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The Posh Bagel
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
The Posh Bagel
7.7
Counter-service bagel shop with a broad selection of bagels, schmears, and hearty sandwiches. A dependable Inner Sunset option for a bagel-plus-coffee lunch run.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Salad Deluxe on Spinach Asiago, Egg & Cheese Breakfast Bagel, Bagel Dog
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Wide variety of bagels and fillings with fast turnaround.
Who should go: Bagel sandwich lunch crowd
When to visit: Late morning for shortest wait
What to order: Spinach Asiago chicken salad; BEC; bagel dog
Insider tip: Ask for bagels toasted darker for extra crunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is the only option; usually available on Irving or 9th before 10:30am, but tight during lunch hours.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; standard neighborhood cafe attire is fine.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch rush but easy for conversation most of the morning.
Weekend wait: N/A – closes before dinner service.
Weekday lunch: Typically under 5 minutes even at peak; quick counter turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – plenty of bagels, veggie schmears, and customizable sandwiches.
Vegan options: Limited – plain bagels with hummus or avocado are solid picks, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free bagels available; not suitable for strict gluten-free diets.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it's more grab-and-go than linger-and-chat, but fine for a casual coffee meet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in only with counter ordering; small tables turn quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—staff are patient, menu is family-friendly, and quick service suits families with young kids.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and wider sandwich selection than most local bagel shops.
Skip if: You want artisan or hand-rolled bagels; try Uncle Benny’s or House of Bagels instead.
The Posh Bagel
7.7
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Long-running Bay Area bagel shop doing classic boils and substantial breakfast/lunch bagel sandwiches for the FiDi crowd. Expect fast counter service and steady quality at street level of Embarcadero Center.
Must-Try Dishes:
Asiago bagel with scallion schmear, Sesame bagel with lox & tomato, Bacon–egg–cheddar bagel
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Local chain with 30+ years of Bay Area bagel know-how.
Who should go: FiDi workers needing speedy, dependable bagels
When to visit: Weekdays 7–9am for shortest lines
What to order: Asiago + scallion schmear; lox on sesame; BEC bagel
Insider tip: Order ahead and use Embarcadero Center street-level pickup to skip waits.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking available at Embarcadero Center garages; free for up to 1 hour with purchase. Limited street parking before 8am.
Dress code: Casual workwear or business casual; common for office crowds grabbing breakfast.
Noise level: Moderate during morning rush; quiet after 10am with steady background chatter.
Weekend wait: Closed during dinner hours; breakfast and lunch only.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minute line at peak; otherwise quick counter turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple options like veggie cream cheese, avocado bagel, and egg sandwiches.
Vegan options: Limited – plain or everything bagels available with hummus or veggie toppings.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bagels; cross-contact likely due to shared prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—focused on grab-and-go breakfast and lunch rather than sit-down dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s counter-service only; a few indoor tables available first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick bites—simple menu and fast service, though limited seating for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Speed, price, and consistency—great for reliable weekday bagels and coffee.
Skip if: You want artisan small-batch bagels or a leisurely café vibe—opt for Wise Sons or Daily Driver instead.
The Posh Bagel
8.3
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Brunch Bliss Spots
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Counter-service bagel shop near Union Square with a broad lineup of classic bagels, spreads, and made-to-order sandwiches. Reliable for a fast breakfast or grab-and-go lunch with steady turnover.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nova lox bagel, Egg & cheese on everything, Chive cream cheese on sesame
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Large selection of classic bagels and quick counter service.
Who should go: Downtown workers and shoppers on tight schedules
When to visit: Weekdays 7–10am for freshest batches
What to order: Nova lox bagel; egg & cheese; everything with chive schmear
Insider tip: Lines move fastest at the side register—have your order ready.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking; nearest paid garages are off Geary and Post Streets, metered street parking is limited and competitive during business hours.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; office wear or weekend attire both common.
Noise level: Low to moderate—conversations are easy but peak breakfast rush adds some bustle.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—shop closes before dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes during peak lunch rush; otherwise usually no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple bagels with cream cheese, egg, or veggie fillings available.
Vegan options: Limited—plain bagels and select vegetable toppings; spreads are mostly dairy-based.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bagels; cross-contact likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s counter-service and best for a quick bite, not a sit-down setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t needed; seating is limited and mostly grab-and-go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for a quick snack—kids enjoy simple bagels and spreads, but no high chairs or play area.
Best For
Better for: Fast, inexpensive bagels near Union Square—reliable for commuters and shoppers on the go.
Skip if: You want an extended brunch with table service, specialty coffee drinks, or gluten-free options.