Bagels in Austin can be a bit of a wild card—the city’s love for brisket and tacos often steals the spotlight. But if you know where to look, you’ll find a batch of bakeries quietly rolling out golden, chewy bagels that could rival those found in Brooklyn or Boston. The right spot delivers more than a bread ring; it’s a little edible hug, with a texture that lands between tender and satisfyingly dense.
After my own attempt at “DIY bageling” left the kitchen covered in flour and the results closer to hockey pucks than breakfast, I decided to hunt for the real deal around town. That search led to spots buzzing before sunrise and bakeries where the everything seasoning hits just right. Whether you’re obsessed with classic sesame or you’re chasing a legit salt bagel, you’ll find all the real contenders here. Prepared to be surprised by what Austin’s bagel scene can bring to the table.
Where to find the best bagels in Austin, TX
Here are some of the top spots to find the best bagels in Austin, TX:
- 1886 Cafe & Bakery
- Big City Bagels and Subs
- RockStar Bagels
- Wholy Bagel
- Einstein Bros. Bagels
- Einstein Bros. Bagels
- Biderman’s Deli
- Bruegger’s Bagels
- Cenote
- Rosen’s Bagel Company
1. 1886 Cafe & Bakery
Step inside 1886 Cafe & Bakery, and it feels worlds away from Austin’s heavy traffic and crowded streets. The velvet furnishings and old-world charm hint at a storied past, but what really stands out here is the carefully curated menu. I once spent a lazy Sunday morning sinking my teeth into their classic bagel paired with smoked salmon, and it set the bar high for bagel experiences in town.
The real charm lies in the details: bagels are served just the right amount of toasty, topped with a spread that has a signature tang. Austin regulars rave about their house-made cream cheese. It’s a prime spot to linger over breakfast, especially if you like your bagels with a hint of nostalgia and a serious nod to tradition.
2. Big City Bagels and Subs
+1 512-646-8957
Big City Bagels and Subs delivers the kind of hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagels you’d expect to find much closer to Manhattan. The place itself feels like a laid-back neighborhood hub, and the aroma of fresh bakes hits you as soon as you walk in. My go-to order? The classic sesame bagel with a thick smear of their chive cream cheese—simple but perfect.
What sets them apart is the texture: the bagels here have a crisp exterior with a tender, slightly chewy center. The menu keeps things classic, but the lox and bagel combo stands out for its balance and freshness. If you’re craving an authentic bagel experience in north Austin, this spot will satisfy that urge with no frills and plenty of flavor.
3. RockStar Bagels
RockStar Bagels is a favorite for those who think breakfast should have a little edge. The vibe is low-key and a touch quirky, with the crew moving confidently behind the counter. When I visited, their everything bagel loaded with veggie cream cheese hit all the right notes—bold, balanced, and filling.
What sets RockStar apart is the attention to texture. Their bagels boast a satisfyingly crisp crust and a dense, chewy interior. The jalapeño bagel is a standout if you crave a little kick, while the plain variety provides a reliable canvas for any topping. For those who want Austin’s creativity baked right into their morning routine, this spot is worth tracking down.
4. Wholy Bagel
Wholy Bagel is often the spot locals whisper about when New York expats sigh for a real bagel fix in Austin. Sun spills across the patio in the morning, and regulars line up for their chewy, oversized creations. The time I first tried their poppyseed bagel slathered with scallion cream cheese, I completely understood the buzz. Each bite had that perfect balance of crunch and softness.
It’s clear every bagel is made with purpose—kettle-boiled, baked until gleaming, and generously topped. The bagel sandwiches are hearty, letting ingredients shine without crowding the dough. If you want a taste of the East Coast in Central Texas, this is where to start your bagel tour. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself coming back.
5. Einstein Bros. Bagels
Einstein Bros. Bagels knows how to turn an ordinary morning into a ritual. With warm, freshly baked bagels on display, the aroma always tempts me through the door before I’ve even finished my first coffee. Whenever I’m craving something classic yet reliable, the Asiago bagel with their signature garden veggie shmear is my quick fix.
This shop excels in consistency—each bagel is soft, with a gentle chew and flavors that feel both familiar and satisfying. I’m also partial to their thin sliced bagels which let the toppings take center stage. If you’re chasing variety, the rotating flavors and extensive menu make it easy to find a new favorite. Einstein Bros. brings simplicity and comfort to the Austin bagel lineup.
