I've been a fan of The Bagel Boys bagels ever since I discovered that they do a gluten-free bagel and damn it is good! Not as dense and filling as a standard bagel but that's fine by me...it still manages to have the chewiness a good bagel should have and toasts really well. I've also tried their Jalapeno and Blueberry bagels and they are excellent. Perhaps not quite the same as a New York bagel but they just have something bagelicious in their water that we just can't replicate here so it's not fair to compare. But they are up there with some other greats like Brewbakers in Albion.
Anyway, luckily several cafes in Brisbane like Gramercy Espresso use them now and you can buy them at some specialty grocery stores and at markets like the West End Markets and the Jan Power markets. The Bagel Boys actually have a market stall at several of the Jan Power markets where you can buy the bagels plain ($2 each or 6 for $10) or get them toasted with a schmear of cream cheese or more substantial fillings like a B.L.A.T (Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado, Tomato). Problem is, the line at the markets come breakfast or lunch time is always so long, I can never be bothered to wait. But my bagel-eating dreams came true when I saw an 'Opening Soon' sign in a store window along Adelaide St and then the store opened early October.
The store is on the small side and is primarily for take-away. There is a small bench table running along the side with barstools but there are only five stools. You can purchase the bagels as is and I think it's self-service given that they're all in clear containers lining the wall. Their menu is more substantial that that offered at the markets with a range of 'Schmears' (multiple cream cheese types, avocado, jam, butter) and 'Filled Bagels' available and you also have the option to add something more substantial to a schmear if the set filled options don't take your fancy.
The more substantial options range from $8-10, making them a pretty reasonable lunchtime option, and vegetarians are catered for too. After deliberating over the choices for some time, I finally chose to have the Pastrami 'n' Swiss (Pastrami, Swiss Cheese, Rocket, Mustard and Pickles) on a gluten-free & chia bagel ($9 including $1 extra for GF). It was ready just five minutes later and was wrapped and placed in a paper bag for easy transportation. We chose to eat there however and although there were only a few people in the shop when we arrived at midday, by 12:15 a decent line had formed and it was a bit crowded in there. My bagel was lightly toasted and had several thick slices of pastrami, a slice of cheese and a good schmear of mustard and green dill pickles. I liked the addition of the rocket for some freshness and damn, it was one tasty bagel! The flavours were outstanding and I didn't feel like there was any skimping on anything anywhere. My friend went for the Swiss Pig (Smoked Ham, Swiss Cheese, Tomato Melt) on an Everything bagel. The cheese on hers was melted and while it looked less impressive than mine, she thoroughly enjoyed it. I think it could have used a bit of greenery but maybe it wouldn't have worked given the melted tomato and cheese.
We left soon after devouring our bagels as it was getting cramped in the shop - not the best place for a long lunch! If you do want to meet someone, I suggest heading to either King George Square or Anzac Square for a more spacious lunch spot. Overall I'm a fan of the new shop and expect several return visits will be in my future! I especially like the idea of picking up a simple schmear bagel and coffee (which they also do!) on the way to work for breakfast and they do a 'Coffee and Bagel with a Cream Cheese Schmear' special for $7.
Summary: Must try but get there early to avoid the lines. read more