Isaac's Bagels

I’m not a big bread person - I know, people think I’m crazy - I do love delicious bread, but don’t get cravings for it or go out of my way to eat bread. So that speaks volumes about how amazing Isaac’s Bagels are. Hands down the BEST bagels I’ve ever had, enough so that I actually DO get cravings for them! I usually get them before my long runs as a special treat to fuel me. The food itself is a great variety. They have the staples of bagels and breads, with traditional flavors, but also have creative items that don’t cross into the hipster, nonsense realm of local shops. They’re just genuinely, deliciously creative! I’m mad I missed their recent donut making and hope that comes back soon! Shop is always clean, service is always fast, and staff is always polite, kind, and accepting of EVERYONE. It’s straightforward, honest service and they treat everyone well because they’re focused on their craft. Parking can be a bit tough, but usually you can find somewhere. Other than that, been a fantastic experience every time I go.

Best bagel in the area! My go to in the turkey club sandwich on an everything bagel. Sooooooo good! The service is very fast and friendly! There's a great second hand store right next door that is also worth a visit!

I love me a good bagel sandwich post morning bike ride, or between Sunday pickleball and church. Oddly specific, but those are prime times that I come by. I also love coming here cause people are just so nice and they’re super fast with your orders. Honestly, Isaac’s Bagels might just be the extra push I need to get up in the morning for my morning workouts (maybe not all the time cause I’m a broke grad student ok but you get the point). My personal favorites are their sausage, egg and cheese on a sesame or raisin bagel (the subtle sweet/savory combo is goated). Cheese is melty and so is my heart when I get food in me. I’ve had their lox as well, and my roommates really like their avocado. I’m always amazed with their unique selection of cream cheeses and unique varieties of bagels. They also have caffeine for ya and if you really like their spreads, they sell them too. Super unique mix like burnt jalapeño, and Sichuan chili? Yeah, give me a couple gallons of those. I’m always intrigued by their other selections so it just means that I’ll have to do come by more often post-morning workouts when I’m in the area (& have some extra spending money). Anyway, gotta come by if you’re in the area. And if you’re not in the area? Why? Come by anyway, definitely worth it :) Oh and they don’t have seating inside! So be sure to plan accordingly. Because they’re so close to Duke, I just recommend checking out campus or make your way to Duke Garden’s while you’re around. Or if you’re a student like me, just eat it in your car in the parking garage and make everyone walking by to get to class jealous. To each their own- as long as I get my bagels from Isaac’s 😌

We really wanted to love this place, with the location being in a cool neighborhood and a lot of buzz around it on social media. Unfortunately the food just didn’t translate. The Lox bagel was disproportionately capers & dill on a layer of cream cheese and the BEC on Sesame was a solid okay, the eggs tasted a bit like they were from a carton. Totally Instagrammable, but not our favorite.

The experience began on a positive note, with people courteously holding the door open for one another. Upon entering, the woman taking our order was friendly and welcoming. However, things quickly took a turn. Another employee began code-switching, and at first, I didn’t fully register what was happening. It became more apparent as several more customers arrived. The difference in how she interacted with Black American customers compared to others was noticeable and made the environment feel uncomfortable. It was clear that her tone and manner of speaking varied significantly depending on who she was addressing.

Food was good. Not the best bagel I’ve ever had but certainly not the worst. I’d been craving a lox bagel for a while and this certainly hit the spot. Just be mindful that parking is limited, there is no seating (this is a grab and go place), they don’t have bathrooms, and they don’t have sliced tomato, only cherry tomatoes for sandwiches (this seems sort of strange because cherry tomatoes fall out of a bagel when you bite into it). I’m pregnant and have to pee a lot. When I asked the employee if they have a bathroom, she said “I don’t believe we do.” She seemed to hesitate and didn’t speak confidently. I’m assuming they have a bathroom, for employees only. There’s plenty of outdoor seating and a bathroom at the Co-op down the road though. I will still come back, the bagel was good.

Egg and cheese with dill scallion CC on everything - perfection. Good, genuine bagels that are moist and chewy like they should be. I’ll try the lox sando next time I’m in town!

Here me out: I am a bagel lover, and Isaac’s does not only have amazing bagels, but something you won’t find in many places. Isaac has cream cheese combinations which are not from this world. One of them - Honey fig - OUTSTANDING! Another one - Sichuan Chili - WONDERFUL SPICE. If you don’t like cream cheese: Fresh avocado - PERFECTION - with a splash of lemon so it stays fresh! We actually came back after our little walk through the Duke Gardens to grab another one. Absolutely sensational!

