Bostonians tend to be very opinionated about where to find the best ring-shaped dough. Whether that’s in the form of crispy fried donuts or chewy baked bagels. And don’t even get us started on New York expats.
Our unbiased tastebuds have discovered where to find the best bagels in Boston (and they’re honestly tenfold better than any New York bagel we’ve ever tried). Whether you like it simple and toasted with cream cheese or a full on bagelwich with lox, capers, tomatoes, and red onion, these are the best places for bagels in Boston.
1. Bagelsaurus, Porter Square
Hands down the best bagel in the Boston area, Bagelsaurus has been highlighted by bon appetit as the “very best bagel in the US.” The secret behind the expertly crafted sourdough bagels is a decades old sourdough starter, used to create all of the dough for their bagels and bialys!
And the cream cheeses are just as incredible as the bagels. The Honey Rosemary on a Salt bagel is addicting. Pro tip: They sell out fast so make sure to use the weekday online ordering and get there early on weekends!
1796 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
2. Black Sheep Bagel Cafe, Harvard Square
Just about 15 minutes walking from Bagelsaurus is another tried-and-true Cambridge bagel shop. Black Sheep Bagel Cafe sits at the heart of Harvard Square. They offer up all of the classics like everything and garlic and onion bagels, but also some innovative flavors such as Za’atar and Cajun Spice. They also have a Gluten Free option!
101 Magazine St, Cambridge, MA 02139
3. Exodus Bagels, Roslindale
Exodus nails size and texture. The centers are soft and chewy and the outside of these bagels has a nice loud crunch! Shop their pre-made menu of sandwiches or create your own for the perfect bagelwich!
2 McCraw Street, Roslindale
4. Pop Up Bagels, Wellesley
New to the Greater Boston area is Connecticut-born, Pop Up Bagels! The bagels have grown so popular they’re now popping up in over 8 locations in the Northeast, including NYC and the Hamptons in addition to Captain Marden’s Seafood in Wellesley, MA! Flavors and spreads are available for pickup via the online ordering.
279 Linden St, Wellesley, MA 02482
5. Pavement, Multiple locations
With 8 locations in the Boston area, Pavement offers a delicious bagel fix no matter which neighborhood you’re in. We love the Everything bagel with an even spread of cream cheese. When you’re in the mood for something sweet, Pavement’s granola with whole milk is also a scrumptious breakfast option.
6. Kupel’s, Brookline
Serving up fresh baked bagels to Brookline since 1978, Kupel’s has just about every bagel combination you can imagine. The bagels here are dense and chewy. If you don’t love a crunchy bagel, Kupel’s is the perfect spot for doughy dreams.
421 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02446
7. Bagel Guild, North End
Tucked inside the Boston Public Market, Bagel Guild never fails to hit the bagel craving. There artisanal sourdough bagels come in flavors such as Rye, Whole Wheat, 4 Cheese, and more!
100 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02108
8. Better Bagels, Multiple locations
The name says it all, when you want better, go to Better Bagels. The thin and wide shape of the bagels makes Better Bagels similar to a bagel flat which you can occasionally find in NYC. Which makes sense, as Better Bagels considers itself a “New York-style” bagel shop in Boston.
83A Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA 02210 and 211 Congress St, Boston MA
9. Sofra Bakery & Cafe, West Cambridge
Simit is a common bread eaten in the Middle East made with a touch of grape molasses in the dough for a remarkably chewy bagel. Simit is sometimes referred to as a Jerusalem bagel. We love it dipped in Sofra’s Mezze or as part of their egg-in-a-hole menu option.
1 Belmont St, Cambridge, MA 02138
10. Goldilox Bagels, Medford
Find a bagel that is not too chewy, not too crunchy, but ….just right at Goldilox. Goldilox is only open on weekends and sells out fast, so make sure to pre-order or come early!
186 Winthrop St, Medford, MA 02155
11. Brick Street Bagels
Founded by a Vermonter turned Bostonian, lines for Brick Street bagels can reach over 100 people! It might just be Boston’s newest bagel obsession.
Select pop-ups around the city12. Rebelle Artisan Bagels
Named “Rhode Island’s favorite bagel,” it’s no surprise that the Providence-born, Rebelle, makes some flavorful bagels! The real star of this Kendall Square shop is its creative schmears like summer truffle, charred scallion, a corn! Make sure to pair that with the house pickles or lox for the perfect bagelwich!
249 Third Street, Cambridge, MA