sized bagels, meaning you haven't eaten an entire loaf of bread when you've enjoyed one. read more

This place is great! Totally affordable and tasty. We've popped in here for lunch on several occasions and have received friendly service and a satisfying lunch for two, all for under $10. Where does this happen?! I know, maybe 1960. Oh, and here! The only minus is that you have to go eat your lunch somewhere else because you can't stay here. Nope. No tables, no chairs, so you better move it on out. That's fine, I can deal with that. I will happily take my bagel sandwich (chock full of veggies and cheese) elsewhere. read more

I live and work near this bagel production facility and food counter. There is no breakfast that is more convenient or budget friendly to me than Bagels Forever. The breakfast sandwich plus an extra bagel for lunch (or a friend) will run you less then a bagel and cream cheese at Einstein's Bagels up the road. And the Bagels are always fresh and yummy. There are so many flavors to choose from...I know I haven't tried them all yet. Or to be the big shot of the work place, get the Bagel Box. It is two dozen bagels and two cream cheese for cheap. Parking can be a bear on busy mornings (and Sundays, for sure) but if you are walking by it is really easy to pop in and pop out. Staff is friendly and fast. The wait on a busy morning is still quicker then Starbucks. They are one of the best things about living on the near west side of campus. Sure, the store front is not fancy but it's not an eat-in place. It is a clean and organized deli with a lot of history. To change the store front for change sake is not really needed. The flowers and scrubs around the outside are always so nice on my walks past. read more

I recently had a thread asking Milwaukee yelpers for a local yummy bagel place where they put the cream cheese on the bagel for you. Bagels does that and so much more. I had my first bagel this morning and it was so delicious. Absolutely perfect. I wanted to savor the moment forever. Chewy bagel. Perfect amount of cream cheese. Warm and toasty. Super cheap too. Pure bagel heaven. read more

These are the only bagels I will buy. Super cheap and available in most Madison grocery stores. Plus, if you go in their store, as other users have mentioned they have a lot of foods for good prices. Cream cheese, milk, soda, cole slaw, and more in the cooler is much cheaper than you would expect. Their prices are much lower than other bagel joints. Even compared to the highly esteemed Gotham Bagels, I would choose Bagels Forever (caveat: I usually don't order fancy stuff like lox) Highly recommend stopping in! read more