6. Einstein Bros. Bagels
This Einstein Bros. Bagels location on Anderson Lane is a solid standby for those craving a classic bagel on the go. Walking in, the scent of baking dough and fresh coffee sets an easy pace for the day. My favorite? Their everything bagel paired with honey almond shmear. It’s a comforting combo that never misses.
Here, bagels are always soft and satisfyingly chewy—perfect for building your own breakfast sandwich. If you’re a fan of a good spread-to-bagel ratio, this shop gets it right. Their seasonal flavors provide a playful twist, but you’ll never go wrong with their everyday standards. It’s a spot where convenience meets consistency, and the bagels hold up every single time.
7. Biderman’s Deli
Biderman’s Deli brings a true deli experience to Austin, and the bagels are at the heart of it. There’s a friendly, bustling feel here, whether you’re popping in for a quick bite or settling into a booth for brunch. My personal favorite? The classic bagel sandwich with egg and Swiss—hearty, fresh, and always filling.
What makes Biderman’s stand out is the chewy, golden crust on every bagel and the generous approach to toppings. Their bagels are sturdy enough for a pile of veggies or a thick layer of cream cheese, yet soft enough to eat solo. This spot nails the balance between old-school deli charm and Austin casual, so you’ll always leave full and happy.
8. Bruegger’s Bagels
(512) 394-7174Call
Bruegger’s Bagels serves up the New York bagel vibe right in the heart of Austin’s West Lake Hills. There’s something comforting about stepping inside, with the scent of fresh-baked dough mingling with hot coffee. My standout memory is sharing a classic cinnamon raisin bagel topped with made-in-Vermont cream cheese—the perfect sweet and tangy bite to start any day.
What I love most here is the commitment to crafting bagels that stay true to old-school tradition: crisp on the outside, soft at the center. Their breakfast sandwiches are hearty and hit the spot when you need something filling but unfussy. If you want bagels just like you’d get up north, Bruegger’s brings the authenticity every time.
9. Cenote
Cenote is a sun-drenched café where mornings feel unhurried and every plate is full of personality. Nestled in a historic spot on Cesar Chavez, it’s become my quiet go-to for both killer coffee and serious bagel cravings. Since teaming up with RockStar Bagels, Cenote’s selection has only improved—think chewy, robust bagels that hold up under any topping.
If you’re pulling up a chair for breakfast, order their everything bagel topped with classic cream cheese or avocado. You’ll taste freshness in every bite. The community energy, cool patio, and creative baristas all add to the charm. For bagel lovers who want good food without rushing through it, Cenote delivers a relaxed Austin twist on tradition.
10. Rosen’s Bagel Company
Rosen’s Bagel Company has a serious attitude when it comes to making bagels the right way: boiled, baked, and beautifully imperfect. My early Saturday visits here have always resulted in grabbing a bagel hot from the oven, with a crusty exterior and just the right chew. Their classic plain bagel with whipped cream cheese is satisfying in its simplicity, and every bite is proof of their no-shortcuts philosophy.
Rosen’s also runs a brisk takeout operation, making it an easy stop on busy mornings. The staff knows their bagels, from poppyseed to sesame to wild flavor specials. If you want that real-deal New York feel without the plane ticket, Rosen’s offers a genuine experience in Austin’s northside.
More Things to Try in Austin, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the most authentic bagels in Austin?
Many locals swear by Wholy Bagel, Rosen’s Bagel Company, and RockStar Bagels for bagels that feel true to New York tradition—kettle-boiled, dense, and perfectly chewy.
Are there any kosher bagel options in Austin?
Yes, Big City Bagels and Subs offers kosher bagel options and a classic deli menu that caters to various dietary needs.
Which bagel shops have vegan or gluten-free options?
You’ll find vegan and gluten-free choices at places like 1886 Cafe & Bakery and some locations of Einstein Bros. Bagels. It’s smart to call ahead, since selections can change.
Do any Austin bagel shops serve breakfast all day?
Most bagel shops, including Bruegger’s Bagels, Biderman’s Deli, and RockStar Bagels, serve breakfast options into the afternoon, so you can get your bagel fix whenever you roll in.
Where can I get a bagel sandwich in Austin?
Try Biderman’s Deli, Cenote, or Wholy Bagel for hearty bagel sandwiches packed with eggs, cheese, and veggie options.
Is there a place in Austin to buy bagels in bulk for events?
Absolutely. Bruegger’s Bagels, Einstein Bros. Bagels, and Rosen’s Bagel Company all offer catering or bulk orders—easy for feeding a group or saving bagels for later.