Poppy Bagels

"This former pop-up is making hands-down the best bagels in Oakland. And if you aren’t already a regular, it’s time to get to know them. Golden-brown crusts are evenly covered in seasonings, and the inside of each one is both fluffy and stretchy. The open-faced bagels are the way to go: the toppings, like deep-red heirloom tomatoes or seasonal vegetables with salsa macha, are straight out of a farmers market. But we won't stop you from ordering a “freshie”—a.k.a. whatever bagel is hottest out of the oven—smeared with butter and salt. And don’t skip out on the housemade chocolate and cinnamon rugelach. " - lani conway, julia chen 1

"Poppy Bagels landed in the Temescal neighborhood for its permanent location in Oakland, putting its pop-up days behind them. Poppy established its following at the Grand Lake Farmers Market before the move, so some will be familiar with the open-faced bagel sandwiches — but the capital-M Move is to leave things to fate and buy a Freshie. The Freshie just means whatever bagel just came fresh out of the oven served with butter and salt, a must-try experience for every type of bagel enthusiast." - Dianne de Guzman

"Poppy Bagels was founded by Reesa Kashuk, a New Yorker who moved to California and started baking New York–style bagels during the pandemic. The shop offers traditional bagels that remind her of the ones she grew up with."

"Reesa Kashuk, a ’90s kid from New York, moved to California to pursue a career in advertising in 2014. But she craved the specific style of bagels that she grew up with and started boiling and baking them for family and friends as a hobby. Eventually, Kashuk dropped her advertising gig and started a New York–style bagel business during the pandemic." - ByThe Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors

"At Poppy Bagels in Oakland, a lox beauty is piled high with briny capers, snipped chives, and a tuft of dill." - ByEmma Laperruque