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The Bagel Broker
Master Critic Review
The Bagel Broker
8.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family-run since 1987, The Bagel Broker is a classic Fairfax counter that turns out dense, chewy New York-style bagels with a full lineup of lox, egg sandwiches, and whipped spreads. Lines move quickly in the compact space, making it a go-to morning stop for studio staff, locals, and weekend pickup orders.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lox & cream cheese bagel, Egg, bacon & cheese bagelwich, Jalapeño cheddar bagel with lox spread
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Longstanding Fairfax bagel institution with true New York-style chew.
Who should go: Bagel purists who care more about crumb than decor.
When to visit: Early mornings or late mornings after the initial rush.
What to order: Lox bagel, egg-and-cheese bagelwich, jalapeño cheddar bagel.
Insider tip: Order a dozen mixed bagels with multiple whipped spreads to skip the line later in the weekend.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Beverly and Fairfax; spots turn over quickly in the mornings but tighten after 10am. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Ultra-casual—come as you are in gym clothes, jeans, or work attire.
Noise level: Moderate during peak hours; the compact space gets lively but still manageable for quick conversations.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—primarily a morning and midday operation.
Weekday lunch: Short waits of 5–10 minutes, mostly for pickups and sandwich orders.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—plain, seeded, and specialty bagels with vegetarian spreads, eggs, and veggie toppings.
Vegan options: Moderate options—several bagels are vegan, and you can build a dairy-free sandwich with veggies; no vegan cream cheese.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free bagels or breads offered due to cross-contamination risks in a traditional bagel kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something casual and low-pressure—it's more of a quick pickup counter than a sit-down setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations and only a few small tables; most customers take their bagels to-go, so seating is limited but turns over fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families stop in for simple bagel breakfasts; just note limited seating and a tight interior during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Classic New York-style chew, quick service, reliable lox sandwiches, and consistent quality at a great price.
Skip if: You want a trendy café, plentiful seating, or specialty coffee—this is a grab-and-go institution, not a hangout spot.