If there’s one thing Portland handles with quiet confidence, it’s breakfast. The way locals obsess over the right chew, toasty crust, and the subtle tang of a proper bagel is something you notice as soon as you start exploring. After countless mornings spent wandering from hole-in-the-wall bakeries to busy street counters, I’ve tasted enough bagels across town to know which ones deserve your attention.
Finding the best bagels in Portland is a matter of taste, timing, and luck—but I’ve done the legwork so you don’t have to gamble with your first bite. Whether you crave a classic plain, crave a seeded masterpiece, or need a gluten-free winner, these spots deliver. Read on. Portland’s bagels have a story to tell, and your next favorite is probably just around the corner.
Where to find the best bagels in Portland, OR
Here are some of the top spots to find the best bagels in Portland, OR:
- Capers Cafe et Le Bar
- Nuvrei
- New Cascadia Traditional
- Sunrise Bagels Beaverton
- First Cup Coffee House
- Bowery Bagels
- Bipartisan Cafe
- Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels
- Einstein Bros. Bagels
- Bagel Land
1. Capers Cafe et Le Bar
Capers Cafe et Le Bar at Portland International Airport is more than a layover pitstop. With its airy setup and local charm, it’s a welcome pause for travelers and locals alike. I once landed here on a bleary morning, and the scent of freshly baked bagels nudged me out of my jetlagged fog.
What makes Capers stand out is the commitment to freshness and inclusivity. Their menu covers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diners with ease. The bagels arrive warm, with a crisp shell and soft center—a simple pleasure.
Order the classic bagel with smoked salmon or the veggie cream cheese option. Both showcase the kitchen’s knack for perfectly balanced flavors and keep morning hunger at bay before a long flight.
2. Nuvrei
Nuvrei sits tucked among the bustle of the Pearl District, and it’s the kind of spot where you want to linger. Walking through the doors feels like entering a hidden pastry workshop, all warm light and the quiet hum of satisfied customers. On my first visit, I found myself nodding along with others—these bagels truly deliver.
What sets Nuvrei apart is their delicate touch. Each bagel is polished with a thin, crackly crust and a surprisingly airy crumb. Here, craftsmanship is obvious in every bite.
Go for the plain or everything bagel layered with their scallion cream cheese. This combination strikes the perfect balance of tang and richness. For a twist, their bagel sandwiches, overflowing with fresh toppings, are also worth a try.
3. New Cascadia Traditional
New Cascadia Traditional is a gluten-free haven in Portland’s spirited Division neighborhood. This bakery has a loyal following for good reason—I once brought a friend with celiac disease here, and we both left convinced that flavor doesn’t have to follow the rules. Everyone in the bright, bustling space seems wholly satisfied, regardless of their dietary needs.
Why New Cascadia Traditional stands out is simple: every bagel is hand-rolled and baked with care, without any gluten compromises. The bakery proves that texture and flavor can thrive even with alternative grains.
Try their plain or seeded bagels, toasted and dressed with the house-made hummus or the dairy-free cream cheese. The crunch and chew pair with toppings that are fresh and satisfying, showing how quality never needs gluten as a crutch.
4. Sunrise Bagels Beaverton
Sunrise Bagels Beaverton has quietly anchored the Cedar Mill area with its classic approach since 1998. The smell of bagels baking draws in early risers, and when I dropped in on a brisk morning, locals were chatting with staff like old friends.
The standout feature here is consistency. These bagels have a golden crust and a chewy bite, just as they should. There’s a sense of tradition in each batch, rooted in years of refined technique.
Order the sesame bagel with their signature veggie cream cheese, which balances crunch and flavor in every bite. Or, try a breakfast sandwich stacked with eggs and cheese—the hearty energy boost you crave in the Northwest drizzle.
5. First Cup Coffee House
First Cup Coffee House, nestled on Woodstock Boulevard, feels like a true neighborhood retreat. Tucked among leafy streets and a short stroll from Reed College, it’s the kind of spot where time slows down over a good cup and a better bagel. My morning here started with friendly smiles and the rich aroma of fresh brew.
The appeal of First Cup is its local touch and laid-back comfort. The bagels here are simple but satisfying—freshly toasted with a sturdy crust and soft interior that make each bite reassuring.
Go for a plain or whole wheat bagel, and top it with classic cream cheese for a tried-and-true pairing. The calm, easy-going charm makes this a comforting stop before a busy day.
