Why House of Bagels - Palo Alto is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family

House of Bagels in Palo Alto is a vibrant spot ideal for meeting up with friends and enjoying authentic, freshly made bagels and sandwiches. Known for its extensive menu, it offers a wide variety of bagels ranging from classics like plain, sesame, and pumpernickel to premium flavors such as cheddar cheese and jalapeño cheese. Alongside their signature bagels, the place serves a diverse selection of breakfast and lunch sandwiches, pastries like croissants and muffins, and a range of flavorful spreads including unique options like garlic and herb, garden vegetable, and lox. The use of unprocessed, quality ingredients makes each bite memorable. The spacious new location at the Edgewood Shopping Center features ample indoor and outdoor seating, creating a comfortable, friendly environment for socializing or casual dining. With freshly made salads and accommodating staff, House of Bagels has become a favored spot among locals looking for genuine and delicious New York-style bagels in a welcoming atmosphere.

Here's what people think of House of Bagels - Palo Alto

As of recent, House of Bagels - Palo Alto holds a 4.3-star rating based on 329 reviews.

Customer reviews of House of Bagels consistently highlight their appreciation for authentic, high-quality bagels and the friendly service offered by the staff. Many reviewers commend the fresh, real New York-style bagels and the wide variety available, which caters well to diverse tastes. Positive feedback commonly mentions the welcoming atmosphere, great seating options both inside and outdoors, and the accommodating nature of the team, which enhances the overall dining experience. On the other hand, some less favorable reviews point out occasional issues such as longer wait times and crowding during peak hours, which could affect the experience for some visitors. However, these criticisms are relatively minor compared to the generally warm reception. In summary, the reviews reveal that House of Bagels successfully delivers a satisfying bagel and sandwich experience with a community-friendly vibe, making it a reliable meeting spot for friends and a go-to destination for bagel lovers in Palo Alto.

Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)

Anil Panguluri

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My go-to place for when I need morning carbs to fuel the daily hustle. Fresh tasty bagels of all kinds - never saw a stale bagel here. Coffee is great and the service is matter-of-fact. As opposed to cloyingly mechanized fake happy served up by Starbucks, this is a place where you get some honest to goodness fix. Try their parfaits, fresh OJ, and some light salad for lunch. The patio is nice for warmer days.

Orly Liba

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Delicious bagels and friendly staff! We had pumpernickel, blueberry, everything and cheddar. Some with salmon lox and avocado. They were fresh and simply perfect!

Just Judy

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Updated review - March 2025: They don’t get tips here, so they don’t hide their disdain for people ordering. Regardless of how polite or patient or with a smile you approach them. They’re all grumpy af. Would it kill you to smile? No one is being rude or causing an issue. They’re all waiting patiently in line, yet, your attitudes are disgusting. I have noticed that certain folks gets a slightly better experience based on their language and they don’t try to hide it. 0/5 for service. Old Review: Fresh bagels! Soft to bite into and pretty good tasting as well. Highly recommended! Pricing is also reasonable. But there’s a catch! My main issue with this store though is the lack of efficiency when there’s 3-4 people in line. They take the order, pick the bagel, make it, then bill them, while the other people are waiting. So an order can take 5-7 minutes easily, for one person. There are usually 3-4 people working the counter and also making sandwiches, but only have counter space for 2. So why not have a dedicated person at the register? They’ve been in business for how long now and refuse to adapt? Looking back at reviews, it looks like it had stellar reviews back 5 years ago but past couple of months it’s been going downhill. Maybe the employees or owners should smile a little more. On the upside, no tipping here.

Ramen Lolita

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The owner absolutely sucks. Idgaf I work in the plaza and regularly order the same thing: meat, egg, and cheese on a bagel. It’s always been $11—until the owner rings me up. Today, he told me that just meat and cheese on a bagel is $17. Seriously? But an egg and cheese bagel is $8? The math makes no sense. It’s only the owner who does this. Every other employee charges the same, fair price every time. Now, if I see the owner behind the counter, I just walk out and come back later when someone else is working. Feels like he’s scamming people on purpose.

Jason Freeman

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

What a great bagel shop! I have heard that there is more than one house of bagels location and I can only comment on this location. The service that I get has always been spot on. I've never had a issue with an order I placed there and I have been going to the Palo Alto location for 5 years. The staff are very kind and helpful, and the bagels are made fresh in the giant oven everyday. I recommend you check this out if you're in the area and seeking a tasty snack or meal.

How to reach House of Bagels - Palo Alto

Why Rally at This Place with Your Friends?

Rallying at House of Bagels in Palo Alto with your friends is an excellent idea for several reasons. Firstly, the establishment is renowned for its exceptional bagels, which come in a variety of flavors and are consistently fresh. The combination of delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere makes it ideal for casual meetups. Whether you're planning a low-key gathering or a larger event, House of Bagels offers seating options both inside and outside, allowing you to choose the setting that suits your group best. Moreover, the location is popular among locals, ensuring a vibrant and lively environment that enhances the overall experience. The friendly service and fast turnaround, even during busy times, ensure that everyone in your group can enjoy their meal without delays. Overall, House of Bagels provides a relaxed yet engaging setting where friends can bond over good food and good company.

What Activities Are There?

