1.) Rosemont Market and Bakery, Sea Salt Bagel: These are not New York bagels. But baked fresh every day, they are fluffier and lighter, softer on the outside and every bit as satisfying. For only 95 cents, these tasty morsels are just about perfect. Staff writer Amanda Pleau reports that patrons have been known to eat them plain, untoasted, right in the store. 580 Brighton Ave.
2.) 158 Pickett Street Café, Garlic Bagel: Bagels at 158 have become something of a legend in the Greater Portland Area. But, their bagels — though delightful — vary in quality depending on the amount of experience/sleep the baker has. They are a perfect platform for sandwiches though, and the café is a short walk from Willard Beach. Beaches and bagels: a near perfect match. 158 Pickett St. South Portland
3.) The Works Bakery Café, The Works Bagel: Their eponymous puts other “everything” bagels to shame. Every millimeter of these shiny boiled bagels is covered with onion, garlic, salt, caraway, poppy and sesame seeds — even the hole. 15 Temple St.
4.) Botto’s Bakery, bialy: You might know Botto’s bagels because they supply all of the Mr. Bagel locations in Maine. But don’t hold that against them; their no-hole bagel, the bialy, is different because instead of a hole, there’s a depression filled with onion goodness. 550 Washington Ave.
5.) Nate Chasse’s Wood Fired Baking: Nate Chasse’s bagels are the next big thing. Right now he makes home deliveries once a week (6 bagels, plain or everything for $9), or you can get them through a Jordan’s Farm year-round farm share. Trust us, a year from now you’ll be bragging to all of your friends that you’ve been enjoying these bagels since forever ago. Orders at [email protected]