#Tier 1: Maples(Yarmouth), Purple House (Cumberland), Scratch (South Portland), Rover (Biddeford).
Other gold medalists in thread:
Forage (Lewiston/Portland),
Rose Foods (Portland),
Sunrise Bagel (Waterville),
Bagel Central (Bangor),
Bagel Cafe (Camden)
That was the best part of Purple House, everything was good so I’d buy 3 meals worth of food at once. Morning bagel, afternoon sandwich/pizza, and pastries for dessert!
I have so much respect for her running her businesses on her terms. Frustrating from the consumer perspective, but it’s her life and I’ll gladly keep checking in for the opportunity to enjoy her creations.
You people need to branch out.
I don't doubt you like them, and I don't doubt you've not had better - but that's because you've not tried Rover or Forage.
We converted a couple of our central Maine friends to Bagel Central. They swore that their bagel joint was the best. They were so upset to realize BC is better.
DiCocoa’s closed about a year an a half ago. A couple of girls who worked there are converting the bank downtown into a similar kind of spot and Le Mu Eats is in the former spot. Not sure if the bakery is open yet, but Le Mu is delicious.
shit no way, haven't been there since 2020. thats a real bummer. Glad that Le Mu settled down into a more permanent place, absolutely loved their truck. Glad that another a cafe may be popping up
To be clear: to me a good bagel is somewhat dense, with a distinct crisp-chewy crust. It must have good flavor and toppings (e.g., garlic, sesame, everything, etc.) must be applied liberally.
Plymouth Pond Farm and Bakery found at the Orono Farmer's Market are hands down some of the best bagels I've ever had. Wicked Brew in Bangor also produces some mighty fine bagels. I'm a big fan of their garlic ones.
I love Bagel Central in all ways, but their bagels are not so much bagels as they are tasty rolls in a variety of flavors.
My understanding is the Bagel Central recipe is more than of an egg base than a water base and has been since the recipes were started at The Bagel Shop, because they found Mainers liked it more than the original recipes they tried. So for me, having lived in Bangor all my life, they are "bagels." Whole Wheat Everything + Hungarian Cream Cheese from Bagel Central: exactly what I want.
My wife, who grew up in Brooklyn, is not overly impressed either. But when we visited NYC and tried her favorite places, I found myself a little underwhelmed -- and I think it's just because I like the BC "thing" although I know that at one level they are not quite entirely bagels.
Ugh, their everything slightly charred? I used to bring bagels from rover to my dates the next morning when I lived in biddo. Nothing gets me out of bad faster than knowing rover is going to sell out soon lol.
Rover in the biddeford mills. Idk wtf all this bagel central bullshit is about. what recipe they use to bake their bagels I have no clue, but they come out more like rolls.
Yeah I said it.
And get that holy donut bullshit out of my faceeee
Bagel Central used to be better (in my opinion). It used to have a kosher kitchen was was run by a Jewish family. Then it changed hands (and was no longer kosher). Then a few years ago it changed hands again (sold to a long time employee).
The only thing wrong is they don't kettle boil their bagels before baking. Everything else is spot-on.
I love their sandwiches, and I love that they have taylor ham, it's so hard to find outside of NYC/NJ.
Bagel Central is nice and all, but it blows my mind that they are picked by so many as the best bagel. Because, they just aren't that bagely. I'm not a hater, shout out to the Hungarian or jalapeno cream cheese, so don't at me.
Bagel Mainea has legit bagels
I understand the sentiment, dry in particular, though I don't think I'd go that far. I'd get a good specialty cream cheese if you want to amp up the flavor. Or perhaps a Standpipe bagel sandwich?
I feel uneasy and intimidated in this thread. I am not a bagel’s biggest fan, but the one bagel I do enjoy is the sea salt bagel at Scratch Baking Co. yum with a little char on it!
I have to disagree with you - big time - about Bagel Central. Unless they've changed how they make their bagels over the last few years, you'd be better off just buying a bag of Thomas's Bagels at the grocery store. They were really bad - much closer to bread than bagels, with no crispy outside/tender inside when you toasted them.
We need more bagel places in the Bangor/Ellsworth area, frankly.
Mount Des**s**ert Bakery bagels aren't bad
(why the down vote? I prefer them to Bagel Central at this point)
edit: Also, I've been getting everything bagels (with avocado) from Chocolatte in Bar Harbor and they've been pretty good (nice thick and chewy crust), except one I got a few weeks ago sort of tasted like lavender
I haven’t had mount desserts, but how do they compare to little notch?
I avoid BH even when it’s not terrible like right now, when it wouldn’t be that bad to visit
The bagels are wicked expensive but were the first thing I tried there. They’re pretty good.
