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Sam's Bagels
Master Critic Review
Sam's Bagels
7.6
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Brunch Bliss Spots
A small counter spot focused on straightforward, no-frills bagels and breakfast sandwiches. When fresh, the bagels land with a solid chew and nice toast, making it a good grab-and-go option on Pico. Service can be uneven, but the core bagel build keeps locals coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jalapeño cheddar bagel with cream cheese, Bacon egg and cheese on everything bagel, Classic lox bagel
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Simple neighborhood bagel counter with solid fresh-bake moments.
Who should go: Grab-and-go breakfast people.
When to visit: Early morning right after opening.
What to order: Jalapeño cheddar, bacon egg and cheese, lox bagel.
Insider tip: Order toasted and eat immediately for best texture.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Pico and the surrounding residential blocks; usually manageable in the early morning but can tighten after 9am.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; athleisure and everyday wear are completely normal.
Noise level: Low to moderate—small counter-service space where brief orders and to-go traffic create some background noise.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—this spot closes early and does not serve dinner.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; short line during peak breakfast hours but moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of bagel and breakfast-sandwich builds can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—plain or toasted bagels are usually fine but spreads and sandwiches are mostly dairy-based.
Gluten-free options: Limited—no dedicated gluten-free bagels and no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s a compact grab-and-go counter with minimal ambiance; better suited for quick solo stops or casual meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations and very limited seating; expect to take your food to-go or grab a spot outside if available.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick bites—simple menu and fast service, but the tight space isn’t great for strollers or long sits.
Best For
Better for: Fast, inexpensive bagels when you want something quick and straightforward without waiting in line.
Skip if: You want a sit-down brunch experience, specialty espresso drinks, or more consistent service—other Pico spots may be a better fit.