We’ve compiled an essential guide that promises to lead you on a tantalizing adventure, unveiling the finest bagel destinations in Portland. Whether you’re in the mood for beloved classics or artisanal innovations, our guide guarantees that you can fearlessly navigate the city’s bagel scene, relishing every delicious bite along your journey.
In the early morning hours while much of Portland is still asleep, the bakers at Forage Market kindle a fire in their brick oven, a three-hour ritual to reach the ideal bagel-baking temperature. These handcrafted bagels undergo meticulous preparation, beginning with hand-rolling the dough, followed by a two-day aging process for enhanced flavor. A generous application of wild yeast starter precedes a gentle boiling, and then they rest near the lively oven’s flames, baking to perfection with a delightful crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior. As the day begins, these freshly baked bagels are ready to satisfy the eager crowds who kick start their mornings with Forage Market’s delicious creations.
Rose Foods debuted in July 2017, a decade after Chad Conley, the owner, was first introduced to the Lower East Side by his then-girlfriend and now-wife, Rachel. The idea of opening a bagel shop in Portland had its roots in that initial encounter, evolving over the years as Chad’s appreciation for Jewish cuisine grew through countless meals with Rachel and her family. Chad’s prior experience with Palace Diner in Biddeford convinced him that Portland would warmly embrace a daytime restaurant. In his own home kitchen, Chad crafted the 2023 Portland, Maine award-winning bagel recipe that would become the cornerstone of Rose Foods, turning a dream into a delicious reality!
Since 2012, Union Bagel Company has been on a mission to bring the finest traditional bagels to Portland, Maine. Their unwavering dedication to this goal, coupled with a strong commitment to building a business that thrives within and supports the local community, defines Union Bagel Company’s success story.
Founded by owner and baker Paul Farrell and originally operating out of the Portland Public Market, Union Bagel Company has evolved into a beloved fixture in Portland. Their journey has been marked by sheer determination, creativity, and the invaluable support of friends, family, and the local community. These bagels proudly showcase robust flavors and a delightful texture achieved through the use of quality ingredients, organic flour, and time-honored recipes. The outcome is an authentic bagel experience.
Dutch’s is a charming restaurant specializing in homemade breakfast and lunch, conveniently situated in the heart of downtown. Owners Lucy and Ian Dutch, take pride in crafting nearly everything from scratch, ensuring that each bite delivers the comforting essence of a home-cooked meal. Whether you opt for the generously loaded hash browns or indulge in the irresistible cinnamon rolls, you can’t go wrong with any choice from their menu. However, here’s a local tip: don’t underestimate their bagels, even though they may not be the star of the show. Make sure to savor these crispy, flaky bagels, and for an extra kick, drizzle them with Dutch’s ever so popular hot sauce!
If you happen to find yourself in Portland’s charming West End and have a hankering for a delicious breakfast sandwich, look no further than Ohno Cafe! Not only do they serve fantastic bagels, but they also offer an expanding selection of beers and wines. Interestingly, there’s a rumor circulating that the building that houses Ohno Cafe has a historical past as a speakeasy during the Prohibition era.
In 1977, Rick and Gail Hartglass, originally hailing from Brooklyn, made history by establishing Maine’s very first bagel bakery on Forest Avenue. Rick, recognizing the need to introduce Maine to the authentic New York bagel, embarked on this culinary endeavor. Over the years, Mister Bagel has evolved from a humble neighborhood bakery into a bustling city bakery, serving both wholesale and retail customers. During the bagel craze of the 1980s, Rick expanded his reach by launching satellite locations in Portland’s neighboring areas and other towns across Maine. The foundation of their success lies in the use of high-quality natural ingredients and adhering to the traditional boil and bake method. They credit the exceptional taste of their bagels to the pristine water supply of Portland.
