The Best Bagel Shop In Every State

In a world filled with culinary conquests, one humble creation has managed to carve its own delectable niche — the bagel. What began as a simple bread roll with a hole in the center has evolved into an iconic breakfast staple cherished by millions. From New York's classic, chewy wonders to creative interpretations spanning the United States, bagels have become a universal delight.

As breakfast enthusiasts and bagel aficionados, we embarked on a quest to bring you the ultimate guide to the finest bagel shops across the nation. From the Atlantic to the Pacific, the northern plains to the deep south, we've scoured each state to unearth the best of the best. We looked at reviews and read an array of news stories to find award-winning shops and hidden local gems that are a must-try. There are also a few on this list that we got to sample first-hand!

Whether you prefer your bagels crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, or you're searching for unique and inventive toppings, we've got you covered — literally. Be prepared to discover hidden gems, iconic institutions, and local legends as we reveal the crème de la crème of bagel shops in every state.

Nestled in the pristine landscapes of Alaska, The Bagel Shop reigns supreme as the state's premier bagel haven. Born from a romantic gesture, as co-owner Gabe Chapin made midnight bagels to win over Mikela Arumburu, their now joint bagel-making venture thrives in Homer's boatyard district.

What truly distinguishes this establishment is its special offerings, including sustainably sourced Alaskan salmon, making their bagel creations a genuine reflection of the region's culinary treasures. Selling out their bagel stock Wednesday through Sunday, this local favorite has a smaller variety than most, but the winning aspect is in the crafted details.

Ozark Mountain Bagel Co. takes the top spot in Arkansas, rooted in the heart of the Ozark Mountains. This family-owned business brought New York-style bagels to this southern location, ensuring everyone in the area can enjoy a delicious, water-boiled, homemade bagel every single day.

The standout features of Ozark Mountain Bagel Co. are its commitment to quality and innovation, and even providing gluten-free options. Additionally, it offers an array of locally inspired coffees and spreads, to ensure they are "spreading joy, love, and cream cheese," (per Ozark Mountain Bagel Co.)

Rosenberg's Bagels & Delicatessen stands as Colorado's premier bagel and deli destination, with its flagship location in the heart of Denver. This establishment has seamlessly brought the Big Apple's deli culture to the Rocky Mountains. 

Rosenberg's offers an impressive variety of handcrafted celebrated for their authenticity and quality. The shop offers an array of inventive house-made cream cheeses like the scallion or Hatch chile flavors, along with classic deli sandwiches and epic innovations like the Don't Tell Ya Mother which is a poppyseed bagel stacked with belly ham and melted Swiss cheese, honey mustard and mayo. 

Everyone seems to know Surf Bagel in Delaware, with its original location in the coastal community of Lewes. Born from a love of the beach and great bagels, Surf Bagel offers a unique and delightful twist on the traditional bagel experience. 

Their menu features over 20 scratch-made, New York-style bagel flavors, from chocolate chip to Old Bay bagel, capturing the essence of beachside living. Throw in coastal-inspired spreads, inventive sandwich creations, and delicious smoothies, and your taste buds will thank you for the field trip.

Inspired by Long Island and a bagel daydream, Emerald City Bagels in the heart of Atlanta keeps the classics just that. Originating from a passion for crafting traditional kettle-boiled bagels, this beloved storefront has established itself as a local gem. 

What truly sets Emerald City Bagels apart are their inventive spreads and unique sandwich creations, delivering a fresh take on classic flavors. If you're looking to step outside the box, try their Chopped Cheese or Inverted Grilled Cheese for a real treat. Even a "bagel snob" from Brooklyn agrees (per Yelp) — this place is the real deal.

Blue Sky Bagels claims the title of Idaho's foremost bagel destination, with locations in various communities throughout the state. The staff takes pride in their bagel-making, which you can see step by step on the shop's website.

Blue Sky has been serving the Gem State with exceptional bagels for decades with its classic menu of bagels, spreads, sandwiches, and more. The best part? Sandwich and bagel extras are free! Now that's something you won't find anywhere else.

What started as a hobby turned into a part-time bagel delivery service. Now, Sidedoor Bagels is an Indianapolis institution. People wait in line for these delicious circles of dough until they sell out. 

Sidedoor's menu features a diverse selection of freshly boiled and baked, traditional and inventive bagels, like their Spicy Everything and Garlic White Cheddar, all made with precision and care. Using an array of local ingredients, it's no wonder people in the area love Sidedoor.

