Bagel Obsession: Metro Detroit’s Freshness Fix

November 20, 2023
stack of bagel sandwiches from detroit institute of bagels

Photo courtesy of Detroit Institute of Bagels

In the world of breakfast and brunch, few items hold a candle to bagels. There really is something special about eating a fresh bagel from a local shop. With each bite being wonderful on its own, the crunchy exterior and chewy interior is a combination many don’t appreciate quite enough. Finding a quality, local spot will have you leaving store-bought bagels in the past. Here are some of the best shops around Metro Detroit…

EASTSIDE BAGEL

21601 Harper Avenue, St. Clair Shores

If you love fresh bagels in a wide variety of flavors, you have to stop at Eastside Bagel. The bagels are boiled and then baked for the perfect flavor and texture. It offers almost two dozen different flavors ranging from sweet to savory and pair wonderfully with its fresh whipped cream cheese. Some cream cheese flavors that stand out are Michigan cherry almond, garlic and chive, and feta.

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NEW YORK BAGEL

23316 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale

6927 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield

19731 West 12 Mile Road, Southfield

While the name New York Bagel doesn’t feel very local, this family-owned bagel shop has been around for more than 100 years and is a staple in Metro Detroit. When immigrant Morris Goldsmith took over an existing bagel shop, he named it New York Bagel as a nod to where the bagel was first introduced to the United States. Its bagels are freshly made and come in a variety of flavors as well as bagel sticks and twists. You can also grab bagel thins and flagels, which are flatted bagels dipped in parmesan, sesame, onion, or everything mix before baked.

DETROIT BAGEL FACTORY

18790 Middlebelt Road, Livonia

For more than 60 years, Detroit Bagel Factory has been making and serving small-batch bagels fresh from the oven. Every Tuesday is Bagel Day where you can get 12 bagels for just $10 or 18 for $16. Detroit Bagel Factory also serves a variety of deli and breakfast sandwiches that can be on bagels or bread, like hot corned beef, hot pastrami, and more.

DETROIT INSTITUTE OF BAGELS

4884 Grand River Avenue, Detroit

Detroit Institute of Bagels has been a Metro Detroit staple for years. Owner Ben Newman tells us, “DIB is back open in Core City and making killer sourdough bagels, breads, and other classic deli fare, such as in-house smoked pastrami.” This Jewish deli and bakery offers a wide variety of bagels, from classic sesame, cinnamon raisin, and asiago, but also has options like rosemary olive oil and sea salt, cheddar jalapeno on Fridays, chocolate chip on Saturdays, and more. As for smear choices, pick from a wide variety, with choices like cranberry and toasted walnut, lemon zest, strawberry, avocado, and more. If just smear isn’t enough for you, pick from almost half a dozen breakfast sandwiches for an elevated experience.

bagel sandwich from detroit institute of bagels with egg, bacon, greens, and cream cheese spread
Photo courtesy of Detroit Institute of Bagels

SPREADS BAGELS & CAFE

15600 West Ten Mile Road, Southfield

Spreads Bagels & Cafe is a great choice for a quick stop when you’re looking for fresh bagels among other favorites. Choose from options like bagels with tuna spread, egg salad, scrambled eggs, and pizza bagels. Beyond bagels, you can also grab salads, soups like cream of broccoli or onion with cheese, paninis, and pasta like penne a la vodka or fettuccini Alfredo. 

This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on February 20, 2023 and was authored by Katie Goncalves.

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