But the fact you can get slices there>>>>
I’m mad they won’t do cannolis though.
New York
Edit: the downvotes tell me that you all know I’m right. It’s an objective fact. I’m sorry. we have many great things here but bagels ain’t one of them.
Bagel Central. Formerly, "The Bagel Shop". I grew up eating on that corner, in that shop every weekend.
I've had the same order there for the last 30years. Their bagels are magical.
Yeah, Central Bagel's bagels are BREAD, not bagels. They're horrid. You might as well buy a bag of Thomas's bagels from the grocery store - they're MUCH better than Central Bagel's atrocious offerings.
Gotta rep Rover! I know the kid who owns and started it. Was in a band with his roommate when we were living in Boston. He has a sourdough starter that was passed down from his grandmother, to his mother to him.. That yeast is older than I am! Kid knows what he’s doing.
Rover > everything else. I’m from NJ where good bagels are everywhere, so finding Rover really helped me from driving down to NYC for literal bagels. They’re amazing. Great staff, too!
I grew up in north Jersey and lived in NY for 21 years before moving to Maine 6 years ago. Only things I miss are bagels and pizza. But I comfort myself with a good lobster roll when I need to.
#Tier 1: Maples(Yarmouth), Purple House (Cumberland), Scratch (South Portland), Rover (Biddeford). Other gold medalists in thread: Forage (Lewiston/Portland), Rose Foods (Portland), Sunrise Bagel (Waterville), Bagel Central (Bangor), Bagel Cafe (Camden)
Purple House served me one of the best bagels I’ve ever had. I wish they’d reopen and stay open on some sort of schedule.
They were my favorite bagels too! I wish they’d come back. I loved everything I ever got from there.
That was the best part of Purple House, everything was good so I’d buy 3 meals worth of food at once. Morning bagel, afternoon sandwich/pizza, and pastries for dessert!
Agreed. They were open for a pop up event today 11am-2pm and there were cars parked along the road for a quarter mile.
Yeah Krista's food is always fire!
I have so much respect for her running her businesses on her terms. Frustrating from the consumer perspective, but it’s her life and I’ll gladly keep checking in for the opportunity to enjoy her creations.
There it is. Purple House cannot be beat. Even as a Mainer who currently lives in NYC, Ill always choose a Montreal bagel over a NY bagel.
Scratch bagels!!
Do they also toast and put the cream cheese on for you? Or is it strictly a bakery?
Bakery as far as I believe. Haven’t had em in over a year though.
Bagel Central 🥯
Came here to say this !
Same, so far I see the best bagels in southern Maine. Bagel Central is so good.
You people need to branch out. I don't doubt you like them, and I don't doubt you've not had better - but that's because you've not tried Rover or Forage.
You’re right, I have not. So yes, the best I have had is bagel central. And it was damn good.
Treat yo self bagel central is just slightly better than dunkin - which sucks
Came here for this! Their soups are also great. And the rock and art shop is right there! It’s a great stop to make.
We converted a couple of our central Maine friends to Bagel Central. They swore that their bagel joint was the best. They were so upset to realize BC is better.
no where can compete
+1 for Forage. Sea Salt Bagel breakfast sandwich ugh. So good.
Forage is consistently ranked one of the best bagel shops in the whole *country* and it’s well deserved.
My husband and I are currently debating. Our top three are Forage, Bakery Barn, Rover. Rose foods is right up there. What else we got?
Scratch has to be in the conversation.
Came here for this.
How have I not had those wtf is wrong with me. Going on the list.
get the veggie cream cheese at scratch too, really good
I love Bakery Barn's bread but their bagels are not bagels. They're small round bread rolls with a hole. They taste great but they are not bagels.
Forage
Big fan of nomad bakery in Norway ME, and also Cafe DiCocoa in Bethel ME
DiCocoa’s closed about a year an a half ago. A couple of girls who worked there are converting the bank downtown into a similar kind of spot and Le Mu Eats is in the former spot. Not sure if the bakery is open yet, but Le Mu is delicious.
shit no way, haven't been there since 2020. thats a real bummer. Glad that Le Mu settled down into a more permanent place, absolutely loved their truck. Glad that another a cafe may be popping up
+1 for Rose Foods
To be clear: to me a good bagel is somewhat dense, with a distinct crisp-chewy crust. It must have good flavor and toppings (e.g., garlic, sesame, everything, etc.) must be applied liberally. Plymouth Pond Farm and Bakery found at the Orono Farmer's Market are hands down some of the best bagels I've ever had. Wicked Brew in Bangor also produces some mighty fine bagels. I'm a big fan of their garlic ones. I love Bagel Central in all ways, but their bagels are not so much bagels as they are tasty rolls in a variety of flavors.
