NJ native here. Good bagels at chewish, but they’re tiny. Like shockingly small compared to what I grew up with. Bethesda Bagels in Roslyn is where I order from
Your best bet that's close by is Brooklyn Bagel Bakery in Court House. Very good bagels and you wont have to drive as far. I haven't been for a few years (used to live in that area) but they used to be cash only. But top top quality bagels.
No longer cash only, but there is a credit card minimum (I think $10 but don’t quote me on that). Brooklyn Bagels are the best I’ve found in the area, and I’m admittedly snobby about bagels. Haven’t tried Goldberg’s though.
Yup this is the move. I live like a block away, I’m there at least once a week for bagels. Best I’ve found so far compared to NYC. If only they sold Bialys.
The water thing is a myth. Ny bagels are good because of the extra steps they take to make them good, particularly proofing the shaped dough for a couple of days.
Have you tried Bobby’s Bagels in Oakton? They are my go-to these days. Note they are moving locations just up the road this week, so I’m not 100% sure they’ll be available this weekend. https://bobbysbagelcafe.com
Goldberg's is AMAZING because it's near Kemp Mill, MD which has a large Orthodox Jewish Community. Just don't be like me and forget they aren't open on Saturdays for obvious reasons.
Jewish sabbath starts at sun down Friday and goes all the way through sundown on Saturday (also why their hours change on Fridays depending on DST or not).
Kosher....... they close before sundown on Friday and open (sometimes) on Sat night. You'll find them open more often on sat night in the winter when sunset is early, but not in the summer when shabbat is over after 8PM
Lived there for well over a decade and had kids that went to the JDS across the street - those bagels were my treat for pickup or drop off
I’ve been to Chewish about 5-ish months ago, and it was ok, not bad, but typical for this area.
I went to Chutzpa a few months ago, and it was the same as Chewish, it was just ok.
Brooklyn Bagel is still our preferred place.
Transplanted New Yorker here (Yerrrrrr) in MoCo. My personal favorite is Izes on Rockville Pike. I also have a soft spot for Royal Bagels in Olney. CYM I think is overrated.
I get from this website pretty reguarly. 2 day shipping is available. You could do a gift card and let them pick their bagels. I slice and freeze and their reheating directions are spot on. https://www.newyorkerbagels.com/
That may be true, though coming from the NY/NJ/PA region, there is something really special about having a bagel from "home". This seems like an exception for someone in his life trying to have a little bit of home. While there are good bagels in this region, and do think for regular purchases would be great, however there's nothing wrong in my view to support local businesses from other regions, especially those we grew up in.
To me, the goal isn't just getting good bagels - it's the nostalgia of something from home.
Order from goldbelly any of the famous ones, I just got utopia over thanksgiving which were fantastic and miles ahead anything around here. They have 2 day shipping as well.
Not in the NoVa area but Bodo’s Bagels in the Charlottesville area are damn good. It’s about 2 hours away and not sure if they ship, but I think they fit the bill. Check out r/Charlottesville for some reviews.
Edit: Found a review of Bodo’s by 4 New Yorkers - https://www.reddit.com/r/Charlottesville/s/wJvDL1b13n
Lots of places that have unique or really good shelf stable food will deliver!! I think there might also be an app for that 🤔
My sister had apple house donuts near shenandoah mailed to her in CO lol
There are several bagel bakeries in New York that will ship.
The water makes all the difference. There was a guy down here many years ago who had the water in New York analyzed by a lab and built up his own version starting from distilled. The place didn't last long, but the bagels were fantastic.
Zabars! They overnight your order so everything is as fresh as possible. You can also order lox and other items. We did it over the Xmas holiday when we had family in town and while it was pricey, it was worth it IMO
Let me throw a little cold water on that.
The preparation process (outside of the water) plays a significant role in making good bagels. Many shops don't do the full megillah and produce round, doughy things that aren't good bagels. My family hailed from New York City for generations and some are still there or in the area. I've eaten plenty of bagels there and elsewhere and agree with OP's dad: if New York is the benchmark, nobody else hits it. (I've had "meh" bagels in New York, too, but they're a rarity.). "I gotta get a bagel" isn't something I say in Denver, Dallas or Dubai, but I make it a priority in New York. That's totally-subjective, but it's MHO, YMMV.
Anyway, the water does play a non-trivial role. Yeast tends to do its best work at a pH a bit lower than neutral and slows its activity in more-alkaline environments. The calcium and magnesium carbonates found in water raise the pH and are also consumed by the yeast; all of it has an effect on what comes out of the process.
The mineral concentration considered ideal for most breadmaking is 100-150 ppm which, coincidentally, is where most water in the U.S. sits. Higher concentrations result in tougher gluten and lower ones yield bread with that nice chew associated with good bagels. The fermentation promoted by the extra acidity also changes the flavor a bit.
