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Brooklyn Bagel Bakery
Categories: Food Bagels Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Sandwiches Bagels, Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches [Edit]
2055 Wilson BlvdArlington, VA 22201
(703) 243-4442
- Nearest Transit:
-
Courthouse Metro Station (Orange)
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
178 reviews for Brooklyn Bagel Bakery
Review Highlights
"Or a salt bagel with sun-dried tomato cream cheese."
(in 35 reviews)
"Can't wait to come here again when I visit DC."
(in 26 reviews)
"If you like fresh New York bagels, this the place for you."
(in 19 reviews)
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178 reviews in English
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Review from Chad O.
Arlington, VA
1/19/2012
Grew up on bagels in northern Jersey and NYC. Brooklyn Bagels is as good as I've found in NOVA/DC after 3 years of trying. It is CASH only, ATM machine in store. Saturday mornings are a zoo. Seating is limited, but turns over relatively quickly. There is a charge for coffee/soda refills.
The bagel, egg, cheese, and whatever sandwiches are extremely good and popular. However, they do full deli sandwiches. My personal favorite is chicken salad on pumpernickel bagel with sprouts. -
Review from Paul L.
Manhattan, NY
1/2/2012
I have a good friend who really likes this place. It is, indeed, an OK place and I don't regret going. The bagel, their mainstay, is just OK. They are a little doughy. Perhaps I am picky because I am a New Yorker. I probably would have given them four stars if they didn't have Brooklyn in the name. If the premise is a New York bagel, that's what I expect. I ordered a simple egg and cheese w/salt,pepper, ketchup. The egg wasn't enough to cover the bagel, there was not cheese and salt,peper,ketchup on the side.
Now, the egg issues was a matter of taste, the cheese was forgivable, but are you really going to call yourself a NYC bagel company and not put the SPK on the bagel for the customer? I have never had a bagel in the five boroughs where I said, salt peper ketchup and they didn't apply it to the sandwich.
It's a good spot, but it would be better known as Arlington Bagel Bakery. Although on a fair note, it has epic New York style lines. Depending on the time of day, it has Moses and the Exodus style lines. -
Review from Lindsay R.
Arlington, VA
12/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
1 star deduction because A) I wish they would take credit cards B) I wish there was more seating.
I've been here twice in the past couple weeks and I'm pretty sure my husband and I will make it a weekly trip! Bagels are fresh and yummy. Service is quick. I believe prices are comparable for the area (actually, probably a bit less expensive than Corner Bakery, which is next door, but better quality). So far I have had the everything bagel with plain cream cheese and the lox with cream cheese. Both were delish!
That little shop gets very crowded and you need to know what you're going to order before getting into line, or else you're holding up the staff. In my opinion, staff were not rude, but just worked at a hurried pace (which I appreciate) to serve the food quickly.
Check in with Foursquare and get a free bagel and cream cheese. -
Review from Marco A.
Washington, DC
The bagels are large, puffy and very flavorful; visually, Brooklyn makes a handsome bagel. Probably the best bagels I've had in the DC area but I can't say I've tried all the top DC bagel spots. My two favorite so far are the sun dried tomato and the everything. The everything bagel is exactly what you want out of an everything and the sun-dried tomato bagel is infused with delicious spicy tomato flavor.
I wanted to give Brooklyn Bagel five starts but I think I've had better bagels in NYC. Maybe I'm over glorifying my memory of NYC bagels but I still believe that's where the best bagels in the world are found.
TIP: as many of the reviews have mentioned, Brooklyn is cash only -
Review from Melinda C.
Arlington, VA
12/14/2011
I guess I need the "How to Order a Bagel WITH cream cheese" for Dummies Handbook. I went this morning around 9:30 am to use the Scoutmob Deal. I ordered a Sesame Seed bagel with cream cheese. While waiting to pay, I mean show them the Scoutmob App on my phone, I looked inside my bag, and saw no cream cheese in sight. When I got to the register, I asked for cream cheese. The cashier completely ignored my request. Ehhh, it was free...In any case, I will not be going back because 1) I do not live in Courthouse 2) I do not work in Courthouse 3) I never carry cash 4) I'll never forget the day they didn't give me free cream cheese to go with my free bagel.
