Howdy Bagel

"Who knew that one of Tacoma’s most happening queer spaces would turn out to be a bagel shop? This DARLING bakery is festooned in Western kitsch with an LGBTQ undercurrent — notably their sexy cowpoke pinup logo, with one thigh slung through a giant bagel. Howdy’s bagels are chewy with a tight crumb and a glossy carapace, and their sandwiches are both delicious and highly Instagrammable, like the gooey pastrami egg and cheese and the Grit City (that’s Tacoma!) Lox." - Meg van Huygen, Sue Kidd

"Back when Howdy Bagel was a pop-up, it drew lines that lasted for hours. That hype followed when they opened their Tacoma shop in 2023 and Seattle bagel connoisseurs are happily flocking down I-5 to see what all the fuss is about. Howdy Bagel’s Instagram-worthy bagel sandwiches, like the Kimchi Cowgirl (kimchi scallion cream cheese, cucumbers, pickled watermelon radish, chili crisp, and olive oil) are the main attraction. However, the bagels stand on their own as well." - Eater Staff, Sean Keeley

"Howdy Bagel, a kitschy, gay cowboy-themed bagel shop in Tacoma, has reopened a month after the tragic killing of co-owner Jake Carter. The community has shown immense support, with donations and benefit shows aiding in the shop's recovery. On reopening day, the shop saw long lines and enthusiastic customers. A memorial for Carter is displayed in the shop, reflecting the community's love and support." - Meg van Huygen

"Last May, Carter and Blagovich opened the super-popular Western-themed bagel shop and all-ages queer space on South Tacoma Way to block-long lines and rave reviews. A Texas native, Carter lived and worked in Seattle for many years, including a stint as a barista at Olympia Coffee and a gig with an org that finds housing for refugees. He and Blagovich were well-known among the various farmer’s markets in Seattle and Tacoma, where they sold their bagels prior to opening the shop in Tacoma last year. “We found the most love when we sold at markets in Tacoma,” Carter told me last summer, when explaining why they chose to move the bakery operations south from Seattle. Howdy Bagel focuses on creating “Tacoma-style bagels,” using flour, eggs, cheese, and meats from local producers in and around Pierce County. Howdy also provides a crucial LGBTQ-friendly hangout space in Tacoma, a place with not many dedicated daytime queer spaces for all ages. The couple tied the knot in September 2022." - Meg van Huygen

"Editor's Note: Howdy Bagel is temporarily closed. You can find their Gofundme page here. Howdy Bagel opened in mid-2023 to a ton of hype, and the line hasn’t died down since. But it moves quickly, the buzz and excitement are infectious, and you’ll be happily devouring your bagel with the chatty new friends you made in line. The design is a big part of the charm, specifically the queer cowboy logo. The incredible bagels are the main event though: crisp and glossy, with a tight crumb and a chewy texture. Start with a Grit City Lox bagel sandwich that’s stacked with an inch of smoked salmon, along with scallion cream cheese, pickled red cabbage, red onions, sliced cucumber, fresh dill, olive oil, and cracked black pepper. Then, find yourself standing in that same line the next morning." - meg van huygen