Quite possibly the best bagels in the Durham area!! My boyfriend and I grabbed breakfast sandwiches this morning (he got the sausage egg & cheese and I got the bacon egg & cheese). They were both chewy, flavorful, and filling. Since Isaac's is to-go only, we ordered using the mobile system. The process was pretty straightforward. They make your coffee when you come to pick up your order, which is nice-- nobody likes lukewarm or watered-down drinks. I will definitely be back soon to try some of their cream cheeses!!

Atmosphere: Isaac's Bagels recently opened a small shop where they serve pickup and to-go orders. There are a few seats outside to enjoy your bagel too. Service: The servers are friendly, and our bagels came out in ~10 minutes. Food: We ordered the Whitefish Salad and Egg Salad Bagels. The Whitefish Salad had a pretty intense fishy flavor that we didn't feel balanced well with the cream cheese. The Egg Salad really threw us for a loop. The curry taste was very strong and overshadowed any of the egg salad/pickle flavors. The bagels themselves were chewy and dense. Overall: While we weren't impressed by our bagels this time around, we're hoping to come back and try some of the other menu items. Maybe this was just an off day, but our experience at Isaac's Bagels did not live up to the hype.

Wow this place rocks, super nice folks working the counter the bagel perfectly toasted and this hummus pepper combo is had omg so delish! Will return when back in town loved it!

Just WOW! A group of us all placed orders online for me to pick up at a specified time and not only were they ready perfectly on time, the orders were packaged so nicely with clearly-written names on the bags. There were lots of waiting orders, but the labeling made ours so easy to find! The store was understandably busy as people excitedly ordered and waited for their bagels and sandwiches, but the line moved quickly. The sandwiches and bagels are worth every literal second that you'd wait--they are so good! Only complaint has absolutely nothing to do with Isaac's, but with the City of Durham: we need more parking available so we can support our local small businesses! SOLID five stars and we will be back!

This lox bagel was absolutely delicious! The toppings on the lox bagel truly made it special. Unfortunately with all of those toppings I couldn't really tell how the bagels are but, I am definitely ready to come back and try them again! Great spot in Durham! Check it out if you're wanting a great breakfast bagel!

Dropping this review because I just finished the best bialy I've had in my whole life. That is a high bar! I've had a lot'a bialys. So good that it held up to my over-toasting oops. I am so glad I have another one to enjoy today and I can't wait to go back for more.

Same great bagels, now in a brick and mortar! Adding a photo of the menu as of 8/31/23 since they currently don't have it up on their website. They also have online ordering via Toast - also currently not on their website, but apparently it pops up if you google them.

It's a little hard to find as there are no signs outside to point you to it. But there's a big window where you can see the yellow counter in the picture that tells you you've reached the right place. They have everything from single bagels or bagel sandwiches. I tried their lox sandwich with a poppyseed bagel and they complemented each other so well.

I had their bagels at the farmer market. One salt and pepper and one cinnamon raisin. Tasty and lots of cream cheese

Best bagels I've had outside of NYC. The sesame seed is FULL of seeds, and the everything has tons of everything. They are crunchy on the outside and firm on the inside. Fabulous toasted. Can't wait 'til the brick & mortar place opens!

More like 3.5 or 3.75 stars. Hands down the best textured bagel available in the area. For once, here's an NC bagel that is not a squishy roll with a hole in the middle. Coatings are abundant. Also, the ability to pre-order is very convenient. On the downside, the taste of the bagel itself is somewhat flat. If you pile your bagel with strongly flavored cheese or fish you may not notice it so much. Otherwise, you definitely will. Garlic bagels are not an option, which I find disappointing. The mix on the everything bagel is very seed-heavy and could really use more salt, onion, and garlic. Oh, and prices are high. All in all, a pretty decent option.

My husband and I are brats about bagels after a lot of time in NY, and these scratch a real itch. We haven't had another bagel in the triangle that we've liked as much, so we were thrilled when Isaac's opened their brick and mortar. Everything we've tried so far has been excellent (including specialty cream cheese flavors like the burnt jalapeño ), and the staff is always super friendly. There's been a line every day we've been, but it moves quickly! We'll be back... a lot.

