Benchwarmer's Bagels and Coffee
925 S Saunders St, Raleigh, NC
Crema's Take
“This bustling bagel-centric spot in Raleigh has carved out a loyal following for its genuinely good bagels (za'atar and lox sandwiches are standouts) and approachable coffee, though the newer location still has some consistency kinks to work out. The vibe skews casual and social with an retro NBA Jam arcade cabinet adding character, but expect a squeeze on weekend mornings—parking and seating can be tight, and the single register setup gets overwhelmed during rushes. If you're after quality breakfast sandwiches and a place where regulars clearly feel at home, it's worth a visit; just plan your timing carefully and manage expectations on coffee complexity.”
What to expect
Classic coffee drinks done right. A slow-sit, quick-grab spot, good for meetings. Pastries and light food on the menu.
Google Reviews
Parking was tricky around 10am on a Saturday. I ordered pick up and I was glad I did because the line was very long with only one register open. All the tables were taken. The salted caramel latte was one of the best coffees I’ve ever had. The bagel with dulce de pecan was…
First time visiting the new location. The bagels didn’t seem as fresh as we’re used to, which made us wonder whether they’re baked fresh on-site here or brought in from the other location—hard to tell. My wife ordered an oat milk latte, but it appears it may have been made with…
If you want overpriced breakfast sandwich and a jaw workout go here. Overall, good quality ingredients. Poor coffee experience, poor atmosphere near closing. Downsides: Dirty chai tastes like warm water, spices and tons of sugar. Bagels are very chewy served cut in half and a…
Huge fan of the new location. Bagels are just as good as the OG! The NBA Jam cabinet is a nice touch.
Fantastic bagels. I’ve been here twice already in the week they’ve been open. I switch up the sandwich I get (lox is a solid option) but always get it on a za’atar bagel. Hope they start serving pizza soon!
Crema Reviews
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