People have thoughts about bagels. Some argue that nothing compares to a New York-style boiled bagel, which tends to be larger and chewier. Others are all for Montreal’s take, which is denser and wood-fired. Whether you like yours sliced horizontally or vertically, plain or covered in everything seasoning, these Northern Virginia bakers are here for it.
Bethesda Bagels
“We still use the same process and recipe from when we opened the doors in 1982,” says Noah Fleishman, vice president of Bethesda Bagels. “All of our bagels are hand rolled on site, boiled, then baked in the old-world way.” The first storefront was in Bethesda (hence the name), but today there are six DMV locations, including one in Rosslyn, selling 30-plus flavors, including specialty varieties like Maryland (think crab in a bagel) and cinnamon chip. Plus, you can find mini bagels and “flagels”—flat versions of the minis that have the same surface area as the regulars. 1851 N. Moore St., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Brooklyn Bagel Bakery
The owners of this enterprise—natives of Jersey and Morocco—set out to bring a “real bagel shop” to Northern Virginia when they opened this Courthouse eatery in 2000. According to the website, the difference between bagels here and elsewhere is the prep. Brooklyn Bagel kettle-boils their bagels to produce a crispy outside and chewy inside. Sample flavors like asiago cheese, chocolate chip and sunflower. 2055 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Courthouse)
Call Your Mother
National Bagel Day is a legit holiday at this self-described “Jew-ish” deli. Each guest who visits on Jan. 15 will receive a Bagel Blitz scratch-off ticket (no purchase necessary) while supplies last. Every ticket wins a prize, such as CYM gift cards, a large coffee or tea, or the biggie: free bagels for a year. CYM boils its bagels in malt to create a shiny, crispy outside, finished with a touch of honey. Variations range from za’atar to maple salt and pepper, in addition to old standbys like plain and everything. 6232 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, and 1671 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
Celebrity Delly
Whether you’re looking for a basic bagel with cream cheese, or a party platter with the works, this 50-year-old Falls Church Jewish deli has you covered. “For more than 15 years, we have carried Bethesda Bagels’ raw product and we bake them in-house ourselves,” says William Thompson, owner and general manager. “Fun fact: Did you know you can build your own bagel sandwich? However you want it, and with whichever toppings you’d like on it?” The options include schmears, lox, house-made corned beef, egg salad, or any combo you can dream up from the deli’s extensive menu. 7263 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church
Chesapeake Bagel Bakery
Once a national chain, Chesapeake Bagel Bakery lives on today through the independently owned and franchised locations that are still ticking, including a shop in McLean. Pop in for freshly baked bagels in fun flavors such as cranberry, sourdough and sun-dried tomato. Order a dozen for takeout or grab a sammie with your choice of schmear or deli meat. 6815 Old Dominion Drive, McLean
Chutzpah Deli
Fairfax might feel to Arlingtonians like the other side of the world, but if you’re willing to take I-66 west a bit, you’ll find Eric Roller’s authentic New York deli tucked in the corner of a strip mall. Named after the Yiddish word meaning “extreme confidence” and with a menu long enough to make the Cheesecake Factory jealous, the kitchen dishes out all the traditional bagel options. Think cinnamon raisin, pumpernickel, onion and plain. 12214 Fairfax Town Center, Fairfax
Little City Bagels
The bakers here hand-roll each bagel from scratch using only four ingredients, refrigerate the dough for 24 hours, and then boil and bake the bagels in small batches. Get yours on Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon, at the Falls Church Farmers Market. (You can preorder them and pick up, if you’d like.) Flavors include the usual suspects, plus a weekly special, such as apple pie or chocolate chip. 300 Park Ave., Falls Church
Tysons Bagel Market
This bagel bakery near Tysons Corner Center has been serving its namesake carb since 1994. Although it has changed hands several times, it remains a reliable spot for bagels in a wide array of flavors. Treat your sweet tooth with a chocolate chip one, or go traditional with poppy, sesame or salt. 8137 Leesburg Pike, Tysons