This New York bagel snob gives Isaac's two thumbs up. Back to visit Duke and hoping that there was something better than the Bruegger's we used to go to on 9th Street, my friend living there said to go to Isaac's. Right she was. Great bagels, cream cheese, lox, and coffee. Pricey yes, but as good as my favorite NY places, which is saying something.

Rarely, do I say I'm the expert on anything and everyone's opinion does not matter. Today is different! (Ok, well others matter but mine is top right now) As a Proud Jersey girl I know good bagels, so I was so excited when I heard that Issac's was the truth. I was a little nervous too because I don't trust people with my bagels and pizza. Well I am here to tell you it is! The Truth, that is! I arrived early in case there was a line but lucky for me there was not. However, several people stopped by to pick up the goods. I saw people getting just one and some getting bags full. The bagels are put in a brown paper bag (the only way to do it). I headed to the window to put in my order, I had already checked it out on Instagram so I was ready. In my family we are bagel purest and I picked up a half dozen of bagels trying everything but plain because while plain is nice it's basic! The bagels were everything a good bagel should be, soft, chewy on the inside, a nice crunch on outside, perfectly sized, with a nice lovely flavor. Try this place out you will thank me later!

Picked up some egg and cheese breakfast bagels on our way to hiking at Eno River. Fresh and delicious. Iced coffee was very good too.

Best bagels outside the tri-state area. Wonderful service. Great variety, easy in and out parking.

The Salmond Beagle is my absolute favorite; I've savored it across the United States, and without a doubt, this is the best I've ever had. The delightful combination of pickled slender cucumbers and onions complements the savory essence of the salmon and capers flawlessly. Also the staff is extremely friendly. Good vibes.

It was fine. Sorry I'm a NY bagel snob. I get it. I'm gonna go back and support local business but I wasn't like wow or blown away. It's probably the humidity issues here that affects them. They were just very dense. Choice of house made cream cheese was nice.

I was thinking the bagels were a bit pricey until I tasted them -- wow! We ordered the winter tomato bagel in the everything bagel (I love how very rich in seeds and taste the bagels are in general), and it was very special. the roasted tomatoes were delicious and the whole combination just flowed ...

Amazing bagel place!! Best that I've found in the area. Reminds me of the bagels up north.

Always happy to see someone adding to the fast casual breakfast options in the Triangle! While these are not particularly similar to NY bagels, they probably are the best bagels you can find in the area. They have a very crispy shell, which I thought was interesting and unique. They will catch my attention if they ever start to offer choice of cheese and choice of egg preparation, or at least fried eggs, which is the standard in NY.

Wish I could give 10 stars. As a native New Yorker, I am picky about bagels and generally one cannot find good bagels outside if New York. However, Isaac"s bagels are as good or better than any I ever had, inside or out of the Big Apple Their trays are delicious (lox, white fish, vegetables) and aestheutcally beautiful. Most importantly, though, the service is unparalleled. We had to make a major last minute adjustment and, despite their cost and inconvenience, Isaacs was incredibly gracious and accommodating. I will be a lifelong customer and would recommend Isaacs to anyone!!!

Best bagels I've ever had. Absolute perfection! Interesting cream cheese flavor options too!

The reviews were amazing and as an ex New Yorker, we had great expectations. The bagels had little taste. They were crispy on the outside and could have been more crispy. I'd rate the bagels as fine but nothing special. We bought one of the babka rosettes and it was just ok. A disappointment for me. Wegmans sells great babka, especially the cinnamon. This didn't come close.

The only really good bagels in Durham! Went to the soft opening and was #2 in line! Heading home with warm deliciousness!

As someone else said it's more like 3.5 stars but I'll bump to 4 because it should be graded based on Durham options. Anyone from NY knows that these are not NY bagels. They are similar to what you might find in certain NY suburbs but those are not NY bagels either. They are decent bagels but lack the chewiness of a true NY bagel. The sesame bagel actually has too much sesame and my BEC was a bit too hard. My son's plain bagel with cream cheese was also too hard. Anyone who thinks this is a NY bagel doesn't know what a NY bagel is.

Today I tried Isaac's Bagels for the first time at Queeny's. I have been following them on Insta for a while and was glad to finally be able to check them out. These bagels are THICCC. I love the generous amount of cream cheese they put on every bagel. I tried the everything bagel with scallion cream cheese. Savory heaven. The bagels are a little tough when you bite them so with the one I got I had seeds everywhere so maybe don't get that kind on a first date. Luckily was just with my dog so he didn't judge me. I'm excited to try their other bagels soon! I also hope they bring the cold brew back for spring because cold brew and bagels are my fave combo.

