TLDR
Warm, chewy bagels that don't need toasting [1]! A Prospect Heights institution serving classic toppings & beloved by locals.
Willa Moore reviews Bergen Bagels, a Prospect Heights institution praised for its warm, chewy bagels perfect for breakfast with classic toppings or a casual bagel brunch. The original location is noted as the best.
Details
A beloved Prospect Heights institution since 1991, Bergen Bagels is celebrated for its exceptionally warm, chewy bagels that are perfect with classic toppings like lox and cream cheese or whitefish salad and tomato. This neighborhood gem serves a diverse clientele, from early commuters to locals in pajamas, with the original Bergen Street location consistently delivering a great taste [1]. The bagels are so good, they're often enjoyed plain, needing no toasting [1].
Food Overview
Bergen Bagels is primarily known for its warm and chewy bagels, which are so good they can be eaten plain [1]. Popular combinations include bagels with lox, cream cheese, and red onion [1], or whitefish salad and tomato [1]. While some users recommend the BLT with veggie cream cheese and hot sauce [1] and black and white cookies [2], others find the bagels to be average or unimpressive [4], [6]. The raspberry cream cheese is also singled out as a positive item [5].
Caveats
Some customers find the bagels to be average or 'mid' and question the recommendations, contrasting them with other establishments like Bagel Pub and Gertie [4], [6]. One user noted that Bergen Bagels used to be great but has recently received many bad reviews, suggesting a potential decline in quality [12].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About BERGEN BAGELS
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Best Bagelsbreakfast Near Barclays My Wife Put Me
"Bergen bagels are recommended."
PositiveFrom post: Best Bagelsbreakfast Near Barclays My Wife Put Me
"Bergen is recommended."
PositiveFrom post: Best Bagelsbreakfast Near Barclays My Wife Put Me
"This user notes that Bergen Bagels used to be great but is now receiving many bad reviews, suggesting the quality may have declined."
NeutralFrom post: Best Bagelsbreakfast Near Barclays My Wife Put Me
"Bergen Bagels is listed as a good option, with suggestions for nearby Persian cafe bites from Sofreh Cafe."
PositiveFrom post: Best Bagelsbreakfast Near Barclays My Wife Put Me
"This user only likes Bergen Bagels for their raspberry cream cheese."
NeutralFrom post: Best Bagelsbreakfast Near Barclays My Wife Put Me
"This user considers Bergen Bagels to be 'mid' and not exclusive to transplants, contrasting it with places they consider great like Bagel Pub and Gertie."
NegativeFrom post: Best Bagelsbreakfast Near Barclays My Wife Put Me
"Bergen Bagels is considered decent by this user, who also comments on Olde Brooklyn and Gertie."
NeutralFrom post: Best Bagelsbreakfast Near Barclays My Wife Put Me
"This user ranks Bergen Bagels after Bagel Pub and before Shelsky's, considering Olde Brooklyn Bagel awful."
NeutralFrom post: Best Bagelsbreakfast Near Barclays My Wife Put Me
"Bergen Bagels is considered 'so average' by this user, who questions why people recommend it, although it is the closest to Barclays."
NegativeFrom post: Best Bagelsbreakfast Near Barclays My Wife Put Me
"Bergen Bagels is listed as a good option within walking distance, though Black Seed is noted as being more convenient but Montreal-style and overrated."
PositiveFrom post: Best Bagelsbreakfast Near Barclays My Wife Put Me
"Bergen bagels are mentioned as a recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Let The Discussion Begin The 17 Best Bagels In
"Bergen Bagels was listed by the author as a questionable selection on a 'best bagels' list for NYC."
NegativeFrom post: Look To The Cookie Best Black White
"This user recommends Bergen bagels for great black and white cookies."
PositiveFrom post: Best Blts In The City
"The commenter suggested Bergen Bagel for its BLT, specifically mentioning a version with veggie cream cheese and hot sauce."
Positive