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Bagels & Schmear
Master Critic Review
Bagels & Schmear
8.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Bagels & Schmear is a tiny, always-busy shop in Rose Hill turning out hand-rolled bagels with a deep bench of schmears and classic lox setups. Since the early 2000s, it’s become a go-to for nearby office workers and hotel guests who care more about chew and crust than table space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Everything bagel with scallion cream cheese, Nova lox bagel with the works, Toasted sesame bagel with tofu veggie spread
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Hand-rolled bagels with serious chew and a deep schmear lineup.
Who should go: Bagel purists who prioritize texture over seating.
When to visit: Early mornings on weekdays before peak office rush.
What to order: Everything with scallion schmear, nova lox with the works, bialy with tuna salad.
Insider tip: Order ahead online on weekday mornings; the in-store line stacks up fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited metered spots nearby and can be difficult during weekday office rush.
Dress code: Ultra-casual — workout clothes, office attire, and tourist wear all blend in easily.
Noise level: Moderate to high during peak hours — lots of counter activity and delivery pickups.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — primarily a breakfast and lunch spot and often closes by late afternoon.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes during peak noon rush, minimal wait off-peak.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetarian schmears, egg bagels, and veggie sandwich builds.
Vegan options: Limited — plain bagels with hummus or vegetable toppings only.
Gluten-free options: Very limited — no dedicated gluten-free bagels or prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a casual daytime coffee-and-bagel meetup than a formal date — it’s quick, crowded, and standing-room focused.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Seating is minimal and first-come only — expect to take your order to go during rush hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick stops with kids who love bagels, but there are no high chairs or kid-specific seating accommodations.
Best For
Better for: Chewier, more traditional bagel texture and a wider schmear selection than most nearby hotel and café bagel options.
Skip if: You want full sit-down brunch service, gluten-free reliability, or a quiet work-from-café environment.