We've enjoyed bagels all over the US, and Isaac's are amazing! Great taste, texture and side dishes.

Amazing bagels and bagel sandwich flavor combos. Great customer service, too. Always on time or early with online orders

Not only are these the best bagels in the Triangle, they would be considered great in New York. Best bagels ever.

Finally I have found chewy, real deal, bagels. THANKS!!! These are fresh, delicious and easy to order in advance online. Their cream cheese flavors are limited, but really, they have one flavor in every flavor profile one would probably want. SO HAPPY TO HAVE FOUND THIS PLACE!!!

Everything I've gotten from Isaac's has been delicious! Their ingredients are fresh and delicious. They have thought out their menu and everything is easy to eat/consistent. Couldn't be happier with our local bagel shop!

it tasted goooood gurllll. (30 character minimum)

Visited for the first time today. The staff are exceptionally friendly and kind. :) Will definitely return!

Looovee these bagels. Probably the best in the area! I believe they are at the farmers market only currently. The everything bagel is amazing!

I purchased their bagels at the farmers market, hoping they would be close to NY bagels. ​I am happy to say they are! We thoroughly enjoyed them and will be visiting Isaac's for more!

amazing service and amazing bagels!!!! small storefront that was a little confusing to find, but so worth it!!

Amazing bagels. The closet thing I have had to a true New York bagel in the south. The bagel and lox is simple and amazing with the pickled onions being an innovative twist on the classic BCL. I love the fresh dill pinch on top. Also if you enjoy bagels that are well covered in seasoning Isaacs is the place for you. BOTH SIDES have a heavy amount of seasoning! There is NO unloved bottoms here like you may get at other places. If you go to Isaac's did you actually go if you don't get marshmallows? JUST get the marshmallows. You won't regret it. Unless you're some kind of demon who doesn't like sugar.

Had breakfast from @isaacs_bagels this morning and it was delicious! Everything bagel with thick coverage and sesame seeds so fresh I could taste the individual flavor. The crust is chewy and inside is soft--perfection. The salmon is succulent, and the Dill Scallion is a great companion.

Really love their homemade cream cheese. The bagels are fantastic day of and fresh. I highly recommend freezing them then defrost and toast. I had some the next day in a ziplock and they were not as good as day 1, or compared with other bagels like bruggers. Love the jalapeño and everything ones!

Isaac's bagels is probably the best bagel you can get in the Durham area. I'm very traditional when it comes to bagels and tend to stray away from the out-there bagel sandwich creations that Everything Bagel down the street boasts. I love the classic bagel and cream cheese, so Isaac's is nice since they are always generous with the cream cheese and have some great options to choose from. I will say that the bagels are small in diameter but thick, and the outside is very tough and hard to chew sometimes. I'm not from New York but I get bagels from NYC every time I go and these aren't quite the same. I hope they'll add more bagel sandwich options to the menu, like classic breakfast sandwich bagels with eggs, etc. They also sell other desserts like marshmallows, and rotating specials. Follow their instagram to keep up to date with what's on the menu since the website isn't always up to date. Love this place and hope to see it continue to grow in the coming months!

Two thumbs up from this bagel snob. Diverse flavors including salt & pepper well prepared and tasty. Issac's catering of today's post wedding brunch capped off a wonderful weekend. Scrumptious cream cheeses including never seen previously honey fig. All of the peaches were ripe (how does anyone pick that many ripe peaches). Staff were beyond helpful and friendly. Too bad I don't live in Durham to enjoy Issac's talent for preparing and delivering good food and experiences.

Having moved to Durham from Brooklyn, Isaac's has the closest thing in Durham to a real New York bagel. Great product, great people. Highly recommend.

Isaac and his bagels rock! Lots of creative and delicious cream cheese flavors (Sichuan chili is my favorite!) to go with perfect, fresh bagels. Good people, great bagels. Try the Marshmallows, trust me, they're worth it.

Y'all, these bagels are stupid delicious. I bring bagels to our weekly staff meetings on Mondays and I think Isaac's Bagels play an important role in making friends and influencing people. The bagel sandwiches are awesome, the lox is delicious and there's even a vegan option! The spicy cream cheeses would probably be good on cardboard. The poppy seed bagels are awesome with savory and sweet cream cheese. Several members of my family used to be neutral about bagels. We now have some bagel loving converts and we're making Isaac's Bagels part of our weekly routine.