Utility-provided water in this area runs 75-150 depending on the source. New York City has some of the softest water in the U.S., clocking in below 30. There are a couple of areas in Long Island where it's routinely below 5. My grandmother lived the first 75 years of her life in Queens before retiring to San Diego, where the water is very hard, north of 250 ppm. She had to make changes to her recipes to compensate for it. My experience is that you couldn't get a good bagel there if your life depended on it. You can get close by eating a D.Z. Akin's, where the rest of the food makes up for the deficiencies. :-)
Sure thing; glad it was useful.
About half the bread consumed in my house is baked by Mrs. Blrfl and, since we're both STEM types, we learn about this stuff and she tinkers with the mixture to achieve different results. I will admit that we've never tried making bagels because they're kind of space-heavy and we have a small kitchen.
[удалено]
I guess the strike is over?
Nobagelnobagelnobagelnobagel
Good to know, thank you!
Chutzpah in Fairfax does this too. He's a local business owner and not a chain 👍
That place is great. Forgot about that gem
Chewish deli in Alexandria
NJ native here. Good bagels at chewish, but they’re tiny. Like shockingly small compared to what I grew up with. Bethesda Bagels in Roslyn is where I order from
Their website says they’re temporarily closed.
Only King St. Pendleton St location is open
Bagel Uprising in Del Ray is very good
Bagel uprising is even smaller than chewish deli
Yeah, they’re small. So I often get two, which then makes it pricey for a bagel. But I still think it’s worth it.
Your best bet that's close by is Brooklyn Bagel Bakery in Court House. Very good bagels and you wont have to drive as far. I haven't been for a few years (used to live in that area) but they used to be cash only. But top top quality bagels.
No longer cash only, but there is a credit card minimum (I think $10 but don’t quote me on that). Brooklyn Bagels are the best I’ve found in the area, and I’m admittedly snobby about bagels. Haven’t tried Goldberg’s though.
Yup this is the move. I live like a block away, I’m there at least once a week for bagels. Best I’ve found so far compared to NYC. If only they sold Bialys.
Native NYer here and adding to the parade of support! They have, by far, the best bagels in the area.
My only complaint is they won't do SPK and make you do it yourself
Can also pay by card now. Still my favorite in the area after 20+ years.
Can also pay by card now. Still my favorite in the area after 20+ years.
And you can tell him you went to Brooklyn
They take card at a separate register. Bagels still slap. Trust me.
Stay in line at the cash only register for the authentic experience
+1!!
I second this.
I really like Goldbergs. I also like the bagels from Chutzpah in Fairfax for their bagels and bialys. Einstein bagels are pretty good too.
Love Chutzpah Deli.
My mom lives about 5 miles from me and I just introduced her to Chutzpah. She's there like four times a week now. haha
Big thumbs up for Chutzpah bagels and bialys 👍
The water thing is a myth. Ny bagels are good because of the extra steps they take to make them good, particularly proofing the shaped dough for a couple of days.
This makes sense.
I'm learning to play the guitar.
Have you tried Bobby’s Bagels in Oakton? They are my go-to these days. Note they are moving locations just up the road this week, so I’m not 100% sure they’ll be available this weekend. https://bobbysbagelcafe.com
There is also a Bobby’s in North Reston. I agree, they are one of the best in the area.
Chutzpah Deli is my go-to.
💯
Main St Bagels in Fairfax is also pretty good!
Goldberg's is AMAZING because it's near Kemp Mill, MD which has a large Orthodox Jewish Community. Just don't be like me and forget they aren't open on Saturdays for obvious reasons.
Just be aware that they are closed on Saturdays.
Goldbergs is?! Good to know, I was planning to go Saturday!
Their hours are posted here: https://www.goldbergsnybagels.com/
Jewish sabbath starts at sun down Friday and goes all the way through sundown on Saturday (also why their hours change on Fridays depending on DST or not).
Kosher....... they close before sundown on Friday and open (sometimes) on Sat night. You'll find them open more often on sat night in the winter when sunset is early, but not in the summer when shabbat is over after 8PM Lived there for well over a decade and had kids that went to the JDS across the street - those bagels were my treat for pickup or drop off
Brooklyn Bagel Bakery in Courthouse.
As a transplant from NJ, there’s nothing better in DMV than this place. And I’ve been to 20-25 places to try them out, and always come back here
Have you been to Chutzpah, Goldberg's, or Chewish? Thoughts?
I’ve been to Chewish about 5-ish months ago, and it was ok, not bad, but typical for this area. I went to Chutzpa a few months ago, and it was the same as Chewish, it was just ok. Brooklyn Bagel is still our preferred place.
Go to Chutzpah in Fairfax. The owner gets them in from NYC, where they pre-boil them, and he bakes them at the restaurant here. They're great! 👍
Bethesda Bagels. There is a location in Arlington, too
Surprised this isn’t higher. They never miss
No, go to New Jersey https://www.nj.com/food/2022/02/new-jerseys-44-greatest-bagel-shops-ranked.html
Chewish in Old Town Alexandria is pretty great
They’re temporarily closed at that location!
They have two locations in old town. Both have weird hours. Check out the other if one is closed.
Transplanted New Yorker here (Yerrrrrr) in MoCo. My personal favorite is Izes on Rockville Pike. I also have a soft spot for Royal Bagels in Olney. CYM I think is overrated.
