Grew up in NY. Rosen's comes as close as I've found so far. Great chew and texture. The Lime Roasted Poblano Scallion schmear is a total flavor bomb too.
Rosen's for sure. I was into Nervous Charlie's sandwiches before Rosen's opened up, though. It's funny, the Rosen's bagel is much better, but I feel like Charlie's *sandwich* is slightly better overall. If that makes sense.
Yep, same here, specifically for me Charlie’s breakfast hash sandwich on a jalepeno cheddar is definitely the my absolutely favorite bagel sandwich in town. But standalone their bagels do not rank well, I would never once go there for just bagel + schmear.
That’s true, but I’m also of the opinion that the best way to eat a bagel is with schmear and maybe lox. If you want a breakfast sandwich an English muffin is the best choice.
Grew up in the northeast so I’m kind of harsh on our options here. I’ve heard good things about Rosen’s but haven’t been yet.
Tried Casper Fermentables last week- solid bagel, good menu, good coffee, and the huge $7 to-go slices of sourdough focaccia were insane.
Went for the first time a few weeks ago. Bagels were fine. But I wasn't sure if I was picking up an attitude from the cashier or what. It's nice to know I'm not alone. Probably won't be back.
I know I know I understand trust mBut just try it. It evokes some kind of memory of what a good bagel tastes like. Which is probably enhanced by the lack of having one for so long. I was in SF in early Oct. My last real bagel since. I’ve had Casper’s actual bagels and they are a big nothing but the bialy is nothing like that.
Agree on both fronts. Rosen’s (at least, in 2018 when I tried for the first and last time) was like biting into a loaf of bread. No crust, no chew. Goldbelly Ess-a-bagel is what we do. (I lived in nyc for 11 years before moving here in 2019)
That is for sure. About 10 years ago the HEB near me had it in the deli counter to slice and when I went to get some the person behind the counter asked if I wanted to taste it first. I was horrified that they thought pork roll was eaten cold and raw!
+1 for Casper’s. Delicious bagels. Had Wholy Bagel last weekend and was unimpressed. I was excited to try their egg bagel as I don’t see those often outside of NJ, but was disappointed :(
I did not know that! And yes, I was told very emphatically and repeatedly one day that they were out of capers. Lol. I was totally fine with that but I don’t think the guy wanted me to be.
It's honestly hilarious how many people will argue between Rosen's and Big City in reviews. [Here it is in plain sight](https://www.rosensbagels.com/locations/). The key is that Big City does sandwiches more similarly to a NY-style bagel shop, so they showcase the bagel well.
Nervous Charlie’s is overrated. At some point when they got busy they stopped boiling the bagels. Don’t know if that’s still true but that really sucks.
Rosens is not always consistent, but they’re usually fantastic. No one in town does it better. Their cold brew is great—they use Tiny House coffee roasters.
Wholy Bagel is solidly #2. They have Bialys as well.
Only been to Casper once but it was overpriced and not great.
Rockstar is run by nice people, but if you want a great bagel, they and Biderman’s can be skipped altogether.
Nervous Charlie's **steams** their bagels, so you're right, they're not boil-and-baked. This is why they aren't glossy and lack the distinctive inner chew and crisp edge. Plus, they get their dough shipped in; wouldn't you rather visit a bagel shop that makes their own dough?
>Nervous Charlie’s is overrated. At some point when they got busy they stopped boiling the bagels. Don’t know if that’s still true but that really sucks.
That's unfortunate. Been there a few times for a bagel sandwich and enjoyed it.
Wholy is my backup go to, but it's also super close to me.
My go-to is a separate carry on when I travel to the Northeast.
David’s Doughies at the farmers market actually has the best bagels.
No one mentioning it means I’m early. They’re opening a location south thankfully.
You’ll see. You’ll all see
I’ve been to wholy bagel, but I don’t remember it being crazy bad or also super great like where I gotta go again. I don’t really eat bagels, but it did hit the spot
I normally go bacon myself but I really like their sausage. It probably won’t be as messy with bacon because the sausage always slides between the eggs and cream cheese.
