Rating: 8/10
With finals week wrapping up, there’s nothing more comforting than the perfect pairing of a warm, toasty bagel and some hot coffee.
Located at 2740 S. Philo Rd. Suite D in Urbana, Good Judys Espresso and Bagel Bar is about a 10-minute drive from campus. While it may not be the most convenient spot for students without cars, it stands out as one of the few bagel shops in the area.
Owners Jeff and Dakota Thomas-Wilhelm held the grand opening on Wednesday, Dec. 18. Upon arrival on opening day, the restaurant was bustling with business.
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From the moment they enter the store, customers can feel the strong sense of community that Good Judys fosters. A vibrant and energetic atmosphere filled the space, with people chatting and exchanging stories.
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sounds of people talking and laughing made the atmosphere feel alive. The staff behind the counter worked quickly and smiled as they served each customer. It already felt like more than a bagel shop; it felt like a place where people could come together.
The sense of community infused into the store sparked an immediate sense of belonging. The owners personally greeted patrons, thanking them for their support and adding a personal touch to the experience.
On opening day, the high demand led to a swift depletion of Good Judys bagel supply. Customers who missed out on a bagel were offered a $10 gift card from the owners, along with a heartfelt apology.
At about 9 a.m., the line of hungry patrons grew substantially longer. After waiting about 20 minutes to get through the line, I ordered a breakfast sandwich on a bagel for $6.50 and an everything bagel with cream cheese for $3.
The prices were pleasantly surprising — you could get a bagel for $2, a bagel with cream cheese for $3 or a bagel sandwich ranging from $6.50 to $11.00. Beverages are also fairly priced anywhere from $2.50 to $7.75, depending on the drink. Good Judys offers iced and hot options, from lattes and drip coffee to tea and lemonade.
The breakfast sandwich, made with sausage, egg, cheddar cheese and a plain bagel, had a fresh and natural quality I appreciated. It was clear that everything had been freshly prepared, avoiding the artificial egg patties typical at many places.
However, the flavor fell flat, and it felt like something was missing. It didn’t quite do anything for me, leaving the sandwich somewhat unremarkable.
On the other hand, the everything bagel had an extreme flavor, with a garlicky taste that somewhat stood out. It wasn’t a bad bagel by any means, but the flavor was striking.
While some of the flavors may not have hit the mark for me, the fresh, homemade quality of its food and the warm atmosphere make Good Judys worth a visit.
