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House of Bagels

1331 Locust St, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
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Bagels
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Master Critic Review

House of Bagels 7.9
Locust Street Corridor
Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Solo Dining Sanctuaries Family Friendly Favorites
Downtown counter-service shop baking classic New York–style bagels with a full lineup of schmears and breakfast sandwiches. Lines move quickly and portions stay reasonable, making it an easy morning stop near the Lesher Center.
Must-Try Dishes: Lox & Schmear on Everything, Bacon, Egg & Cheese on Sesame, Chive Schmear on Salt Bagel
Scores:
Value: 8.4 Service: 7.8 Consistency: 8 Food Quality: 8.2 Atmosphere: 6.2 Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Classic boil-and-bake bagels with generous schmears and quick service.
Who should go: Bagel purists and grab-and-go breakfast folks
When to visit: 7–9 am for freshest bakes and shortest lines
What to order: Everything with lox shmear; BEC on sesame; cinnamon raisin with butter
Insider tip: Ask for a double-toast on denser styles for extra crunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Locust and nearby Civic Drive; free garage parking at Lesher Center before 10 am.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; workout gear and office attire both fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate—steady morning bustle but easy to hold conversation.
Weekend wait: N/A—closes by mid-afternoon.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; typically under 5 minutes even at peak.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—ample veggie cream cheeses, plain bagels, and egg sandwiches.
Vegan options: Limited—plain, everything, and sesame bagels are vegan; ask to skip schmear.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bagels; cross-contact risk present.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups or coffee catchups than formal first dates—think easy morning conversation over fresh bagels.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—counter-service only with a mix of indoor and sidewalk seating; turnover is quick even on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—staff are friendly with families, and smaller bagels or half-orders work well for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Classic New York–style texture and balanced schmears that beat chain bagel spots on freshness and authenticity.
Skip if: You need gluten-free options or a sit-down brunch experience with table service.