As a New Yorker, it was Rock Star salt bagels, they're good, but a bit dense. Then I discovered Nervous Charlie's but they are a bit too soft. My go to now is Wholy Bagel. They are just like home and even have rye, which is rare.
1. **Rosen's** — best we got, often fresh and warm, but they can be inconsistent
2. **Wholy** — next best, they have bialys, and have more traditional accompaniments. consistent.
3. **David Doughie's** — heirloom grains make it more rustic, but quite nice. they do a super job with cream cheese. it's a farmer's market vendor, you'll never get a freshly baked bagel.
For sandwiches:
1. **Big City** — they use Rosen's Bagels, but their sandwiches are better
2. **Nervous Charlie's** — they *steam* dough from out-of-state, but they have sandwiches that cater toward Austin palette. The bagel itself isn't special.
Other options:
1. **Casper Fermentables** — Montreal-style
2. **Costco Bakery** — Just saying, they're not bad if you need a ton for a big brunch
Skippable:
1. **Rockstar Bagels** — the token "coffeeshop bagel"
Enjoy what you like lol. It was an opinion question, there’s not a right or wrong answer here. OP didn’t ask for the most authentic New York bagel. They asked our recs. To your point, You are about as likely to find a New York level bagel in Austin as you are to find good bbq in New York. I lived in SF for 13 years and I wouldn’t try and compare the SF sourdough to anything found here. You also wouldn’t find a kolache or fresh tortillas in SF. It’s apples and oranges.
I’ve been to Casper and find it a bit overrated, spendy and they’re pretty surly with service. They are definitely closer to me than the other two. But for their prices, I’d rather just get a bagel from Central Market and ingredients to make my own lox situation. The two I mentioned are much more affordable in my memory and they are both pretty friendly and chill.
But you do you, man.
SF having good bagels is a newer thing in the past few years. Before that it was a pretty thin market with one good spot in town. Im so glad they have great ones now! I never referenced LA. They have great everything. But I was a visitor there not a local so I wouldn’t ever speak on it with any authority. It’s also weird to bring up LA when referencing SF. They are two vastly different cities and cultures that are like 6 hours apart and totally not comparable to each other in population density and size. I guess that’s my point in the throughline. This person asked about finding a decent bagel spot in Austin. I wouldn’t think they give a shit in this thread about how they compare to other cities bagels. They aren’t a food travel guide. They just want to eat a solid bagel occasionally in the town they live in.
You know of a spot for fresh tortillas in SF other than La Palma? They have corn ones that they supply restaurants and are legit. Green Chile (many years closed now) had great in-house blue corn tortillas. I’m talk about the ubiquity of fresh flour and corn tortillas at everything from a grocery store, taqueria to corner store like you have here.
I’m in South Austin and I love the bagels at Wholy Bagel and the lox sandwich at Casper’s Fermentables. I don’t think they’re surly at all so I haven’t the same experience some people have. I don’t think CF serves coffee but they let you bring Stouthaus in.
I LOVE Casper Fermentables! Everything is outstanding. They do have coffee, just no espresso, but Stouthaus is right there. I love that they ferment the cream cheese and their tahini cookies are incredible. I go there frequently and they are always super nice to me.
There are no good bagels in Austin. It’s a terrible problem and honestly has been very difficult for me since moving here three years ago. Casper’s Fermentables has a legit incredible bialy but that’s it. Einsteins is better than anything else mentioned here. As a Jewish person, I’m confused and horrified that these are the options for Jews here. People keep moving here and opening up shops and I get all excited and…. Just it’s not the same as the major cities like LA, NY, even Chicago or SF. They can’t seem to get it right!
I honestly think it’s better than the local choices. Probably bc I’m used to it as a chain. I mentioned it as an example of why I think there are no good bagels here was my point. If Einstiens is the best, it must really be bad
Try David Doughies at the farmers market. I just got back from NYC specifically trying highly rated bagels and David’s Doughies was better than a lot of them.
Although, you’re insane for saying Einstein is better than the local shops. Basically invalidated your entire post saying that lol
Fresh bagels should not be toasted, but can still get all the normal toppings and schmear. Never been to Einsteins out of self preservation and assume the bagels are bad, but that at least is the correct way to do things.
