A Sampler Platter of Philly’s Favorite Bagels

While another East Coast city may lay claim to being America’s bagel epicenter, Philadelphia is no slouch when it comes to mouth-watering bagels, spreads, and schmears. Here’s a sampling of some of our local favorites.

Northern Liberties

This “micro-bakery” serves French-inspired pastries, baguettes, and (yes, obviously) bagels. To snag some of their tasty small-batch baked goods, make sure you get there early, since the shop closes for the day once everything is sold out. To find out what’s on their rotating menu for the day, you can check their Instagram story before you go.

West Philly

From the outside, Bart’s looks like your standard old-school, New York-inspired bagel shop. But inside, they pair handmade, kettle-boiled bagels with creative spins on traditional smoked-fish sandwiches. Look no further than the Smoked Fish Diablo, with pastrami-smoked salmon, long hot cream cheese, and pickled jalapeños.

Center City

Rarely do you get the chance to call a bagel shop avant-garde, but Knead Bagels — with eclectic bagel flavors like togarashi, and fennel seed with sea salt — fits the bill. Their sandwiches are even more distinct, with options like a hot báhn mì; veggie chorizo, egg, and cheese; and Old Bay chicken salad, all available on the bagel of your choice.

East Passyunk

If you couldn't tell from the name, Vanilya offers up a bevy of expertly decorated cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and pastries — though their bagels deserve some attention, too. With sweet-toothed schmears like candied orange cream cheese, you can bring a dessert vibe to your morning commute.