These Pennsylvania Bagel Spots Locals Say Are Worth Every Crumb
Nothing beats sinking your teeth into a perfectly chewy, freshly baked bagel piled high with your favorite toppings. There’s just something comforting about that first bite, the crispy exterior giving way to a soft, flavorful center that sets the tone for your whole day.
As a Pennsylvania native who’s spent years hunting down the best breakfast spots, I’ve uncovered some incredible bagel shops that locals swear by.
From Philly’s creative takes on the classic to small-town bakeries that feel like community staples, these eight spots prove that great bagels aren’t just a New York thing, they’re thriving right here in the Keystone State.
1. Philly Style Bagels
I stumbled upon this Fishtown gem during a rainy Sunday morning when my bagel craving hit hard. Their unique beer-boiling technique (a beer-and-water boil that gives a malty crust) creates an unmistakable crust with a perfect chew that haunts my dreams.
The classic sesame is my go-to, slathered with their house-made vegetable cream cheese. The tiny shop often has lines stretching down the block, but locals know the wait is absolutely worth it.
Pro tip: arrive before 10am or risk missing out on their famous everything bagel – they regularly sell out of popular flavors by mid-morning.
2. Redhouse Bagels
Family recipes passed down through generations give Redhouse Bagels its authentic New York-meets-Pennsylvania flavor profile. Last summer, I drove 40 minutes out of my way just to grab a dozen of their salt bagels – that’s how addictive they are!
Located in Bensalem, this longtime shop is beloved for big flavors like cheddar jalapeño, super cinnamon, and classic salt.
The shop’s cozy brick walls and friendly staff make the experience even more delightful.
3. Kismet Bagels
Born during the pandemic as a passion project, Kismet’s bagels have become legendary across Philadelphia. My first bite of their black sesame bagel with scallion schmear literally made me close my eyes and sigh with happiness.
What sets them apart? Their innovative flavors like turmeric everything and black sesame alongside perfect executions of the classics. The owners started by delivering bagels from their apartment kitchen and now have lines around the block at their Fishtown location.
Their schmears deserve special mention – creative options like roasted garlic and herb or jalapeño honey take these bagels to another level entirely.
4. The Original Bagel
Stepping into The Original Bagel feels like traveling back to a simpler time. The aroma hits you first – that unmistakable smell of yeast, flour, and possibility that’s been greeting Broomall residents for over twenty years.
My college roommate introduced me to this place, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Their cinnamon raisin bagel toasted with butter is simple perfection. The owners know regulars by name and often remember their usual orders.
What makes these bagels special is their old-school preparation method: hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, and baked fresh daily for that classic shine and chew.
5. Up-Ryes Bagel
“Life’s too short for boring bagels” proclaims the chalkboard at Up-Ryes, and their creations definitely live up to this motto. Located in Bryn Mawr, Up-Ryes is known for its hand-rolled, boiled, and baked bagels with rotating seasonal specials.
The shop itself is as quirky as its offerings – vintage toasters decorate the walls, and the owners’ rescue dogs often lounge by the entrance. Their rotating seasonal specials keep locals coming back to see what’s new.
6. Bagel Love Café
Tucked away in State College, Bagel Love Café creates small-batch bagels that have developed an almost cult-like following. The first time I visited, the owner was hand-rolling dough while chatting with customers about the day’s weather.
Their rosemary sea salt bagel paired with house-made herb cream cheese changed my perspective on what a bagel could be. The café sources ingredients from local farms whenever possible, including the herbs that flavor many of their creations.
The shop’s rustic farmhouse tables and local art make it the perfect spot to linger over coffee and a bagel sandwich while planning your State College adventures.
7. Vic’s Bagels
Sometimes the best food comes from the most unassuming places. Vic’s doesn’t have fancy decor or trendy flavors – just perfectly executed, old-school bagels made the same way for over 30 years. The line of construction workers, business people, and families that forms every morning tells you everything you need to know.
My grandmother introduced me to Vic’s when I was just a kid, and their egg bagel with a schmear of plain cream cheese remains my comfort food of choice. The current owner learned the trade directly from Vic himself before taking over the business.
They now have a simple website and updated hours, but the no-frills, old-school vibe remains the same.
8. Fill A Bagel & Breads
The scent of fresh bagels wafting through Oreland’s charming main street led me to Fill A Bagel during a weekend getaway last fall. One bite of their famous flagel (flat bagel) loaded with nova lox and capers, and I understood why Bucks County residents are so smug about their local bagel scene.
Unlike many bagel shops, Fill A Bagel maintains a perfect balance between old-world tradition and modern innovation. Their rainbow bagels delight kids while purists can enjoy perfectly executed classics.
The owners’ dedication shows in every detail – they arrive at 3am daily to ensure everything is fresh-baked and ready for the morning rush of commuters heading to Philadelphia and New York.