Hunting down the best bagels in Houston is almost a sport here. From pillowy soft classics to crisp, golden crusts flecked with sesame, there’s a warm bagel on nearly every corner, each claiming the crown. On weekends, I’ve waited in lines with the regulars and traded tips in the queue: “Always ask for whatever just came out of the oven.” After years of chewy, satisfying research, I can promise you—the bagel scene here surprises even New Yorkers.
Whether you crave a classic plain, a dusting of poppyseed, or a no-shortcuts everything bagel, Houston’s bakeries deliver. Some spots feel like Brooklyn transports, others invent their own Texas twist, but all know their way around a good dough. I’ve combed through favorites and rising stars alike to help you discover the city’s standout bagels—no hype, just honest, flaky excellence. Let’s get to the (delicious) details.
Where to find the best bagels in Houston, TX
Here are some of the top spots to find the best bagels in Houston, TX:
- Kenny & Ziggy’s Delicatessen, Restaurant, & Bakery
- Three Brothers Bakery S Braeswood
- The Hot Bagel Shop
- Bagel Shop Bakery
- Einstein Bros. Bagels
- Einstein Bros. Bagels
- Einstein’s Bagel
- Einstein Bros. Bagels
- Golden Bagels & Coffee
- CoCo Crepes Waffles Coffee
1. Kenny & Ziggy’s Delicatessen, Restaurant, & Bakery
Kenny & Ziggy’s Delicatessen feels like a slice of New York tucked inside Houston. The walls are lined with deli memorabilia, and the atmosphere buzzes with regulars who know the menu by heart. It’s the kind of place where generous portions and friendly chatter come standard with your meal.
I still remember my first bite of their classic bagel with silky lox and a thick schmear. The bagel was soft inside with just enough chewy bite, and the toppings fresh and plentiful. Their everything bagel—topped edge-to-edge, no bare spots—keeps me coming back.
Come hungry: the Nova Scotia bagel platter is a showstopper, with sliced tomatoes, onions, and crisp cucumbers lining up alongside cured fish. For a pure taste of old-school deli tradition, Kenny & Ziggy’s delivers every time.
2. Three Brothers Bakery S Braeswood
Three Brothers Bakery brings serious old-world charm to Houston’s bagel scene. Each visit feels like a warm hug, the kind where memories and flaky pastries mix together in the air. Their family story runs deep, and you can taste it in every bite.
I’ve lined up early for their fresh-baked bagels. The secret? They make them from scratch, sticking to recipes handed down through generations. A toasted sesame bagel here, with a smear of cream cheese, is both simple and perfect.
Try their classic bagel sandwich loaded with ripe tomato and red onion. If you love tradition, the plain or poppy seed bagel speaks for itself—dense, chewy, and packed with flavor. Three Brothers makes bagels feel like a true family heirloom.
3. The Hot Bagel Shop
The Hot Bagel Shop brings the kind of neighborhood energy where you spot regulars chatting over morning coffees while waiting for their favorite bagels. There’s always the aroma of bagels baking, and the bustle kicks off at sunrise.
I remember ducking in on a chilly morning and grabbing a warm everything bagel, perfectly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. The staff handed me a bag still steaming, the seeds toasted and fragrant. It felt like a small, delicious victory.
Pick up their classic bagel with cream cheese or spring for an onion bagel for real flavor. The Hot Bagel Shop’s laid-back charm and fresh options make it a must for Houston bagel hunts.
4. Bagel Shop Bakery
Bagel Shop Bakery is where cravings for classic bagels find their match. Tucked away on Hillcroft, it’s often busy with families and longtime regulars catching up over breakfast. The vibe is friendly, casual, and never rushed—even when you spot the line winding out the door.
My favorite memory here is grabbing a fresh-baked sesame bagel, warm from the oven and loaded with chive cream cheese. Each bite has that signature chew, the flavor as good as any East Coast staple. The bagels here are boiled and baked, giving a texture and shine that truly stands out.
Don’t miss their everything bagel with veggie cream cheese. If you prefer something hearty, try one of their bagel sandwiches loaded with crisp veggies and a savory spread.
5. Einstein Bros. Bagels
Einstein Bros. Bagels turns the daily bagel routine into something cheerful, even during the morning rush downtown. The warm, familiar smell always hits first, followed closely by the sight of rows of bagels—shiny, golden, and tempting.
I’ve often grabbed a classic asiago bagel with veggie cream cheese for the walk to work. Their bagels have a soft, pillowy inside and a flavor that hits the spot when you need breakfast on the go.
The signature bagel breakfast sandwich is a reliable choice, stacked generously and easy to customize. If you want something simple, their cinnamon raisin bagel with a sweet smear is a cozy treat. Einstein Bros. keeps the Houston bagel scene easy and consistent.
