Bagels in Oakland have a personality all their own—dense yet pillowy, with a crisp skin that crackles between your teeth. Oakland’s bagel scene is more than just a morning ritual; it’s where fresh-baked tradition meets local character. After tasting my way through a maze of shops, pop-ups, and corner bakeries, I learned that finding the perfect bagel here is about flavor, texture, and that unforgettable chew.
There’s no shortage of choices, but selecting the best can feel like chasing a moving target. Some shops pull you in with the aroma of malted dough, others with creativity that keeps your taste buds guessing. The goal of this guide? Help you sift through the fluff (and the seeds) to discover Oakland’s most satisfying bagels. If you care about the right kind of crust, the freshest spreads, or the purest bagel essence, you’re in the right place.
Where to find the best bagels in Oakland, CA
Here are some of the top spots to find the best bagels in Oakland, CA:
- Beauty’s Bagel Shop
- Noah’s NY Bagels
- Authentic
- Bake Your Own Amazing Bagels
- Bagel Street Cafe
- The Posh Bagel
- Poppy Bagels
- Authentic Bagel Co
- House of Bagels
- Dunkin’
1. Beauty’s Bagel Shop
Beauty’s Bagel Shop on Telegraph Ave feels like a haven for anyone seeking truly kettle-boiled bagels. The aroma alone tells you something special is happening behind the counter. Their bagels have the kind of shiny, crisp crust that hints at New York roots but carry a definite Oakland twist.
What sets Beauty’s apart is their respect for tradition blended with local flavor. I remember biting into a sesame bagel slathered with their house-made scallion cream cheese—the chew was perfect, and each bite felt balanced and fresh.
If you’re deciding what to order, try a classic everything bagel with lox and pickled onions. Every element—from the dense dough to the bright toppings—reflects the shop’s attention to quality and detail. Vegans and vegetarians will find plenty of satisfying options as well.
2. Noah’s NY Bagels
Noah’s NY Bagels sits right on Lakeshore Ave and pulls in a constant stream of people craving that classic, no-fuss experience. Walking in, the scent of freshly baked bagels hits you before you even see the display case, piled high with every variety imaginable. There’s a comforting order to the chaos as folks pick their favorites and staff keep things moving.
Noah’s stands out because of its consistency. No matter when you stop by, you get a bagel that strikes the right balance between a chewy center and a gentle crust. Their menu covers a lot, but I always come back to the sun-dried tomato bagel with double-whipped shmear. That tang pairs perfectly with their signature spreads.
Their breakfast sandwiches, made with cage-free eggs, are another highlight. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or sharing a dozen with friends, Noah’s delivers the dependable bagel fix Oakland locals love.
3. Authentic
(510) 459-1201Call
Authentic sits in the heart of Jack London Square, quietly confident about what it does best: traditional, hand-rolled bagels in flavors you instantly recognize. The space feels stripped-down and focused, with staff who work fast but still find time to talk bagels if you ask. One morning, the smell of fresh onion bagels practically drew me in from down the street.
This shop stands out for old-school craftsmanship. Each bagel here has that extra heft and chew, a texture that’s hard to recreate at home. My go-to order is a pumpernickel bagel with plain shmear. The earthy flavor in every bite lets the bagel itself shine.
They stick to the classics—plain, garlic, onion, pumpernickel—with no shortcuts. Authentic keeps its menu tight, and what they do, they do extremely well.
4. Bake Your Own Amazing Bagels
Bake Your Own Amazing Bagels isn’t just a bakery—it’s an experience tucked into the heart of Rockridge. I signed up for Laurie Leiber’s workshop and left with flour-dusted hands, a tray of bagels, and a real sense of accomplishment. The class walks you through every step: mixing, shaping, boiling, and baking your own creations.
What sets this place apart is the focus on learning. There’s something satisfying about watching your dough puff up in the oven and knowing you shaped it yourself. Laurie’s method makes the whole process inviting, not intimidating.
If you go, try classic plain bagels first—fresh, warm, and deeply satisfying. Making your own bagels lets you appreciate every step and every bite. The workshop makes a great gift or group activity for anyone who loves the taste of a true Oakland bagel, straight from the source—your own hands.
5. Bagel Street Cafe
Bagel Street Cafe in Downtown Oakland is a local standby for those mornings when you need something quick, comforting, and reliably good. I’ve ducked in for a bagel before a busy day and was always greeted with a case stuffed full of options—each one freshly baked and tempting.
The cafe’s signature oversize bagels have a softness inside that pairs well with a crisp shell. Their selection is huge, from sesame to blueberry to jalapeño, making it easy to find a favorite or try something new.
If you’re looking to refuel at lunch, grab a bagel sandwich with turkey, avocado, and sprouts. It offers the right balance of flavor and freshness, showing why Bagel Street Cafe is a go-to in Oakland’s bagel circuit.
