Oakland's Best Bagels [Updated 2025]

In my quest to find the perfect bagel, I’ve sampled a dozen of Oakland's finest offerings. From classic varieties to unique twists, each bagel has its own distinct personality that contributes to the city's vibrant culinary scene.

Whether you prefer a simple plain bagel with a schmear or something more adventurous topped with lox and capers, this guide has something for everyone.

Join me as I share my favorites, along with tips on what to try and where to find these delicious gems. Get ready to elevate your bagel game right here in Oakland!

Beauty's Bagel Shop

Highlights
Quality ingredients used
Perfectly balanced dough
Friendly staff and atmosphere
Wide variety of toppings
Notable crisp golden crust

Review of Beauty's Bagel Shop

Stepping into Beauty's Bagel Shop feels like walking into bagel heaven. The aroma of freshly baked bagels envelops you, setting the stage for what promises to be a delightful culinary adventure. What immediately struck me was the quality of ingredients; you can taste the love baked into each one. Their dough is a masterpiece—perfectly balanced with just the right amount of chewiness and a golden, crisp crust that leaves you wanting more.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, enhanced by the friendly staff who are eager to help you navigate their impressive menu. Speaking of variety, the options for toppings are practically limitless. From classic cream cheese to inventive spreads, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

I opted for the everything bagel with a generous slather of chive cream cheese. Every bite was an explosion of flavor, leaving me utterly satisfied yet craving just one more. If you’re hunting for the ultimate bagel experience in Oakland, look no further than Beauty's Bagel Shop. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of all things bagel!

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Bagel Street Cafe

Highlights
Affordable delicious sandwiches
Friendly and fast service
Positive vibes from staff
Variety of bagels available
Popular choice for locals

Review of Bagel Street Cafe, Oakland

Stepping into Bagel Street Cafe in Oakland feels like entering a friendly neighborhood hangout. From the moment I walked in, the playful hum of chatter and the enticing smell of freshly baked bagels wrapped around me like a warm blanket. The staff here exudes positivity and cheerfulness, making the experience all the more enjoyable.

I couldn't resist their affordable delicious sandwiches, expertly crafted from a diverse selection of bagels. Each bite of my everything bagel was a tantalizing explosion of flavors, paired beautifully with cream cheese that was exceptionally smooth. The speed of the service was impressive, yet there was no compromise on quality, and I appreciated the staff's attentiveness.

What makes Bagel Street Café shine isn’t just the food; it’s the inviting atmosphere. Locals flock here, creating a community vibe that is both charming and lively. If you're in search of a place that serves fantastic bagels with a side of cheer, this café deserves a spot on your must-visit list in Oakland. I left feeling satisfied and eager to return for more delectable creations.

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Boichik Bagels

Highlights
Excellent bagel variety
Great chive cream cheese
Convenient grab-and-go location
Freshly made bagels
Limited seating options

Boichik Bagels in Oakland has quickly secured a special place in my tastebuds' hall of fame. As I strolled into this charming eatery, the aroma of freshly baked bagels greeted me like an old friend. The variety on the menu is nothing short of astonishing, catering to every craving, from classic sesame to innovative flavors that surprise the palate.

One delightful discovery was their chive cream cheese—a perfect blend of creamy goodness and zesty notes. It transformed a simple bagel into a gourmet experience! I opted for a freshly made bagel, and let me tell you, the texture was a delightful balance of chewy and fluffy. Each bite was a little piece of happiness.

While the location offers a convenient grab-and-go option, I did find the seating rather limited, which may not be ideal for a leisurely brunch. Nonetheless, the atmosphere is lively, filled with fellow bagel enthusiasts.

In a city bustling with food choices, Boichik Bagels stands out—not just for its tasty offerings but for capturing the heart of the bagel experience. If you’re seeking a memorable bite, this is where you should head!

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Good News Cafe

Highlights
Hidden gem in Oakland
Fresh, hearty food
Friendly and kind staff
Vast menu of breakfast options
Perfect for cozy mornings

Good News Cafe, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Oakland, delivers more than just delicious bagels; it offers an experience that feels like a warm embrace. As I stepped inside, the aroma of freshly baked goods wrapped around me, beckoning me toward their impressive menu. The friendly and kind staff made my visit feel inviting, almost like catching up with an old friend.

I opted for their classic bagel sandwich, and let me tell you, it was a hearty masterpiece! The bagel was perfectly toasted, with a crisp exterior that gave way to a soft, chewy interior. Packed with generous fillings, each bite was a delightful explosion of flavors.