House of Bagels offers a range of activities that make it perfect for group meetups:

• Bagel Tasting: With a wide array of bagel types, from classic everything to raisin and beyond, your group can indulge in a bagel tasting experience. This can be a fun activity where everyone selects a different bagel to share, allowing for a communal sampling of flavors.
• Coffee and Conversation: The coffee at House of Bagels is praised for its quality, making it a great spot for those who enjoy a good caffeine boost. The relaxed atmosphere encourages lively conversations and catch-ups among friends.
• Breakfast or Brunch: For early risers or those who prefer a mid-morning meal, House of Bagels offers options like scrambled eggs with cheese and hazelnut cream coffee. This can be a great way to start the day with friends, enjoying a hearty breakfast together.
• Daily Specials: The shop frequently offers daily specials, which can add an element of surprise to your meetup. Everyone can try something new, fostering a sense of adventure and shared experience.

Blending these activities creates a well-rounded experience that caters to different interests and preferences within your group.

Why Is the Place Perfect for a Group Meetup?

House of Bagels is tailor-made for group meetups due to its accommodating environment and versatile offerings:

• Flexibility in Seating: Whether your group prefers to sit inside and enjoy the cozy shop ambiance or outside where they can soak up some sunshine, House of Bagels provides options. This flexibility ensures that everyone can choose the setting that best suits their mood and preferences.
• Variety of Options: The diverse menu ensures that there is something for everyone, whether you're in the mood for classic bagels, breakfast items, or simply a cup of coffee. This variety helps satisfy different tastes and dietary preferences.
• Friendly Service: The staff at House of Bagels is known for being friendly, polite, and efficient. This ensures that your group will receive attentive service, making your experience even more enjoyable.
• Location and Accessibility: Situated on W Bayshore Road, House of Bagels is conveniently located, making it easy to find and access for locals and visitors alike. This accessibility is crucial for organizing a meetup, as it ensures that everyone can easily join without any logistical challenges.

Overall, House of Bagels offers a combination of quality food, welcoming atmosphere, and convenient location that makes it an ideal spot for group gatherings.

What Makes House of Bagels Stand Out?

House of Bagels stands out in several ways that make it a compelling choice for meetups:

• Quality of Bagels: The bagels are consistently praised for their freshness and taste, which is a testament to the shop's commitment to quality. This ensures that your group will enjoy some of the best bagels in the area.
• Speed and Efficiency: Despite being a popular spot, House of Bagels is known for its quick service, which is particularly beneficial for groups. This speed ensures that everyone can order and receive their food without prolonged wait times.
• Local Favorite: As a well-loved local establishment, House of Bagels benefits from a loyal customer base. This reputation adds to its appeal, as locals often contribute to a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
• Community Hub: The shop's history of being a meeting point after activities like walking dogs on University Avenue makes it a community hub. This history fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie among visitors.

These factors combined create an appealing and engaging environment that encourages social interaction and enjoyment.

How Does House of Bagels Compare to Other Options?

When comparing House of Bagels to other establishments in Palo Alto, several factors make it a standout choice:

• Better Than Competitors: Some reviewers note that House of Bagels is superior to other bagel shops in the Bay Area, such as Izzy's. This suggests that House of Bagels offers something unique and better quality compared to its competitors.
• Atmosphere and Service: The friendly, non-forced service style is appreciated by many, offering a genuine and welcoming experience rather than a scripted or overly commercial interaction. This sincerity in service enhances the overall experience for visitors.
• Menu Variety: While the menu may not be as extensive as some other eateries, the focus on what they do best—bagels—ensures that every item is of high quality. This focus on quality over quantity makes House of Bagels a trusted choice for those seeking a reliable bagel experience.
• Local Support: By choosing House of Bagels, you are supporting a local business that contributes to the community's vibrancy and economy. This aspect can be particularly appealing for those who value community involvement and local support.

Overall, House of Bagels in Palo Alto offers a unique blend of quality, atmosphere, and community appeal that makes it a superior choice for meetups compared to other options in the area.

How Can You Make Your Meetup at House of Bagels Even More Special?

To make your meetup at House of Bagels truly memorable, consider the following ideas:

• Themed Bagel Tasting: Organize a themed bagel tasting where everyone dresses in colors or attire that matches their favorite bagel flavor. This adds a fun and creative twist to the experience.
• Custom Orders: If you're planning a larger or more formal event, consider working with the staff to create custom bagel orders or platters that fit your group's theme or preferences.
• Combine with Local Activities: Plan your meetup around local activities in Palo Alto, such as visiting nearby parks or shops. This can turn your gathering into a full-day event that includes both delicious food and local exploration.
• Seasonal Specials: Take advantage of seasonal specials or holiday-themed bagels and drinks to add a festive touch to your meetup. This can enhance the atmosphere and make the event more engaging.

By incorporating these ideas, you can turn a casual meetup into a more memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Don't just take our word for it. Check out these other websites for more info on the House of Bagels - Palo Alto

• https://www.houseofbagelsonline.com/menu
• https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g32849-d8568773-Reviews-House_of_Bagels_Palo_Alto-Palo_Alto_California.html
• https://houseofbagelsprospect.com/menu/
• https://assets.openstax.org/oscms-prodcms/media/documents/IntroductionToBusiness-OP_8D04gAa.pdf
• https://houseofbagels.com/menu