Ever since its entry into American culinary culture more than 100 years ago, the bagel has been an object of great fervor amongst devoted foodies, who are on the perpetual hunt for the perfect hand rolled, boiled-not-steamed specimen.
Whether you prefer yours plain, toasted, coated in poppy seeds, schmeared with cream cheese, or draped in lox, we’re sharing our pick of the US’s best bagel joints.
The Bagel Factory, St. Louis
More than 20 varieties of bagels are baked here each day, and the beloved recipe hasn’t changed since 1974, when The Bagel Factory was founded.
Firm on the outside but soft and chewy on the inside (and selling for less than $1 each), the bagels from this St. Louis joint are a must-try.
Ess-a-Bagel, New York City
Renowned for their massive bagels, this old-school shop was established in 1976 by an Austrian baking family. Ess-a-Bagel has since been invited into the pantheon of New York favorites, with a variety of different flavors available every day (in addition to a number of cream cheese schmears and other toppings).
The pumpernickel is one of their classic options, best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
The Bagel Broker, Los Angeles
Open for a quarter of a century, this family-owned shop has since become a Los Angeles-area legend.
Here you can try some quirky flavours, such as jalapeño cheddar, but rest assured that their plain bagel with a schmear and lox is as good as any of the bagels you can savour in New York.
Wholy Bagel, Austin
This relative newcomer on the bagel scene is a hit amongst locals, selling out by 1 o’clock on a regular basis.
New Jersey native Scott Campanozzi introduced the handmade, tasty treats to this southern city in 2010 after noting the lack of authentic bagel shops in Texas.
Try the plain bagel with a sundried tomato cream cheese spread.
Absolute Bagels, New York City
Looking for that crispy-on-the-outside, soft and light-on-the-inside bagel? Then head to Absolute Bagels, one of New York’s most acclaimed shops, famous for its never-ending lines in the mornings (and well into the afternoons on weekends).
Pro-tip: choose your flavour based on what has just come out of the oven, and don’t even think about asking for it toasted.
Bialy’s Bagels, Cleveland
This barebones bagel store is perfect for those who appreciate an authentic specimen right out of the oven. Do you like yours sliced and with lox or cream cheese spread? Then you’ll have to cut it yourself and personally grab the fillings from the cooler, as this no-frills shop is largely grab-and-go.
True to its name, the shop’s bialys are also commendable.
New York Bagel and Bialy Co, Illinois
Known for serving the “best bagels in the Midwest”, this store goes through hundreds of the crusty, dense and chewy bagels everyday. Their best seller, the “mish-mosh”, is coated in an eclectic mix of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, caraway, dried garlic, onion, and salt.
Hungry denizens can pick one up at any time of day – yup, the shop is open 24/7, perfect for those midnight bagel emergencies.
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to… whose guides cover all the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, sights, shops and spas
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