Bagels stir up more debate than pineapple on pizza. If you have ever bitten into a bagel and thought, “Is this just bread pretending?” you know the stakes are high. Sarasota, FL serves up some serious contenders. I’ve dedicated Saturday mornings to bagel hunts, searching each corner from downtown bakeries to hidden neighborhood gems. You quickly discover that bagels here aren’t just breakfast. They’re a handshake, a hello, a sign that a place takes its food seriously.
Finding the best bagel in Sarasota isn’t about luck; it’s about knowing where they boil and bake with purpose. The difference between average and unforgettable is subtle—the snap of a crust, the chew of the crumb. Through both chewy disappointment and sesame-studded bliss, I’ve learned where you should head when your bagel craving strikes. Whether you’re a purist, a fan of creative spreads, or making a breakfast out of it, you’re about to find something worth toasting.
1. Millie’s
Millie’s is the spot where bagel dreams get a home-cooked twist. Tucked away on Clark Road, this place manages to feel like grandma’s kitchen and a casual modern café at the same time. There’s a warmth here—maybe from the friendly staff, maybe from the endless scent of toasted goodness drifting through the air.
What makes Millie’s stand out is its approachability. There’s a balanced mix of classic and creative. Don’t skip the bagel breakfast sandwich—scrambled eggs, a sprinkle of cheese, and a chewy bagel that gets it just right. The menu features vegetarian and gluten-free options for everyone at the table.
Order a classic sesame or everything bagel, and watch them pile on fresh veggies or smoked salmon. It’s bagel joy—Sarasota style.
2. Panera Bread
Panera Bread at University Town Center makes bagels easy and dependable, which is why I often find myself stopping in before errands. There’s comfort in knowing the bagels here will hit the same satisfying note every time—chewy, fresh, and exactly what you need at 8 a.m.
Their “Signature Bagel” lineup is loaded with favorites like the Everything, Asiago Cheese, and Multigrain. The whole menu is vegetarian-friendly, and you can turn any bagel into a full-on breakfast with egg, avocado, or veggie cream cheese.
I’m partial to the Asiago Bagel with veggie cream cheese. It’s got crunch, softness, and a little savory kick. The seating is relaxed, the Wi-Fi is free, and getting in and out is smooth—just how I want my morning to start.
3. Madison Avenue Cafe and Deli
Madison Avenue Cafe and Deli feels like a New York nod right in the heart of St. Armands Circle. I stopped for brunch once and found myself wishing I had discovered it sooner. The atmosphere blends city energy with Sarasota’s laid-back pace.
The bagels here come toasted just right—sturdy but never too dense. You’ll want to try their classic bagel with cream cheese or step up to a robust egg-and-veggie bagel sandwich for something more filling. The coffee lineup is as strong as the bagel game, making it an easy one-stop for breakfast.
Vegetarian and gluten-free options mean nobody’s left behind at the table. If you enjoy fresh flavors and a friendly buzz, this deli delivers.
4. OfKors Bakery
OfKors Bakery has that irresistible “walk by and you’re pulled in by the smell” magic. My first visit was an accident, but the bagels kept me coming back. The bakery leans European, but their take on classic bagels is worth your attention.
Everything here tastes like it’s been made that morning—because it has. The plain and multigrain bagels are standout choices, especially when paired with their homemade veggie cream cheese or topped with ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs.
The menu offers plenty for vegetarians and vegans too. If you want your bagel moment with a pastry and a smooth latte, this is a stop that’s never a waste of time.
5. Panera Bread
This Panera Bread location on South Tamiami Trail is a go-to for anyone who likes their routine with a side of familiarity. I’ve dropped in countless times, mostly for a bagel and coffee that always seem to arrive just right. There’s comfort in the predictability—each bagel has the same fresh chew and satisfying flavor you expect.
The Everything and Cinnamon Swirl bagels here are local legends, especially once you add veggie or honey walnut cream cheese. It’s all about simple, consistent quality, and a menu that never drifts too far from classic favorites.
The space is calm, great for an early meeting or a solo breakfast. Vegetarian and vegan options make it easy to order for any group, even when tastes differ.
