Seattle seems to be in the midst of a bagel renaissance, and it may seem daunting to figure out where exactly to get the bagel you’re looking for. So we got some tips from Seattle food lover Zoe Kahn and Sean Keeley, who runs the bagel newsletter Its A Shanda, to find out where to get the bagel we want.
Seattle’s best
Winner of the Bagel Fest West and headed to Bagel Fest in New York City, Hey Bagel is one of our favorites and won our blind taste test back a few months ago. Also, Sean called it the best in his intricate and immaculate rankings. Honorable mentions for Old Salt and Mt. Bagel, both of which also have delicious bagels.
Montreal style
Montreal-style bagels are smaller, thinner, denser, and baked in a wood fired oven. They are delicious. The sweetness comes from them being baked in honey sweetened water. If you want one, Eltana is the spot to hit!
New York Style
The OG bagel in America, they are usually fatter and larger than the bad (sorry) grocery store bagels, and delicious, no city would be complete without them. According to Sean, Bagel Oasis is the only real Seattle bagel that is NY style.
Rye
A rye bagel has caraway seeds and is a really good pairing with pastrami. Check out Oxbow.
Sourdough
If you like sourdough bread (or become an expert in it like everyone during Covid), then Backyard Bagel may be your spot.
Outside the city
If you happen to be on Whidbey Island and craving a breakfast sandwich, check out Whoopi Island Bagel Factory. Their breakfast sandwich is supposed to be tops. Likewise, Howdy Bagel in Tacoma!