Meshuggah Bagels is driven by Janna and Pete's quest for the quintessential New York bagel. Their story began with that first "crazy delicious" (per Meshuggah Bagels) bite on a New York street corner, inspiring them to bring that authentic taste to Kansas City. With Janna's food industry experience and Pete's ancestral baking roots, Meshuggah Bagels was born.

Meshuggah stands out for recreating the old-world bagel essence. Each bagel follows authentic artisan methods, including a secret ingredient mix and a crucial boil before baking. From the classics to their seasonal Apple Pie Schmear, you'll always find the right treat.

Humble Bagel, located in New Orleans, is our vote for Louisiana's best bagel spot. Founded by Casey Mackintosh and Tara Mikhail, this shop brings the authentic taste of New York-style bagels to the bayou. They prioritize quality, crafting their bagels from scratch daily in small batches to ensure freshness and minimize waste. 

Their bagels consist of just five essential ingredients and proudly sell out each day. They also feature an open kitchen, so you can watch these bagels come to life! Check out their daily specials and specialty bagels, too.

Goldberg's Bagels, established in 2004, is the best bagel shop in Maryland, serving Washington DC and the metro area. Renowned for their superior quality and service, they've earned distinctions like "Best Bagel" by the Washington Jewish Week and the "Top Nosh" award from the Washington Post (via Kosher PO)

Their menu offers a range of breakfast and lunch options, including bagels, sandwiches, soups, and salads, but most love their everything bagels and their cream cheese and with smoked salmon bagels. Certified kosher by the Vaad Harabanim of Greater Washington, this is the place for a quality bagel experience.

Detroit Bagel Factory has been perfecting the bagel tradition since 1960. Located in Livonia, MI, they craft everything in small batches, selling their bagels within hours of baking for unparalleled freshness.

Their menu not only features award-winning bagels but also deli classics like corned beef on rye and egg and cheese bagel sandwiches. They're also known for their homemade whipped cream cheese and lox to pair with one or a dozen bagels. 

Beagle Bagel Cafe in Mississippi features freshly baked, handmade bagels that have been a beloved Southern tradition for over two decades. Established in 1995, this family-owned and operated restaurant boasts locations in Madison, Jackson, and Oxford.

Beagle Bagel's dedication to crafting exceptional bagels and Southern-inspired delights has made them an integral part of Mississippi's culinary landscape, delighting locals in multiple communities. Their chicken salad is a top-seller and a must for anyone visiting the area. As for locals, this is a "go to place" and "puts everyone else to shame," (per Yelp).

BagelWorks has served Gallatin Valley with top-quality bagels since 1991. Earning a devoted following with their freshly made bagels and a wide array of flavors, their long-standing presence and dedicated focus on quality makes them the go-to bagel destination in the state.

Their menu includes delectable hot breakfast sandwiches, customizable lunch bagels, and an extensive array of cream cheese flavors. With a slogan that declares they're "Not Just a Roll with a Hole," (per BagelWorks), BagelWorks has etched its place as the ultimate bagel shop in Montana.

Located in Las Vegas, Siegel's is a modern-day Jewish delicatessen and bakery, offering traditional New York-style boiled bagels, house-made bread, pastries, and a wide selection of deli favorites. It was founded in 1989 and reinvigorated by Stephen Siegel in 2018. 

This 10,000-square-foot establishment combines tradition and modernity, serving over 20 bagel varieties and catering to diverse events with an extensive menu. Their commitment to quality, including fresh lox, pastrami, and more, solidifies their place as the top bagel shop, serving the community behind the glitz of The Strip.

The Bagel Nook is New Jersey's top bagel shop, known for its wild and inventive creations. They've shaken up the bagel world with audacious flavors like Oreo, Fruity Pebble, and Captain Crunch bagels, along with unique micro-batch cream cheese varieties such as Birthday Cake and Nutella.

The shop's success can be attributed to a combination of premium ingredients and a profound love for bagels. Their remarkable offerings have earned them a spotlight in publications like Food & Wine, Glamour, and The Today Show, as well as a feature on BuzzFeed.

While it's difficult to name just one great bagel spot in New York, we're calling Ess-a-Bagel the best. Its roots go back to 1976, when Florence and Gene Wilpon, and Aaron Wenzelberg opened their first location. 

Hailing from a family with Austrian heritage, their hand-rolled bagels earned the title of the best in the Tri-State area within two years. National recognition soon followed with its delectable assortment of cakes, pastries, muffins, and cookies. Ess-a-Bagel's mastery in the bagel-making art keeps patrons lined up around the block, where the bagels are allowed to shine without the need for novelty flavors.

