SEATTLE — I visited five locations looking for the best bagels in Seattle, and I started off strong with a spot that promised New York-style bagels in the Ravenna neighborhood.
Bagel Oasis
Bagel Oasis has been around for close to 36 years. Since 1988, the owner, who is originally from New York, has brought the right texture, bake and taste to our city. I even ran into a couple of patrons from NYC who swear by this place. I watched the manager, Danielle, boil and bake the bagels in the oven in a true authentic NYC way. (Watch the video for more on this old-fashioned process).
I then tried the sausage breakfast bagel and the house-made scallion cream cheese on a garlic bagel. Both were 10/10. Loved the chewy bagels, and the flavors in the sammy were delicious. They also have some interesting lunch options as well.
All in all I’d say this place gives New York a run for its money.
Address: 2112 NE 65th St., Seattle.
Rachel’s Bagels and Burritos
My next stop took me to the Ballard neighborhood for Rachel's Bagels and Burritos. I’ve tried their breakfast burritos which are delicious and HUGE. (Pro tip: get the ‘Raquel.’) But I have never tried their bagels. So, of course, I had to... for “work.” 😊 #toughgig
Rachel’s makes fresh bagels daily and focuses right now on these flavors: everything, poppy, togarashi, za’atar, sesame, plain, blueberry, spent grain, cherry-poppy, and jalapeno-cheddar. (Some of the daily bagel flavors rotate.)
All bagels and cream cheeses are made in-house, and I loved the different flavored bagel options. So many spices and deliciousness.
This stop is grab-and-go style. And come early before 1 p.m. so you don’t miss some bagels with a ‘sold out’ sticker. Also exciting – they opened another location in Lake City.
Address: 5451 Leary Ave. NW, Seattle.
Oxbow
Next, I headed to the Montlake neighborhood just steps away from UW to a delicious bakery known for its bagels, breads and PIZZA. Hello, Oxbow!
Again, delicious bakery options and house-made bagels and spreads. This spot is the sibling to Sea Wolf. The bagel flavors: plain, salt, everything, pumpernickel, garlic, sesame and cinnamon raisin. The most popular – everything and pumpernickel are crowd favorites.
I loved the neighborhood café vibe here and loved how you can watch through the window the employees hand rolling the bagels. Again, I would describe these as more NYC-style. Loved the bake and overall vibe. Come down, grab a coffee and bagel.
Address: 2307 24th Ave. E, Seattle.
Westman’s Bagel and Coffee
Next stop, Westman’s Bagel and Coffee. This spot has two locations: Capitol Hill and U-District. I opted for the walk-up window in the U-District. The bagels are cold fermented, rolled, boiled and baked from scratch every day. All of the schmears and spreads are also made in-house. I met with the owner, Monica Dimas, and we sat down and taste-tested a couple of bagels.
MY personal favorite had to be the BEC (bacon, eggs and cheese). The seasoning on the eggs is unmatched. 11/10 recommend.
Another popular sandwich is the NOVA, which is lox, dill, schmear, pickled onion, cucumbers, fresh herbs and caper dressing. Pro tip: also add tomato and sprouts.
Address: 5201 University Way NE, Seattle.
Lox Smith Bagels
My final stop took me to the Beacon Hill neighborhood to Lox Smith Bagels. This place is known for the fish hence the name. But the doughy, bread-like bagels are also delicious and worth mentioning.
The inside space is casual and inviting and the sandwiches are really where this place shines, in my opinion.
Featured Items:
- Lox Smith: lox, scallion schmear, tomato, capers, onion on an everything bagel
- I used to live in Brooklyn: pickled herring, whitefish, nova lox, scallion schmear, tomato, capers and onion on an everything bagel.
Probably with the theme… you are getting that the everything bagel is the most popular on the menu.
Address: 2709 17th Ave. S, Seattle.
I am still happy to say… I am not bageled out. I love them all and am so happy to see more and more bagel shops popping up in our city.
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