6. Bowery Bagels
Bowery Bagels captures a New York vibe right in the heart of Portland. The look is no-nonsense, but the warmth and charm are unmistakable. I popped in on a rainy morning, drawn by the buzz of regulars eager for their bagel fix.
What really distinguishes Bowery Bagels is authenticity. Their bagels are hand-rolled, boiled, and baked to create a dense bite with a glossy crust—a taste of the East Coast, no flight required.
The everything bagel with classic schmear is a standout. Each bite delivers a punch of seeds and a pleasing chew. If you want something more substantial, the bagel breakfast sandwiches are satisfying and stripped of frills—just old-school goodness done right.
7. Bipartisan Cafe
Bipartisan Cafe feels like a slice of old-school Portland. I stopped here on a gray afternoon, and the sense of community mixed with the promise of something delicious set the tone. Lining the pastry case, their bagels drew a steady stream of regulars and newcomers alike.
The heart of Bipartisan Cafe is its friendly atmosphere and unwavering quality. Every bagel is soft but sturdy, perfect for building a sandwich or just slathering with cream cheese. The menu offers enough variety to keep breakfast and lunch options fresh, day after day.
Order the bagel with lox and a side of their house-made spreads for an experience that’s simple and satisfying. The mellow café setting is an ideal backdrop for savoring each bite at your own pace.
8. Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels
Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels is a real-deal destination for bagel purists. My first visit was an impromptu stop, and the aroma of toasting bagels had me hooked before I even placed my order. There’s nothing fussy here—just straightforward, quality baking.
What sets Henry Higgins apart is their traditional approach. Each bagel is boiled, then baked to achieve the perfect balance of chewy interior and crisp golden crust. You can taste the time and care in every bite.
The poppy seed bagel with chive cream cheese is my personal pick. The fresh herbs in the spread highlight the bagel’s earthy notes. You’ll see why this spot has a loyal local following, one bite at a time.
9. Einstein Bros. Bagels
Einstein Bros. Bagels delivers the familiar comfort of a neighborhood staple. I dropped in for a quick bite before a meeting and found the place busy yet efficient—ideal when you want a solid bagel fix on the run. The atmosphere is always lively, and there’s a reliable sense of routine to the experience.
What distinguishes Einstein Bros. is their broad selection. Choices range from classic plain to inventive specialty bagels, all baked fresh each morning. Consistency remains their calling card, which keeps regulars coming back.
Order the asiago bagel with garden veggie shmear, or build a custom breakfast sandwich for a heartier start. Einstein Bros. delivers satisfying bagels every time, making them a fuss-free go-to in Portland’s bagel landscape.
10. Bagel Land
Bagel Land sits on Fremont Street as a favorite among early risers. The first time I walked in, a line wrapped out the door—a sign that people here take their bagels seriously. The staff keeps things moving, and the atmosphere is as neighborly as it gets.
What makes Bagel Land shine is its focus on tradition and freshness. The bagels come out hot, with a thick, golden crust and a dense interior that begs for a generous layer of schmear. Every visit feels like a connection to old-school bagel culture.
Try the sesame bagel with scallion cream cheese for a classic Portland breakfast. Or, pick up a dozen to share—their straightforward flavors make this spot a local staple for bagel lovers in the know.
More Things to Try in Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular bagel shops in Portland?
Portland’s top bagel shops include Bowery Bagels, Nuvrei, New Cascadia Traditional, Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels, and Bagel Land. Each spot delivers a distinct style and fresh flavors.
Are there gluten-free bagel options in Portland?
Yes, New Cascadia Traditional specializes in gluten-free bagels, and several other bakeries offer gluten-free choices as well.
Which bagel shops have vegan options?
Many Portland bagel shops, including Capers Cafe et Le Bar and New Cascadia Traditional, offer vegan bagels and spreads.
Where can I find New York-style bagels in Portland?
Bowery Bagels and Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels both pride themselves on New York-style, hand-rolled bagels with the right balance of chew and crust.
Do any Portland bagel shops offer breakfast sandwiches?
Most spots on this list serve satisfying breakfast bagel sandwiches—look for them at Einstein Bros., Sunrise Bagels Beaverton, and Spielman Bagels and Coffee Roasters.
What’s the best way to enjoy bagels in Portland?
Order a fresh bagel, toast it lightly, and try it with classic cream cheese or your favorite toppings. Many bakeries offer unique spreads if you’re in the mood to experiment.