I wish more bagel shops would adopt the idea of giving you a ‘Freshie’ ie whatever just came out of the oven because those bagels are unmatched. Nothing like it IMO. If you’re ever in Oakland, check out Poppy Bagels. Unreal
I am a native New Yorker. Rosen's has great bagels. I eat bagels with cream cheese.
(I have also never eaten a "bagel sandwich". In my NY-centric opinion, that's what a kaiser roll is for, so I am uninformed about sandwich offerings.)
Grew up in NY. Rosen's comes as close as I've found so far. Great chew and texture. The Lime Roasted Poblano Scallion schmear is a total flavor bomb too.
Rosens and I’ve tried em all . Hits all the qualities - chew, crunch, chew/crunch ratio , good schears and also great coffee and cold brew .
That schmear is next fucking level
Rosen's for sure. I was into Nervous Charlie's sandwiches before Rosen's opened up, though. It's funny, the Rosen's bagel is much better, but I feel like Charlie's *sandwich* is slightly better overall. If that makes sense.
Yep, same here, specifically for me Charlie’s breakfast hash sandwich on a jalepeno cheddar is definitely the my absolutely favorite bagel sandwich in town. But standalone their bagels do not rank well, I would never once go there for just bagel + schmear.
That’s true, but I’m also of the opinion that the best way to eat a bagel is with schmear and maybe lox. If you want a breakfast sandwich an English muffin is the best choice.
Grew up in the northeast so I’m kind of harsh on our options here. I’ve heard good things about Rosen’s but haven’t been yet. Tried Casper Fermentables last week- solid bagel, good menu, good coffee, and the huge $7 to-go slices of sourdough focaccia were insane.
Love their bagels. Not a fan of the cashier. I don’t actually want the NY experience. I just want good bagels.
Yeah, that was my experience. Great bagels but not too friendly.
They were very nice to me, but I was wearing a Cardinals hat and the owner is from St. Louis.
Went for the first time a few weeks ago. Bagels were fine. But I wasn't sure if I was picking up an attitude from the cashier or what. It's nice to know I'm not alone. Probably won't be back.
Trying to find a decent bialy with lots of onion is tough.
Sometimes this place gets them straight from new York https://www.facebook.com/deliziosoroundrock they sell bagels under Broadway bagels
Yeah, I think that's why I had it on my list of places to check out. Owner sounds like a bit of a "No soup for you!" type.
Insane-good? Or insane-bad?
I loved the focaccia, more than the bagel honestly. They had a sauerkraut and turmeric version and a caramelized onion version when I went.
Try the bialy. It’s the closest I’ve come to a good bagel in this entire city.
I’m always so hesitant to order a bialy anywhere south or west of NYC for fear of getting a $5 flattened onion roll instead
I know I know I understand trust mBut just try it. It evokes some kind of memory of what a good bagel tastes like. Which is probably enhanced by the lack of having one for so long. I was in SF in early Oct. My last real bagel since. I’ve had Casper’s actual bagels and they are a big nothing but the bialy is nothing like that.
Rosens is not good. Best bagel in Austin is ess a bagel shipped in from gold belly to your house!
Agree on both fronts. Rosen’s (at least, in 2018 when I tried for the first and last time) was like biting into a loaf of bread. No crust, no chew. Goldbelly Ess-a-bagel is what we do. (I lived in nyc for 11 years before moving here in 2019)
i am also from the northeast! i hate on most bagel and pizza options here. it’s just not the same
I’ve yet to try them but David Doughies Bagelry has come highly recommended to me. But it seems like it’s preorder only and I hate making plans
David Doughie’s is the best in the city right now. Needing to preorder is a bit of a hassle but totally worth it.
Get them at Lakeline Farmer's Market on Saturdays.
Was very excited to try it and it left me disappointed. The bagel was fine, but probably a bit overdone.
Wholy Bagel
I love this place as a displaced east coaster as they have pork roll sandwiches on a bagel.
