On a peaceful morning in the city, one of my favorite things to do is settle down at a cafe for a bite to eat–either relaxing alone with a good book or meeting up with friends to catch up over coffee. But what could make these mornings even more beautiful (rather than just wandering into any ordinary old bakery) than exploring Boston’s bagel scene? For that reason, I set out to try all the city’s bakeries best known for their bagels and here are my thoughts!
Pavement Coffee
If you’ve spent even a little time in Boston, you’ve more than likely strolled by this quaint and rustic cafe, perhaps admiring their iconic bird logo or considering dropping by for a quick coffee. While Pavement certainly makes a great stop for a simple drink or pastry, if you do find yourself in one of their various locations across the city, you really shouldn’t leave without trying their bagels!
Upon arriving at the counter, you’ll spot them stacked right on the counter in a towering display of all their flavor options: plain, everything, sesame, poppy, rosemary sea salt, jalapeno, and cinnamon raisin. Seeing those fluffy rings coated thoroughly on all sides with those tasty toppings, how can you not be tempted? So, you’ll pick your favorite and begin to place your order. However, you’ll be forced to stop yet again as you gaze up at the menu and are met with another difficult decision: choosing between their plethora of fillings from classic cream cheese to a warm, silky egg patty or a variety of fresh vegetables. Whether you select one of their premade sandwich options or come up with your own creation, you certainly won’t be disappointed.
As for the dough itself, it’s large and satisfying with a solid exterior that maintains that satisfying and classic interior chew of any good bagel. For being a chain, Pavement never fails to impress with its high quality bagels that taste as if they’re straight out of your most trusted neighborhood bakery. This stop is certainly a reliable, iconic option that you’ll be sure to visit frequently when in dire need of a comforting bagel.
My Go-To Order: Egg, habanero cream cheese, and sprouts on an everything bagel
What Our BU Community Thinks:
“[Pavement is] perfectly situated on campus for a quick meet-up with friends or a long study session… [They have a] variety of packed bagel sandwiches, seasonal drinks, and flavorful pastries”
– Sadie Feldman
Popup Bagels
Another bagel chain that’s recently been popping up around the city is none other than the aptly named Popup Bagels themselves–a spot native to NYC and famous for their unique tear and dip style bagels. With their newest location as close as Harvard Square in Cambridge, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to try some of what New York has to offer Boston’s bagel scene. As soon as you step off the red line, you’ll be met face to face with this quaint shop which, regardless of its small size, delivers a lively energy. Starting your morning here with the smell of fresh baked bread filling the atmosphere, vibrant decor, friendly staff, and energizing music, you’ll be sure to wake up fast and start your day off with high spirits.
Alongside this joyful, fast-paced energy, you’ll receive their warm, fluffy rings of dough that come in batches of three and are paired with one tub of schmear or butter when you order in-store. Their bagels come in rustic brown paper bags to take to-go or to enjoy standing at their counter space. Though untraditional for a typical bakery or cafe, something that makes this experience so special is the shop’s encouragement of creating community through sharing their bagels–you rip off as much or as little as you like, compare flavors, make unique dipping combos, and most importantly, have a good time with the people around you.
So, although their menu is limited to five standard seasoning flavors and only two traditional cream cheese types, they also offer seasonal schmear and butter options (which rotate weekly) to accompany their bagels. For that reason, whether you’re in the mood for a more basic bagel or for something surprising and new, Popup is the place to be. This spot not only delivers its unique New York spirit to the city, but also an innovative tradition of bagel enjoyment that you certainly can’t miss!
My Fav Order: Sesame bagel with scallion cream cheese
Black Sheep Bagels
On my hunt for other local bakeries (those native to just Boston and more representative of its distinct bagel scene), I came across Black Sheep–one of the city’s most well known bagel shops. And for good reason: they bring a fun and funky flare to their menu, showcasing unique and surprisingly tasty ingredients. Standing out from many of the other options on this list, the cafe’s sandwiches and atmosphere perfectly capture the chill yet passionate energy of the city’s quirky vibes.
Though technically located just across the Charles River in Cambridge, this spot is still arguably very close to the true heart and soul of Boston, so really it might as well count as a part of the city too. Housed on a calm, back road of the neighborhood, Black Sheep will come upon its customers as a satisfying surprise once they spot it nestled unassumingly between the brick buildings beside it. As your eyes move upward just slightly from the pavement beneath your feet, you’ll gaze upon their welcoming yet inconspicuous shop sign before moving eagerly down some steps inside without another beat. Stepping inside, you’ll see this quaint below ground spot transformed before your eyes with the cozy, relaxed energy of its grounded interior feel. And then, you’ll be motivated even more to order yourself a bagel!
Whether you’re a traditionalist or, inspired by the bagel shop’s menu, an adventurer the day you come to visit, you’ll be sure to find surprise and delight by whatever you order. Since my first visit, I’ve admired the menu’s plethora of untraditional ingredients which made me think of bagel sandwiches in a whole new way. The fascinating flavors of toppings like fig jam and maple bacon or of seasonings like cajun spice and za’tar is what keeps Black Sheep fans coming back time and time again, despite its distance from the rest of Boston. If I were you, I wouldn’t miss any chance to experience the best of Boston through this bagel like no other.
