Mmmm, bagels. When toast just won’t cut it. Bagels are the crunchy, doughy, savory (or sweet) breakfast bread we all love. Here are some of the best places around the state to grab a delicious, perfectly pillowy bagel.
1. Tandem Bagel Company, Easthampton
Tandem Bagel Company is located in an old train station, so it's certainly not lacking in atmosphere. For a kick of sugar, try their homemade cinnamon raisin bagel with honey-walnut cream cheese. For something more savory, check out the pesto parmesan bagel. This breakfast stop is also right of the Manhan bike trail (which used to be the railroad), so you can refuel before heading back out on the road.
2. Great Barrington Bagel Company, Great Barrington
Stop by this red brick shop for amazing bagels at prices that won't offend. A plain bagel with cream cheese and a large coffee will set you back $5. This place doesn't aspire to be a trendy coffee shop, and they offer some awesome catering options as well. Try the salt bagels for a simple yet unexpected savory treat, or sample the horseradish bagel for a bit of heat.
3. Alex's Bagel Shop, Longmeadow
This tiny shop doesn't look like much, but it serves up bagels that are good as anything you'll find in New York. Their bagels have a perfect crunch in the crust, but are tender and full of flavor on the inside. Try one with their speciality whipped cream cheese for a truly delicious breakfast.
4. Benson's Bagels, Springfield
The bagels here are fresh and delicious with plenty of options to choose from. You'll want to visit this spot early, because some bagel varieties do sell out early. Top one of their plain, buttered bagels with an egg for an unbelievably satisfying breakfast sandwich, or slather on some scallion cream cheese.
5. The Daily Bagel Cafe, Leominster
A visit to the The Daily Bagel Cafe just might convince you to make their bagels a part of your everyday routine. Their offerings are big, bold and packed with delicious ingredients. You won't leave this spot hungry, but their prices are definitely down to earth. The Daily Bagel serves a garlic cream cheese that will satisfy even the most demanding garlic lovers, and their bagel breakfast sandwiches are big enough for two.
6. Cafe Fresh Bagel, Norwood (and other locations)
With a bunch of locations across the state (including Dedham, Framingham, Needham and Sterling) this place isn't afraid to get creative with their bagel offerings. Flavors are constantly changing, but some of their zanier hits include Cinnamon Toast Crunch bagels and Oreo bagels with Oreo cookie cream cheese. If you don't have much of a sweet tooth in the morning, no problem: their steak, egg and cheese on an onion bagel is to die for.
7. Elizabeth's Bagels and More, Franklin
This is another one of those spots that you might never even notice without a helpful hint. Though Elizabeth's Bagels and More is a small shop, their selection certainly isn't. For a hearty meal, try the everything bagel with salami, jalapeño bacon, cream cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and hot peppers.
8. Bagels Plus, Acton
This is a small business that is owned and operated by hardworking people who know how to handle a bagel. You can actually see the bagels being cooked at this shop. Don't miss the smoked salmon on an everything bagel. It's perfect. Note: this place is cash only, but they do have an ATM.
9. Bagelsaurus, Cambridge
Bagelsauraus is known for churning out incredible flavor combos and Instagram-worthy bagel sandwiches. They're a Cambridge breakfast institution, and frequently voted among the best bagel purveyors in Boston. Check out the Eggspanola on a sea salt bagel. The bagel is so perfectly tender that it almost tastes like having a breakfast sandwich on a pastry. The bagel BLT is also a mouthwatering choice.
10. Bagels and Beyond, West Yarmouth
Looking for a delicious, cheap and memorable bagel experience? This West Yarmouth shop has you covered. A complete breakfast, including eggs, home fries and toast, will run you about $4. They offer "double everything" bagels, which consist of a hearty pile of egg, meat and cheese on a classic everything bagel. Don't be intimidated by the line at this place: the staff knows how to hustle.
11. Jim's Bagel & Bake Shoppe, Gloucester
This place offers all the convenience of a certain drive-thru bagel shop without sacrificing quality. Though you might want to drop by early in the morning to make sure you get the largest and freshest selection, Jim's serves homemade bagels that definitely qualify as comfort food. Try the asiago and spinach bagel with veggie cream cheese.
12. Bagel World Bakery & Deli, Peabody
You probably didn't know that this much goodness could be stuffed between two halves of a bagel. The interior may not be that glamorous, but the staff is friendly and the fare is delectable. You should definitely save room for their amazing chicken salad on a warm, buttered bagel.
13. Gunther Tooties Bagel Co., Pembroke
These bagels are baked fresh every morning with a crisp outer shell and a soft, doughy interior. The cream cheese is rich and freshly mixed, and their bagels can easily feed two. Definitely a great spot to check out the next time you're in the area.
14. New York Bagel, North Dartmouth
The bagels at this shop are cold-proofed, which means you get a bubbly, flaky crust on each one. They aren't stingy with the toppings, though you do have to swallow a slightly higher price tag for the quality. However, you won't regret splurging on a bagel breakfast sandwich here. Try a classic egg, bacon and cheese.
15. Laura & Tony's Kitchen, North Eastham
All the baked goods here are cooked up fresh in small batches. Locals fawn over the bagels at Laura & Tony's; they're hands-down some of the best in the area. There are plenty of gluten-free and vegan options, plus delicious toppings like perfectly crispy bacon and capers. Stop by for a sit-down breakfast or take your treats to go.
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