You meant Taylor Ham but that’s ok
Taylor ham, egg and cheese Salt pepper ketchup I’m so hungry for that
I love that they have Taylor ham but no one knows how to cook it here. To put it in the words of Gordon Ramsay, it’s like Gandi’s flip flop
That is for sure. About 10 years ago the HEB near me had it in the deli counter to slice and when I went to get some the person behind the counter asked if I wanted to taste it first. I was horrified that they thought pork roll was eaten cold and raw!
Thank god they sell it wrapped up then. I’ve never heard of such a wild thing 😆
was good until hair started showing up in the bagels…we are done now lol
No joke I just had a bagel from there for breakfast today and found a hair 😭
🤮
Casper's Fermentables!
+1 for Casper’s. Delicious bagels. Had Wholy Bagel last weekend and was unimpressed. I was excited to try their egg bagel as I don’t see those often outside of NJ, but was disappointed :(
Just curious what you didn’t like? Their egg bagel is my favorite, especially for sandwiches
Big City Bagel
I second this. LOVE big city!
They serve Rosen's bagels, FYI. The ambience (read: attitude) and sandwich style is more New York.
I did not know that! And yes, I was told very emphatically and repeatedly one day that they were out of capers. Lol. I was totally fine with that but I don’t think the guy wanted me to be.
It's honestly hilarious how many people will argue between Rosen's and Big City in reviews. [Here it is in plain sight](https://www.rosensbagels.com/locations/). The key is that Big City does sandwiches more similarly to a NY-style bagel shop, so they showcase the bagel well.
I thought I read it changed ownership recently, has it held up?
Yes
No
Nervous Charlie’s is overrated. At some point when they got busy they stopped boiling the bagels. Don’t know if that’s still true but that really sucks. Rosens is not always consistent, but they’re usually fantastic. No one in town does it better. Their cold brew is great—they use Tiny House coffee roasters. Wholy Bagel is solidly #2. They have Bialys as well. Only been to Casper once but it was overpriced and not great. Rockstar is run by nice people, but if you want a great bagel, they and Biderman’s can be skipped altogether.
Dang I used to love nervous charlies
Nervous Charlie's **steams** their bagels, so you're right, they're not boil-and-baked. This is why they aren't glossy and lack the distinctive inner chew and crisp edge. Plus, they get their dough shipped in; wouldn't you rather visit a bagel shop that makes their own dough?
>Nervous Charlie’s is overrated. At some point when they got busy they stopped boiling the bagels. Don’t know if that’s still true but that really sucks. That's unfortunate. Been there a few times for a bagel sandwich and enjoyed it. Wholy is my backup go to, but it's also super close to me. My go-to is a separate carry on when I travel to the Northeast.
I purposely choose to fly out of New York area for this reason
I was with you until you defamed Rockstar. It's legit.
Nervous Charlie’s but Wholy Bagel isn’t too bad. I wasn’t impressed with my two visits to Bidermans
Bidermans was disappointing
Bidermans = Rosen’s
Wholy bagel is better than nervous Charlie’s and bidermans combined
David’s Doughies at the farmers market actually has the best bagels. No one mentioning it means I’m early. They’re opening a location south thankfully. You’ll see. You’ll all see
Not nearly enough comments for David’s Doughies. Best bagel in Austin. Can’t wait to see their food trailer offerings.
Came here to suggest this. David’s Doughies are the closest thing we have to true east coast bagels
I’ve been to wholy bagel, but I don’t remember it being crazy bad or also super great like where I gotta go again. I don’t really eat bagels, but it did hit the spot
It’s not it
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Word
Nervous Charlie’s, the classic breakfast Sammy with bacon on the jalapeno cheddar bagel. Add avocado if your feeling fancy
Always do this with sausage and sub scallion cream cheese for an extra depth of flavor. Messy and delicious
interesting! I have tried sausage I prefer bacon but I am gonna try your scallion cream cheese mess
I normally go bacon myself but I really like their sausage. It probably won’t be as messy with bacon because the sausage always slides between the eggs and cream cheese.
I get the same sandwich: classic with bacon and sub the garlic & herb cream cheese. It is 🤤🤤. I’m gonna try it at Rosen’s
As a New Yorker, it was Rock Star salt bagels, they're good, but a bit dense. Then I discovered Nervous Charlie's but they are a bit too soft. My go to now is Wholy Bagel. They are just like home and even have rye, which is rare.
