This is an updated review! Things have got better throughout the year. The tables are still very crowded and packed together so it's hard to sit and not listen in on other conversations. The smoke/ventilation has improved but could still be better. I did recently get a bagel to go with cream cheese but when I got home, there was barely any cream cheese on my bagel. I had to go back to the shop and request more, which they did fulfill free of charge. The manager hasn't yelled out orders in a while so the more silent sound radiating throughout the shop is more pleasant to be in, especially in the mornings. The decor could still use some updating. I'll continue to go because the bagels are good and it's been a local spot for along time that I like to support. read more

If I could leave no stars I would. The food has always been amazing, but the service is AWFUL! We always support small businesses, but we've experienced countless times of snotty behaviors from the kids working. Not to mention the clothing they show up to a professional work environment in...I had paid $1.50 for extra cream cheese, and there was NOTHING on our bagels! The girls checked the receipt to see if I had left a tip, then rolled her eyes at me and couldn't even say you're welcome when I said Thank You. I will NEVER give this business my money ever again till the owner and staff steps up their game. Very disappointing. Never come here unless you want to be treated like you're worthless! Dunkin' has some pretty good bagels. read more

TJ's Bagels - Paid for EXTRA cream cheese. - Bagels Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

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Good bagel. Honey walnut cream cheese tasted cross contaminated where worker used the Veggie cream cheese spreader for the honey walnut spread also. Bagel itself was good. Ordered three bagels with cream cheese applied. Not toasted. Simple and fast right???? Nope, super slow. Need to figure out how not to stick a simple bagel/cream cheese order at the end of the line and avoid a 10 minute customer experience for what could be done in 1 minute max. Now if you order the bagel bites, they had a designated bagel bite person. Have that person slap some cream cheese and get folks out the door. Saw a menu comment on another review. Another opportunity as line moves slow and likely cause you can't read the menu till you're standing in front of the cashier. Amending this comment....bagel bites here are amazing. read more

Craving locks on a bagel, I brought my son to a place he suggested. Seeing the sign on the counter I hoped we were in the right place. I ordered the traditional locks on an everything bagel with dill cream cheese, smoked salmon and a big slice of a spicy red onion. ($9.50). My son order the same but opted for a spicy jalapeño cheese bagel. After placing our order at the walk up counter we waited about 10 minutes for the delivery. The service was friendly but not overly attentive. But I have no valid complaints there, they just seemed distracted by something going on in the back. The restaurant itself has its nicely appointed areas while other areas that seem in disarray or maybe forgotten about. It's fully of bright sunshine with all the west facing windows. Even the menu on the wall needs some attention as it was partially edited by tape. It would seem like a fresh set of eyes could be helpful in the organization and cleanliness of the entire shop. We took our order to go and ate at home. Sadly, I didn't not take photos but I was completely underwhelmed by the build of the bagel sando, not much of any one ingredient. I actually opened it up to make sure there was anything in there. Unfortunately the main ingredient ended up being the slice of spicy, red onion. Overall I am giving 4 stars because the service was good, and even though the quantity for price is questionable the quality was good enough to earn a positive review. I will return for another go round, but would ask management to review proper pricing and portions. For your information , no portion of this review was written or edited by AI. read more

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Second time coming here, and can't believe I haven't known about this place my whole time living in Ankeny ! As an avid NY bagel fan, this place is right up there with the best NyC bagels. There's such a variety to choose from you can go wrong! What you need to know: you order at the counter drinks & food. The drink menu has a lot of flavor options, for hot or iced drinks, etc. you. Wait at the counter for everything, and can choose to sit inside or take it to go. Friendly staff. This place was buzzing and busy each time I've been which I love to see at a local business! If you haven't tried this place yet it's a must! read more

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Always love this place! Bagels are amazing, atmosphere is cozy, and the menu is so big you'll know there's something for everyone!! read more

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I'm giving this place five stars because I finally found bagels in Iowa that feel as close to real NYC bagels as possible. Really good. The place is mostly staffed by teenagers who work really hard. There seem to be tons of call in orders, so expect to wait 10-15 minutes sometimes. To improve: I have ordered the Lox twice, and each time it has been skimpy. If someone is reading this, you can improve the lox by building it bigger. That is all. Glad to have found this spot! read more

TJ's Bagels - Lox on jalapeño cheddar bagel with garlic cream cheese. - Bagels Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

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Second time here and so far so good with the breakfast bagels/croissants. Store was clean but the menu you can't see for shit. I had a very hard time reading the menu and I have great eyesight so that should tell you something it also sits too high. Both times when visiting two different staff were rude and wouldn't read me the menu or really tell me if they had what I wanted. "We have a variety of bagels" is the response I got both time. They just stand there staring at me. You guys need to train your staff of proper customer service, communication and learn the menu. I've had their job and that would've been my ass if I did that!! read more