What I loved most about Good News Cafe is that it’s not just about bagels; their vast menu of breakfast options means there’s something for everyone, making it the perfect spot for cozy mornings. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a leisurely brunch, this place checks all the boxes. If you're ever in the neighborhood, don’t miss out on what Good News Cafe has to offer; your taste buds will thank you!

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House of Bagels

Upon stepping into House of Bagels, I was immediately enveloped in the warm, yeasty aroma that beckons with promise. The bagels here possess that coveted crunchy exterior and a delightfully chewy interior, making each bite a symphony of textures. I savored their everything bagel, generously topped with seeds that danced on my palate. The creamy lox spread was a heavenly counterpart, adding layers of flavor that left me craving more. Even on a busy morning, the service was quick and friendly, elevating the experience. For a quintessential Oakland bagel, this gem delivers not just on taste, but on a warm, inviting atmosphere.

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Poppy Bagels

Poppy Bagels is a delightful gem that redefines the bagel experience in Oakland. Their bagels are perfectly chewy with a satisfying crunch, and the flavors are uniquely crafted. From the classic sesame to their inventive lox spread, everything tastes fresh and vibrant. I couldn’t resist diving into their everything bagel, which was utterly divine. The cozy atmosphere adds to the charm, making it a perfect spot for a casual brunch. If you’re searching for a bagel that tickles your taste buds and brings joy with every bite, Poppy Bagels is surely a must-visit!

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Arizmendi Bakery (Lakeshore)

At Arizmendi Bakery, every bite feels like a little celebration of flavor. Their bagels are a delightful marriage of crusty exterior and a chewy interior that keeps you coming back for more. I savored the everything bagel, generously topped with a savory mix of spices, seeds, and a slight hint of garlic—a treat for the senses! The warmth and creativity of this community bakery are palpable; it’s as if each bagel is handmade with love. If you're hunting for bagels that elevate your breakfast game, look no further—Arizmendi is definitely a must-visit in Oakland!

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Farley's East

Farley's East is a delightful gem that captures the spirit of bagel craftsmanship. The ambiance is inviting, with a cozy vibe that invites you to linger. I savored their signature everything bagel, which was perfectly chewy on the inside and wonderfully crisp on the outside. Topped with a generous layer of smoky cream cheese, every bite was a joyous explosion of flavor. Their friendly staff was equally impressive, eager to share recommendations. Overall, Farley's East offers a delightful bagel experience that is not to be missed in Oakland's rich culinary landscape. Grab a bagel and thank me later!

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Levy's Bagels & Co

Levy's Bagels & Co is a delightful gem in Oakland that truly shines with its handcrafted bagels. As soon as I walked in, the warm aroma of freshly baked dough enveloped me, igniting my taste buds. I opted for the everything bagel, generously topped with a mix of garlic, onion, and poppy seeds that gave it a perfectly seasoned crunch. The cream cheese was velvety and rich, elevating the entire experience. The cozy ambiance and friendly staff made my visit feel special. If you're searching for a bagel that brings a smile, Levy's is a must-visit destination!

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Posh Bagel

Tucked away in the heart of Oakland, Posh Bagel offers a delightful twist on the classic bagel experience. Their bagels shine with a perfect balance of chewiness and flavor, especially the Everything Bagel, bursting with herbs and spices. The cream cheese selection is outstanding, with inventive flavors like roasted garlic that elevate every bite. The ambiance is cozy, inviting patrons to linger with a warm beverage. The staff is exceptionally friendly, ensuring you feel right at home. If you're searching for a bagel that’s as stylish as it is delicious, Posh Bagel is a must-try!

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Sweet Bar Bakery

Sweet Bar Bakery is a delightful gem in Oakland, where bagel dreams come true! Their everything bagel is a crunchy delight topped with a symphony of spices that sing on the palate. What truly sets them apart is their house-made cream cheese, rich and flavorful, perfect for slathering. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely breakfast or a quick bite. Each bagel is crafted with love and celebrates both tradition and creativity. If you're in search of a bagel that’s both satisfying and unique, look no further than Sweet Bar Bakery—it's a must-try!

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Cafe Uccello

Nestled in the heart of Oakland, Cafe Uccello offers a delightful bagel experience that’s hard to resist. The everything bagel I tried was perfectly toasted, boasting a harmonious blend of toppings that sent my taste buds on a joyride. Each bite revealed a chewy yet fluffy texture, making it the ideal vessel for their house-made cream cheese, which was decadently smooth and rich. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff only added to my enjoyment. If you're hunting for a bagel that satisfies both cravings and cravings, Cafe Uccello is a must-visit—elevating simple breakfast options into something truly special!

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