Jea Kim
Google
When bagel shops first open in Boston and Cambridge, they usually attract a lot of hype. Even mediocre spots like Brooklyn Bagel Factory had long lines when they first opened. However, during my past few visits to Rebelle, I didn’t see any lines. This Providence transplant hasn’t gained a good reputation among the locals, and the owner's unpopularity on social media and online forums seemed to be the biggest factor.
At Rebelle, owner Milena is strict about how to enjoy her bagels—R&D only, no toasting. She's quite adamant about preserving the air pockets in her freshly-baked bagels, which theoretically gives them a better texture and density. While I respect her dedication to bagel perfection, I have to admit, I prefer to enjoy them in sandwich form for convenience. Sometimes, you just need a bagel that’s more grab-and-go.
During my past few visits, I usually arrived around opening time, and there was always a limited selection of bagels—typically just 3-4 options, with flavors varying by the day. Some of my favorite sandwiches and combos included the pretzel bagel with Honey Fleur de Sel cream cheese, the Lox sandwich, and the BLT Squared sandwich. The bagels here are on the smaller side, but they still have a satisfying chewiness and density. However, because of their size, one sandwich usually isn’t enough to fill me up, which makes me question if it’s worth the price.
Really hoped that Rebelle would become my reliable go-to spot for bagel sandwiches in Cambridge. Their sandwiches are good, but perhaps not the best value. Might return to try their smoked fish sandwiches, but for now, I’ll likely look elsewhere to satisfy my bagel cravings.