Areena M.
Yelp
I'm always on the hunt for a bagel that tastes as good as what I've had in NYC (or ordered from there). Henry Higgins isn't quite there, but as close as I've found in Oregon so far. What they get right is the texture--when toasted, the outside is crispy while the inside stays chewy. Too many bagels around here are just regular bread in a bagel shape, but at Henry Higgins, you get that texture that makes a real bagel. I couldn't put my finger on what exactly is missing, but they taste a smidge bland like there needs to be a hint more salt or yeastiness or malt coming through. I'm being very picky, though. If you put down a platter of these bagels in front of me, I would chow down and love you for the gift.
Service at this location was great. The young man who helped us was patient with us as we tried to figure out our order, and he offered helpful touches like packaging the onion bagels separate from the others.
We had the bagel dog, which was good, and the green onion cream cheese, which I'd skip next time (not tangy enough and needs some salt). I didn't hate the schmear, but I didn't love it.
5 stars for great service and product relative to what else is available around. It would be 4 stars compared to that elusive NYC bagel (but at least it came with PDX friendliness).
It's a little journey for us so we won't be around often, but will absolutely stock up when find ourselves nearby. I wanted to try the whitefish, but New Yorker hubby just wanted to see how they do with the bagels before trying anything else.