Is there anything more satisfying than a bagel? The gentle toastiness of the outer crust, the pillowy, doughy goodness hiding on the inside, all topped with a heaping schmear of silky cream cheese. Flawless in its simplest form yet equally as delicious when stuffed with different fillings, bagels are one of the few perfect foods out there, and in the Twin Cities, we have a few select spots that do them justice. Here’s where to find perfect versions of a perfect food in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
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Where to Find the Best Bagels in the Twin Cities
Crusty, chewy, and spilling over with a good schmear

1. St. Paul Bagelry
Roseville, MN 55113
St. Paul Bagelry is a local favorite, known for their fluffy bagels with just the right amount of chew. Keep it simple with a salt bagel and classic cream cheese or experiment unexpected flavors with a sun dried tomato bagel topped with an olive pimento schmear - either way, it’ll be delicious.
2. Rise Bagel Co.
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Set in the heart of the North Loop neighborhood, Rise has made a splash in the Twin Cities culinary scene for combining an old-world approach to bagel cookery with a trendy, vegan-friendly menu. Grab a rosemary bagel with scallion cream cheese to go, or take a seat and enjoy something a little more adventurous like the Wonton - a toasted sesame bagel loaded with jalapeño cream cheese, sweet and sour sauce, hot mustard and crispy wontons.
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3. Common Roots Cafe
Minneapolis, MN 55405
Common Roots sets their bagels apart by using the best local, organic ingredients they can find. Don’t miss out on their classic bagel with lox - an open-faced bagel piled high with velvety cream cheese, briny capers, fresh veggies and Nova Scotia lox.
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4. Asa's Bakery
Minneapolis, MN 55407
Artist turned baker Asa Diebolt opened this cozy bakery in 2019 after running as a farmer’s market stand for several years. Locals from across the Twin Cities come flocking to Asa’s for a warm New-York style bagel or bialys, the bagel’s roasted onion-filled cousin. Get your order in by Friday for pickup the following Thursday.
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5. Cecil's
St Paul, MN 55116
A St. Paul institution, Cecil’s Deli has been serving sandwiches, soups, and (of course) bagels since 1949. Though everything served is delicious in its own merit, the bagel and egg sandwich is particularly drool-worthy: a toasty, buttery bagel filled with a lacy fried egg and house-made pastrami, all topped with melty cheese.