Boston, a city known for its rich history and vast culture, also boasts a thriving food scene that’s as diverse as its neighborhoods.
Among the culinary delights, bagel and lox stand out as a beloved classic, offering a perfect blend of chewy bagels, silky smoked salmon, and creamy toppings.
For locals and tourists alike, finding the best spots to indulge in this iconic dish is a delicious adventure.
From bustling bakeries in the North End to cozy cafes in Brookline, Boston’s bagel and lox offerings are as varied as the city itself.
Whether you’re a purist seeking traditional flavors or a foodie looking for a creative twist, Boston has something to satisfy every palate.
Dive into this guide to discover the 13 best bagel and lox reach new heights, each promising a memorable culinary experience.
Top 13 Best Bagels and Lox in Boston
Boston has a rich bagel scene that blends classic techniques with fresh, local ingredients. When it comes to bagels and lox, the combination of a chewy bagel, silky smoked salmon, and traditional toppings is a favorite across the city.
Here are 13 of the best bagels and lox in Boston to enjoy:
1. Bagel Guild
Bagel Guild, a pandemic-born venture by two brothers, stands out at Boston Public Market. Their creations, famously using freshly milled local grains and wild yeast, offer a distinctive sourdough-like zing.
Beyond classic flavors like poppy and cinnamon raisin, they introduce innovative options such as four-cheese. Fans of bold flavors can enjoy no-nut arugula pesto, spicy pepper cream cheese, or vegan scallion chive spread.
For a simpler option, their house-made cultured butter is exceptional. Notably, their sandwiches steal the show, including a standout featuring bagel-crumb-dusted, buttermilk-brined chicken with spicy secret sauce and house pickles. Visit on 100 Hanover St. or bagelguild.com for more.
2. Bagelsaurus
Bagelsaurus, located in Cambridge’s Porter Square, is a must-visit for bagel enthusiasts. This bagel shop, a Best of Boston winner in 2015, 2016, and 2019, continues to draw crowds with its artisanal creations.
Their slow-fermented bagels come in enticing flavors like sea salt and black olive, perfect for pairing with their house-made cream cheeses, such as honey-rosemary.
For a more indulgent experience, the T-Rex bagel sandwich laden with almond butter, banana, honey, and thick-cut bacon is a fan favorite.
On weekdays, the convenience of online ordering and fresh bialys, available from 10 a.m. Tuesday through Friday, makes pickup a breeze. Visit Bagelsaurus at 1796 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, or online at bagelsaurus.com.
3. Better Bagels
Better Bagels makes quite an impression in Boston’s bagel scene. This shop is known for its delicious New York-style bagels.
Freshly baked daily, these bagels attract a loyal following. Many local cafes and restaurants even serve them as a highlight on their menus.
Customers flock to Better Bagels’ Seaport and Post Office Square locations for bagels slathered in cream cheese or crafted into hearty sandwiches.
Popular fillings include pastrami, smoked turkey, and New Jersey’s own pork roll. With two convenient sites in Boston, these bagels are a must-try for anyone craving authentic flavors. More details can be found at betterbagelsboston.com.
4. Black Sheep Bagel Café
Black Sheep Bagel Café, located in Harvard Square, Cambridge, is a refreshing “maaa and paaa” spot among the sea of corporate chains.
Known for its innovative bagels, this shop offers delightful choices like Cajun spice and whole wheat everything, paired perfectly with jalapeño cream cheese or fig jam.
Their diverse cream cheeses and spreads cater to bold flavor lovers. Customers rave about their Caribbean-style café con leche as an ideal complement to their bagel experience.
Visit Black Sheep at 56 John F Kennedy St., and don’t forget to check out their additional market hub in Cambridgeport. For more details, visit their website at blacksheepbagelcafe.com.
5. Davis Square Donuts & Bagels
Located in Somerville, Davis Square Donuts & Bagels offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory treats. Bagel enthusiasts will revel in options like poppy seed and asiago, available solo or as part of hearty sandwiches.
