Few foods start the day, or rescue a late lunch, quite like a bagel. If you’re hunting for the bagel in Columbus, you’re not alone. After years of living in the city—and taste-testing my weight in doughy circles—I’ve found Columbus’s bagel scene to be a delicious mix of old-school tradition and creative flair. Sometimes I crave a classic toasted bagel with a slick of cream cheese. Other times, only an everything bagel heaped with smoked salmon will do.
Columbus serves up bagels for every mood and preference. From bustling downtown delis that remind you of New York, to coffee shops that pair artisan bread with small-batch brews, the options here are as varied as the city’s neighborhoods. If you want pillowy interiors or crave the extra chew of a solid crust, you’ll find your favorite here. Let’s bite into the best bagels Columbus has to offer, one satisfying spot at a time.
Where to find the best bagels in Columbus, OH
Here are some of the top spots to find the best bagels in Columbus, OH:
- Katzinger’s Delicatessen
- The Lox Bagel Shop
- Cornerstone Deli & Cafe
- Einstein Bros. Bagels
- Broad Street Bagels and Deli
- Block’s Bagels, Bakery & Deli
- Bruegger’s Bagels
- Einstein Bros. Bagels
- The Roosevelt Coffeehouse
- Nate’s Steamed Bagels
1. Katzinger’s Delicatessen
+1 614-228-3354
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Katzinger’s Delicatessen has carved out a loyal following in Columbus since 1984. Walking into the shop, I’m always struck by the buzz—locals swapping stories between mouthfuls of bagel sandwiches piled high with robust flavors. Katzinger’s brings that unmistakable New York deli energy, wrapped up in warm Midwest hospitality.
The star of the menu for bagel lovers is the smoked nova salmon on a bagel. The salmon is silky, the bagel has a satisfying chew, and the house-made cream cheese adds just the right tang. For anyone craving a twist, their vegetarian options are superb and pair well with their specialty breads.
Katzinger’s stands out for its attention to detail—everything is made with care, from the spreads to the house-cured toppings. If you’re looking to bring home the experience, shoppers can also find fresh bagels and cheeses in their grocery section. It’s hard not to become a regular once you’ve tasted how much heart goes into every bite.
2. The Lox Bagel Shop
The Lox Bagel Shop is where I go when I want a bagel that’s equal parts chewy, toasty, and generously topped. The aroma of fresh-baked bread greets you before you even get inside. The energy inside is casual and inviting, perfect for an early breakfast or a midday bite.
This spot shines because each bagel is wood-fired, giving it a deep flavor and golden crust that’s tough to beat in Columbus. The signature move here? Go for the classic bagel with their house-made lox and herbed cream cheese. The fish is tender, the capers are briny, and every element tastes thoughtfully made.
You can also build your own bagel sandwich from a menu filled with inventive spreads and toppings. The Lox Bagel Shop keeps things simple yet exceptional, turning every order into a small celebration of great ingredients.
3. Cornerstone Deli & Cafe
Cornerstone Deli & Cafe is a North High Street gem known for making mornings easy and delicious. I first wandered in on a rainy day, craving something warm, and was met with the comforting smell of baked bagels and coffee. It’s a friendly neighborhood place that treats regulars and newcomers with equal care.
The bagel lineup is impressive, with vegan and vegetarian options that are genuinely satisfying. Their breakfast bagel sandwich—egg, cheese, a handful of veggies—hits the right notes if you’re starting early. For lunch, I like adding avocado and a drizzle of hot sauce for extra kick.
What sets Cornerstone apart is the flexibility and freshness you get in every order. The drive-thru and takeout options make it a practical choice, but it’s the quality of their bagels that brings me back. Every visit feels like time with good friends and better bread.
4. Einstein Bros. Bagels
Einstein Bros. Bagels is a downtown staple for anyone who needs breakfast on the fly. I’ve ducked in before a busy morning and always found a sea of freshly baked bagels ready to go. The speed here never means sacrificing quality, which keeps the office crowd coming back.
If you’re a purist, the classic plain or everything bagels hit the spot. Personally, the veggie bagel sandwich—layered with crisp veggies and whipped cream cheese—always does the trick. Their bagels have a signature soft, chewy texture that makes them distinct.
With a strong coffee game and a menu that covers both sweet and savory cravings, Einstein Bros. keeps things simple but never boring. It’s reliable, fast, and easy to make your own combo each visit.
5. Broad Street Bagels and Deli
Broad Street Bagels and Deli feels like the heart of downtown, with a steady morning buzz and regulars chatting over coffee. I stumbled in on a busy workday and found it instantly welcoming—the staff greet you like you’re an old friend. It’s the kind of spot where you want to become a regular.
Their bagels stand out for their sheer variety and the ability to customize everything. Try the signature veggie cream cheese on a fresh sesame or poppy seed bagel; the flavors are crisp, and the bagels have just the right bite. If you’re hungry, their breakfast bagel sandwiches are filling without feeling heavy.
Affordability and comfort are the cornerstones here. Broad Street Bagels and Deli proves that you don’t need to spend much to get a memorable breakfast or lunch downtown.
