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ZipPicks Awards
Best Bagels in Koreatown
Best Brunch in Koreatown
Best Breakfast in Koreatown
Master Critic Review
Calic Bagel
8.3
LA-style bagels using the Asian Tangzhong technique create an unusually fluffy, soft interior with a thin blistered crust designed for ripping and dipping. Founded by husband-and-wife team Alex and Sun Sohn in 2023 after their garlic bread kits went viral during COVID, they've built a following for stuffed bagels filled with creative cream cheeses and Korean-inspired schmears like Jeju tangerine and gochujang butter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature Calic (Garlic Stuffed Bagel), LA Lox Sandwich, Habanero Calic
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Asian-inspired baking technique creates distinctly fluffy bagels unlike traditional New York style
Who should go: Social media foodies and adventurous bagel enthusiasts
When to visit: Weekday mornings to avoid weekend crowds, sells out early
What to order: Signature garlic stuffed bagel, LA Lox with scallion cream cheese, fig pecan schmear
Insider tip: Order online ahead—lines can be 20+ minutes and they sell out by early afternoon
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available but competitive in Koreatown - arrive 10-15 min early to circle for spots. Nearby paid lots on Western Ave
Dress code: Ultra casual - athleisure, hoodies, whatever. This is a grab-and-go bagel shop
Noise level: Moderate cafe bustle - fine for chatting but not intimate. Mostly takeout traffic
Weekend wait: Not applicable - closes by mid-afternoon once sold out
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min in line typically, but order ahead online to skip it entirely
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - most bagels work vegetarian with veggie schmears and cream cheeses
Vegan options: Limited - plain bagels available, ask about vegan schmear options
Gluten-free options: No - this is a bagel-focused concept with no GF alternatives
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a casual second or third date spot - it's counter service with limited seating, more 'let's grab bagels and walk around Koreatown' than romantic sit-down. The Instagram-worthy bagels give you something to talk about though.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed or accepted - it's counter service with a few seats inside. Most people take their bagels to go. Just be prepared to wait in line on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual vibes, quick service, and bagels kids actually like. The stuffed bagels are fun for them. Just note limited seating if you want to eat in with a stroller.
Best For
Better for: Instagram content and trying something genuinely different in the bagel world - the Asian technique creates a texture you can't find at traditional bagel shops. Also better if you want creative Korean-fusion flavors like gochujang butter over classic NYC-style schmears
Skip if: You're a bagel purist who wants dense, chewy New York-style bagels - these are intentionally fluffier and softer. Also skip if you need a sit-down brunch experience with full table service
Hours
Monday7am - 2:15pm
Tuesday7am - 2:15pm
Wednesday7am - 2:15pm
Thursday7am - 2:15pm
Friday7am - 2:15pm
Saturday8am - 2:15pm
Sunday8am - 2:15pm