It was like the day I went to Cold Stone Creamery and ordered a cone for the first time ever, and they said they didn't have any made yet. Whaaa???
I did like the fluffiness of the bagel itself though! -
Review from Hannah B.
Arlington, VA
12/2/2011
It's probably good that this place doesn't take credit cards..or I'd eat there every morning. They make probably the best bacon egg and cheese I've ever had. The bagels are a pretty big side and they loooaddd it with bacon. Its not like one from other places where they give you a couple slices
Also don't be intimidated by the hangover crowd on the weekend, the line moves pretty fast.
Even though I started off my review with "It's probably good they don't take credit cards",I do wish they did(reasons for not the full 5 stars) I'm one of those people who never has cash because once I get it, its gone. I have been there when they've let people pay with credit card. Not sure if they know the owners or if they have a big purchase, but they do have an atm in there and there is also a Wells Fargo and Bank of America right around the corner.
Overall delicious bagels and bagel sandwichs. A must for every Saturday/Sunday morning for sure. -
Review from Charlie T.
Hillsborough, NC
1/17/2012
The best bagel sandwiches in town. Sausage, egg and cheese on everything.
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Review from Erin T.
Arlington, VA
12/16/2011
This is the worst bagel shop I have been to in the DC area.
First, every bagel you eat will automatically taste like onions because they use the same utensils between bagels. Second, if you spend more than five minutes in the restaurant you will come out smelling like burnt toast. Third, their roof leaks in heavy rain on your head while you stand in line. Fourth, I hope you like Raisin or Plain bagels, because those are the only two flavors they consistently have in stock. Fifth, if you find you accidentally didn't carry cash into this "apparently" cash-only restaurant, you will be berated by the cashier as you leave (Don't worry, Brooklyn Bagel Bakery, I won't be making that mistake again--I won't be coming back). Sixth, the bagels are not nearly fresh enough to be called true Brooklyn style--false advertising.
Skip it and go to the Cosi across the street. -
Review from Jaymi F.
Washington, DC
10/27/2011
I don't understand... maybe because this is the only 'breakfast' place within walking distance.
Long lines. rude staff. cash only (with no signs posting such). bad bagels.
That's what I don't understand: bad bagels = long lines? -
Review from Michelle L.
Arlington, VA
Do you remember the soup Nazi? As in "HAVE YOUR ORDER READY TO GO" type of operation? Yeah... Brooklyn Bagel is kind of like that.
The line gets long but it moves quickly. When ordering, speak LOUDLY and CLEARLY. Oh how many times have I ordered a tuna melt and it came with Swiss cheese **GAG** Articulate your words.
The bagels here are made in house and served fresh. My favorite is the salt bagel. Only gripe is that there's only salt on one side of the bagel so if you get a tuna melt (as I often do), you only get that salty crunch on one of the pieces of tuna.
Another Chinky favorite is the lox with a coffee and biscotti. Something about their biscotti is unique and different. Very tasty and not too stale.
Sorry, kids... I can't comment on their cream cheese as I don't eat that stuff.
They also serve coconut water so when you're hung over from your pepper party you can hydrate correctly.
Cash only. Just to give you an idea of the cost: one tuna melt on a salt bagel + one lox on salt (no cream cheese) + 1 small coffee + 1 bottled juice + 1 coconut water == $20 even.
Limited seating both indoors and out but somehow I always find a seat.
Oh and don't even think about bringing a dog inside. It's not worth the risk. -
Review from Ayla H.
Colfax, LA
1/22/2012
The only place open for breakfast before 8am around here (Opens M-F 0630, Sat & Sun 0700).
Thanks to the other reviews, we got cash beforehand (no plastic taken here) & the hubby & I checked out the menu online so we wouldn't hold up the line deciding what we wanted.
