Boston’s Bagel Boom: From Traditionalists to Modern Innovators
BOSTON, Mass. — Boston‘s bagel scene is thriving, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, as local shops and New York transplants compete to satisfy the city’s growing appetite for the beloved breakfast staple. From family-run bakeries to trendy pop-ups, the options are as diverse as the flavors they serve.
At Bagelsaurus in Cambridge, lines stretch down the block on weekends as customers clamor for Mary Ting Hyatt‘s lightly leathery creations. Known for its black olive and pretzel bagels, the shop also offers a French toast special on National Bagel Day. “We wanted to create something unique that still honors the tradition of bagel-making,” said Hyatt, who started as a pop-up sensation at Cutty’s in Brookline.
In Winchester, Bagels N Brew celebrates National Bagel Day with buy-one, get-one-free deals. Their Firecracker sandwich, featuring a jalapeno bagel layered with jalapeno cream cheese and fresh jalapenos, is a fiery favorite. Meanwhile, Exodus in Roslindale elevates the humble bagel with sophisticated toppings like caramelized onion jam and chicken liver pate.
Mamaleh’s, with locations in Brookline, Cambridge, and Somerville, offers a free bagel and cream cheese to the first 20 customers at its High Street Place branch on Bagel Day. Their everything bagel with Tofutti cream cheese is a vegan favorite. One Mighty Mill in Lynn stands out with stone-milled, whole-wheat bagels in unique flavors like lemon spinach and cranberry French toast, paired with chili crisp cream cheese from Rachel Miller.
Newcomer PopUp Bagels, a New York-based shop in Boston’s Seaport, has quickly gained a following for its hot, whole bagels and little tubs of cream cheese for dunking. “We don’t slice our bagels because we want people to experience them fresh and whole,” said a spokesperson. Their rotating flavors include caviar and Grillo’s Pickles cream cheese.
Rebelle in Cambridge, founded by MIT grad Milena Pagán, experiments with bold combinations like beet with Mexican street corn and smoked bluefish pate. “Our goal is to push boundaries while staying true to the essence of a great bagel,” Pagán said.
From Bagel Guild’s sourdough creations in Boston Public Market to Katz Bagel Bakery’s 85-year legacy in Chelsea, Boston’s bagel scene offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a traditionalist or an adventurous eater, these seven spots are worth a visit.
