Katya P.
Yelp
A new addition to the classic Montreal bagel scene, Kettlemans has several locations in Ontario and just opened up this month in the downtown area.
Located steps away from the Bell Centre, on the ground floor of a condo tower, this fancy shop offers freshly made bagels, and a food menu that includes deli sandwiches, spreads, salads, and baked treats.
As soon as I walked in, I was super excited to see there were 13 flavors of bagels, more than anywhere else I've seen locally. I sampled 7 of these bagels along with a philly cheesesteak bagel sandwich and bought one of their "everything" seasoned cream cheese spreads to go.
All flavors and menu offerings are available online along with prices. A dozen bagels costs $13.99 and sandwich prices range from $6 to $12. There are a few breakfast options with eggs, otherwise all kinds of proteins from your classic lox, tuna, chicken, roast beef and veggie options. There's even a bagel hotdog.
While you wait in line to place your order - you'll see a variety of cream cheese spreads with unique flavors such as a dill pickle, garlic, cheese, veggie, olive etc. You can watch the bagels being made on the spot - the whole restaurant and kitchen is open concept.
Once you have placed an order for food, you are given a buzzer so you can walk away, take a seat and not crowd the counter area. Your pager will vibrate when the food is ready. Genius really - I've only seen this used in sit down restaurants, not in a fast food setting.
In all the bagels are delicious - they are just the right amount of chewy and doughy. I've tasted classic bagels at St Viateur or Fairmount and found those to be on the harder side - almost pretzel like, and often had trouble slicing them open because they were so firm. Kettlemans bagels are the perfect texture for me.
I love the style and vibe of the place, it's modern, bright and spacious. I'm taking a star away for the price of the food and portion - my $10 philly cheesesteak bagel sandwich was on the small side, the photos make it look like it'll be stacked up high kind of like a gourmet burger but this wasn't the case.
The cream cheese spreads are also very expensive, they are over $7 for 220 grams which is the same size as small container of Philadelphia cream cheese.
Kettlemans feels like a gourmet experience and delivers delicious food so I will be back. I can imagine this being a perfect spot to grab breakfast or lunch - they are right across the street from a McDonalds so if you want to elevate your coffee or morning bagel and egg combo, I'd come here instead. They also offer catering, convenient for all the office workers in the area who might want a good lunch.
Another great perk is that they are open 24/7! Such a rarity these days. Must try it if you love bagels, come and compare it for yourself.