Cost was more than we expected, $20.80 for:
Sausage, egg, & cheese on cinnamon raisin bagel w/ plain cream cheese (they use a real fried egg!)
Sausage, egg, & cheese on sun dried tomato bagel w/ veggie lite cream cheese (sausage is perfect)
Two spiced chai lattes (best I've ever had!!)
Two orange juices
I thoroughly enjoyed watching them make the bagels while we ate. The kitchen is surrounded by glass so you can watch the process from beginning to end!
Overall, great experience!! The bagels were so perfect! Not so chewy & heavy on the inside like most bagels. Nice crunch on the outside.
We'll definitely be going again while we're in town! -
Review from Jason F.
Washington, DC
10/23/2011
I recently moved to DC--our Nation's capital--from New York--our Nation's bagel capital.
As an open bagel-a-holic, I anticipated suffering some serious withdrawal when I left NYC. Why? I couldn't believe that a decent bagel could be found below the Mason-Dixon Line. I thought that DC-metro-area bagel quality would be Dead Sea low.
Itching for a fix, one day I decided to give Brooklyn Bagel Bakery a try. To my surprise, it wasn't pretty decent. Not as good as NY, but it'll satisfy my bagel craving for as long as I live in Arlington. -
Review from Foo D.
Washington, DC
10/22/2011
Panera Bread and Corner Bakery can kiss my ass, but I thought the bagels at Brooklyn Bagel were just....okay. Einstein Bros. Bagels are way better and more flavorful. I couldn't really taste the cinnamon and raisin or the garlic and everything in my bagels. I did like how my eggs on the breakfast bagel were cooked to order on the grill, but they used a really cheap kind of cheese...reminded me of McDonald's. Prices are reasonable. I'll never go back unless I am starving and this place is right in front of me. Convenient location across the street from the Courthouse Metro.
PROTIP: The District Taco truck is across the street, and they have breakfast burritos! -
Review from Kate T.
Reston, VA
12/5/2011
Bacon, egg & cheese on an onion bagel....the official hangover cure In my world. I LOVE this place (even if I'm not hungover haha). I love everything about it... They don't take cash, it's a tiny place, the staff is a little abrasive..I don't care I love it. Those guys can move! I timed it once on a Sunday morning and even though I was like 20 deep in line, I was in and out within 10 minutes. They have amazing sandwiches for lunch, fresh interesting bagel flavors, GREAT coffee and yummy spreads. Now I'm hungry...I think I'll go there for lunch!
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Review from Nicky B.
Washington, DC
8/25/2011
I eat Brooklyn bagel about once a week (would be more if my metabolism would just go back to its pre-teen state) and today while chomping on my everything bagel with cream cheese and tomato, I felt compelled to write a review. I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place yet, because it is HANDS DOWN the BEST bagel in DC. Now, if you know bagels, you'll know that this does not say much, but still, they're really good. I recommend the jalapeno and cheddar (it's not that spicy, but it's good) or an everything bagel.
The reviews that say this place isn't like New York's bagels, get a life people. I've had some pretty crappy bagels in New York too. For DC, this place is as good as you get.
They also have pizza at lunch which is pretty good for a grab and go slice in the area. Take cash, no credit card accepted here! -
Review from C M.
Washington, DC
7/15/2011
One time I was trying to motivate myself to go on a 7-8 mile run. I reeeally didn't want to. What, I thought, could possibly be a great enough reward to run that far at 8 AM on a Saturday morning?
And then it hit me: an egg, cheese, and bacon sandwich on an everything bagel from Brooklyn Bagels in Courthouse. THE ONLY THING WORTH RUNNING FOR.
Thus, I ran all the way from NW DC, across bridges and up ENDLESS HILLS, to Arlington just to get a bagel from this place. It was entirely worth it. The bagels are fresh and chewy, not bread-y. They fry real eggs (not yellowish circles of rubber) for their breakfast sandwiches. The staff is efficient and speedy (I don't find them rude at all).
