Updated May 12, 2022. If you ever wake up craving a delicious bagel to start your morning, there are a handful of shops that can satisfy your cravings. So, boiled and baked? Toasted or not? Seeded or swirled? Find your new favorite go-to spots and schmears at these local bakeries and bagel shops.
Ashburn Bagel & Sandwich Shop
Some mornings, you just need a bagel. There are no regrets afterward either (seriously, it’s time to get over the buzz phrase “carbs are bad” in our vernacular). Stop by this Loudoun County spot for everything from a blueberry bagel with plain cream cheese, to “The Sailor,” your choice of bagel with lox, cream cheese, double egg, provolone cheese, capers, and onion. Your breakfast and your morning just got a whole lot better. 43930 Farmwell Hunt Plz., Ste. 128, Ashburn
Bagel Buddies
This local shop knows how to work the assembly line every morning, and is often sold out of fan favorites like “supreme” (everything-seasoned), and seasonal cream cheeses. Get there early to get your pick right out of the oven, and be sure to try one of the sandwiches if you’re hungry. They come stacked with discs of crispy bacon and fresh cold cuts, and you’ll even get a beloved pickle on the side. 13081 Fair Lakes Shopping Center, Fairfax
Bethesda Bagels
Spanning the region from Bethesda to Rosslyn is local favorite Bethesda Bagels, where you can satisfy your deli-bagel-sandwich craving with nearly infinite possibilities. Get homemade roast beef or corned beef piled on to your favorite bagel; stay vegan with tofu cream cheese; try something new with a bagel dog (yes, a kosher hot dog wrapped in bagel dough); or simply pair your lox and cream cheese bagel with a comforting cup of matzo ball soup. It’s the local bagel deli you’ve been looking for. 1851 N. Moore St., Arlington
Brooklyn Bagel Bakery
Nothing stops your love of bagels, and Brooklyn Bagel Bakery is here to satisfy 365 days a year. The Arlington-based bakery is known for being open on holidays and during the region’s worst blizzards. If you’re ordering at the counter, make sure you have cash in your wallet since no cards are accepted in-person, and get yourself a French Toast bagel topped with maple walnut-raisin cream cheese for a sweet and decadent start to your day. 2055 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Bagel Uprising
A favorite at local farmers markets, it seemed like local residents were chomping at the bits (of the last few bites of their leftover bagels, of course), while waiting for Bagel Uprising to open in summer 2019. The owner of Stomping Ground partnered with Chad Breckinridge to open the spot on Mount Vernon Avenue in Alexandria, and has been rolling ever since. Don’t look for fancy here either. You’ll find everything, sesame, poppy, salt, and plain bagels, with a variety of cream cheeses and a side of local love. 2307-A Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Hot Bagel
Is there anything quite as enticing as seeing wire baskets overflowing with bagels when you’re hungry? Head to Hot Bagel to take your pick from behind the counter, and top it with steak and melted cheese, scallion cream cheese, pickled jalapenos, and more. Looking for a new take on a nostalgic snack? Get your bagel toasted with peanut butter and jelly, perfect for breakfast, lunch … or anytime of the day that you’re craving a bagel in Alexandria. 7578-A Telegraph Rd., Alexandria
VA Bagel
If you Google “What will make my workplace happier?” and hit the “I’m feeling lucky” button, the search engine is sure to bring up bagels as an answer sooner or later. Grab a baker’s dozen with a tub of cream cheese from VA Bagel on your way to work (which makes it super easy to treat the office starting at $14.99) and you’ll be employee of the week. Make sure to get a variety though, people may say they’re on a diet, but they’re all really hoping for more than just whole wheat and lite cream cheese. 5621 Stone Rd., Centreville
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