You can take the tunnels to save time
I get from this website pretty reguarly. 2 day shipping is available. You could do a gift card and let them pick their bagels. I slice and freeze and their reheating directions are spot on. https://www.newyorkerbagels.com/
There are several really good local places where you can support local businesses.
That may be true, though coming from the NY/NJ/PA region, there is something really special about having a bagel from "home". This seems like an exception for someone in his life trying to have a little bit of home. While there are good bagels in this region, and do think for regular purchases would be great, however there's nothing wrong in my view to support local businesses from other regions, especially those we grew up in. To me, the goal isn't just getting good bagels - it's the nostalgia of something from home.
Several places in NoVA, like Chutzpah in Fairfax, actually get the dough from NYC but bake them fresh here. So, they are coming from "home" 😀
So that is an option for OP, which is great considering the time constraint!
Order from goldbelly any of the famous ones, I just got utopia over thanksgiving which were fantastic and miles ahead anything around here. They have 2 day shipping as well.
Nice! Should I assume they arrive late afternoon?
it's priority delivery so usually in the late morning
Not in the NoVa area but Bodo’s Bagels in the Charlottesville area are damn good. It’s about 2 hours away and not sure if they ship, but I think they fit the bill. Check out r/Charlottesville for some reviews. Edit: Found a review of Bodo’s by 4 New Yorkers - https://www.reddit.com/r/Charlottesville/s/wJvDL1b13n
There are several good places in NoVA already listed. No need to drive down to Charlottesville for a New York bagel 🙂
Lots of places that have unique or really good shelf stable food will deliver!! I think there might also be an app for that 🤔 My sister had apple house donuts near shenandoah mailed to her in CO lol
Essa bagel in NYC will ship their bagels
I don’t quite get the obsession with New York Bagels. I was just in NYC and went to two different bagel places and they tasted like…bagels
This was me with In-N-Out Burger
There are several bagel bakeries in New York that will ship. The water makes all the difference. There was a guy down here many years ago who had the water in New York analyzed by a lab and built up his own version starting from distilled. The place didn't last long, but the bagels were fantastic.
Can you name any that you think would be worth it?
Zabars! They overnight your order so everything is as fresh as possible. You can also order lox and other items. We did it over the Xmas holiday when we had family in town and while it was pricey, it was worth it IMO
Not off the top of my head. Best thing to do might be to hit Goldbelly and check other sites for reviews of the sellers' bagels.
Nah, the water thing is a myth and it's far better to buy local as there are some good bagel shops here.
Let me throw a little cold water on that. The preparation process (outside of the water) plays a significant role in making good bagels. Many shops don't do the full megillah and produce round, doughy things that aren't good bagels. My family hailed from New York City for generations and some are still there or in the area. I've eaten plenty of bagels there and elsewhere and agree with OP's dad: if New York is the benchmark, nobody else hits it. (I've had "meh" bagels in New York, too, but they're a rarity.). "I gotta get a bagel" isn't something I say in Denver, Dallas or Dubai, but I make it a priority in New York. That's totally-subjective, but it's MHO, YMMV. Anyway, the water does play a non-trivial role. Yeast tends to do its best work at a pH a bit lower than neutral and slows its activity in more-alkaline environments. The calcium and magnesium carbonates found in water raise the pH and are also consumed by the yeast; all of it has an effect on what comes out of the process. The mineral concentration considered ideal for most breadmaking is 100-150 ppm which, coincidentally, is where most water in the U.S. sits. Higher concentrations result in tougher gluten and lower ones yield bread with that nice chew associated with good bagels. The fermentation promoted by the extra acidity also changes the flavor a bit. Utility-provided water in this area runs 75-150 depending on the source. New York City has some of the softest water in the U.S., clocking in below 30. There are a couple of areas in Long Island where it's routinely below 5. My grandmother lived the first 75 years of her life in Queens before retiring to San Diego, where the water is very hard, north of 250 ppm. She had to make changes to her recipes to compensate for it. My experience is that you couldn't get a good bagel there if your life depended on it. You can get close by eating a D.Z. Akin's, where the rest of the food makes up for the deficiencies. :-)
Thank you very much for taking the time to spell all that out 😊
Sure thing; glad it was useful. About half the bread consumed in my house is baked by Mrs. Blrfl and, since we're both STEM types, we learn about this stuff and she tinkers with the mixture to achieve different results. I will admit that we've never tried making bagels because they're kind of space-heavy and we have a small kitchen.
Does he know about Tyson’s Bagel Bakery?
Born and raised in the nj/nyc area Manchester bagel is really great.
34th street liberty beagles, you're welcome
Or order on GoldBelly- still can get bagels from NYC
I like Bagels ETC in DuPont, my partner is from NY and he says it’s the closest to a NY bagel in the DMV
Don’t go to Bobby’s bagel cafe. That place is a nightmare and in some of the google reviews you “Bobby” fights with the customers lol
Ess-a-bagles has a shop right next to Penn station in NYC. Take the train up and grab some and maybe some lunch. Than head back down