To think I once lived just down the street! Why didn't I eat here every single day? Why don't they open like 10 more locations? Why are bagel options so terrible in DC? Whyyyyyy?? -
Review from Serena B.
11/15/2011
I was pretty disappointed with my experience here. It was a Sunday morning, so crowds are to be expected, but it was pretty chaotic. To keep it simple, I had a sesame bagel with strawberry cream cheese. That cream cheese was the most vile kind that I have ever had in my life. It was completely artificial in both taste and look- disgusting! The bagel wasn't anything to write home about either. I also noticed that several people were waiting for more coffee to be brewed as they were all out. Maybe it was an off day, but I thought it was terrible.
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Review from Bryant W.
Arlington, VA
11/23/2011
The best bagel in DC. I love the Everything Bagel with Lox. The only downside is they only take cash.
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Review from Missy S.
Arlington, VA
8/11/2011
Although I'm not from New York, I've had a fair share of New York bagels. Brooklyn Bagels do not come anywhere close to the deliciousness of a New York bagel.
Breakfast lovers, do not be fooled by the rumors. This place is not all its cracked up to be. Yes, the bagels are tasty, but I guarantee the bagels at Whole Foods or even frozen bagels are just as good.
If you want a gourmet bagel sandwich on a not so great bagel, hit up Brooklyn Bagel for just that. If you actually want a delicious bagel, try somewhere else. -
Review from Casey W.
6/19/2011
- pet peeve of mine. . .places that have another place in it's name when its not in that place
- comparable prices with the area
- lots of options, quick efficient service
- bagels weren't great but they were acceptable as far as bagels go
- nice portion size, was left feeling pleasantly full after my sausage, egg and cheese on a plain bagel, side of fruit salad (which I shared with some friends) and a peach snapple -
Review from Mai K.
10/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
I am so glad that Brooklyn Bagel Bakery is close by. I miss a good bagel -- crusty on the outside, and mochi-mochi soft on the inside. There is nothing like a fresh bagel, though my waistline was happier without the unhealthy relationship with this carb.... Now that is over. I'm done. This wknd, I was seriously craving a bagel-and-lox with tomato, cucumber, and capers. And there it was, out of a dream, wrapped in wax paper and perfect. Friends were very happy with the blueberry bagel and shmears, too. Getting my carbohydrates on tomorrow before work, without apology.
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Review from Kristin W.
Philadelphia, PA
8/28/2011
Definitely one of the best bagel spots in the DC area. Fresh, soft bagels in a variety of flavors and tasty cream cheese are available if you can brave the curt efficiency of the employees behind the counter.
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Review from Scott B.
Rochester, MI
5/22/2011
Visiting from out of town. Did a quick Yelp and found BBB was the place for bagels.
Indeed, the reviews were correct and I'm glad I went with an everything bagel. The strawberry cream cheese was a little disappointing, as it was pink with little strawberry flavor.
Coffee is good and enjoyed watching the bagels being made as I ate.
Give it a try... -
Review from Jess M.
Arlington, VA
4/10/2011
Best sausage, egg and cheese on a bagel you can get in town!
The service is friendly and to the point, the atmosphere is always busy.
Credit cards aren't accepted here, so don't forget your cash! -
Review from Jon H.
3/9/2011
I would give it five stars, but its just solid bagels here. The service is efficient (almost too efficient), and the bagels are pretty fresh and decently priced.
Highlights? French Toast bagel (rare in many places) and Salt bagel (rare as well, mostly NY specific). I would have given it 5 stars, but unfortunately I found out 2 days later that Bruegger's has Salt Bagels now too, and I think their bagels are just fresher, so I took a star away.
All in all, the bagels are very solid here. Just a tad too thick (I had 1 once that almost had no hole in the middle), and just a tad too dense. Unfortunately, I just can't tell the difference between here and Brueggers anymore, and to me, Brueggers is just fresher. -
Review from Geoff P.
