Balena Bagels
3805 Willow Ave, Pittsburgh, PA
Crema's Take
“Balena Bagels is turning heads in Pittsburgh's South Hills with bagels that locals swear rival Montreal standards, boasting a devoted following who keep coming back for the genuine quality and care behind every batch. The intimate, no-frills shop pairs those exceptional bagels with genuinely friendly staff and a welcoming vibe that works equally well for a quick morning grab or settling in with your laptop and family, making it feel less like a trendy spot and more like discovering a beloved neighborhood secret.”
What to expect
Classic coffee drinks done right. A laptop-friendly, quick-grab spot, good for meetings. Pastries and light food on the menu. Family friendly.
Google Reviews
I am by no means a bagel expert but I do love them, and even more importantly my wife and toddlers love them. There is just something different about this place and their product. This is not going to be yet another comparison to NY/NJ bagels because I have no experience in…
I am a local and have been to Balena 10+ times. Love the store & the staff is always super friendly. Bagels are great. However a few months ago I realized that the $2.20 for the schmear is an absolute joke. I’m pretty sure it is one person on the staff who is the issue but don’t…
Love that we have a great bagel shop in the area! Pros: delicious bagels, nice staff, cute little shop that is tight but I kind of like it - it feels like you just popped into a little bagel shop in NYC and it's always bustling Cons: sell out very early, I wish they could up…
Umm what?? Excuse me?? We have bagels this good in PA? In Pittsburgh?? In the south hills?? How? This would give Montreal a run for their money. Pigeon bagels in the city is vastly overrated (with a line down the block, but no line here!!). See those bubbles? That's proper…
Pretty good bagel selection- reminded me of Pigeon bagels. They may actually be associated with them. Unfortunately we came for bacon egg and cheese and they were out of bacon. Nice selection of interesting cream cheese flavors.
Crema Reviews
You might also like
Brother Andre's Cafe - City Center
★ 5.0 (195)
Brother Andre's pours generous, high-quality coffee with a purpose—every cup…
Trolley Barn Eatery
★ 4.7 (413)
Trolley Barn Eatery is a beloved neighborhood diner where the walls tell…
Cafe Flore
★ 4.8 (43)
Cafe Flore captures old-world European charm right in Pittsburgh, with…
Nicky's Grant Street
★ 4.5 (197)
Tucked away on the second floor of a Grant Street office building, Nicky's is…