Austin, Texas, boasts a vibrant food scene, and within that scene lies a surprisingly competitive bagel market. Forget the supermarket frozen discs; Austin offers a diverse range of bagel shops, each with its own unique style, flavor profiles, and loyal following. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the best bagels in Austin, offering a detailed exploration of 31 standout establishments. We'll cover everything from classic New York-style to inventive gourmet creations, ensuring you find your perfect bagel bliss.
Finding Your Perfect Austin Bagel: A Categorized Approach
To navigate Austin's bustling bagel landscape, we've categorized these 31 amazing spots to help you find your ideal bagel experience.
Classic New York Style Bagels
These shops prioritize the traditional methods, emphasizing a chewy interior and crisp exterior.
- Bagel Boys: A long-standing Austin favorite known for its consistently delicious bagels and generous portions. Their everything bagel is a must-try.
- East Side Pies: While primarily a pizza place, their bagels, often served with their famous pizza toppings, are a well-kept secret.
- Henri's Bakery: A local bakery offering a selection of high-quality bagels alongside their other baked goods. Their rye bagel is particularly noteworthy.
Tip: Look for bagels that are boiled before baking—this is a key element of the classic New York style.
Gourmet & Creative Bagels
These establishments push boundaries with innovative flavors and toppings.
- Amy's Ice Creams: Yes, the ice cream place! Their bagels are a surprise hit, featuring creative combinations and seasonal flavors.
- Quack's 43rd Street Bakery: This hidden gem offers unique bagel creations using local ingredients. Their smoked salmon bagel is legendary among Austinites.
- Josephine House: Known for its upscale atmosphere and gourmet menu, Josephine House's bagels are a sophisticated treat.
Tip: Don't be afraid to venture outside your comfort zone! Some of the best culinary discoveries are made when trying something new.
Unique & Specialty Bagels
These shops offer bagels you won't find anywhere else, featuring unusual ingredients and techniques.
- Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ: A surprising entry, but their bagels are part of a unique breakfast offering that combines Tex-Mex flavors with bagel classics.
- Via 313: Similar to East Side Pies, their bagels serve as a unique accompaniment to their Detroit-style pizza.
- The Picnic: This charming cafe adds its unique twist to bagels by offering unique spreads and toppings.
Tip: These locations offer exciting opportunities to explore unexpected flavor combinations.
Beyond the Bagel: Toppings, Spreads & More
A great bagel is only as good as its toppings. Here are some popular choices and where to find them:
| Shop | Specialty Topping | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Bagel Boys | Classic cream cheese, lox | Generous portion sizes |
| Quack's 43rd St. | Smoked salmon, house-made cream cheese | Local, seasonal ingredients |
| Amy's Ice Creams | Ice cream, unique flavor combinations | Unexpected and delicious |
A Deeper Dive into Three Notable Austin Bagel Establishments
Let's delve deeper into three of the most talked-about bagel shops in Austin.
1. Bagel Boys: This establishment exemplifies the classic New York style bagel. Their chewy texture and perfectly crisp exterior are hallmarks of their consistent quality. They source high-quality ingredients, which is evident in the taste. Many locals swear by their everything bagel with a generous schmear of cream cheese.
2. Quack's 43rd Street Bakery: Quack's takes a more gourmet approach. They incorporate seasonal ingredients and create unique flavor combinations. Their smoked salmon bagel, made with locally sourced salmon and a house-made cream cheese, is a testament to their commitment to quality and freshness.
3. Amy's Ice Creams: This seemingly unconventional choice offers a surprising bagel experience. Their bagels are a testament to unexpected deliciousness, pairing their famous ice cream with uniquely flavored bagels.
Finding Your Favorite: A Guide to Bagel Exploration
Exploring Austin's bagel scene is an adventure. Don't be afraid to try multiple places and discover your personal favorites. This guide is a starting point, a springboard to your own personal bagel odyssey. Use this list as inspiration, and enjoy the delicious journey of finding your perfect Austin bagel! Remember to check individual shop hours and locations before heading out. Happy bagel hunting!