The standout Steak Bomb bagel boasts a mouthwatering combination of peppers, onions, and steak. For those craving something unique, the Somerville Cream doughnut, featuring strawberry cream cheese and marshmallow Fluff, pays homage to the local confection’s origins.
This establishment perfectly caters to all taste preferences. Whether opting for a savory bagel or indulging in a sweet creation, they’ve crafted a menu that promises satisfaction. Visit them at 377 Summer St., Somerville, or online at davissquaredonutsandbagels.com.
6. Exodus
Exodus charms bagel enthusiasts with its award-winning offerings. Located in Roslindale, this spot became a 2018 Best of Boston winner, drawing fans with its cold-fermented bagels.
Unique flavors like dark rye, garlic-asiago, and the adventurous “everywhere” add variety to their lineup. Exodus isn’t just about bagels they also serve delectable Sriracha cream cheese, as well as deli sides such as Acme lox and mixed pickles.
Customers can conveniently pick up their orders from Wednesday through Sunday at Exodus’s production kitchen.
Whether planning a midweek treat or weekend indulgence, their menu delights every palate. Find Exodus at 2 McCraw St., or visit exodusbagels.com for more details.
7. Goldilox Bagels
Goldilox Bagels nails the perfect crunch-to-chew ratio that every great bagel should strive for. Located at 186 Winthrop St., Medford, they’re famous for their rosemary-salt bagel, a crowd favorite.
Beyond that, you’ll find options like cinnamon raisin, available for pre-order all week. Walk-ups can collect orders from Friday to Sunday.
Don’t miss their signature “bear butter” spread, blending honey, cayenne, cinnamon, and salt. Goldilox also offers gluten-free bagels and vegan cream cheese, welcoming all dietary preferences.
Supporting the community, they invite patrons to contribute to the Lox Love program, which aids local nonprofits. Find more at goldiloxbagels.com.
8. Katz Bagel Bakery
Katz Bagel Bakery, a local icon founded in 1938 in Chelsea, is renowned for its delicious bagels and rich history. They proudly claim the invention of the pizza bagel, amid an ongoing debate on its origins.
Owner Richard Katz has also made headlines by training the baker responsible for China’s first bagel shop. This Boston staple offers simple yet amazing bagels and schmears that captivate locals and visitors alike.
With their time-tested recipes, they serve as a must-visit destination for those seeking classic bagel and lox experiences.
Discover Katz Bagel Bakery at 139 Park St. in Chelsea or online at katzbagels.com, and enjoy a taste of history.
9. Kupel’s Bakery
Kupel’s Bakery, a beloved Brookline institution since 1978, is renowned for its all-Kosher parve bagels. Known for their consistent quality, Kupel’s offers stellar flavors like garlic, pumpernickel, and sissel rye.
However, it’s their perfectly crafted plain bagel that truly shines, serving as an ideal base for chive, green olive, or lox-and-scallion cream cheeses.
Customers frequently praise the bakery’s dedication to tradition and flavor. Located at 421 Harvard St., Brookline, Kupel’s continues to draw a loyal following eager for a classic bagel experience. More information is available at kupelsbakery.com.
10. Mamaleh’s Delicatessen
Mamaleh’s Delicatessen impresses with its in-house bagel creations. Available at three Greater Boston locations, they offer classic options such as plain, sesame, and everything, plus cinnamon raisin on Wednesdays and pumpernickel on Thursdays.
Customers can enjoy their bagels with lox cream cheese or in a sandwich with toppings like eggs, hots, and pickles.
Beyond bagels, Mamaleh’s serves sandwiches on latkes and challah rolls. These versatile offerings ensure there’s something for everyone. For more details, discover Mamaleh’s at multiple locations or at mamalehs.com.
