As far as possible from East Coast civilization, and isolated enough not to be influenced by Los Angeles, the bagel scene can be pretty dry — but there are still a few gems. You might be sick of the mile-long lines at the Einstein Bros. on campus or maybe you're just looking for something beyond the world of chain bakeries.
Don't fret, there are bagels near the Downtown Phoenix and Tempe campuses that might suit your fancy. Here's a guide to some spots that won't let you down.
5. ASBrew Cafe
ASBrew Cafe has a pretty decent bagel if you're looking for a quick snack within walking distance from class on the Tempe campus. It's not your ordinary New York-style bagel, but if you like the taste of caraway seeds, this is for you. Make sure to get it double toasted and do not skimp on the cream cheese.
4. Ziggi's
Chain restaurant Ziggi's is like a cozier sibling to Starbucks. It's located on Apache Boulevard near the Tempe campus, with locations in Chandler, Mesa, Phoenix and Gilbert. The bagels are delicious, but you come for the experience. Enjoy a slideshow of neighborhood dogs while you eat a bagel on a ceramic plate, almost like you're at home.
Tip: It tastes infinitely better with a seasonal iced latte to get the sweet and savory experience. And if you want to make a day out of it, Gracie's Thrift Store is just a ten-minute walk down the street.
3. Bagel Nosh
This spot is another Tempe staple and might be worth the drive if you're a serious bagel fan. But if you aren't near school, you can also check out the Chandler and Gilbert locations. Their bagels have every element that you could need — with a strong flavor, a chewy interior and always fresh-baked.
2. Back East Bagels
Back East might be one of the most authentic bagels in Arizona, started by East Coast natives. Their bagels are made the New York way, served with a generous serving of cream cheese. The bagels themselves are almost surprisingly flavorful, a fun stray from the usual dry, processed bagel served with a sad topping.
The interior almost makes you forget that you're at a parking lot at Tempe's Southern Palms Shopping Center. Vintage license plates, faded Arizona maps and bagel awards line the walls, and menu items are written on the chalkboard. It's a lived-in, cozy neighborhood deli, reminiscent of Absolute Bagels in Manhattan.
1. Bagelfeld
Owner Charles Blonkenfeld is from Brooklyn, New York and brought his signature taste to the West Coast. Their original bagel shop is in Central Phoenix, but their bagels can be found in breakfast restaurants across the Phoenix area. Restaurant Stoop Kid is just an eight-minute walk from campus and sells Bagelfeld classic bagels with cream cheese along with Bagelfeld sandwiches. Ollie Vaughn's in Central Phoenix also sells an insane Bagelfeld jalapeño cheddar bagel that you have to add to your list.
Their chewy, flavorful and authentic taste practically begs to be made into a sandwich. The result of Blokenfeld's work is a delicious bagel with flavor beyond what you're probably used to in the Valley. If you close your eyes and try hard enough, you'll be back in New York.
Edited by Andrew Dirst, Sophia Ramirez and Natalia Jarrett.
Reach the reporter at ebmosier@asu.edu and follow @eleribmosier on X.
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Eleri is a senior studying interdisciplinary studies, english and sociology. This is her second semester with The State Press. She has also worked in retail.