Arlington, VA
1/23/2011
I don't care about how authentic they may or may not be; all I know is that the Brooklyn Bagel makes my favorite bagels in the DC area! The egg and cheese bagel sandwiches are excellent as well.
While the staff may sometimes be a bit terse during the late morning rush, I find them to be very efficient and accommodating as long as you are prepared to order and are understanding that it can get very busy on weekend mornings. -
Review from Alexandra M.
Arlington, VA
3/11/2011
OVERVIEW: Ohmygod amazing! Best. Bagel. Place. They have great home-made bagels and bagel sandwiches, especially for some one who is hung over on a Saturday morning. It is a tiny place and it is CASH ONLY. The service is loud, fast, and totally awake, unlike I was.
How does a bagel place get a 5-star rating? By having the best bagels, preparing bagel sandwiches fresh right in front of you with amazing/fresh ingredients, always being crammed full of hungry people ( a sure sign of a great food find), and totally satisfying/curing hangovers!
That is how!
A friend of mine took me here one Saturday morning (you know those days where you throw on sweats, glasses, and a ball cap? Yeah, one of those) because I said I just wanted an Einstein bagel or something. I am SO glad he brought me to this local gem instead.
The place is basically a long row house with a counter running the length of it. They have tons of different types of bagels (made fresh) and once you've selected what you want (bagel with schmear or a sandwich etc) you basically follow your bagel down the assembly line counter and watch the guys behind the counter work their bagel magic. The servers and bagel magicians were pretty loud, and definitely trying to move the line along; some Yelpers said that this was a negative. I think it's great. It was a very fun experience. It definitely helped wake me up!
It IS cash-only, but I have come to discover that almost ALL my favorite places in Arlington are cash-only. -
Review from Sarah H.
A must -try bagel place in DC. If I lived here I'd be a regular. It's right across the street from the metro too.. how convenient is that?! They also have a private parking lot in the back.. how convenient is that x2?!
Bagels are baked fresh every morning and there's a good selection of breads, spreads, and combos to choose from. The BACON, EGG, AND CHEESE on GARLIC BAGEL is addicting.
Grab an orange juice or coffee to pair with your bagel.
Can't wait to come here again when I visit DC.
yummy yummy yummy. -
Review from Hannah A.
Arlington, VA
6/26/2011 3 Check-ins Here
This place has a long line in the morning, but fear not: the efficient staff behind the counter keep things moving pretty quickly. Also the bagels - crusty on the outside and chewy on the inside - are totally worth the wait.
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Review from Elina T.
2/20/2011
Only bagel place in the DC area that serves authentic, NY-style bagels. I can judge 'cause I'm from Brooklyn!
The bagels are always fresh (you can see the staff making them in the back) and, even though it's always packed in the mornings, they take your order very fast and never mess it up. I always get the bagel with lox and they give you a very generous portion of lox as well. Their sandwiches are very good also, I like the Coney Island.
The owner is also really friendly and he works the line just like anybody else. He always recognizes us when we come in. -
Review from Debi M.
Arlington, VA
3/4/2011
I've been to many bagel shops. I even have my go-to-bagel-shop place back home that I miss dearly. This place it's as amazing as everyone makes it seem.. It's cute, they have lots of yummy drink choices and menu items, and the service is quick. I like that it's quick. However, if I'm gonna pay for lox, I expect some lox. They always seem to jip me and it's never enough to fill the bagel. I've also notice (with egg bagel sandwiches) the egg is like only like 1/2 the size of the bagel. Which leaves extra bread. Yeah, the bagel itself is okay, but I don't want just bread. If I did I'd just order a plain bagel for 1/4 of the price than a whole sandwich. However, this place is the only place I found near me that serves lox. So I'll be back...I guess.
Oh yes, CASH ONLY, which sucks. -
Review from Autumn B.
