Bagels may not be the first food that comes to mind when you think of Birmingham, but it’s certainly not lacking in delicious options. From cozy neighborhood bakeries to trendy cafes, the Magic City is home to several fabulous spots where you can find a scratch-made bagel to satisfy your cravings!
Crestline Bagel Co.
Neighborhoods: Crestline Village, Cahaba Heights & Downtown
More info: crestlinebagel.com
Renowned for its authentic, handmade bagels and artisanal baked goods, Crestline Bagel Co. has been a beloved institution in Birmingham for the last 20-plus years.
The bakery’s story began in 2007 when Jennifer Yarbrough purchased the company, bringing her vision of an artisan bakery to life. Committed to crafting authentic bagels using age-old methods, Crestline Bagel Co. continues with that dedication to quality and authenticity.
Each bagel is crafted by hand, resulting in a product that’s delicious and unique in flavor. Its menu is a testament to that artisan approach. Options include handmade bagels ranging from classic favorites to creative new ones, such as sesame seed and blueberry to pumpernickel and chocolate chip.
Not to be overlooked are the scrumptious hand-mixed cream cheeses, which are just as unique and packed with flavor (no order should be considered complete without including an Everything bagel with Bacon, Cheddar & Scallion cream cheese).
After serving its delicious menu in the heart of Mountain Brook’s Crestline Village for many years, Crestline Bagel Co. expanded to three locations, including spots in Cahaba Heights and Downtown Birmingham. Each location offers the same high-quality, handmade items that have made the original Crestline Village spot so popular.
Homewood Bagel Company
Neighborhood: Homewood
More info: homewoodbagelco.com
Since opening in January 2017, Homewood Bagel Company has quickly become a cherished staple in the Magic City. This family-owned bagel shop, created by Joe and Ginny Leavens, was born out of a simple yet pressing question: “Why doesn’t Homewood have a bagel shop?” Weekends spent venturing to surrounding areas in search of the perfect bagel inspired the couple to fill the void themselves.
After nearly a year of perfecting recipes, conducting research, and baking hundreds of batches, they landed on the perfect bagel. They started serving them up to patrons at pop-ups around Homewood. It didn’t take long for the community to take notice. They soon opened their first brick-and-mortar store in Homewood, followed a few years later by a second location in Tuscaloosa.
The shop’s bagels can be enjoyed solo, with one of their delicious spreads, or as a sandwich. Breakfast options include the Egg & Cheese Bagel, while lunch options include the “Stuffed” Pizza Bagel. Prefer a classic combo? Be sure to check out the Lox Bagel.
Cahaba Breads & Bagels
Neighborhood: Trussville
More info: cahababreadsandbagels.com
Not all bagels are created equal, and that’s something Lee Norwood and his wife, Renee, know well. With nearly two decades of baking experience, Lee opened up Cahaba Breads & Bagels in Trussville in 2016 with one mission: to serve customers delicious baked goods made with organic flour the old fashioned way.
That dedication shines through in every bite. Though only available Thursday through Saturday, the delicious bagels are well worth the wait each week — especially the Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar.
Continental Bakery
Neighborhood: Mountain Brook
More info: chezlulu.us
Continental Bakery and Chez Lulu Owner, Baker, and Chef Carole Griffin didn’t introduce Birmingham to bagels, but it’s hard to imagine the Magic City without her savory version.
Carole did, however, introduce Birmingham to the delights of artisanal bread crafted in the French tradition. Inspired by France’s legendary baker, the late Lionel Poilane, Carole has perfected her recipes to create a wide range of breads, not just bagels, that are both authentic and irresistible.
It’s hard to beat the Garlic Bagel, which features fresh chopped garlic right on top. The Poppy Seed Bagel is stellar — a nostalgic flavor that reminds Carole of her grandmother.
Whatever your chosen favorite is, and whether you enjoy it plain or with a schmear of cream cheese, the bagels at Continental Bakery embody the essence of traditional French baking right in the heart of Birmingham.
Hope you’re hungry, Birmingham!
**********
Looking for more delicious spots to try in the ‘ham? Check out our New Restaurants in Birmingham article, updated monthly!