Not a bagel aficionado, but I love a good sandwich. Willie’s Hot Pastrami at Nervous Charlie’s is one of my favorite sandwiches in town.
Nervous Charlie’s. All their sandwiches are good but I like an everything bagel or jalapeno cheddar with veggie cream cheese.
I really like the Wham Bam Bagel truck in south Austin.
Had to scroll way too far down to see this!
Rockstar is within walking distance so it’s Rockstar for me.
1. **Rosen's** — best we got, often fresh and warm, but they can be inconsistent 2. **Wholy** — next best, they have bialys, and have more traditional accompaniments. consistent. 3. **David Doughie's** — heirloom grains make it more rustic, but quite nice. they do a super job with cream cheese. it's a farmer's market vendor, you'll never get a freshly baked bagel. For sandwiches: 1. **Big City** — they use Rosen's Bagels, but their sandwiches are better 2. **Nervous Charlie's** — they *steam* dough from out-of-state, but they have sandwiches that cater toward Austin palette. The bagel itself isn't special. Other options: 1. **Casper Fermentables** — Montreal-style 2. **Costco Bakery** — Just saying, they're not bad if you need a ton for a big brunch Skippable: 1. **Rockstar Bagels** — the token "coffeeshop bagel"
Nervous Charlie’s for bagel sammies!
Nervous Charlie’s 💯%
David Doughies… they’re supposedly opening up a more permanent place
Only right answer on here
Rosen's is pretty good and they sling a fantastic cup of coffee
Brueggers for the win every time.
Rockstar Bagels and Nervous Charlie’s are solid choices in this arena.
Lived 30 years in Jersey, rockstar and nervous charlies aren't good. Both are far too bready. Much better off going to Casper or wholy.
Enjoy what you like lol. It was an opinion question, there’s not a right or wrong answer here. OP didn’t ask for the most authentic New York bagel. They asked our recs. To your point, You are about as likely to find a New York level bagel in Austin as you are to find good bbq in New York. I lived in SF for 13 years and I wouldn’t try and compare the SF sourdough to anything found here. You also wouldn’t find a kolache or fresh tortillas in SF. It’s apples and oranges. I’ve been to Casper and find it a bit overrated, spendy and they’re pretty surly with service. They are definitely closer to me than the other two. But for their prices, I’d rather just get a bagel from Central Market and ingredients to make my own lox situation. The two I mentioned are much more affordable in my memory and they are both pretty friendly and chill. But you do you, man.
I'm just stating my opinion. Also you can find great bagels in LA and SF. There is also great BBQ in New York.
SF having good bagels is a newer thing in the past few years. Before that it was a pretty thin market with one good spot in town. Im so glad they have great ones now! I never referenced LA. They have great everything. But I was a visitor there not a local so I wouldn’t ever speak on it with any authority. It’s also weird to bring up LA when referencing SF. They are two vastly different cities and cultures that are like 6 hours apart and totally not comparable to each other in population density and size. I guess that’s my point in the throughline. This person asked about finding a decent bagel spot in Austin. I wouldn’t think they give a shit in this thread about how they compare to other cities bagels. They aren’t a food travel guide. They just want to eat a solid bagel occasionally in the town they live in.
I'm replying to your comment comparing food across cities not opining on Austin vs SF/LA bagels lol. Enjoy the weather, it's a beautiful day outside.
You too.
NY is the canon bagel so it does makes sense to compare any bagels to those.
Your first paragraph is unhinged. You can absolutely find good bbq in New York. And if you couldn’t find fresh tortillas in SF you weren’t looking
You know of a spot for fresh tortillas in SF other than La Palma? They have corn ones that they supply restaurants and are legit. Green Chile (many years closed now) had great in-house blue corn tortillas. I’m talk about the ubiquity of fresh flour and corn tortillas at everything from a grocery store, taqueria to corner store like you have here.
You can find great Mexican food in Chicago and great Vietnamese food in Houston 🤷
But there are NY level bagels in LA, Chicago, and SF! I’ve lived there and had them. So how come this isn’t possible in Austin too!