My Fav Order: The bacon, egg, and fig on a sesame bagel
Bagelsaurus
Ok, I guess when when I said I’d be describing all the best bagels in Boston, I really should have said “near” Boston. While Bagelsaurus is admittedly quite a trip outside the city, especially without a car, I couldn’t help but include it on this list as another contender for the city’s most notable bagel sandwiches. Located on a farther side of Cambridge, this spot is often compared to its counterpart in the same neighborhood–Black Sheep. But I’m here to tell you that Bagelsaurus brings its own distinct personality to the Boston bakery scene.
As a now well-knowledgeable bagel connoisseur, when your search takes you into this spot, you’ll notice its notably friendly and bright energy in comparison to the others. Though one of the smaller and more compact places on this list, their dining room still provides that rejuvenating feeling you crave in the morning, packing a punch with the kind service and delicious smells that waft across your senses. Knowing what you know now about popular bakeries around town, you also made sure to get there early to get the first pick of your favorite bagel toppings before they sold out (just a little pro-tip).
So, when you finally step up to the front of the line you’re ready with your choice between one of their many handmade, 24-hour fermented sourdough bagels (and yes, they’ll taste just as delicious as that sounds). Their pre-set sandwich menu contains a mix of savory and sweet, breakfast or lunch bagels, but their BYO options are even more diverse with choices of weekly bagel specials like chocolate chip pretzel or cheddar garlic, cream cheeses like honey rosemary and spicy pepper, or toppings like roasted tomatoes and pickled cabbage. Bagelsaurus, as the name also suggests, is certainly not at a loss when it comes to an element of playfulness, whether you’re first ordering or sitting down to enjoy your bagel. This spot has some incredibly joyful vibes which you’ll desire just as much as their delicious sandwiches.
My Fav Order: The eggspañola on a plain bagel
Brick Street Bagels
While it’s fun to explore the unique options Boston has to offer, I don’t blame those craving a more familiar, straightforward style breakfast. And if that sounds like you, look no further than Brick Street for a spot that truly perfects simplicity in their fresh, homemade bagels. And great news for those who are already fans of this widely popular bakery–characterized by its location in a cozy corner of the South End (hence their fitting name)–they just recently opened a larger, permanent location nearby. Much like Popup, they used to only sell tear and dip style, meaning you’d order two bagels at a time and a side of cream cheese to share among friends or family. Being a small business, though, they were much harder to get a hold of, and going was like a special treat. That is, until recently!
In celebration of the many excited visits to their first location, your decision to try out their new spot will reveal how they still perfectly maintain the signature vibes of their classic neighborhood bakery, while simultaneously expanding their menu to feature elevated open-faced options with toppings like traditional cream cheese to fresh tomato and lox. These combined qualities create an experience to remember–one filled with comforting nostalgia lifted into the air by the smell of fresh baked dough. You’ll appreciate more than ever how an effortless yet carefully crafted bagel can really warm the soul. They’re some of the most texturally satisfying you’ve tried yet, with an unbelievably fluffy interior and that desirable chewy quality; put simply, the bagels are a classic you’ll always admire and will never grow bored of.
My Go-To Order: Everything bagel with scallion cream cheese
Park Bagelry
Last, but definitely not least, is Park Bagelry! Don’t worry if you haven’t heard of them- this spot joined Allston’s culinary scene very recently as a brand new bakery that specializes in breakfast sandwiches. Unlike other bagel shops in the city, though, their menu serves up a unique mixture of New York- and Montreal- style bagels. What does that mean exactly? Well, at first, I wasn’t too sure either but here’s what I found out:
- New York bagels are often on the large side, being poked in the center to create the hole, and having a traditionally softer interior
- Montreal bagels are smaller and more dense, being shaped by bringing two ends of a roll together, and first being boiled in honey before baking in a woodfired oven
In short, you shouldn’t be disappointed if you venture out into this far-away foodie-central neighborhood of Boston; you’ll be met with a very special pastry that blends all the best bagel qualities into one and offers all the traditional bagel flavors you crave. And, hey, while you’re out there, Park Bagelry isn’t a bad place to sit and work for a while either! Upon entering you’ll notice a spacious dining area with a plethora of seating options both indoors and outdoors. So, whether you’re meeting a large group of friends for brunch or dining alone and locking in on work, if you want your morning commute to end in a tasty bagel this is certainly the place to visit.
Not only do they serve up the obvious bagel sandwich, they also carry a variety of drinks, pastries, and even some seasonal items on their menu, so whatever you’re craving, you won’t have to miss out. I will say, though, the breakfast sandwich is popular for a reason: their freshly made over-hard egg is cooked to creamy perfection, pairing perfectly with the solid, springy dough and the overall prominent chew of the bagel. With high quality cheddar and full coverage of seasonings too, the sandwich carries a special salty sharpness that brings everything together nicely. You definitely shouldn’t sleep on this spot–once you try it for the first time, you’re bound to go back, so get there quick before the secret gets out!
My Favorite Order: Egg and cheese everything bagel
