Isaac's Bagels
1003 West Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC
Crema's Take
“Isaac's Bagels is a Durham destination that's earned its reputation as the Triangle's gold standard for authentic East Coast bagels, with devotees raving about everything from the perfectly chewy day-old bagels to creative spreads like dill scallion and fig honey cream cheese. The warm, family-friendly spot excels at breakfast sandwiches too—order the bacon egg and cheese with hot sauce for a local favorite, or go open-face with their egg salad and ricotta options. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite before work or lingering over pastries with family, the consistency and care that goes into every bagel here makes it worth the visit.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
The absolute BEST bagels in the Triangle!!! I'm from the West Coast and didn't know the glory of true East Coast bagels until recently and Isaac's is the best of the best in the area. If you want a great East Coast bagel, not just toast with a hole in it, this is the place to go. I am absolutely hooked on this place. Top notch bagels, cream cheese, and great friendly staff, Isaac's has it all. Shout out to the staff Aiden, Padget, Ian, Ben, Rebecca, Natalie, Becca, and the man himself Isaac. No matter who is behind the counter you'll get great service with a smile!
A new fave. Bagels are perfect, day of. I really love the dill scallion cream cheese but if you are more in the mood to something sweet, definitely try the Fig and honey cream cheese. Also I really enjoyed the bagel with ricotta and Cherry preserves open face. It was absolutely delicious. The people here are always friendly and kind. Make sure you have somewhere to take your to go treats because there's not really any seating it's more of a grab-and-go vibe but they are very efficient and you don't have to wait long at all.
First time visiting the store - super excited since the first time I had their bagels was at a school’s event and they were giving out bagel bites and they were super tasty. Went there with my friend for a quick brunch bite - ordered two coffees and 1 avocado bagel on onion bagel and 1 lox bagel on everything bagel. I love the bagel - super chewy and salted at the right amount. The lox combo on top is classic and not too salty - paired really well with their plain cream cheese! Also brought home a tub of apple cream cheese, the current specialty cream cheese flavor :) The team at the shop was buzzing and it was busy around then but everyone was super nice!!!
Fantastic! My partner and I shared the egg salad and ricotta bagels and they were delicious! I love a bagel place that serves their sandwiches open face. Can't wait to come again. Also service is great too.
This is my favorite bacon egg and cheese of all time (protip: add hot sauce!) After dozens of orders, Isaac’s has never disappointed me. The bagels are fantastic and the eggs are cooked perfectly. Make sure to order ahead on weekends as it gets absolutely packed, and for good reason. Luckily their ETA for orders is often scary accurate.
Crema Reviews
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