Rumor is it can be a little tough finding a good bagel in the Bay area. Who wants to eat fluffy bread with a hole when all you really want is a dang good bagel. Well, we’re here to share the very best—from boiled to wood-fired—so you can satisfy your craving for a cream cheese shmeer on Everything or a toasted Sesame with bacon and egg. We carbo loaded for the sake of journalism and rounded-up the Bay’s best bagels and bagel shops for you and your family.
Beauty’s Bagel Shop
One of East Bay’s most popular bagel shops, Beauty’s is all about a perfect wood-fired bagel. (It doesn’t hurt that the shop itself has a cool hipster vibe and the customer service is great.) Besides delicious bagels, the menu is full of delicious breakfast and lunch fare like coffee, soups, salads and baked goods. Try the veggie bagel sandwiches (cream cheese, salted cucumber, capers, red onion and arugula) and breakfast sandwich (free range egg and cheddar cheese). Tip: the wait can be long after 9:00 am on a weekend. You can skip the line and order online! Street parking only. High chairs available.
3838 Telegraph Ave.
Oakland, Ca
510-788-6098
Online: beautysbagelshop.com
Berkeley Bagels
Located on a cute commercial strip, Berkeley Bagels is a quaint family-run bagel shop known as a neighborhood favorite. We love their boiled bagels, lox, tomato and onion, pre-made sandwiches and kebabs. In addition to the bagels, the spot boasts free parking on the street or in a lot next door and lovely al fresco dining out front. Insider tip: Don’t let the line spook you. It moves quickly and it’s well worth a short wait.
1281 Gilman St.
Berkeley, Ca
510-524-3104
Authentic Bagel Company
This gem boils up bagels with a light sourdough flavor and the magic combo of a chewy inside and an almost-crispy crust. Locals line up for the 8 a.m. bagel debut Monday through Thursday at their Oakland Bakery. But for those not in the hood, you can find their creations at more than 20 bakeries, cafes, and restaurants across the Bay, from Philz Coffee and Bi-Rite Market.
463 2nd St.
Oakland, Ca
Online: abagelcompany.com
Baron’s Baking Company
Dan Graf created a bagel optimized by science—”a bagel that combines a uniquely crisp and blistered crust with a rich and chewy interior redolent of the best bagels in and around Graf’s native New Jersey.” We agree: they are delicious. Order a dozen 48 hours in advance (minimum), or grab one at Saul’s, Chop Bare, Espresso Subito, Shorty Goldstein’s, Driver’s Market, and Stag’s Lunchette. You can also follow them on Facebook.
Served at various locations listed here.
Noah’s Bagels
Although it’s a chain, Noah’s is a local favorite. It’s easy to grab a dozen, order coffee, or schedule affordable catering for a family reunion or children’s birthday party. Try a thick-cut turkey sandwich with an everything bagel or a toasted plain bagel with Nutella shmear.
See a full list of Noah’s locations here.
Barton’s Bagels
Locals rave they’re Marin’s best bagels. Simple and inexpensive, these bagels are delicious. Buy a dozen and freeze them for breakfast and lunches all week! Try the toasted salt with light cream cheese and tomato, or the challah they bake on Fridays.
645 San Anselmo Ave.
San Anselmo, Ca
415-458-8818
What’s your favorite bagel shop in your neighborhood? We’d love to hear in the comments!
—Koseli Cummings
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