St. Louis has an understated talent for baking bagels that rise above the ordinary. Whether you crave the crisp snap of a well-done crust or the delicate chew of a soft center, this city tucks a surprising range of bagels behind unassuming storefronts. Years ago, after a long morning walk under an overcast Forest Park sky, I ducked into a corner shop, expecting nothing more than a caffeine fix. Instead, I bit into a bagel that shifted my search for good carbs into a personal mission—one I’ve taken quite seriously ever since.
Finding the best bagels in St. Louis feels a bit like knowing a local secret. They don’t shout for tourist attention; instead, they win loyal fans with fresh bakes, balanced flavors, and classic spreads. Whether you’re after kosher classics, café-style brunch, or something quick on a busy morning, this list is primed to guide you. Keep reading, and you might discover your new bagel haunt, too.
Where to find the best bagels in St. Louis, MO
Here are some of the top spots to find the best bagels in St. Louis, MO:
- Snarf’s MX Downtown
- Kohn’s Kosher Meat and Deli
- Tony’s Donuts
- St. Louis Bread Co.
- Protzel’s Delicatessen
- The Daily Bread Bakery & Cafe
- Einstein Bros. Bagels
- Pumpernickles Delicatessen
- Panera Bread
- Einstein Bros. Bagels
1. Snarf’s MX Downtown
Some mornings start best with a visit to Snarf’s MX Downtown. Tucked on Washington Ave, this spot mixes the spirit of a New York deli with an approachable Midwestern vibe. The first time I visited, the toasted bagels won me over before I even glanced at the sandwich board. Each bite comes with a signature crunch and a flavorful chew, making every visit a repeat performance.
Snarf’s stands out for fresh ingredients and staff who know their stuff. Bagel sandwiches shine here, especially the classic egg & cheese on a fresh sesame or everything bagel. Add peppers for a Snarf’s twist—that hint of heat will wake you up faster than a double espresso. Whether you drop in for breakfast or lunch, you’ll taste the care in every order.
2. Kohn’s Kosher Meat and Deli
Kohn’s Kosher Meat and Deli brings a classic East Coast vibe to St. Louis, rooted in decades-old tradition. Walking in, you feel an instant sense of community—everyone seems to know what to order, and the counter holds more temptation than any diet can handle. My first bite of their bagel sandwich was all it took to understand the steady buzz about this place.
Freshness is the rule here. Bagels are chewy, golden, and never rubbery. The lox and cream cheese is a standout—luxurious and generous, paired with a house-made bagel that holds its own. If you’re especially hungry, ask for the pastrami on a bagel for a true deli experience.
Kohn’s stands apart for authenticity and flavor, making it a must-stop for anyone serious about good bagels in St. Louis.
3. Tony’s Donuts
At first glance, Tony’s Donuts looks like the neighborhood spot for a classic glazed, but their bagels hold their own among the city’s best. The aroma hits you right when you walk in—a warm, toasty scent that says you’re in for something special. My early morning visit left me with a fresh bagel, hot coffee, and a newfound appreciation for this cozy Maryland Heights staple.
Tony’s bagels come with a crust that crackles and a soft, inviting middle. There’s no fuss—just honest, simple baking done well. I’d recommend their plain or sesame bagel, toasted and layered with cream cheese for a perfect breakfast companion.
If you want low-key charm and real flavor, Tony’s Donuts brings both, one bagel at a time.
4. St. Louis Bread Co.
St. Louis Bread Co. is where comfort and consistency meet every morning. While most recognize it by its national moniker, locals still call it Bread Co., and there’s pride in that small-town connection. I remember joining early risers at the counter, where the bustle mixes with the steady aroma of fresh bread and bagels.
Bagels here are crafted with care. They’re soft inside, never dry, with just enough sheen outside. The asiago cheese and cinnamon crunch bagels have a loyal following, but for a true taste of their classic baking style, try the sesame or everything bagel, toasted and paired with a plain or chive cream cheese.
Bread Co. stands out for its community vibe and steady quality, offering the kind of spot where you know your breakfast won’t let you down.
5. Protzel’s Delicatessen
Protzel’s Delicatessen packs big city deli energy into a cozy Clayton corner. My first time ordering a bagel here felt like stepping into a family tradition—every staff member seemed genuinely invested in making my order just right. The hustle behind the counter signals a place that takes its reputation seriously, especially when it comes to the art of bagel-making.
Bagels at Protzel’s are understated but spot-on. Each one is chewy without being dense and holds up beautifully under a mountain of cream cheese or smoked salmon. For a classic experience, the bagel with lox, red onion, and tomato is hard to top. You can tell they’re using quality ingredients, from the first bite to the last crumb.
Protzel’s delivers that rare blend of tradition and care, making every visit worth the trip for bagel loyalists and newcomers alike.
