In need of a bagel and schmear fix? We know the feeling. There’s something about biting into a crunchy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside bagel that creates a little boost in serotonin.
To help you find the best bagels around town, we’ve crafted this handy guide featuring four local eateries.
Pearl’s, 133 N. Limestone
If you haven’t tried the woodfired bagels from this downtown joint, you’re sorely missing out. Pearl’s offers five bagel varieties as well as several cream cheese and spread options. The menu also features breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Pro tip: Try the smoked brisket bagel sandwich with onions and horseradish cream cheese.
Southland Bagel, 428 Southland Dr.
Southland boasts house-blended cream cheese spreads, bagels made fresh daily, and housemade side items. But that’s not all. The shop’s menu also features breakfast and lunch sandwiches, espresso drinks, burgers, salads and soups, and pizzas. Psst — order the after school special sandwich on a plain bagel with spicy pimento cheese, spicy pickles, and spring mix.
Are you team sauce or team spread (or both) when it comes to bagel sandwiches? | Photo by @greatbagel
Great Bagel & Bakery, 396 Woodland Ave.+ 3650 Boston Rd.
From everything to maple bourbon, there’s a bagel flavor for everyone at Great Bagel. The eatery has 12+ bagel flavors as well as a plethora of spread options and breakfast sandwich meals. Great Bagel also serves housemade pastries, lunch bagel sandos, salads, and soups. We love ordering the healthy sprout breakfast sandwich on a garlic bagel. Pro tip: It offers gluten-free bagel options on the weekends.
Magee’s, 726 E. Main St.
This Main Street bakery’s hand-rolled, New York-style bagels are what dreams are made of. While you’re there picking up a baker’s dozen, be sure to order a few scratch-made yeast donuts and 81-layer croissants too. Also, visit Magee’s for breakfast and try the avocado and bacon bagel sandwich.