11. Rosenfeld’s Bagels
Rosenfeld’s Bagels, a Newton staple for over 45 years, continues to delight with genuine, old-fashioned bagels.
Mark Rosenfeld’s decision to leave law behind and pursue bagel-baking was a win for Boston’s food scene.
Essential flavors like everything, onion, and garlic are crafted with a hint of malt syrup, giving them a distinct sweetness.
Beyond bagels, Rosenfeld’s offers a variety of house-baked breads like bialys, alongside tasty spreads and smoked fish.
Convenient curbside pickup is available for those who wish to enjoy these culinary delights at home. Visit their shop at 1280 Centre St., Newton, or explore online at rosenfeldsbagels.com.
12. The Walnut Market
Walnut Market in Newton Highlands offers a rare treat: Montreal’s iconic St-Viateur bagels. These legendary bagels, shipped approximately monthly, are famed for their wood-fired perfection.
Followers on Facebook will find updates on arrival times, ensuring they don’t miss out on these sought-after treats. Shoppers can indulge in a delightful range of flavors such as all dressed, blueberry, and poppy.
Montreal-style bagels like these are hard to find in the region, making Walnut Market a must-visit for bagel enthusiasts.
Located at 20 Lincoln St., it also provides an array of specialty foods, beer, and wine. Visit thewalnutmarket.com for more details.
13. The Bagel Table
The Bagel Table, located at 86 Guest St. in Boston’s Brighton neighborhood, promises a delightful bagel experience.
Known for bagels priced between $1 and $10 per person, this cozy establishment offers both takeout and delivery options.
Bagel lovers can indulge in classic bagels topped with lox, enjoying the rich flavors that pair perfectly with their selection of spreads.
Open from 7 AM, it’s an enticing breakfast or brunch destination for locals and visitors alike. With its convenient online ordering at mybageltable.com and friendly service, it stands out as a go-to spot for those craving a satisfying bagel and lox experience in Boston.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the must-try bagel at Bagel Guild in Boston?
Bagel Guild, located at Boston Public Market, is renowned for its freshly milled local grains and wild yeast bagels. One must-try offering is their four-cheese bagel with bold spreads like no-nut arugula pesto.
Where can I enjoy award-winning bagels in Cambridge?
Bagelsaurus, situated in Cambridge’s Porter Square, has earned accolades including Best of Boston in 2015, 2016, and 2019.
Are there any Kosher bagel options in Boston?
Kupel’s Bakery in Brookline has been a beloved institution since 1978, offering all-Kosher parve bagels.
Which Boston bagel shop offers Montreal-style bagels?
Walnut Market in Newton Highlands provides the rare treat of Montreal’s iconic St-Viateur bagels. These bagels are wood-fired to perfection, available in flavors like all dressed, blueberry, and poppy.
Where can I find bagels with vegan and gluten-free options?
Goldilox Bagels in Medford is notable for its perfect crunch-to-chew ratio and specialty items, including gluten-free bagels and vegan cream cheese.
What is a standout sweet and savory option at Davis Square Donuts & Bagels?
Located in Somerville, Davis Square Donuts & Bagels delights with both sweet and savory offerings. The Steak Bomb bagel, featuring steak, peppers, onions, and other hearty ingredients, is highly recommended.
Conclusion
In exploring Boston’s bagel scene, each highlighted location offers unique flavors, textures, and atmospheres.
From traditional New York-style at Better Bagels and artisanal creations at Bagelsaurus to the innovation at Black Sheep Bagel Café, there’s something for every palate.
Whether patrons are drawn to classic offerings at Katz Bagel Bakery or the flavorful experience at Goldilox Bagels, Boston’s rich tapestry promises satisfying bites.
Enthusiasts seeking adventurous flavors can find delight at Exodus Bagels or relish international flair at Walnut Market.
As they plan their culinary tours, readers can choose from these top-tier bagel spots, indulging in iconic, mouthwatering tastes throughout the city.
Timothy Russell Dewart