8 Classic Bagel Shops Keeping Tradition Alive In North Carolina

Nothing beats biting into a fresh, hand-rolled bagel with that perfect chewy interior and crisp exterior. North Carolina might not be the first place that comes to mind for authentic bagels, but these eight shops are changing that perception one batch at a time. From Charlotte to the Outer Banks, these bagel artisans are keeping traditional methods alive while adding their own Southern twist.

1. Poppy’s Bagels & More (Charlotte)

New York expats rejoice at Poppy’s water-boiled perfection. The owners brought authentic recipes straight from the Big Apple, creating a Charlotte institution where lines form before sunrise.

Their everything bagel paired with house-made scallion cream cheese has saved me from countless morning meetings.

2. Brandwein’s Bagels (Chapel Hill)

Hand-rolled and kettle-boiled daily, Brandwein’s follows old-world techniques that take three days from start to finish. Their sourdough bagels showcase a tangy complexity that chain stores simply can’t replicate.

The rustic, slightly irregular shapes prove each one receives individual attention.

3. New Garden Bagel Co. (Greensboro)

Family-owned since 1996, this Greensboro gem still uses the original recipes that made them famous. Fluffy on the inside with that signature snap when you bite through the crust.

Their jalapeño cheddar variety pairs perfectly with a schmear of their bacon-herb cream cheese.

4. Benchwarmers Bagels (Raleigh)

Wood-fired bagels? Absolutely revolutionary! Benchwarmers combines traditional fermentation with modern cooking methods, creating a slightly smoky flavor profile unlike anything else in the state.

Last summer I devoured their salt bagel with cultured butter three days straight during a work trip.

5. Jeff’s Bagel Run (Wake Forest)

Started as a pandemic passion project, Jeff’s quickly became a Wake Forest institution. These New Jersey-style bagels feature a glossy exterior achieved through a honey-water bath before baking.

Their cinnamon crunch variety sells out within hours: set your alarm if you want one!

6. Bagel Station (Winston-Salem)

Housed in a converted railway station, this Winston-Salem staple has been serving no-nonsense bagels since 1996. The owners learned their craft in Brooklyn, bringing authentic techniques to the Piedmont.

Their pumpernickel bagel with lox spread remains virtually unchanged for 25 years.

7. NC Bagel Café & Deli (Morrisville)

Kettle-boiled bagels meet Southern hospitality at this Morrisville favorite. The owners experiment with regional flavors while maintaining traditional techniques, creating unique offerings like their Carolina BBQ bagel.

I’ve driven 40 minutes just for their pimento cheese bagel sandwich: worth every mile!

8. Lighthouse Bagels & Deli (Corolla, Outer Banks)

Vacation mornings taste better at this OBX institution. While tourists flock for their famous breakfast sandwiches, locals know their hand-rolled bagels rival any big-city offering.

Their sea salt bagel incorporates actual Outer Banks sea salt (talk about local flavor)!