6. Block’s Bagels, Bakery & Deli
Block’s Bagels, Bakery & Deli is a local tradition, and it feels like it from the first bite. My first visit, the aroma of fresh-baked bagels caught me before I even walked in. Inside, the atmosphere is casual, perfect for lingering over a morning coffee or a laid-back lunch.
Block’s bagels are made in classic style—thick, chewy, and golden outside. Their plain and everything bagels are must-tries, but it’s their unique spreads, from scallion to veggie, that make every order pop. If you’re after something hearty, go for their egg and cheese breakfast bagel, which is as comforting as it is filling.
Generous portions and a warm vibe keep Block’s on my shortlist, whether I’m grabbing takeout or sitting down with friends. It’s a reliable spot that feels like home, serving bagels just the way they should be.
7. Bruegger’s Bagels
Bruegger’s Bagels brings authentic New York style to the edge of campus. I like popping in on crisp mornings—there’s something about the scent of just-baked bagels and brewed coffee that makes the start of the day better. The staff keeps things moving, so you’re never waiting long for your fix.
The bagels have that perfect shiny crust and soft, dense interior. My go-to is their whole wheat bagel paired with made-in-Vermont cream cheese, which always tastes fresh and rich. Bruegger’s also offers hearty breakfast bagel sandwiches when I’m extra hungry or need to grab lunch on the go.
Quality and consistency define Bruegger’s. Every visit delivers reliable flavor, and the variety on offer makes it easy to find a new favorite.
8. Einstein Bros. Bagels
Einstein Bros. Bagels on Sawmill Road is my answer to a busy day when a great breakfast is non-negotiable. The drive-thru is a lifesaver—perfect for mornings when there’s no time to linger. I’ve grabbed a bagel here on more rushed mornings than I can count, and each time I get that fresh-baked aroma as soon as I open the bag.
The menu has all the Einstein classics, but I’m partial to the asiago bagel with garden veggie cream cheese. The cheese adds a satisfying tang and crunch, while the spread is smooth and flavorful. Every bagel has a soft, chewy texture that’s comforting and filling.
Speed and consistency are the draws here. Whether you’re dining in or zipping through the drive-thru, you’ll get the same satisfying flavors every time.
9. The Roosevelt Coffeehouse
The Roosevelt Coffeehouse is more than just a spot to grab caffeine—it’s a place that feels like Columbus at its creative best. I love snagging a window seat and watching the city stir while I sip strong coffee and snack on a bagel. Their menu isn’t sprawling, but every item is chosen with care.
The avocado bagel here is my usual pick. It’s simple yet perfectly balanced, with ripe avocado on a chewy, toasty bagel. If you’re looking for something lighter, their plain bagels with classic spreads fit the bill. Everything pairs nicely with their expertly crafted coffee or tea.
The Roosevelt stands out for its welcoming vibe and attention to detail. You get the sense that they care as much about the food as they do about your experience. It’s an easy place to lose track of time, and always worth the detour.
10. Nate’s Steamed Bagels
(614) 205-9438Call
Nate’s Steamed Bagels is a one-of-a-kind find in Columbus, offering a bagel experience that’s a bit outside the norm. My first visit was out of curiosity—I’d never had a steamed bagel before. The texture was immediately different from anything else in town: soft, warm, and not too dense, giving each bite an almost melt-in-your-mouth quality.
What truly sets Nate’s apart is the steaming process. Each bagel is prepared to order, locking in freshness and elevating simple flavors. The classic steamed veggie bagel is my top pick. It delivers all the flavor and heartiness you want, but feels lighter than a traditional bagel sandwich.
If you’re craving something new but rooted in simplicity, Nate’s Steamed Bagels brings a fresh twist to a beloved staple. This spot is well worth a visit when you want something slightly unexpected but deeply satisfying.
More Things to Try in Columbus, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular bagel flavors in Columbus?
Plain, everything, sesame, and asiago bagels are the standouts. Most shops also offer unique choices like blueberry or cinnamon raisin for those who like a sweeter start.
Which bagel shops offer vegan or vegetarian options?
Many spots—including Cornerstone Deli & Cafe, The Lox Bagel Shop, and Katzinger’s—feature vegan bagels and plant-based spreads. It’s easy to find veggie-packed toppings almost everywhere.
Is it possible to get gluten-free bagels in Columbus?
Yes. Shops like Katzinger’s Delicatessen carry gluten-free options. It’s a good idea to call ahead since availability sometimes changes.
Where can I find the best bagel sandwiches in Columbus?
Try The Lox Bagel Shop for classic lox, Block’s for loaded breakfast sandwiches, or Broad Street Bagels and Deli for customization. The Roosevelt Coffeehouse also serves standout combos for a quick lunch.
Do Columbus bagel shops offer catering or large orders?
Yes, several do. Bruegger’s Bagels, Einstein Bros. Bagels, and Katzinger’s Delicatessen are favorites for breakfast platters, sandwich trays, and group orders.