Bagels in Washington, DC, inspire the kind of debate normally reserved for politics and sports. Locals know a good bagel should have character—firm to the bite, with a glossy exterior and a chewy heart. Finding one worth waking up for can feel like a quest across city blocks and sleepy neighborhoods. I remember many mornings spent tracking down the elusive “perfect bagel,” nose led by the scent of just-torched everything topping and cream cheese.
Not all bagels are created equal. Some whisper comfort, others shout flavor. A few places know how to do it right, offering everything from classic plain and sesame to inventive spreads and fillings—all crafted without cutting corners or tradition. If you crave that freshly baked pull, this guide dives into the city’s best, skipping the hype and focusing on bagels that make their mark. The next great bagel is closer than you think, hiding behind a coffee counter or tucked in a bakery case.
Where to find the best bagels in Washington, DC
Here are some of the top spots to find the best bagels in Washington, DC:
- Bagels Etc
- Bread Furst
- Uptowner Cafè
- Open City at the National Cathedral
- Bread & Chocolate
- Call Your Mother Deli
- Ivy City Smokehouse
- The Coupe
- Robert’s Restaurant
- Big Bear Cafe
1. Bagels Etc
Tucked onto a stretch of P Street, Bagels Etc feels like the breakfast spot you’d wish was just around your corner. Walking in, I’m always greeted by the bustle of regulars—locals who know where to find the classics done right. The decor is understated, letting the aroma of fresh, hand-rolled bagels do most of the talking.
Bagels Etc stands out for its authenticity. These are seriously chewy bagels, with a golden crust that hints at a time-tested recipe. The menu caters to all, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
If you go, don’t overthink it. Order an everything bagel with lox and scallion cream cheese. The silky fish and herby spread sum up why this spot is a favorite among DC’s bagel chasers.
2. Bread Furst
Step inside Bread Furst and you’re greeted by the warmth of an old-world bakery, with shelves stacked high and the scent of fresh dough lingering. I once waited in line behind a local chef, who swore the bagels here kept her coming back every week. It’s the kind of place where quality ingredients and careful baking trump flashiness.
Bread Furst shines with its attention to detail. Each bagel is sturdy, with just the right edge of chew and a flavor that stays with you. Their menu makes it easy for vegetarians and vegans to find something satisfying.
If you crave simple perfection, order a sesame bagel with house-made whipped cream cheese. The delicate seeds and creamy spread show Bread Furst’s knack for turning the ordinary into something special.
3. Uptowner Cafè
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Uptowner Cafè has the energy of a true neighborhood staple. Sun streams in through big windows while the scent of toasted bagels floats across the room. I once watched a barista here put together a bagel sandwich so artfully, it felt like food theater with a side of coffee.
What sets Uptowner Cafè apart is its generosity—hefty portions and a menu packed with variety. Choices for vegetarians and vegans don’t feel like afterthoughts, but highlights in their own right.
If you’re stuck on what to order, go for the classic egg and cheese bagel sandwich. It’s substantial, fresh, and makes the commute or a lazy morning feel infinitely brighter. Every bite reflects their knack for comfort with a twist.
4. Open City at the National Cathedral
Open City at the National Cathedral is one of those rare finds where the setting is almost as good as the menu. Sunlight pours through stained glass, and you can hear the distant echo of city life while savoring your breakfast. My first visit was on a drizzly morning, and the cozy vibe made every bite taste better.
This café stands out for its mix of serenity and hustle. While the menu caters to varied diets, including gluten-free and vegetarian options, it’s their ability to serve quality consistently that keeps regulars coming. Service moves at a friendly pace that encourages a second cup of coffee.
If you’re after a standout dish, try the toasted bagel with veggie cream cheese and sliced tomato. It showcases their dedication to freshness and balance, turning a simple breakfast into a reason to linger just a little longer.
5. Bread & Chocolate
Bread & Chocolate has the inviting charm of a European bakery tucked into DC’s lively streets. The first time I stopped in, the air was thick with the scent of warm bread, and the display cases were stacked with golden bagels and vibrant pastries. Tables fill with morning chatter from regulars who know they’ve found something special.
The appeal of Bread & Chocolate lies in its versatility. Here, the menu manages to be both classic and inventive, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options without sacrifice. There’s pride in each freshly-baked bagel, balanced by a friendly, unhurried atmosphere.
Don’t leave without trying the everything bagel with veggie cream cheese. The combination is crisp and flavorful, a testament to Bread & Chocolate’s talent for simple food done uncommonly well.