6. Einstein Bros. Bagels
Einstein Bros. Bagels on West Sam Houston Parkway feels like a handy breakfast pit stop. The shop buzzes in the mornings with busy commuters and bagel lovers looking for something quick, hot, and reliably good. It’s a place where the bagels are always baked fresh and the coffee is ready to go.
I like to grab their everything bagel with shmear before heading out for the day. The bagel is soft, with a crisp, flavorful exterior and a satisfying bite. Nothing fancy—just solid bagel craftsmanship every time.
If you’re craving variety, try their power bagel topped with veggies. For something classic, their plain bagel with cream cheese never disappoints. Einstein Bros. makes convenience taste a lot like comfort.
7. Einstein’s Bagel
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Einstein’s Bagel at Houston’s airport is the layover hero you didn’t know you needed. Traveling through Terminal Drive, I’ve dashed in more than once for a pick-me-up that’s fresher than any airport snack has a right to be. The menu is reliable, making it easy to grab a bite if you’re in a rush between flights.
The jalapeño cheddar bagel with cream cheese has become my gate-side comfort. It brings a little heat, the cheese baked right into the dough, and pairs perfectly with their basic coffee. Sometimes it’s the simplest pleasures that settle travel nerves best.
If you want something more filling, go for their classic egg bagel sandwich. Here, a quick stop doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice fresh flavor or warm bread.
8. Einstein Bros. Bagels
Einstein Bros. Bagels on Kirby Drive has carved out a spot as a local favorite, especially for those early morning meet-ups or a fast, satisfying lunch. The staff here always greets you with a smile, and there’s never a shortage of fresh bagels lining the shelves.
For me, their spinach and mushroom bagel sandwich is a standout—hearty, packed with flavor, and never skimpy on the filling. There’s something comforting about knowing you’ll get the same quality every visit.
If you’re in a hurry, grab a classic plain bagel with their signature shmear. And for those with a sweet tooth, the cinnamon sugar bagel is a fun treat. Consistency is the quiet superpower at this spot.
9. Golden Bagels & Coffee
Golden Bagels & Coffee is the kind of place that feels like a neighborhood anchor, buzzing with locals and always smelling like freshly brewed coffee. Their bagels have that proper New York-style chew, with a glossy crust and soft interior—no shortcuts here, just honest craftsmanship.
What makes Golden stand out is the Gulf Coast twist. Their bagel platters come piled with locally sourced smoked fish, crisp veggies, and creamy spreads. I still think about my first bite of their classic lox bagel—a vibrant mix of silky fish, red onion, and capers on a perfectly baked everything bagel.
Order the veggie bagel for a lighter option or sample one of their specialty cream cheeses. Every visit is a reminder that Houston’s bagel game can easily hold its own against the old-school East Coast delis.
10. CoCo Crepes Waffles Coffee
CoCo Crepes Waffles Coffee is a bright and lively spot known for its creative menu, and while crepes lead the way, their bagels are an under-the-radar delight. I stopped in for coffee but ended up sitting down for a breakfast that felt both indulgent and comforting—right down to the bagel on my plate.
Their toasted bagel with herby cream cheese is simple and satisfying, making it easy to see why regulars sneak one in alongside more decadent fare. The bagels come fresh, with a pillowy texture and crisp edges that hold up to any spread.
If you want something quick yet filling, grab a bagel sandwich with roasted veggies. CoCo’s approach may be global, but their bagels capture a classic, homestyle taste.
More Things to Try in Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the most authentic New York-style bagels in Houston?
Golden Bagels & Coffee and Bagel Shop Bakery are top picks for properly boiled, chewy New York-style bagels with a crispy crust.
Which Houston bagel shops offer vegetarian or vegan options?
Kenny & Ziggy’s, Three Brothers Bakery, and Golden Bagels & Coffee all have vegetarian bagel options. Some, like Golden, also offer vegan spreads or toppings.
Are there any kosher bagel shops in Houston?
Kenny & Ziggy’s and Three Brothers Bakery both follow kosher guidelines, with a strong reputation in the community for quality and tradition.
What’s the best bagel flavor to try in Houston?
The everything bagel is always a Houston favorite for its bold mix of sesame, poppy seeds, and spices. For a unique local twist, try a jalapeño cheddar bagel at Einstein’s Bagel.
Can I get gluten-free bagels in Houston?
Some bakeries like Kenny & Ziggy’s offer gluten-free bagel options. Always call ahead to check what’s available each day.
Which spots serve all-day breakfast or brunch with bagels?
CoCo Crepes Waffles Coffee, Golden Bagels & Coffee, and Einstein Bros. Bagels serve bagels throughout the day, so breakfast never ends early.