Schlok's Bagels & Lox

"Ask any New York transplant about the Bay Area bagel scene, and they’ll likely launch into a well-rehearsed tirade about tap water. And sure, there may not be a bagel shop within walking distance of every three-block radius in SF like there is in NYC. But with the arrival of Schlok’s in NoPa, things are looking up. The takeout window on Fell St. is recognizable by their appropriately colored salmon-pink walls. That, and the clusters of folks waiting on the sidewalk for fresh bagels and packets of lox. In contrast to their pop-up days when Schlok’s would sell out through their website in minutes, ordering is simple now—just head to the front or pre-order online. Then, have at the simple menu of loose bagels (plain, sesame, poppy, onion, salt, or everything), schmear, lox, sandwiches, and coffee by Saint Frank.  While the preset sandwiches are solid on the go, our path to success always involves focusing on the a la carte options. The bagels are always chewy and soft on the inside, and have a gorgeous bottom crust that crunches loud enough to hear from the Panhandle. We love the schmears, with toppings like green onions and baked tomatoes that aren’t mixed in but rather layered across the top like sprinkles on a cake. Add silky, translucent, house-cured lox to the equation and this becomes a spot you’ll return to more often than a horde of bees to a lush botanical garden. We’re patiently waiting for a Schlok’s to open up on every corner, but until then, you’ll find us here most mornings, bag of bagels in hand.  " - Julia Chen