Settle the Debate: Best Bagels in D.C.

DC may not be NYC, but its bagel scene is strong - here’s how the top contenders stack up. Let’s break it down:

1. Call Your Mother

📍Multiple locations (Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Park View)

• Vibe: Trendy, bold, and colorful.

• Bagels: Creative bagel flavors and sandwiches.

• Must-try: The Thunderbird (Maple Chicken Sausage, Bodega-style Eggs, American + Cheddar Cheeses, Spicy Honey on a Maple Salt & Pepper bagel).

• Verdict: If you're looking for an Instagram-able, maximalist experience with big flavors, this is your spot.

2. Pearl’s Bagels

📍1017 7th St NW (Mount Vernon Triangle)

• Vibe: Minimalist and serious about their craft.

• Bagels: Smaller, denser, with a perfect chew and hand-rolled feel.

• Must-try: Classic bacon, egg & cheese

• Verdict: For the bagel traditionalist. Pearl’s nails the texture and technique.

3. Bagels Etc.

📍2122 P St NW (Dupont Circle)

• Vibe: Old-school, no-nonsense, cash-only.

• Bagels: Classic, with a slightly softer crust and a neighborhood feel.

• Must-try: Egg & cheese on a plain or plain bagel with cream cheese.

• Verdict: A D.C. institution for over 30 years with lots of fans! Expect a line and bring cash.

4. Bethesda Bagels

📍Dupont Circle + multiple suburbs

• Vibe: Busy, family-run, NYC-style bagel deli.

• Bagels: Large, chewy, with a glossy crust.

• Must-try: The Breakfast Special (egg, cheese, and choice of meat).

• Verdict: A solid go-to. It’s consistent, fast, and beloved. These bagels are huge and delicious!

So Who Wins?

We need to do a bagel tasting comparison. The plan is to order the same bagel from each spot and rate them. Before we do, what spots are we missing from this list?