Falls Church, VA
4/9/2011
I stumbled into this place driving down Wilson Blvd and I noticed a line out the door on a Saturday morning. I found a spot and moseyed in. They've got a broad selection of bagels and sandwiches they make for any meal.
Since it was morning, I had a sausage, egg & cheese and it was divine! The BLT is wonderful, as are the bagels & lox, as I've discovered on subsequent visits.
I've found its easiest to park in the courthouse parking lot rather than try to find street parking. This place is a great spot for breakfast on the weekend, though be prepared for crowds. -
Review from Meghan B.
Washington, DC
1/15/2011
The bagels are absolutely delicious, and you can watch them make them while you eat. I had an egg and cheese on wheat with hot sauce and ketchup two days in a row because it was just that good.
It's a small restaurant and always seems to be packed (especially on New Year's Day morning haha), but the line moves very quickly. The workers have a great system down.
One thing I didn't like -- the first time I went I asked for lettuce and tomato on my bagel also, and somehow that led to an extra $1.50 charge. That seemed steep given that the egg and cheese is closer to $3.00 or $3.50 by itself. So, I would just order an actual sandwich bagel that already comes with some veggies on it if that's what you want to beat the extra charge. -
Review from May T.
Silver Spring, MD
2/20/2011
Seriously the best bagel I have ever had. Their everything bagel has toppings on the bottom of their bagel as well as the top. It's got airy pockets and it's perfectly chewy. Really no need to toast unless you're eating it a day or two old.
I showed up 10 minutes before they opened and they didn't look the slightest bit annoyed.
LOVE THEM. -
Review from Ryan F.
Arlington, VA
3/6/2011
After a raucous night out, most weekend mornings I'm feelin a bit less spry than I usually do. After waking up and completing the 3 S's I like to mosey my way into Brooklyn Bagel for some dank doughy deliciousness. The bacon, egg, and Cheese is my path the enlightenment and a more pleasant day.
Sure the bagel folk are a bit surly (except the cute cashier), but you're probably being an retard holding up the line. So don't hold up the line, we all need our goddamn bagels! Don't make me have to choke a bitch! -
Review from Melissa F.
Arlington, VA
12/19/2010
Five stars for NYC bagel authenticity. As a native New Yorker, this is where I go when I crave a bagel and cream cheese that doesn't need to be toasted to taste good. If you know neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens, you'll get an extra kick out of realizing that the names of the sandwiches are spot on (e.g., the Howard Beach for an Italian one with mozzarella, roasted peppers, etc.).
As folks have mentioned, you should know what you want when you approach the counter. For some this may seem rude - to me it feels like home, and helps ensure that service is speedy. If you follow the rules, you'll actually find service to be friendly :)
Ooh and try the fresh squeezed OJ - it's worth the price! -
Review from kab k.
Brooklyn, NY
7/30/2010
Best bagel spot in the area! From breakfast sandwiches to the surprisingly delicious pizza bagel for lunch - it's worth a visit. It's incredible how the staff keeps all the orders going with the crowds on the weekends, but I've never seen them make a mistake.
Note: Cash only. Seating is tight but there's high turnover. -
Review from Amanda C.
Arlington, VA
8/5/2011
Soft and doughy, just the way I like them! A very reasonably-priced place to get a toasted bagel with cream cheese, coffee, and fresh-squeezed OJ. We love going here on Saturday mornings and then walking over to the Courthouse Farmers Market.
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Review from Michelle H.
Arlington, VA
7/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
The best bagels made locally. Not to soft or doughy, good selection of flavors.
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Review from Sandi W.
10/7/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I love their custom sandwiches. Roast beef and provolone on wheat for me please!
The ordering process can be a pain though. Most of the guys do not speak English and it can be hard to communicate your order at times. I kept telling one guy, DO NOT toast my bread over and over - huh? The guy next to him even relayed my message and he still didn't understand. As he was about to throw my bread in the toaster, I had to yell over the counter, NO TOAST! I hate having to do that...
Otherwise, the sandwiches are good, generous, and cheap compared to other options in the area.