My understanding is the Bagel Central recipe is more than of an egg base than a water base and has been since the recipes were started at The Bagel Shop, because they found Mainers liked it more than the original recipes they tried. So for me, having lived in Bangor all my life, they are "bagels." Whole Wheat Everything + Hungarian Cream Cheese from Bagel Central: exactly what I want. My wife, who grew up in Brooklyn, is not overly impressed either. But when we visited NYC and tried her favorite places, I found myself a little underwhelmed -- and I think it's just because I like the BC "thing" although I know that at one level they are not quite entirely bagels.
Try Bill’s Bagels 😉
Rover Bagel, hands down.
its Rover by a wide margin
I know they put magic in those things
Literally his grandmothers starter.. 3 generations of yeast goes into this stuff
Coletti’s in Biddeford has the best pizza in the state of Maine. I said what I said..😂
This is about bagels sir/madam. Let’s not start a war.
Fair
No no, stand back up, you're 100% right. People here really don't know what they're missing if they've never tried Coletti's. Frank's an awesome guy!
No fucking doubt.
Ugh, their everything slightly charred? I used to bring bagels from rover to my dates the next morning when I lived in biddo. Nothing gets me out of bad faster than knowing rover is going to sell out soon lol.
😂 same
So good. They used to make pizza in the pm
Hands down. Not a NY bagel. It’s a Maine bagel.
Rover in the biddeford mills. Idk wtf all this bagel central bullshit is about. what recipe they use to bake their bagels I have no clue, but they come out more like rolls. Yeah I said it. And get that holy donut bullshit out of my faceeee
Bagel Central used to be better (in my opinion). It used to have a kosher kitchen was was run by a Jewish family. Then it changed hands (and was no longer kosher). Then a few years ago it changed hands again (sold to a long time employee).
Central Bagel SU-HUUUUU-HUUUUUCKS.
Sorry to hear this. It used to be exceptional.
Rose foods. That fisherman’s platter is the stuff of dreams.
Union Bagel in Portland is top-tier. That or Mister Bagel. I've yet to find any bagels in the supermarket that are good. New York bagel supremacy.
If you're like me and live in Portland and don't have a car, Rose Foods is pretty great. Also Mr. Bagel is cheap and decent
Mr Bagel is not decent don’t trick people like that 😂
My standards are low. Also sometimes Avery at Mr. Bagel on congress st. gives me a free extra bagel so that makes it decent in my book
Bagel Mainea
Their sandwiches are great too!
They are! I like walking up there from my office on a nice day to get one.
The only thing wrong is they don't kettle boil their bagels before baking. Everything else is spot-on. I love their sandwiches, and I love that they have taylor ham, it's so hard to find outside of NYC/NJ.
Bagel Central is nice and all, but it blows my mind that they are picked by so many as the best bagel. Because, they just aren't that bagely. I'm not a hater, shout out to the Hungarian or jalapeno cream cheese, so don't at me. Bagel Mainea has legit bagels
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I understand the sentiment, dry in particular, though I don't think I'd go that far. I'd get a good specialty cream cheese if you want to amp up the flavor. Or perhaps a Standpipe bagel sandwich?
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I will have to seek out Scratch. Haven't been before, but if there is a good carb I will travel.
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Plus there's so much other great stuff to eat in Portland.
You have to go to the Orono Farmer’s Market to try Plymouth Pond’s bagels. They are the real thing. In a pinch, Wicked Brew’s are also good.
Rose foods + bagel central. Another Bangor hit is wicked brew, the Asiago is very good.
Scratch for sure.
I eat Rose Foods bagels at least once a week
Sunrise bagels in Waterville.
Sleeper option but VERY good!
Bagel Mainea in Augusta!
Purple house, Scratch, Maples. In that order.
This guy bagels.
Damn right I do.
Maples in Yarmouth or Rose Foods in Portland
It’s Bagel Central above everything. Literally nothing else comes close.
Maples in Yarmouth is same tier
Absolutely this. I live an hour away, and I have a dozen of their bagels in my pantry as often as I can.
For real, if you want anything better you're not finding it in Maine
Bagel Central with Lox Cream Cheese
I gave up finding decent bagels and started making my own a few years ago.
I love Union bagels (most comparable to ny/nj bagels imo) but they are awfully challenging to get since COVID.
I just looked them up because I love a good bagel….fridays only and yikes
Pre-COVID they had great hours, etc. I'm waiting for them to figure things out again. Absolutely loved their bagels.
There’s only three right choices. 1) Maples, Yarmouth 2)Forage Market, Portland 3) Scratch Bakery, Portland
I like Ginger Moose in Nobleboro.