Stopped in for a quick bagel and cream cheese to go. Went with the sour cream and onion with veggie cream cheese. When I opened it in the car, I was super disappointed to see a sad excuse se of a shmear of "veggie" cream cheese that was basically plain and had barely and veggie flavor and no visible veggies. The bagel had a decent chew and the sour cream and onion flavor came through. It was sliced unevenly so some bites were hard. The toast was barely there just seemed slightly warmed. read more

TJ's Bagels - Sour cream and onion bagel with veggie cream cheese - Bagels Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

First timer, I really want to love this place but it wasn't good as I thought it was going to be. The service guy at the counter was SUPER amazing and we had great service, but the food was just a miss for us. We were a bit concerned and ended up taking the egg out of the sandwhich because it was green. It was super unpleasant to look at. The bagel itself had good flavor and we did get some bagels to go. The bagels had that homemade feel to it, so that was good. We didn't want to bother them to remake our sandwhich, therefore we just ate our stuff and went on our way. read more

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Food is always amazing, but the service is HORRIBLE! I waited 20 minutes for my bagel bites, while 3 girls did NOTHING! Just stood there with air pods in. My bagel sandwich was out before my box of bagel bites. Didn't see a single adult in sight. After waiting 20 minutes for bagel bites, that should have been put in the box instantly and handed to me (as there was NO line) the girl that took my order came running around the counter to sit and talk at a table. There was a kind young gentleman that apologized for the wait and helped me with my bagel bites. As always the bagels are amazing, but service sucks. read more

My kids have been coming here for a while, this was my first time in. Great little small business, family owned and operated in a strip mall across from HyVee. The bagels are quite tasty, with the 'New York' bagel feel. I had the Italian lunch special with the everything bagel, kiddo had the plain bagel with cream cheese. She also had the Hazelnut Latte. Only reason they didn't get 5 stars is because the pop machine was out of my brand of pop and the napkin holder on my table was empty. The store only had 2 guests in a weekday lunch. read more

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Bagel sandwiches, nothing special, soup good from what I remember. Character count is lame.

Favorite breakfast in Ankeny!! They have great bagels! My favorite is the bacon cheddar bagel with garden vegetable cream cheese!

Service at the counter was pleasant and our order was correct. The bagel was just okay, more cake like than bagel with some chew to it. The egg and sausage was standard. Overall it was just fine but I think I'd make the drive out of ankeny when I want a good bagel. read more

TJ's Bagels - Bagels Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

Food is AMAZING!! The older lady with glasses and red hair that works the front is not very friendly tho. I went up to get more bagels and she goes "Didn't I already get you some?" in a snobby voice and I haven't had very great experiences with her in the past. read more

I just called to try and order a couple of bagels. The guy that answered your phone should not be. I'd put someone on the phone that actually cared about the job and wanted to get me customers. Not run them off. Weird theory nowadays I guess. No bother to me tho, I just didn't spend my money there. They get my two cents instead. read more

There bagel was good but service was not good she refused to make me a shake and was rude the whole time 1 star don't recommend

Pretty standard counter service bagel shop inside of a strip-mall. Also have salads, desserts, smoothies, and both hot and cold coffee. I got a honey whole-wheat bagel and it was ok. The bagel was much more chewy than I like however. Bagel was prepared quickly. Both table and lounge chair/sofa seating read more

The egg salad bagel was a disappointment. It had a very spicy flavor as if it had too much garlic. For the price, the quality of the food and value was not there. Service was adequate. The real disappointment was how my wife was treated when she called to inquire about her sunglasses that she accidentally left behind and was told by an employee who said she had found them and was going to hold them with her name on them till she came in to pick them up. However, when she returned to pick them up, they were nowhere to be found. Upon asking to speak with the owner of TJ's, my wife was extremely rudely told multiple times by the owner it was her fault for leaving them and he most likely gave them away to another customer. read more

They have a lot of fun flavors of bagels but that is where my positive opinion stops. If you want a bagel sandwich do NOT go here unless you enjoy getting ripped off. read more

TJ's Bagels - "everything" bagel with egg, cheese and spinach... - Bagels Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

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We had Great bagels today. Fun spot, family friendly staff and crowd. Plus board games and WiFi... read more

TJ's Bagels - Closed Monday & Tuesday - Bagels Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

Service was good, line was really long. My only concern was the lox bagel that I ordered, there were only 3 very very thin partial shavings of salmon on the very large bagel loaded with cream cheese. Also - capers would've been nice to add but they didn't have that as an option. read more

"Oh my god, your face, It's swollen!!!" What? Oh, no, that's just bagels stuffed into my mouth. This delicious wonderland has these mini bagel bites in an assortment of flavors that tug at your heart!! Staff is always super nice and breakfast sandwiches here are great. Get that coffee, hot chocolate, or espresso and Boom!!! read more

TJ's Bagels - Storefront - Bagels Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

The bagels are amazing!! Kinda sad to see some bad reviews. They're very fast with preparing the orders even if they're busy. Cute quite little place to enjoy some food and coffee while doing homework! Also coffee is so tasty read more

TJ's Bagels - a bagel sandwich with a bite taken out of it - Bagels Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