6. The Daily Bread Bakery & Cafe
The Daily Bread Bakery & Cafe delivers more than just a morning pick-me-up—it offers a peaceful pause in the day. My last visit started with sunlight spilling across the bakery case and ended with an everything bagel, perfectly toasted, crowning my table. Each bite strikes a balance between hearty and light, with flavors that linger just enough to keep you thinking about your next trip back.
What makes this spot unique is its dedication to fresh, wholesome baking. Their bagels taste like they were kneaded and shaped only hours before, and their plain or whole wheat varieties work well with spreads both simple and inventive. A classic cream cheese or a veggie-packed schmear brings out the bagel’s character.
The Daily Bread shines for those who crave a neighborhood feel and serious baking skill in every round.
7. Einstein Bros. Bagels
Einstein Bros. Bagels brings consistency and comfort to the heart of Webster Groves. The first time I wandered in for a morning bite, the choices felt endless, but the staff made it easy to land on something great. The familiar, reliable flavors brought back memories of college study breaks spent among the hum of bagel fans and espresso machines.
Here, every bagel is made fresh, with chewy insides and just the right amount of crust on the outside. Their classic everything or asiago bagel sets the foundation, especially when paired with a whipped cream cheese or a veggie spread. For something warmer, try an egg & cheese bagel sandwich—it’s a go-to for good reason.
Einstein Bros. stands out for its quick service and a menu that covers all the bagel bases without skimping on flavor or freshness.
8. Pumpernickles Delicatessen
Pumpernickles Delicatessen brings a dose of classic deli tradition right to Olive Blvd. On my last visit, the warmth behind the counter was matched only by the oven-fresh aroma rolling out from the kitchen. This spot is a neighborhood standby for anyone who loves genuine deli flavors, especially in the form of a no-nonsense bagel.
Their bagels deliver on texture: crisp on the outside, subtly chewy within. Pumpernickles goes beyond the basics with their assortment, but the classic plain bagel—topped with a generous layer of chive cream cheese or paired with smoked salmon—shows off what they do best. Each bite speaks of fresh ingredients and careful attention.
Pumpernickles stands out for its blend of tradition, quality, and a menu that proves simple often triumphs over flash.
9. Panera Bread
Panera Bread on Clayton Road is a go-to spot where the bagels are always warm and the vibe is reliably laid-back. My last breakfast here, tucked into a corner booth with sunlight slanting across the table, felt like a ritual I could do every weekend. The crowd varies from students grabbing coffee to early morning regulars who nod at the staff by name.
The bagel selection doesn’t disappoint. The everything bagel, crisp at the edges and pillowy inside, pairs well with a classic plain or veggie cream cheese. Fans looking for something sweeter usually gravitate to the cinnamon swirl or chocolate chip varieties. Each option reflects Panera’s focus on real ingredients and crowd-pleasing flavor.
Panera stands out for reliable quality, a welcoming atmosphere, and the kind of menu that keeps bagel lovers coming back.
10. Einstein Bros. Bagels
Einstein Bros. Bagels on Clayton Road is a fixture for bagel fans in Richmond Heights. On busy mornings, I’ve joined the short line that moves with purposeful speed—everyone seems to know exactly what they want, and the staff keeps things running smooth. The sight of fresh bagels stacked behind the counter always pushes decision-making to its limits.
Their bagels, from asiago to classic plain, are baked fresh and served up with a variety of spreads. If you want a savory start, the jalapeño cheddar bagel with plain cream cheese is a perfect pick. For something simple and comforting, a toasted sesame bagel with a schmear always hits home.
This Einstein Bros. stands out for fast service, warm bagels, and choices that hit every craving from classic to bold.
More Things to Try in St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most popular bagel flavor in St. Louis?
Everything bagels are a standout favorite across St. Louis. Toasted with cream cheese or packed as a sandwich, they show up on almost every menu for good reason.
Are there kosher bagel options in St. Louis?
Yes, several delis including Kohn’s Kosher Meat and Deli and Pumpernickles Delicatessen offer kosher bagels and classic kosher spreads.
Where can I find vegan or vegetarian bagels?
You’ll have plenty of options. Spots like St. Louis Bread Co. and The Daily Bread Bakery & Cafe offer vegetarian-friendly bagels and vegan spreads, making plant-based starts easy.
Do bagel shops in St. Louis offer gluten-free options?
Some bakeries and cafes, including Snarf’s MX Downtown and St. Louis Bread Co., offer gluten-free choices. It’s always smart to ask ahead to confirm availability.
Can I get a bagel sandwich for breakfast and lunch?
Absolutely. Most local shops serve bagels and bagel sandwiches for both breakfast and lunch, with a mix of classic and creative fillings to keep things interesting.
Are any bagel shops in St. Louis locally owned?
Yes. While there are popular chains, St. Louis is home to independent favorites like Protzel’s Delicatessen, The Daily Bread Bakery & Cafe, and Tony’s Donuts.