Philadelphia is a city known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious food. And when it comes to breakfast, there's nothing quite like a fresh, warm bagel.
But with so many bagel shops to choose from, where do you start? That's where I come in. As a local and self-proclaimed bagel connoisseur, I've scoured the city to find the very best bagel shops.
From chewy, traditional New York-style bagels to more unique flavors and toppings, Philadelphia has something for everyone.
Whether you prefer your bagel with a shmear of cream cheese or piled high with lox and capers, there's a shop in this city that can satisfy your cravings.
But what makes a great bagel shop? It's not just about the bagels themselves, although that's certainly a big part of it.
A great bagel shop also has friendly staff, a welcoming atmosphere, and a commitment to quality ingredients and preparation. It's a place where you can grab a quick breakfast on the go or sit down and enjoy a leisurely brunch with friends.
So without further ado, let's dive into the best bagel shops in Philadelphia. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just visiting for the weekend, these shops are not to be missed.
Get ready to sink your teeth into some of the best bagels you've ever tasted.
1. The Kettle Black
The Kettle Black is a cozy bagel shop that offers a variety of delicious baked goods.
Their bagels are chewy on the outside and soft on the inside, with the perfect amount of toppings and cream cheese. The bakery also offers sourdough bread and croissants that are to die for.
Although the shop can get busy on weekends, the friendly staff and reasonable prices make it worth the wait.
The Kettle Black is a must-visit for anyone looking for a great breakfast or snack in the city.
2. Korshak Bagels
Korshak Bagels is a must-try for bagel lovers. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the line moves quickly.
They offer unique options like daily butter specials and creative jams. The bagels are perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
The Lox sandwich on an egg bagel is a fan-favorite. The community-focused experience of ordering one-on-one with a staff member and watching the bagels being made is a unique touch.
Get there early to avoid missing out on the full selection.
3. Talia's Bagels & Grille
Talia's Bagels & Grille is a hidden gem of a bagel shop.
They serve up fresh New York-style bagels with an assortment of toppings, along with other delicious dishes.
The owners are friendly and enthusiastic, and their desserts are all house-made. The menu has something for everyone, and the service is quick.
If you're in the area, Talia's is a must-try for anyone looking for a top-notch bagel experience.
4. Kismet Bagels
Kismet Bagels is a must-visit for any bagel lover.
Their bagels are top-notch and the spreads are delicious.
The staff is friendly and efficient, making the ordering process a breeze.
Despite the long lines, the wait is worth it. Highly recommended for a quick breakfast or lunch spot.
5. Dottie's Donuts
Dottie's Donuts is a vegan donut and bagel shop that offers unique and creative flavors.
The staff is friendly and helpful, and the coffee is fresh and delicious. The donuts are heavenly and come in both Dunkin-style and cake-style.
The bagels and other drinks are also tasty. Prices are reasonable, and the shop is clean and trendy.
Parking can be a bit of a challenge, but the quality of the food is worth it. Dottie's Donuts is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious vegan treats.
6. The Bagel Place
The Bagel Place is a must-visit spot for bagel lovers. The bagels are delicious and have a typical New York-style flavor that is hard to find outside of New York.
The cream cheese is generously spread, and the lox is fresh and not too salty. The variety of bagels is impressive, and the Everything toppings are on both sides.
The seating area is spacious and filled with decorations, and they even have board games. The service is quick and friendly, and the staff is always welcoming.
The sandwiches are phenomenal, and the soup and coffee drinks are worth trying. The Bagel Place is a modern bakery that offers house-made bagels, soups, and sandwiches.
7. Newbold Cafe
Newbold Cafe offers a fantastic selection of fresh bagels and sandwiches at great prices.
Their veggie bagel is a must-try, while the turkey hoagie is big enough for two meals.
The Thai tea and iced coffee are also refreshing options.
The owner and staff are friendly and passionate about their scrumptious sandwiches. Highly recommended for a quick lunch or snack.
8. Four Worlds Bakery
Four Worlds Bakery is a must-visit for anyone who loves artisanal bread, bagels, and pastries.
This bakery specializes in sourdough loaves, croissants, challah, and other baked goods. The staff is friendly and the service is fast, even during the pandemic.
The almond croissant is a standout item and the everything bagels are a fan favorite.
