Chewy, crumby, springy, crackly—bagels come in many textures and styles, and everyone has an opinion on which type is best. Happily, Bostonians have plenty of choices. Here are some of the best, from on-trend newcomers to tried-and-true classics.
For a scene: Bagelsaurus (not kosher)
Owner Mary Ting Hyatt launched her shop as a pop-up at Cutty’s in Brookline. Now, a decade in, she has an enormous following at her small storefront outside of Porter Square—the line stretches for blocks. The bagels themselves are crackly on the outside and chewy within, but I really love the toppings: spicy pepper spread, hot smoked salmon, roasted tomatoes and avocado (I’ve dropped plenty of these in the front seat of my car because I just couldn’t wait to get home). Remember to pre-order on weekends.
1796 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, bagelsaurus.com
A pop-up sensation: Brick Street Bagels (not kosher)
Brick Street Bagels started in late 2022 as a one-person operation in a South End apartment, eventually moving into Bar Mezzana’s kitchen. Fresh off COVID, crowds were hungry for new businesses, lines were long and the buzz was strong. Now, Brick Street Bagels has a permanent space in South Boston. Don’t miss the dill pickle schmear.
371 W. Broadway, South Boston, brickstreetbagels.org
Cozy and comforting: Goldilox Bagels (not kosher)
Hefty without being too chewy, Medford’s Goldilox Bagels caters to weekend warriors: They bake their bagels fresh Friday through Sunday, so save your trip for a weekend. It’s worth it for their “bear butter” spread alone (butter with cayenne, honey, cinnamon and salt). Even cozier? They donate a portion of proceeds to local elementary schools.
186 Winthrop St., Medford, goldiloxbagels.com
For the gluten-conscious: One Mighty Mill (not kosher)
Get everything from lemon spinach to double-chili bagels at this Lynn café with an on-site mill, where founders Jon Olinto and Tony Rosenfeld (the masterminds behind local chain B.GOOD) specialize in fresh-milled flour with a low gluten content. These bagels are dense and nutty; due to the lack of gluten, they’re not as springy or doughy as you might be accustomed to. You won’t feel weighed down or sleepy after eating these bagels (good for kiddos). Another bonus: Nearby sensation Nightshade Noodle Bar provides spreads such as chili crisp cream cheese.
68 Exchange St., Lynn, onemightymill.com
For the trendy: PopUp Bagels (not kosher)
This New York export, with branches in Harvard Square, Somerville and the Seaport, has a DIY component: Rip your bagel through a tub of cream cheese, nachos-style, no slathering required. Their next-level schmears include honey chipotle and garlic rosemary butter. Prepare for lines.
Various locations, popupbagels.com
For gourmands: Rebelle Artisan Bagels (not kosher)
Providence’s Milena Pagán went to MIT and now she’s back in her old neighborhood after making a name for herself in the bagel world of Providence, along with lauded restaurant Little Sister. In Cambridge, she’s known for malty bagels and inventive cream cheeses like beet, dill-and-horseradish and Mexican street corn, plus fun sandwiches like bluefish melts.
249 Third St., Cambridge, ebelleartisanbagels.com
For purists: Rosenfeld’s Bagels (kosher)
This kosher-certified bakery has been around for over 40 years, and fans swear by the vaguely malty, subtly sweet taste. I appreciate this spot for straightforward varieties: pumpernickel, egg, onion. (The handmade challah is great, too.) The only downside is parking—if you can’t find a metered spot in Newton Centre, be prepared to double-park out front in the tiny lot and scoot in.
1280 Centre St., Newton, rosenfeldsbagels.com