6. The Posh Bagel
The Posh Bagel is tucked into Piedmont Ave, drawing you in with a spotless bakery case and a menu that covers both classics and inventive takes. During a rainy morning stop, I found their space bright and welcoming, buzzing with regulars who clearly treat it as a neighborhood staple.
Posh Bagel’s strength is variety. The bagels come in a rainbow of flavors, from plain and poppy to inventive twists like spinach or cheese. Each bagel is soft inside with just enough crusty bite outside to keep things interesting.
I recommend ordering a spinach bagel with a whipped veggie spread. It’s fresh, light, and captures the inviting feel of the shop itself. Whether you’re on your way to work or meeting a friend, The Posh Bagel won’t disappoint.
7. Poppy Bagels
Poppy Bagels in Temescal isn’t just a stop; it’s a ritual for many locals. The small shop seems to hum from the moment they open, thanks to their hand-rolled, deeply flavorful bagels. I’ve waited in line more than once, but the first bite always justifies it.
What really sets Poppy apart is the dedication to top-tier ingredients and traditional technique. Their bagels are dense and chewy, with a glossy finish that comes from a careful boil and bake.
The move here is a sea salt bagel with scallion cream cheese. It’s simple but layered, with the salty pop and bright onion in perfect balance. For anyone serious about Oakland’s bagel scene, Poppy is non-negotiable.
8. Authentic Bagel Co
(510) 658-4963Call
Authentic Bagel Co on College Ave is what you wish every neighborhood bagel spot could be. There’s no fuss, just a focus on traditional bagel-making and a warm, easy vibe. On my last visit, the crackle as I tore into an onion bagel told me I was in the right place.
These bagels stand out for their old-world technique. You taste the depth of flavor from a slow ferment and careful boil, followed by just the right amount of bake. The texture lands in that sweet spot between hearty and tender.
Order a classic sesame or onion bagel with whipped cream cheese. If you’re hoping to find true, no-shortcut quality in Oakland, Authentic Bagel Co delivers, bite after satisfying bite.
9. House of Bagels
(510) 338-1189Call
House of Bagels, perched in Montclair Village, manages to blend classic comfort with a lively neighborhood feel. The bakery scent here drew me in early one weekend morning, and I watched regulars file in for their usual orders—a sure sign this spot has a loyal following.
The bagels here are plump, perfectly chewy, and served with a generous slather of cream cheese or your choice of spreads. House of Bagels takes pride in the little details, from the crisp, golden crust to the pillowy interior.
Choose a whole wheat or sesame bagel and add their veggie cream cheese for something fresh and filling. Each bite sums up why this place feels like home for so many in Oakland’s Montclair neighborhood.
10. Dunkin’
Dunkin’ may be a chain, but on Hegenberger Road, it often saves the morning for Oakland commuters needing something fast and familiar. There’s a certain comfort in knowing you’ll get exactly what you expect, even on a rushed weekday—or after a very early flight.
The bagels here are soft, golden, and built for speed. Pairing perfectly with Dunkin’s coffee, these bagels are a classic grab-and-go option. Staff get customers in and out quickly, so you’re rarely stuck in line long.
Order a plain or everything bagel toasted with veggie cream cheese. The simplicity highlights why Dunkin’ has loyal fans: quick service, satisfying flavor, and a little slice of bagel comfort that’s reliably there when you need it.
More Things to Try in Oakland, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the best bagels in Oakland, CA?
Oakland is packed with great bagel spots. Top-rated favorites include Beauty’s Bagel Shop, Authentic, Poppy Bagels, and Boichik Bagels. You’ll find everything from classic styles to more inventive takes.
Are there vegan or vegetarian bagel options in Oakland?
Absolutely. Many bagel shops in Oakland, including Beauty’s Bagel Shop and Poppy Bagels, offer vegan and vegetarian-friendly choices—from dairy-free spreads to bagels packed with veggies.
Which bagel shop offers gluten-free options?
Some spots rotate in gluten-free bagels, but availability changes. Always check ahead or contact shops like Wise Sons Jewish Deli and Poppy Bagels for the latest gluten-free choices.
Do Oakland bagel shops serve breakfast sandwiches?
Yes. Many places, such as Noah’s NY Bagels and Bagel Street Cafe, offer breakfast bagel sandwiches with eggs, veggies, and other classic fillings.
When is the best time to visit a bagel shop in Oakland?
Mornings are prime bagel time—especially on weekends when the freshest bagels come out of the oven. Go early for the best selection and shortest lines.
Can I order bagels online for pickup or delivery?
Most Oakland bagel shops, including Beauty’s and Dunkin’, have online ordering for pickup. Some, like Boichik Bagels, even offer delivery to your door.