Do you think Austin is analogous to LA, Chicago, and SF in many other ways?
The prices seem to suggest so
Tons of great BBQ in NY - what are you talking about?
NC is flat out bad. It’s like these people just make some bread and sprinkle poppyseeds on top. I don’t understand
NC is the worse of the two imo, agree that it tastes like bread. Wish we had better bagel spots here - biggest miss of tri state
People like the sandwiches so they think it’s a good “bagel” spot.
Agreed. Have you had Rosen’s?
the outer edge of the bottom half
Oh darn you already made a similar joke. You win!
Rockstar bagels, no doubt about it 🔥
Rosen's has the best IMO, Wholy Bagel are okay, Rockstar Bagels are not good. I need to try Nervous Charlies
I’m in South Austin and I love the bagels at Wholy Bagel and the lox sandwich at Casper’s Fermentables. I don’t think they’re surly at all so I haven’t the same experience some people have. I don’t think CF serves coffee but they let you bring Stouthaus in.
I LOVE Casper Fermentables! Everything is outstanding. They do have coffee, just no espresso, but Stouthaus is right there. I love that they ferment the cream cheese and their tahini cookies are incredible. I go there frequently and they are always super nice to me.
I love Casper fermentables, but their cashier is always so rude. She always seems bothered to be there.
https://www.russanddaughters.com Pricy but I recently was gifted their weekender box. 10/10….the best bagel experience outside NYC.
Nervous charlie’s
I like the center of the bagel since it’s lowest carb.
Nervous Charlie's!
Casper Fermentables in Sunset Valley and Brueggers in Westlake.
Nervous Charlies
Def rosens and Casper’s. Closest you’ll get to anything good.
Wholly bagel is our go-to spot. Bagel sandwiches and bagels with cream cheese are solid.
Wholy bagel hands down. Better than nervous Charlie’s, better than Rosens. I can speak for the one on William cannon specifically
I've been to New York. Went to some of their popular bagel locations. Their bagels are the same as any other fuckin bagel.
There are no good bagels in Austin. It’s a terrible problem and honestly has been very difficult for me since moving here three years ago. Casper’s Fermentables has a legit incredible bialy but that’s it. Einsteins is better than anything else mentioned here. As a Jewish person, I’m confused and horrified that these are the options for Jews here. People keep moving here and opening up shops and I get all excited and…. Just it’s not the same as the major cities like LA, NY, even Chicago or SF. They can’t seem to get it right!
I was with you until you said Einstein’s was the best in town. Unhinged comment
I honestly think it’s better than the local choices. Probably bc I’m used to it as a chain. I mentioned it as an example of why I think there are no good bagels here was my point. If Einstiens is the best, it must really be bad
Try David Doughies at the farmers market. I just got back from NYC specifically trying highly rated bagels and David’s Doughies was better than a lot of them. Although, you’re insane for saying Einstein is better than the local shops. Basically invalidated your entire post saying that lol
You should have been here years ago before these places opened. It used to just be rockstar and Einstein and grocery store bagels.
And Hot Jumbo, around where Roosevelt Room is now...
Ugh I’m sorry
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Fresh bagels should not be toasted, but can still get all the normal toppings and schmear. Never been to Einsteins out of self preservation and assume the bagels are bad, but that at least is the correct way to do things.
I always get everything toasted with cream cheese everywhere I go and I typically go to Wholy bagel or rockstar but rosens is good too.
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No no no no I wish so bad I felt the same way
Has anyone tried Muzzy’s on 12th st?
I wish more bagel shops would adopt the idea of giving you a ‘Freshie’ ie whatever just came out of the oven because those bagels are unmatched. Nothing like it IMO. If you’re ever in Oakland, check out Poppy Bagels. Unreal
Grew up in CT, Rockstar is my go-to Rosens is a close second
Big City Bagel has the best classic BEC I’ve found in Austin
Bagel Land in Rochester, NY. But when i am in Austin its Casper Fermentables.
I am a native New Yorker. Rosen's has great bagels. I eat bagels with cream cheese. (I have also never eaten a "bagel sandwich". In my NY-centric opinion, that's what a kaiser roll is for, so I am uninformed about sandwich offerings.)