Griffin B.
Yelp
Back again at The Bagelry, hands down my favorite place for breakfast in Santa Cruz!
As it says in their name, it is bagels, bagels, and more bagels here, coming in many sorts of flavors with all sorts of toppings. You'll certainly find the standard sorts of combos, like the timeless Lox on an Everything. But there are just so many other great sandwiches, scrambles, spreads, and such on their menu to choose from. One of my perpetual go-to's is the Bagel Melt, with jack and cheddar melted atop a tomato-basil bagel. Or the combo of the Royal Palm date and cream cheese spread on their oatmeal-date bagel is another one I can recommend. The Duke, with cream cheese, apricot jam and cashews is delicious. And you can't go wrong with a cream cheese and veggie sandwich with one of their big dill pickles on the side. Along with all the bagels, there are a few sides, a large selection of drinks, and some nice fresh-baked cookies for dessert. Should you have a large event, you can call ahead to place bigger orders, or grab a bunch of pre-bagged bagels to-go.
Prices for everything are very reasonable. Most bagels start around the $1.50-$2 range, and go up from there depending on what toppings and add-ons you get. Plus, the service is great, being always friendly, courteous, and prompt.
Beyond the food, I really enjoy the store location itself. It's one of those older buildings with a ton of charm and character, a pleasant spot to stop for a bite located right in downtown Santa Cruz. Parking is relatively easy, with a side lot, and plenty of metered street spaces close by, and of course it is in a bike-friendly area, and only a short walk from the more touristy areas of town. Indoor seating is still nonexistent, given the pandemic restrictions. But luckily their lovely outdoor garden patio is back open, and I highly recommend enjoying your bagel there if the weather is nice.
All in all, The Bagelry continues to get top marks in my book, and I can't recommend them highly enough. Should you want a lighter breakfast, or something on the fly, then this is the perfect spot for you. I always look forward to swinging back through whenever I'm in the area. They've been a favorite for years, and likely to remain one for years more.
Fantastic work, all!