BernBaum's is the crown jewel of Fargo's dining scene, masterfully blending Nordic and Jewish flavors in a downtown deli. Since 2017, BernBaum's has been captivating both locals and travelers, earning its place as North Dakota's go-to spot for a unique fusion of flavors.

The shop is renowned for its daily baked fresh bagels, offering both weekday lunches and weekend brunch to a growing fan base. From lox to shakshuka to Romanian sausage, you'll never get bored with this menu.

Interspersed throughout the great state of Oklahoma, Old School Bagel is the unrivaled destination for bagels. Their meticulous approach to bagel-making mirrors the time-honored traditions of NYC, with an overnight dough-prep process. The bagels are then delicately boiled and baked to perfection.

Delight in flavors such as jalapeno cheddar, honey oat, and blueberry as you savor the natural essence of these delectable treats. From an array of bagel sandwiches to take-home cream cheese, you can get whatever you need at one of their many locations. These treats even cause some customers to sing (per Yelp)!

Kismet Bagels, a heartwarming pandemic-born venture in Philadelphia, combines exceptional bagels with a strong commitment to community service. Jacob and Alexandra Cohen, motivated by their newfound free time during the early days of the pandemic, ventured into baking, starting with bread and progressing to bagels. Inspired by a desire to make a positive impact, they began selling their bagels to neighbors and donating the proceeds.

Their brick-and-mortar locations in Fishtown and Rittenhouse, along with a spot at Reading Terminal Market, serve their delicious bagels and a variety of creative and vibrant cream cheese options. Don't forget to try their delectable bailys!

Bagel Nation is cherished by Charleston locals, college students, and well-informed visitors. Every morning, they meticulously craft their bagels from scratch, using only the freshest ingredients. While their bagels are delightful on their own, Bagel Nation's specialty cream cheeses and breakfast sandwiches have become their hallmark. 

There are so many must-haves at this local spot. The Egglewich Deluxe, a bacon, egg, and cheese creation on a toasted bagel, is a customer favorite. The Southern Belle on an Everything bagel is their top seller, and the sweet-tooth's delight is their sugar and cinnamon-crusted Frazzle bagels.

Proper Bagel in Nashville stands out as the best bagel shop in Tennessee. With over 40 years of family experience in the culinary world, Proper Bagel blends old-school flavors with new-school creativity. Their kettle-boiled bagels are crafted from scratch and baked daily in a stone-lined oven. 

The minimalistic black-and-white interior creates a stylish backdrop for a curated selection of custom cream cheeses and Instagram-worthy bagels that taste as good as they look. With features in a variety of publications, from Goop to Food & Wine, it's clear Proper Bagel is a top contender in the bagel game.

The Bagel Project was birthed out of necessity: to fill the bagel void in Salt Lake City. Originating from New Jersey, the founders faced a bagel-less breakfast crisis in their new town and decided to take matters into their own hands. After months of dedication and around 200 pounds of flour, they recreated the authentic bagel taste of their childhood.

Handmade without preservatives, sugar, eggs, or honey, their vegan bagels embody old-world fermentation practices. Try one of their creative sammies like the Hava Tequila or the Trout and Truffle.

Yorgo's Bageldashery, nestled in Norfolk, Virginia's historic Ghent district, is the go-to spot for the finest bagels in the state. Over its nearly two-decade history, Yorgo's has become a beloved tradition, drawing locals and visitors alike. 

What makes Yorgo's special is its owner, Greg Peterman, who was once a customer with a passion for bagels. Today, he continues to uphold the tradition of excellence that began over nineteen years ago, cooking up small batches to ensure freshness and making genuine connections with his customers. From decadent bagel sandwiches to mimosa flights, there's something for everyone at this hip VA spot.

Royalicious in Charles Town, West Virginia, is the epitome of a family legacy. The shop spans four generations, blending Russian, Jewish, and Sicilian backgrounds to create delightful baked goods, including a variety of New York-style bagels.

Their extensive range of New York-style bagels, available in over 15 flavors, draws customers from near and far. The bakery produces fresh baked goods daily and caters to various occasions, making it a go-to destination for those seeking authentic and delicious bagels and other baked treats.

Mort's Bagels has been taking care of Cheyenne residents and travelers alike with their exceptionally fresh bagels since 1993. Committed to crafting daily batches of irresistible bagels, Mort's offers a diverse selection to cater to every taste, from sweet to savory and even spicy.

Whether you're a regular visitor or a newcomer seeking signature creations, Mort's welcomes everyone. Enjoy the traditional flavors like plain and cinnamon raisin, but don't be afraid to switch it up and try their cheddar dill and Razzleberry. You won't regret it!