Bagels. It’s impossible not to love them, especially if you grew up in and around New York, where the bagel is said to have found its maturity after a lengthy history that goes back to late-medieval Eastern Europe — likely in areas that became modern-day Poland and Austria. Believe it or not, the bagel partly came to be associated with enterprising Jewish bakers partly due to “proscriptions” against non-Christians baking bread for the Eucharist.
However the “original” bagel was born, it matured in the New World, first in New York, due to its large population of European Jewish immigrants. But, nowadays, you don’t have to be anywhere near New York to enjoy some of that breaded goodness. Actually, the bagel is now as American as, well, apple pie.
It’s hard to choose the best bagel, but we have 30 of the best bagel shops that produce those little round lovelies across the country. Some are from, of course, New York and Los Angeles, but many are found in more surprising places. In the interest of fairness, we’re listing them in alphabetical order.
New York Bagel & Bialy Corp
Location: Lincolnwood, Illinois
Actually, New York Bagel & Bialy Corp. is found in the “second city” of Chicago — and like the aforementioned Kaufman’s, it resides on the city’s northern side. New York Bagel has been operating since 1964, and they are considered a welcoming, wonderful outpost for New York-style bagels in the Midwest.
Of particular note is the so-called mish-mosh bagel, which contains caraway seeds, onion, salt and garlic. Oh, and good news if you come stumbling out of the bar at 2 a.m. with an appetite: They’re open 24 hours.
Rover Bagel
Location: Biddeford, Maine
Sleepy seaside Biddeford has a reputation for, among other things, its piers and lighthouses. Also, a scrappy shop turning out some of the best bagels in all of New England.
Like most small businesses, Rover was hit hard by the pandemic, but thankfully, they’re still selling their breaded wares, which can be picked up at the shop, as indoor dining remains verboten. Then, perhaps, you’ll want to enjoy a stroll around Biddeford; you might beat Stephen King to the next Maine-set horror blockbuster.
Scratch Baking Company
Location: South Portland, Maine
Once again to Maine we go, this time to South Portland, home to Scratch Baking Company and its bevy of bagels. Scratch is well known for its herb cream cheese spread (or “schmear”), and in pre-pandemic times, folks would line up outdoors to get their hands on the hot goodness from the ovens.
Scratch uses a sourdough starter for its recipe and builds out from there. Granted, sourdough is more identified with the West Coast, but when it comes to bagels, it’s the taste itself that travels.
