BOSS Bagels, otherwise known as Bagels on Southern Soil, is one of San Antonio’s top spots to pick up a classic bread roll with a generous schmear. To make things sweeter, the business offers plenty of affordable bites, from numerous bagel varieties to specialty sandwiches.
I stopped by the BOSS Bagels store in Terrell Heights on a Monday afternoon, just before the lunch rush hit. The shop is a long, narrow space that has its open bagel bakery up front, while its register area is further back in the building. Some indoor and outdoor seating make up the rest of the business, which is decorated with twinkly lights and a subtly rustic decor.
Upon entering BOSS Bagels, I walked up to the order counter and took in the beautiful sight of various schmears that were awaiting to be scooped and spread within a windowed display case beside baskets of freshly wood-fired bagels. With a seemingly endless combination of bagels and spreads available, I decided to go with one of the restaurant’s signature bagel sandwiches, of which there were also several options.
In the end, I ordered the Tuscan Turkey, an Asiago bagel with smoked turkey, baby spinach, sliced tomato, mozzarella and a basil pesto schmear, which came out to $9.85 before tax. Unfortunately, they were out of the Asiago bagels, so I got to pick from one of the other bagels, quickly landing on the bacon bagel. After paying, I found a temporary seat near the counter and waited for my name to be called.
Once the Tuscan Turkey was ready, I picked up my brown bag and headed to a table outside to enjoy my lunch. The sandwich was so much bigger than I had imagined, so it took a beat for me to figure out how I was going to tackle eating it. The spinach and tomato were fresh, and the turkey had a light smokiness to it that made for a subtle juxtaposition. The schmear really brought the whole thing together with its sharp, herbaceous flavor anchored by the soft inner bread of the bagel.
BOSS Bagels hit this one out of the park, and I’m afraid they are going to be seeing a lot more of me in the future. The service was excellent and quick, even as customers began to fill the room during lunch, and the food was above what I anticipated in both taste and portion size. It’s no wonder at all why this easygoing spot is a local favorite for all things bagel.
Find it: 6458 N. New Braunfels Ave., San Antonio, TX 78209