Madison might not be a city known for its bagels the way New York City or Montreal are. But when it comes to the round breakfast delights, we’ve got plenty of delicious options, whether you want a full morning sammie or just a bagel and schmear.
Here are some of the best places in Madison to get a bagel:
Bagels Forever
If you’re planning to bring bagels into the office, Bagels Forever is the place you have to go to. Since 1973, the retail bakery on University Avenue has been making New York-style bagels in Madison. You can also ship a box of bagels to your favorite out-of-towner.
Mermaid Kitchen
Mermaid doesn’t have a physical store, so I feel a little like a secret agent when I preorder my bagels days in advance and then pick them up, made-to-order, at Mermaid’s commercial kitchen on South Baldwin Street. They also sell challah bread and chocolate babka.
Gotham Bagels
As the name suggests, this is the Madison spot that former New Yorkers say comes the closest to their hometown bagels. I’m a big fan of their bagel sandwiches, whether it’s the simple egg and cheddar or the chicken breast sandwich known as the Massapequa.
Origin Breads
This bakery on East Main Street makes its bagels using small-batch sourdough breads milled with local, organic ingredients. Don’t expect any wild flavors — they keep it simple with plain, sesame, and everything bagel options, keeping the focus on the quality of the bagels.
Paleo Mama
Those on a plant-based diet or otherwise looking for grain-free bagels know to go to Paleo Mama Bakery, which offers their “Pagels” to take home. Check out the new bakery and retail space that just opened up on Park Street.
Barrett’s Bagels
Folks line up for these hand-rolled bagels at the Monroe Street Farmers’ Market, and the owner is planning to open his own brick-and-mortar location on Speedway Road this fall.