The prices are reasonable and the quality is exceptional. Don't miss out on this West Philly gem for delicious baked goods.
9. Bodhi Coffee
Bodhi Coffee is a cozy and quaint coffee shop that offers more than just your average cup of joe.
Their bagels are the star of the show, with elevated toppings that take them to the next level. The atmosphere is perfect for getting some work done or just enjoying a chill vibe.
The mellow music in the background adds to the ambiance, making it a great spot to relax with a hot cup of coffee and a delicious bagel.
Whether you're in the mood for a classic bagel with cream cheese or something a little more adventurous, Bodhi Coffee has got you covered.
10. Rally Coffee
Rally Coffee is a modern bagel shop with a hip vibe. They serve locally roasted coffee and have a variety of pastries, including vegan and gluten-free options.
The space is bright and airy with indoor and outdoor seating available.
They also offer table rentals for those who need a workspace.
The staff is friendly and the service is quick. If you're in the area, it's definitely worth checking out.
11. Bart's Bagels
Bart's Bagels is a must-visit for anyone who loves fresh bagels.
The shop offers a variety of tasty fillings, and the cream cheese is just the right amount. The bagels are always fresh and seasoned to perfection.
The shop has a cute ambiance with tables outside to enjoy the food. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and the prices are reasonable.
If you're in the mood for a delicious breakfast, Bart's Bagels is the place to go.
12. Schmear It
Schmear It is a bagel shop that offers a unique twist on traditional bagels. They chop up fresh toppings and mix them in with the cream cheese to create custom-made spreads.
The staff is friendly, and the service is prompt. The shop has a large selection of bagels and toppings, including vegan cream cheese.
Schmear It is a great spot for a quick breakfast or lunch, with both savory and sweet options available. The prices are affordable, and the seating is plentiful.
If you're a bagel lover, make sure to check out Schmear It for a delicious and personalized experience.
13. Philly Style Bagels
Philly Style Bagels is a small-batch bagel shop that creates a unique flavor and texture. Their bagels are a hybrid of New York and Montreal styles, and they use high-quality flour to make them.
The bagels are fresh and never smell like yeast. The staff is friendly and helpful. Prices are reasonable for the quality of the bagels.
The only downside is that they don't have a toaster on the premises, so the bagels are room temperature.
It is a takeout-only shop, and the line can be long on weekends. They also offer sandwiches and a cream cheese flavor of the day. Highly recommended for bagel lovers.
14. Philly Style Bagels Old City
Philly Style Bagels Old City is a must-visit for bagel lovers.
Their salt and pepper bagel is a perfect balance of salty and savory, with a crusty outside and soft inside. The cream cheese selection is also impressive.
The staff is friendly, but the ambiance could be improved. The space has an industrial feel that lacks charm.
The bagel sandwiches are a miss, but the bagels themselves are outstanding.
15. Philly Bagels – South Street
Philly Bagels – South Street is a must-visit for bagel enthusiasts. This narrow shop serves up New York-style bagels made from scratch, with a range of flavors of cream cheese and sandwich stuffers available.
The bagels are consistently fresh and delicious, with the everything bagel being a standout.
The staff is quick and friendly, making the experience enjoyable overall.
The only downside is the limited seating, but the quality of the bagels more than makes up for it. Give Philly Bagels – South Street a try for a taste of authentic bagels.
16. OCF Coffee House
If you're looking for a cozy and inviting coffee shop that serves up delicious bagel sandwiches, OCF Coffee House is the place to be.
With a laid-back vibe and a menu that caters to various dietary restrictions, this bagel shop and cafe is perfect for a quick breakfast or brunch.
The coffee here is always excellent, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable.
Whether you're looking to work or just relax with a cup of coffee, OCF Coffee House is definitely worth checking out.
17. Manhattan Bagel
Manhattan Bagel is a counter-serve chain specializing in NYC-style bagels and coffee. They offer a great selection of breakfast sandwiches and bagels at affordable prices.
The staff is friendly and efficient, making it a quick and convenient stop for breakfast or lunch.
The lox salmon bagel and the Sante Fe breakfast bagel sandwich are highly recommended.
The coffee is just okay, but the food makes up for it. If you're looking for a solid bagel spot, Manhattan Bagel is definitely worth checking out.
