When it comes to bagels, there's no place quite like Brooklyn, New York. The borough is renowned for its diverse and vibrant food scene, and bagels are no exception. With so many bagel shops in Brooklyn, New York, it can be difficult to decide which one has the best bagel sandwiches. As a self-proclaimed bagel connoisseur and Brooklyn resident, I've taken it upon myself to explore the bagel scene and determine which shop reigns supreme.
The Criteria
Before we dive into the battle of the bagel shops, let's establish the criteria for what makes a great bagel sandwich.First and foremost, the bagel itself must be fresh and perfectly chewy with a crispy exterior. The toppings should be high-quality and plentiful, without overpowering the bagel. And finally, the overall flavor and combination of ingredients should leave you wanting more.
Bagel Hole
Bagel Hole is a small, unassuming shop located in Park Slope. Despite its unassuming appearance, this shop has gained a cult following for its delicious bagels.The bagels here are hand-rolled and boiled before being baked in a wood-fired oven, giving them a unique smoky flavor.Their bagel sandwiches are simple yet satisfying. The classic lox and cream cheese sandwich is a standout, with generous portions of smoked salmon and a perfectly schmeared layer of cream cheese. The Everything Bagel with bacon, egg, and cheese is also a popular choice among locals.One downside to Bagel Hole is its limited seating options. With only a few stools available inside and no outdoor seating, it's not the most comfortable spot to enjoy your bagel sandwich.
However, many customers opt to take their sandwiches to nearby Prospect Park for a picnic.
Bagel Pub
Bagel Pub is a neighborhood staple in the Windsor Terrace area of Brooklyn. This shop has been serving up delicious bagels since 1982 and has become a go-to spot for locals. The bagels here are hand-rolled and boiled before being baked in a traditional oven, resulting in a perfectly chewy texture.Their bagel sandwiches are hearty and filling, with a wide variety of options to choose from. The Turkey Club sandwich is a standout, with layers of turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on a freshly baked bagel.For those looking for a vegetarian option, the Veggie Delight sandwich is a delicious combination of hummus, avocado, cucumber, and sprouts.One unique aspect of Bagel Pub is their bagel chips. These crispy, bite-sized pieces of bagel are perfect for snacking on while you wait for your sandwich or to take home as a tasty treat.
Bagelsmith
Bagelsmith has multiple locations throughout Brooklyn, making it a convenient option for bagel lovers all over the borough. This shop prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and traditional methods to create their delicious bagels.Their bagel sandwiches are creative and flavorful, with unique combinations that set them apart from other shops. The Spicy Chicken sandwich is a popular choice, with crispy chicken, pepper jack cheese, avocado, and chipotle mayo on an everything bagel.For those looking for something on the sweeter side, the Nutella Banana sandwich is a decadent treat.One downside to Bagelsmith is that their bagels tend to be on the smaller side, which may leave some customers feeling unsatisfied. However, their delicious flavor and creative sandwich options make up for the size.
Montague Street Bagels
Montague Street Bagels is a family-owned and operated shop located in the heart of Brooklyn Heights. This shop has been serving up delicious bagels since 1982 and has become a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike.Their bagel sandwiches are made with fresh, hand-rolled bagels and high-quality ingredients. The Bacon, Egg, and Cheese sandwich is a classic choice, with perfectly cooked bacon and a fluffy egg on a freshly baked bagel.For those looking for something more unique, the Smoked Salmon BLT is a delicious twist on the traditional BLT sandwich.One standout aspect of Montague Street Bagels is their homemade cream cheese flavors. From savory options like scallion and lox to sweet options like blueberry and chocolate chip, there's a flavor for every palate.
The Verdict
After much deliberation and many delicious bagel sandwiches, it's clear that Montague Street Bagels takes the crown for the best bagel sandwiches in Brooklyn, New York. Their combination of fresh hand-rolled bagels, high-quality ingredients, and unique flavors make them stand out among the rest.However, it's worth noting that all of the bagel shops mentioned are top contenders in their own right. Each one offers something unique and delicious making it difficult to choose just one as the best.The Final Bite
Whether you're a Brooklyn local or just visiting be sure to stop by one (or all) of these bagel shops in Brooklyn New York for a taste of the borough's famous bagels.And who knows you may just discover your new favorite bagel sandwich.