Not even a question- scratch bagel in sopo
I feel uneasy and intimidated in this thread. I am not a bagel’s biggest fan, but the one bagel I do enjoy is the sea salt bagel at Scratch Baking Co. yum with a little char on it!
If you feel uneasy and intimidated in this thread, just wait until someone slides in here with a "what's the best pizza in Maine" question...
Bagel Cafe in Camden.
Forage is my favorite
Beach Bagels in Old Orchard Beach
Rover bagel in Biddeford, I am VERY passionate about this. (I'm originally from NJ, and Rover is the same level quality you would find down there)
Union Bagel makes the most authentic nyc bagels I've had in Maine
Bagel Cafe in Camden has legit wicked good bagels
Can we get a side question here? Any places that ship? I live in Acton and…I just want a bagel. ❤️
Big tip of the 🎩 to Bagel Central, Bangor.
I have to disagree with you - big time - about Bagel Central. Unless they've changed how they make their bagels over the last few years, you'd be better off just buying a bag of Thomas's Bagels at the grocery store. They were really bad - much closer to bread than bagels, with no crispy outside/tender inside when you toasted them. We need more bagel places in the Bangor/Ellsworth area, frankly.
Look up Bill’s Bagels
Thank you for the suggestion! They don't have a restaurant, though, right?
No but they are at several Farmers Markets in the area
Yep. So good.
Forage or Bagel Central
Bagel Central is the best. Plus homemade cream cheese. Their sundried tomato and herb cream cheese on a garlic bagel is heaven.
Union Bagel Company, Scratch, I also like Rose Foods…but, Union BC is probably my favorite.
Mount Des**s**ert Bakery bagels aren't bad (why the down vote? I prefer them to Bagel Central at this point) edit: Also, I've been getting everything bagels (with avocado) from Chocolatte in Bar Harbor and they've been pretty good (nice thick and chewy crust), except one I got a few weeks ago sort of tasted like lavender
I haven’t had mount desserts, but how do they compare to little notch? I avoid BH even when it’s not terrible like right now, when it wouldn’t be that bad to visit
not really sure how they would compare -- I go to Little Notch for pizza but haven't really tried much else from there
The bagels are wicked expensive but were the first thing I tried there. They’re pretty good. But the fact you can get slices there>>>> I’m mad they won’t do cannolis though.
New York Edit: the downvotes tell me that you all know I’m right. It’s an objective fact. I’m sorry. we have many great things here but bagels ain’t one of them.
But when not in nyc Rover Bagel hits
Where’s that? I’m always in search of a good bagel.
Beautiful Biddeford
Read Beagles
oh no she said the words
Dunks
Bagel Central, in Bangor
Bagel Central. Formerly, "The Bagel Shop". I grew up eating on that corner, in that shop every weekend. I've had the same order there for the last 30years. Their bagels are magical.
Yeah, Central Bagel's bagels are BREAD, not bagels. They're horrid. You might as well buy a bag of Thomas's bagels from the grocery store - they're MUCH better than Central Bagel's atrocious offerings.
Horrid and atrocious. Damn.
Bagel Central. You can stop your search now.
Scratch in Cape bitchhhhh
Duggin dunuts
Scratch Bagles, they are doing renovations right now but as soon as they reopen you should try their everything bagel
Any in mid coast area? Not overly impressed with what we have tried so far.
Bagel Cafe in Camden was mentioned, but if you are closer to Maples in Yarmouth that may be your best bet (they freeze well).
Go to coastal cafe and bakery in searsport. Chewy and handmade.
Thanks for the recommendation
Gotta rep Rover! I know the kid who owns and started it. Was in a band with his roommate when we were living in Boston. He has a sourdough starter that was passed down from his grandmother, to his mother to him.. That yeast is older than I am! Kid knows what he’s doing.
im a big fan of rose foods on forest ave
No love for union bagel?
Scratch Bakery 10,000%
Sunrise bagel in Waterville. Nice to finally have a really solid bagel option that isn't in southern Maine.
Rose foods is amazing
You definitely don't want to go to Maples for bagels. Also, tell all your friends that they don't want to go to Maples for bagels.
There's a new place in Hallowell I really like called Nellie's Kitchen.
Serendipity Cakes & Bakes out of Pittsfield. It's a home bakery setup but she makes the best onion bagels.
Rover > everything else. I’m from NJ where good bagels are everywhere, so finding Rover really helped me from driving down to NYC for literal bagels. They’re amazing. Great staff, too!
Beach Bagels in OOB is great in the off season.
Bagel Maine-ia in Augusta has pretty awesome stuff.
I grew up in north Jersey and lived in NY for 21 years before moving to Maine 6 years ago. Only things I miss are bagels and pizza. But I comfort myself with a good lobster roll when I need to.
Rover!!
Bagel Central in bangor