Boichik Bagels

Gotten their bagels multiple times but honestly don’t get the hype. Bagels aren’t really fluffy the way New York bagels are and price can add up depending on toppings and I don’t find it that worth it. They do a good job with the amount of cream cheese they put in though. Lines can be long on weekends!

Boichik has always been a great breakfast place, and I have always loved their bagels. Unfortunately today, I ordered a bagel with nutella and was very surprised at the amount of nutella that they gave me. Disappointed.

This is in the old Noah’s bagel shop from many years ago. I tried it out to see how it compared, and the bagels are good, but there is not as good of a selection, and the atmosphere inside is not the same. There is no place to eat, so it’s just to grab stuff and leave, but if you were in the area and are looking for bagels, this is a good option.

This was my first visit to this obviously very popular bagel shop, I wish I had been forewarned other than being told this was the best bagel shop in or near Oakland. First it was difficult to find parking near the shop, I eventually found parking on a side street 5 minutes away, then when I got to the location there was a line of 6 or 8 people waiting patiently in the cold to place an order to a person with a computer and remote credit card terminal sitting outside the left side of the front door of the restaurant. No customers were being allowed into the shop. As the line continued to grow longer a second remote ordering station was added on the right of the front door. Orders were taken at these terminals and then fulfilled and brought out of the front door to waiting customers. Perhaps they had a flood or a fire in the restaurant so they were staying open as best they could, but there were no signs of anything except people waiting. Ah yes, the bagels. Yes, they were good and the choice of fillings we’re very good, but I cannot say they are that much better than a coffee shop closer than a 20 minute drive where I can sit down and drink a cappuccino while waiting for my bagel to be prepared.

I finally understand what the hype and awards are about when it comes to Boichik Bagels, this place was delicious! The bagel quality here definitely matches those on the east coast so I’m glad to have found a local bagel spot for the future. I came on a weekend morning and as expected there was a line and a bit of a wait but it wasn’t too bad. They set the shop up so that you ordered and waited outside for food only. Definitely recommend the classic sandwich if you’re hungry. It’s a traditional lox and cream cheese bagel. However next time I visit I would probably just buy a few plain bagels and a tub of cream cheese instead as it’s more economical. The bagel was nicely chewy on the inside and toasty on the outside as you want. I wish it were a little bigger but quality over quantity here. My new go to for bagels in the Bay Area and it’s in one of my favorite little shopping areas!