Five Noteworthy Texas Bagel Shops
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Personally, I’m rather fascinated by foods that have endured the test of time. Especially ones that have been adopted by diverse cultures and adapted to different palates. The humble bagel is one such food. A simple, donut-lookalike portion of bread, bagels (how long do bagels last?) have traversed centuries and continents to find a permanent place on Texas kitchen countertops, hundreds of miles away from their birthplace. Much like the croissant!
Bagels made their US debut in the late 19th century with Jewish immigrants from Poland who introduced them as street snacks at New York’s Lower Eastside. Although bagels enjoyed a distinct multi-cultural origin in Poland, it was here in the US that they were immediately assigned a Jewish identity, alongside foods such as latkes, pastrami, and challah bread. Today, the modest bagel has gained hefty popularity in Texas in all its boiled-and-baked glory, even trumping donuts (how long do donuts last?) in sales!
But where in Texas can you enjoy a joyously fresh, warm, and chewy bagel with a delicious schmear? We’ve combed the streets of the Lone Star State to find you some of the best bagel shops in Texas.
Rosen’s Bagels
“It’s a labor of love”, says Tom Rosen of Rosen’s Bagels, talking to Patrick Scott on an episode of Lone Star Plate. Based in Austin, Rosen’s Bagels sells the finest traditional bagels, house-cured lox (brined salmon), handmade schmears, and just about everything else you need to enjoy this moreish doughy snack to its fullest. The bagels here are as authentic as they come. Their distinct crust and chew have been developed by altering the pH level of the boiling water, bringing it as close as possible to the conditions of New York water. The many creative schmears and bagel flavors here will keep you coming back for more.
Check out Patrick’s interview with Tom Rosen on the Lone Star Plate Podcast here.
Location: 11101 Burnet Road Suite A100, Austin, Texas
Contact: 512-487-5027
Chicago Bagel
A family-owned and operated business, Chicago Bagels & Deli has been among San Antonio’s most-loved bakeries for almost two decades now. Everything here is made from scratch, from the bagels to the challah bread. The bakery follows an authentic method to prepare their bagels, using high-gluten flour (how long does gluten flour last?), sugar, salt, and yeast. The bagel dough is mixed and shaped by hand before being boiled and baked. Choose from one of their several lox fillings, or pick up one of their many cream cheese (how long does cream cheese last?) schmears.
Scratch-made bagels from Chicago Bagel (Formerly Daily Bagel) always hit the spot!
Address: ​10918 Wurzbach, #132, Windom, TX 78230
Contact: 210-691-2245
Gateway Bagel Company
If you’re in the Laredo area and need a break from breakfast tacos, then the Gateway Bagel Company is sure worth a visit. Chef Omar and his wife Jamie have nailed the art of serving the freshest bagels that pay tribute to their New York counterparts. The food truck offers a variety of sweet and savory toppings to go with your bagel, including blueberries and brown sugar, marshmallow fluff, and roasted garlic and Italian herbs, just to name a few. For a more filling option, choose from their lunch menu, which features pastrami, salami, and tuna salad bagels.
You’ll never run out of choices when it comes to bagels from the Gateway Bagel Company
Address: 1119 Fenwick Drive, Laredo, 78041
Contact: 956-568-0436
Breakroom Bagels
Hurrying through a makeshift breakfast is no way to live! Breakroom Bagels is on a mission to help Houstonians make the most of their brekkie with their East Coast-style bagels. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Oreo Overload or pick up one of their lip-smacking fruity options. The Happy Birthday bagel, complete with donut crumbs and sprinkles, is another crowd favorite. Visit their truck in Downtown Conroe or stop by the Tomball’s Farmer Market every Saturday morning to enjoy Breakroom’s offerings.
Always a convenient and yummy breakfast option, Breakroom Bagels is the perfect start to your day.
Address: 219 Simonton St, Conroe, TX 77301
Contact: 713-853-9327
The Bagel Cafe, Katy
With their pillowy-soft dough and perfectly seasoned crusts, the bagels served at The Bagel Café in Katy will delight you like no others. In fact, they are touted to be “the New York-est bagels” out there. 24 kinds of bagel are served for breakfast every morning, including mouth-watering options such as spinach and feta cheese and banana walnut. Make sure you arrive early as their products sell like hot cakes, or rather hot bagels!
With 24 kinds of bagels, you can have a different bagel from The Bagel Cafe every single weekday!
Location: 631 S. Mason Rd. Katy
Contact: 281-646-7474
Gone are the days when bagels were a New York specialty! Bakeries all around Texas are creating bagels that can rival even those from NYC! Not only bagels, but we have some amazing artisan baked goods, French breads, kolaches, and more, solidifying Texas’ reputation as a melting pot of flavors and amazing food!!
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