Hella Bagels
Bagel shop · Albany ·
Specializing in bagels, sandwiches, and spreads; catering available
Specializing in bagels, sandwiches, and spreads; catering available
"No offense to the Noah’s on Solano, but Albany’s bagel scene just got a lot more exciting. Former pop-up Hella Bagels has landed in a breezy space complete with bagel-shaped lamps, ample seating, and even a fireplace—just where you want to spend quality time with one of their fantastic bagels. They’re so plump and fluffy they’re practically spherical, and have extra crunchy bottoms. The lox sandwich with juicy tomatoes and a tangle of dill is a winner, but you also can’t go wrong with any of their housemade cream cheeses on a well-seasoned everything bagel." - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez
"The Bay Area has welcomed some stellar bagel options in the last two years, and the East Bay lucked out with the opening of Hella Bagels in Albany. Owner Blake Hunter built his bagel reputation with pop-ups, and now the new shop serves the open-faced bagels for which he’s become known. The Lox Tycoon is a classic lox combo with scallion schmear, bu look for the rotating specials that make this place shine." - Dianne de Guzman
"When strawberries are in season I can’t resist Albany’s Hella Bagels — their 'Strawberry Szn' special layers local strawberries, cucumbers, pickled red onions, and dill atop a jalapeño-cilantro schmear on a bagel of your choice; sweet, crunchy, chewy, seasonal, fresh, and delightful, in my opinion, and owner Blake Hunter also says a peach-topped bagel launches next week." - Dianne de Guzman
"Hella Bagels has been running since 2020, gaining enough fans to sell out at weekend farmers markets. Thankfully, the shop has now moved into its own space in Albany where customers can snap up bagels during the week. Veggie bagel sandwich Dr. Greenthumb is a crowdpleaser, anchored with scallion schmear and topped with slices of heirloom tomato, cucumber, onion, capers, and dill. Otherwise, scout the seasonal offerings such as Strawberry Szn, which boasts local strawberries." - Dianne de Guzman
"Hella Bagels in Albany feels like a minimalist cafe built for hours-long hangs, complete with bagel-shaped lamps, ample seating, and even a fireplace—just where you want to spend quality time with one of their fantastic bagels. They’re so plump and fluffy they’re practically spherical, and have extra crunchy bottoms. The lox sandwich with juicy tomatoes and a tangle of dill is a winner, but you also can’t go wrong with any of their housemade cream cheeses on a well-seasoned everything bagel. photo credit: Jeremy Chiu photo credit: Jeremy Chiu" - Julia Chen