6. Call Your Mother Deli
Call Your Mother Deli injects serious fun into DC’s bagel scene, right down to its pop-art exterior and lively mornings. My first visit turned a quick breakfast into a joyful event, with bright colors and staff who treat regulars and newcomers alike like old friends.
The stand-out feature here is creativity. Fresh bagels appear in slightly unexpected forms, with hearty vegetarian options that let the flavors shine. Everything feels intentional, from the hand-rolled dough right down to the last sprinkle of seasoning.
The Sun City—an everything bagel filled with egg, cheddar, and avocado—captures the spot’s playful, satisfying spirit. Grab one, and discover how a deli can be both a local hub and a morning mood-lifter.
7. Ivy City Smokehouse
Ivy City Smokehouse is where bagels take on a new identity, thanks to house-smoked seafood and a market-fresh approach. On my first visit, I watched as a platter of glistening smoked salmon was assembled just feet from the dining room, filling the air with a rich, tempting aroma. The space feels like an insider’s find, mixing industrial vibes with true local flavor.
The star here is the seafood, and it shines brightest when paired with their bagels. That combination turns a simple meal into something special, especially when quality and freshness are non-negotiable.
Order the smoked salmon bagel platter. It’s a classic DC experience—delicate fish, capers, crisp vegetables, and a bagel with both bite and character—each piece a nod to Ivy City’s commitment to both craft and comfort.
8. The Coupe
The Coupe brings a dose of cool to Columbia Heights, with a blend of coffeehouse energy and a wide-open space perfect for slow mornings or late-night bites. I’ve met friends here at every hour, lured by the promise of a bagel breakfast that turns into a lingering chat. The atmosphere buzzes—part neighborhood hangout, part creative hub.
What makes The Coupe special is its all-day menu. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices are easy to find, and nobody rushes you to finish your coffee or your meal. The menu is generous, matching the welcoming vibe of the space.
Bagel lovers should try the classic bagel and veggie cream cheese plate. It’s served with slices of tomato, onion, and cucumber, allowing you to build each bite as you like. The quality and flexibility sum up what The Coupe is all about.
9. Robert’s Restaurant
Robert’s Restaurant, set within the storied Omni Shoreham Hotel, feels like a pocket of calm class in the city. One morning, I found myself on the terrace, coffee in hand, watching sunlight skim over Rock Creek Park while my breakfast arrived. There’s a sense of careful tradition here, the kind that comes from serving generations of locals and guests alike.
This spot elevates the classic breakfast, with bagels that are both pillowy and full of flavor. The chefs take pride in sourcing local ingredients and crafting dishes that feel both nostalgic and fresh, creating an inviting, tailored experience for everyone.
Try the bagel with smoked salmon and fresh vegetables. It’s a standout for its balance—smoky, crisp, creamy, and bright—reflecting Robert’s knack for making even a simple morning feel special.
10. Big Bear Cafe
Big Bear Cafe is where DC’s early risers and late lunchers cross paths, soaking up sunshine on the leafy patio or swapping stories inside over good coffee. My first encounter was under a tangle of café lights, sipping a cappuccino and thinking the bagel felt like it came straight from an old-school bakery.
The charm here is simple comfort with a neighborhood twist. Vegetarian and vegan choices are part of the routine, matched by thoughtful ingredients and a menu that feels handpicked. Every plate arrives with care, never rushed.
Order a toasted plain or everything bagel with fresh avocado and tomato. The combination is pure and satisfying, echoing Big Bear’s knack for making every breakfast taste like it belongs right where you are.
More Things to Try in Washington, DC
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a great bagel in DC?
A standout bagel has a crisp exterior and chewy interior, served fresh and often paired with quality spreads or toppings. DC’s best bagels showcase local character and attention to tradition.
Are there good vegetarian or vegan bagel options in DC?
Yes. Many top spots offer extensive vegetarian and vegan choices—from plant-based cream cheeses to loaded veggie sandwiches—so everyone can find a favorite.
Which bagel spots offer gluten-free options?
Places like Bread Furst and Open City have gluten-free bagels or alternatives. Always check with the shop for the most current offerings and preparation details.
Do DC bagel shops serve more than breakfast?
Absolutely. Plenty of these cafés serve bagels well into lunch (and sometimes brunch), often featuring creative sandwiches alongside classic morning fare.
Is it better to eat bagels on-site or take them to-go?
You can’t go wrong either way. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and fresh coffee at the café, or grab a bag of fresh bagels to enjoy at home—they’re great both ways, especially while still warm.