Whether you prefer them toasted, with cream cheese, or as part of a hearty sandwich, one thing’s for sure: Boston’s bagel scene has a bit of everything.
We’re rising to the occasion + identifying some of the most beloved local spots for a doughy good time.
Bagelsaurus, 1796 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
The Porter Square shop specializes in handmade, slow-fermented bagels. Expect lines out the door on weekends — though it’s worth the wait for one of the specialty bagels like cheddar garlic.
Bagel Guild, 100 Hanover St.
Located inside the Boston Public Market, this shop serves up artisanal sourdough bagels, made with local grain from Holyoke, Massachusetts.
Black Sheep Bagel Cafe, 56 John F. Kennedy St., Cambridge
Pop over to Harvard Square to order breakfast to go, or snag a seat inside while you enjoy your “baaagel.” We recommend the asiago cheese or rosemary sea salt.
Finagle a Bagel, 535 Boylston St.
Who doesn’t love a punny name? The Back Bay shop has multiple bagel sandwich options — grab a half dozen or full dozen “naked” bagels to bring home.
Kupel’s Bakery, 421 Harvard St., Brookline
Pro tip: It’s pronounced “couples.” Now that you’ve got the pronunciation down pat, head to Coolidge Corner for a bagel topped with tofu cream cheese, whitefish salad, or smoked salmon.
Bonus: We asked our Instagram followers to share their favorite bagel spots — and they have some egg-celent recs.
Exodus Bagels, 2 McCraw St.
We’re adding this Roslindale shop with bagel sandwiches and plenty of sweets to our bagel bucket list, thanks to @emollieh.
Goldilox Bagels, 186 Winthrop St., Medford
Recommended by @kkmullz, this store serves gluten-free bagels and unique toppings like “bear butter” with honey, cayenne, cinnamon + salt.
Pavement Coffeehouse, Multiple locations
A favorite among local college students, @sam.in.a recommends this local chain for the rosemary salt bagels and vegan options.