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R&A Sourdough
Master Critic Review
R&A Sourdough
8.3
A Ravenswood sourdough bakery that treats bagels like a craft product—hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, and baked onsite, with flavors (like za’atar) that stay savory and structured. The best orders lean into their lox-and-schmear builds or a breakfast sandwich, and the patio/takeout flow makes it an easy repeat stop when you want something more serious than a standard bagel counter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Za’atar sourdough bagel, Lox & chive everything bagel, The Youngster bagel sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Sourdough-based, kettle-boiled bagels with real flavor-driven topping choices.
Who should go: Bagel purists and lox people
When to visit: Weekday mornings to skip lines
What to order: Za’atar bagel, lox bagel, The Youngster
Insider tip: Order one signature bagel build—don’t over-stack sides.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on nearby residential blocks; usually manageable on weekdays, tighter during weekend mornings.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear fit the room.
Noise level: Low to moderate — counter-service hum, easy conversation indoors and on the patio.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — daytime breakfast and lunch focus.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 5–10 minute line during peak hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple bagels with schmear, egg-and-cheese, and veg-forward builds.
Vegan options: Limited — plain bagels and select vegetable toppings; no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: No — sourdough wheat-based bagels only, no gluten-free alternatives.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, for a low-key daytime date — quick service, good coffee, and a casual patio make it easy and unfussy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter service with first-come seating; grab a table after ordering.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids — simple bagels and sandwiches work well, but there’s no kids menu or play space.
Best For
Better for: Craft-style sourdough bagels with savory, composed flavor profiles and lox-focused builds.
Skip if: You want classic NYC-style bagels, large spreads of sweet flavors, or gluten-free options.