Dallas is home to several outstanding bagel shops, some of which have earned national acclaim. Whether you prefer your bagel piled high with bacon, egg, and cheese or kept simple with a generous schmear, the city’s bakeries offer no shortage of ways to satisfy your craving.
From classic boiled-and-baked New York-style bagels to inventive creations loaded with smoked salmon, spicy breakfast sandwiches, and other creative toppings, there’s something for every taste. Stop in for a quick breakfast on your way to work or make a weekend pilgrimage to pick up a dozen for the family—these shops prove that great bagels are always worth the trip.
Here are some of the best bagel shops in Dallas, ready to serve you in a New York minute.
Sclafani’s New York Bagels and Sandwiches
Sclafani’s combines the elements of Jewish bagel making and Italian bread baking to deliver a stacked assortment of sandwiches. Many of the sandwiches honor the city, by which the shop is inspired. Fan favorites include the Streisand, made with chicken salad, lettuce, and tomato; and the Yankee Clipper, with steak, egg, cheese, and grilled onions. 6135 Luther Ln., Dallas, snybagels.com
K&L Bagels
When the original owners of Richardson’s Bagel Cafe 21 opened up K&L Bagels in the Preston/Forest shopping center, Preston Hollow rejoiced. A lack of bagel spots in that mid-city corridor was noticeable. A small, walk-in shop with minimal seating, K&L offers breakfast sandwiches, coffees and matchas, and lunch sandwiches, in addition to the typical bagels and spreads like a classic bagel shop one might find in the northeast. More than 20 varieties of bagel is likely more than most, and the sesame-covered elongated Jerusalem bagel might be one of the only ones being made in DFW. Multiple Locations, klbagels.com
Starship Bagel
Arguably one of Dallas’ most famous bagel shops, the award-winning Starship Bagel offers classic bagel varieties, as well as rotating specials like jalapeño cheddar bagels, pretzel bagels, and more. Starship also sells sandwiches like the Guy Fieri-approved Millennial Falcon, which comes with a choice of bagel, choice of schmear, smashed avocado, tomato, onion, sprouts, and crushed red pepper. During Starship’s happy hour between 7 and 8 a.m, guests can enjoy a bagel, schmear, and a beverage for only $5. Multiple locations, starshipbagel.com
Benny’s Bagels
This Dallas favorite serves up a wide assortment of sweet and savory bagels, and bagel sandwiches. Go for the classic lox bagel sandwich with cream cheese, red onion, capers, and tomato, or try the Benny’s Breakfast with bacon, sausage, or ham plus eggs and cheese. Pro tip: add a hash brown for a layer of crunch. For something indulgent, try the viral stuffed bagels. Multiple Locations, bennysbagelscompany.com
Shug’s Bagels
Shug’s Bagels offers a variety of bagels, including gluten-free options. You can stick with classics like the bacon egg and cheese, but the signature handhelds are where Shug’s truly shines. Shug’s offers their take on the New York classic chopped cheese sandwich, with ground beef, lettuce, tomato, onions, and American cheese served on a bagel. If you want to arrive in true New York City fashion, Shug’s flagship location is just a hop and a skip away from the DART Mockingbird Station. Multiple locations,shugsbagels.com
Empire Baking Co.
For more than 30 years, Empire Baking Co. has been slinging artisan breads throughout Dallas. Launched by husband-and-wife team, Meaders and Robert Ozarow, Empire offers breads, pastries, and a small assortment of bagels. The selection includes plain, sesame, cinnamon raisin, and everything. It may not be the greatest variety in town, but the bagels are well worth a visit. Come early—Empire bakes items fresh daily, and only enough for the day. Multiple locations, empirebaking.com
PopUp Bagels
Charleston-born bagel chain PopUp Bagels is the newest shop on the block, opening three stores in quick succession in Dallas and Fort Worth earlier this year. What makes PopUp unique, besides its infectious enthusiasm and attractive branding, is the way the bagels, which are on the smaller size, are sold and served. To-go only, and with a three-bagel minimum, PopUp serves their bagels whole and warm alongside small tubs of creative cream cheese or butter concoctions, with instructions to “Grip, Rip and Dip” rather than slice and spread. Paul Rudd, Michael Strahan and Michael Phelps are all investors in this growing chain. Multiple Locations, popupbagels.com
Lubbies Bagels
A sourdough bagel isn’t super common, but for this kitschy little cafe and bakery in East Dallas owned by sisters Jen and Andrea Lubkin, it’s the only kind they make. Over a dozen varieties of bagel join a menu packed with nearly twenty schmears and toppings, plus muffins, breads and pastries, soups, sides, and tongue-in-cheek titled sandwiches like the Bánh-Mitzvah and the Lub Handles. When it comes to the bagels, though, they’re no joke. Perfectly crisp, bubbly exteriors give way to a soft, sourdough inside that’s perfect for spreading with one of those aforementioned schmears. 1160 Peavy Rd., Dallas, lubbiesbagels.com
Abby’s Bagels
Located on Lower Greenville, Abby’s Bagels allows guests to customize a variety of bagels with an assortment of proteins, veggies, and spreads. There are a few signature sandwiches, including the Dallasite, made with bacon, scrambled eggs, jalapeño cream cheese, and avocado; and the Abby’s To Go with roasted turkey, truffle cream cheese, red onion, and crunched up Voodoo chips. 1915 Greenville Ave., Dallas, abbysbagels.com
Cindi’s NY Deli & Restaurant
For those seeking that classic diner feel, look no further than Cindi’s. For nearly 40 years, Cindi’s has served up sandwiches, pastries, and top notch bagels. Have yours with cream cheese, and choose from sweet and savory varieties like vegetable, blueberry, cinnamon raisin, strawberry, chive, and jalapeño. Whitefish and lox spread are also available. Multiple locations, cindisnydeli.com
Dan’s Bagels
Dan’s Bagels launched during the pandemic when husband-and-wife team Dan and Jennifer Hilbert were testing out sourdough bagels in their home kitchen. The shop became a fast favorite in North Texas. Naturally, the sourdough bagels are one of Dan’s hottest-selling items, and they can be enjoyed in the form of egg sandwiches, lunch salad sandwiches, or a simple cream cheese and lox setup. Multiple locations, dansbagels.com
Deli News
Classic delis in Dallas are few and far between, but Deli News has that casual New York City feel. Find deli staples like pastrami sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and bagels. All of Deli News’ breads and bagels are baked fresh daily with a variety of cream cheeses and spreads. Gluten-free bagels are also on offer. 17062 Preston Rd., Dallas, delinewsdallas.com…