My old go to bagel shop has had a nice facelift. Haven't been for a while after moving away from Ankeny but when I had some breakfast time I made this my choice...Very nicely remodeled, makes for a more open, customer friendly bagel shopping experience. I started with just a bagel breakfast sammy, while waiting another patron went for the bagel bites soo I fell back in line to do the same along with a highlander grogg coffee bean pick me up. Excellent counter service, sunny and perky to get me on my way with great chewwy bagel goodness, get yourself some!!! read more

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I was wary to try this place based on it only having 3 stars but I was pleasantly surprised! The sandwiches they had were very tasty and a good price. We also tried some iced lattes and those were good too. Very glad we stopped at this local place instead of another chain option for bagels. Not to mention we spent more time playing some of the board game options they had available. I recommend CJ's! read more

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This is a Great place w/ great food. Need more local spots like this in the community!

Friendly staff and absolutely delicious bagels and coffee. My favorite local business!

I came to TJ's Bagels for the Bagels. Only the Bagels. I bought a dozen including multiple varieties. None of them seemed to be extremely fresh. They weren't bad. But more chewy than I expected. They didn't seem all that fresh. Great selection to choose from. But I was hoping for freshly made Bagels. I used to frequent a big franchise Bagel shop and they were always soft, not chewy. read more

I tried their coffee here because I just decided to check it after realizing it was connected to Topped Donuts. Their coffee was descent, not really than anywhere else I've had (I'm not really a coffee connoisseur, so most coffee taste alike to me). I saw other customers eating bagels and sandwiches and they looked pretty good. I will definitely do a review update when I come back here to try their food items. read more

TJ's Bagels - Coffeeee - Bagels Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

Excellent bagels! Wow! Love it read more

TJ's Bagels - Bagels Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

Wow. This used to be a spot I would recommend to everyone. It's sad the ownership has let it fall. The sandwich I had today wasn't anything close to what I ordered. No pickle or chips came with it like the menu stated. It took about 15 minutes to cut a bagel, slap 2 pieces of cheese on it and some packaged turkey. The bagel was like a brick. I am so disappointed. read more

Where to start...we visited TJ Bagels several times in Feb 2021 - as we believe in supporting local small business owners. But each visit was some sort of disaster- we were 1 of 3 upset customer groups in a span of 15minutes during our last visit. Overall... orders were fulfilled wrong, service was unbelievably slow, lattes made with spoiled dairy, and the last visit we saw serious health code violations. You can access their inspections by searching Java Joes in Ankeny: https://iowa.safefoodinspection.com/Inspection/PublicInspectionSearch.aspx The owner was rude: not worth the hassle; not worth the health risk. Ps - it's not really a bagel if you don't boil it; It's just a bread roll with bad service. However, it is worth the drive to Urbandale to buy proper bagels from a different but locally owned biz with amazing service and clean health inspection report. read more

Best breakfast sandwich in Ankeny, with homemade tasty bagels. The renovation has added more events to do on the weekends!

Aside from the fact that their Bagels are fantastic- and the bagel bits are absolutely perfect little snacks. Makayelah is a beautiful human- she goes above and beyond. She literally brought food out to my car so I didn't have to lug all three of my boys in the store. She is absolutely captivating. I hope to see her anytime I stop in, truly seems like she enjoys her work and serving people. You have an amazing staff member on your hands. read more

TJ's Bagels - Bagels Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

This used to be a local institution, so it's really sad to see it go downhill. The service is abysmal, which is annoying because the food is all delicious. I sometimes pop in for a few bagel bites on my way to work, but the staff all look sour and every interaction feels stiff. read more

CJ's used to be the best place around to get a bagel - better than any chains that exist. I've been around since the 90s CJ's days and watched it just deteriorate under new ownership over the last 10(?) years? I keep giving it another chance, hoping I've caught them on a bad day, but today was just the same - or worse. At 11:30 AM on a Wednesday, there were hardly any bagels left (one plain, zero asiago, zero parmesan...). The onion bagel I did order was nearly rock-hard and surely not FRESH baked like they used to be. Drink and chip options were low as well. The carpet squares in the small front section of the store, as well as the back area past the booths was near black - like they've never been cleaned or replaced. Looking around the ghost-town restaurant around noon in the middle of the week had me looking for a "closing permanently" sign. What has happened? New owners clearly did not carry on the legend. So sad. :( read more

This place needs some serious help. They were so slow and we waited 20 minutes for 1 coffee and a dozen bagel bites. The inside was dirty and dingy and didn't look properly cleaned. The staff seemed apathetic and like they didn't care about service at all. I know they recently changed hands but wow, they need some serious changes. read more

It's just not worth it. If you're going out for breakfast, literally every other spot in town is better. It's sad to say, because this used to be an Ankeny gem. The bagel bites are still good, but the sandwiches and bowls are just not worth the price (or the 15-20 min. wait). The restaurant feels old and dated and, honestly, kind of gross. I think if they remodeled the interior and updated the quality of their food, it could easily become a hot spot again, they just need some help! I'd love to see this place popping again. Until then..I'm out read more