We may not boast the number of bagel shops that New York City does, but Music City sure has its gems. If you’re looking to get that crispy-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside, cream cheese-smothered, perfectly-golden fix — keep drooling er, we mean reading.
Proper Bagel
It’s no surprise that Proper Bagel made the list. The owners are from New York and even fly smoked fish in directly from Brooklyn. Pro tip: Try a bialy when you visit — it’s Proper’s specialty.
H&S Bagels
This shop prides itself on delivering a true New York bagel to Nashvillians using hand-rolled dough, family recipes, and NYC water. Fun fact: Owner Hector Sanchez could hand-roll 520 bagels in 45 minutes back when he made bagels in New Jersey.
Mr. Aaron’s Goods
Pro tip: Mr. Aaron’s often sells out. You can preorder a variety of bagels and schmears on the website for next day pickup at TKO (4204 Gallatin Pk.) to guarantee you get what you’re craving.
Be sure to follow Bagelshop on Instagram for special events like collabs and workshops. | Photo by Casey Mabry via Bagelshop
Bagelshop
Get hand-rolled bagels served fresh daily at Bagelshop’s Donelson digs. The shop is open seven days a week and offers bagels, schmears, sandwiches, and coffee. Bonus: Remote work is made easy with free parking and plenty of outlets.
Star Bagel
Star Bagel serves up an extensive menu of bagels, smoothies, bakery items, and more. Located in Sylvan Park, this spot has plenty of bagel flavors and signature sandwiches to mix and match.
Crieve Hall Bagel Co.
You’ll understand why this mom-and-pop shop gets rave reviews after you try a fresh sourdough bagel. Pro tip: Guests in town? Order in bulk with half dozen and baker’s dozen options.
Mitchell Deli
Mitchell Deli specializes in sandwiches, so you know the bagel sandwiches are worth the trip. Even though the breakfast bar closes at 11 a.m., some bagels are available all day. Order ahead or grab a seat at one of the East Nashville spot’s many tables.
Elegy Coffee
Build your own breakfast sandwich at this coffee shop with locations in East Nashville, Germantown, and downtown. Plain, everything, and jalapeno and cheddar bagels are available + Elegy has options to accommodate vegan and vegetarian diets.
Sam and Zoe’s
Find this quaint cafe in Berry Hill offering a variety of ways to eat a bagel that pair well with a cup of joe. A couple of standout items include the Breakfast Burger on a bagel — loaded with veggie sausage and spicy mustard — and the Lox and Cream Cheese.
Jersey Oven
Jersey Oven will transport you from Mt. Juliet to bagel shops of the Northeast. Expect hand-rolled boiled bagels and plenty of sandwiches, like the specialty pork roll with egg and cheese grilled on a bagel.
Benji’s Bagel & Coffee House
Venture to West Nashville — and stay awhile if you want to WFH. There’s a parking lot behind the building and ample tables to work from. We ordered The Rise & Shine sandwich with chili crunch cream cheese, fried egg, cheddar, and bacon.
51st Deli
Breakfast is served all day at this deli, which has locations in the Nations and West End. Our pick: The “Beta-Feta” sandwich — egg, tomato, avocado, and feta on an everything bagel.
All or Nothing Bagels
Find these sourdough wood-fired bagels for pick-up out of All or Nothing’s dreamy Airstream at 1102 Riverside Dr. If you’re not sure what to order, just know that the gravlax is house-cured and hand-sliced + the schmears are homemade.
Ugly Bagel
The shop opened inside The Arcade in late 2024 with hopes to “embrace the art of imperfection and celebrate individuality.” Expect a fully customizable menu of hand-rolled bagels, including vegan options and a monthly flavor drop. Plus, don’t miss a peek into the “rolling window.”
Tower Market and Deli
You’ve got nearly 10 options of curated breakfast bagel delights at this East Nashville spot. We’re eyeing the Tower Bagel Supreme with lox, cream cheese, tomato, capers, and red onions. Bonus: Tower Deli also serves Bongo Java coffee.
615 Deli
A Google review calls 615 Deli the “Elvis Presley of delis, the king.” As for a bagel sammy? We’ll let this cheese pull tell you everything you need to know.