6. Lox n Egg
Lox n Egg might be unassuming from the outside, but it’s a true bagel haven on South Tamiami Trail. More than once, I’ve walked in on a sleepy morning and found my mood flipped by the smell of fresh bread and eggs. This is the kind of place where breakfast is an event, not just a meal.
The signature bagel sandwich with lox, egg, and onion sets the bar high. Here, bagels have that ideal touch of crunch and softness, perfect for soaking up all the layers of flavor. Try a toasted everything or plain bagel for the best match.
The menu is streamlined, but what’s offered is done right. It’s proof that sometimes, you only need a few options—if every one of them is good.
7. Brooklyn Bagel and Deli
Brooklyn Bagel and Deli at Gulf Gate Estates is as close to a New York bagel fix as you’ll find in Sarasota. The first bite sends you straight to the city—crisp on the outside, tender inside, with every bagel made fresh daily. I tried their shop after hearing a friend rave, and now it’s a regular stop.
This place stands out for its genuine nostalgia—family recipes, lively chatter, and a deli vibe that feels both familiar and inviting. The selection covers all the favorites, but the classic plain with house-made veggie cream cheese and the salt bagel with smoked salmon highlight what makes this spot special.
Order a dozen to share or just treat yourself. Either way, every bagel feels like a slice of New York right here on the Gulf Coast.
8. Panera Bread
Panera Bread on Bee Ridge Road is the kind of spot you end up at when you want something reliable and quick, but with that fresh-baked feeling. I’ve ducked in for a weekday breakfast, and the atmosphere is always relaxed, with just enough morning bustle to feel alive without being crowded.
Their bagel choices—like the blueberry, sesame, and everything—are always fresh. They’re sturdy enough to stand up to any topping and soft enough to savor on their own. Try the egg and cheese bagel sandwich for a classic start, or grab a multigrain bagel topped with veggie cream cheese for a lighter bite.
For anyone who likes to keep their options open, this spot delivers consistency, with a menu where the classics never let you down.
9. Panera Bread
The Panera Bread location on University Parkway feels like a safe bet for a quick, satisfying bagel fix. I often swing by for a mid-morning snack, greeted by the gentle hum of regulars sipping coffee and catching up. The staff always seem to have a smile ready, which helps on those early mornings.
The menu shines with a range of classic bagel flavors—like everything, whole grain, and asiago cheese. Order yours toasted and topped with your favorite cream cheese, or try the breakfast bagel sandwich with fresh egg and avocado for something more filling.
This spot balances the familiar comforts of Panera with a local touch. It’s the kind of place where your go-to order is always a few minutes away.
10. Einstein Bros. Bagels
Einstein Bros. Bagels on South Tamiami Trail is the kind of place where bagel fans feel instantly at home. I’ve popped in plenty of times for a quick breakfast or snack, and the pace is always prompt, with the scent of fresh-baked bread in the air.
The selection here covers every classic, from sesame to blueberry to the unmistakable Asiago cheese bagel. Their bagels strike a balance—soft inside, with just enough exterior bite. If you want to upgrade your breakfast, go for the egg and avocado bagel sandwich or pair any bagel with their garden veggie shmear.
Whether you’re fueling up before work or meeting a friend, Einstein Bros. keeps mornings easy and tasty, with a lineup that’s reliably fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find authentic New York-style bagels in Sarasota?
You’ll find New York-style bagels at spots like Brooklyn Bagel and Deli. Their chewy texture and crisp crust are close to what you’d get in the city itself.
Are there any vegetarian or vegan bagel options in Sarasota?
Yes, many bakeries and cafes—including Millie’s, Panera Bread, and OfKors Bakery—offer bagels and toppings that are vegetarian- and vegan-friendly.
Which bagel shops offer gluten-free options?
Millie’s and Madison Avenue Cafe and Deli both have gluten-free bagel options, making it easier for everyone to enjoy breakfast together.
What are some popular bagel flavors in Sarasota?
You’ll find the classics—plain, everything, sesame, multigrain—as well as favorites like Asiago cheese and cinnamon swirl. Every shop brings their spin to these basics.
Can I get bagels to go or order online from Sarasota shops?
Absolutely. Most places, especially chain spots like Panera Bread and Einstein Bros. Bagels, offer takeout and online ordering for a quick bagel fix on busy days.