I thought I’d start off my bagel column with a joke to keep things fun, but all the punchlines I thought of were too corny. If I wanted cheesy humor, I’d save it for my next story on pizza.
Instead, let’s briefly discuss the baked good’s origins. Americans usually associate them with New York City’s Jewish community, and one National Geographic article describes them as a culturally significant bread once prepared and sold by Jewish bakers in 13th-century Poland. There, bagels were part of folk traditions and mourning rituals, according to the article. After Jewish immigrants brought bagel recipes to America in the 19th century, the industrial revolution saw this breakfast staple become more widely available.
In homage to this noteworthy carb, here are some bagel spots around the Fort where foodies can roll with the best of them.
OK, fine I’ll tell you my joke — what’s the healthiest type of bagel? Hole grain.
I apologize.
Traditional and colorful carbs at Dan’s Bagels
Diners can pick up rainbow bagels and seasonal cream cheese flavors at Dan’s Bagels’ Fort Worth restaurant on Forest Park Boulevard this month as they celebrate this new location’s debut. The usual plain, sesame seed, everything and poppy seed options appear on the menu while less usual suspects include jalapeno cheddar, onion, garlic, cinnamon sugar crunch, asiago, blueberry pie and rosemary salt. They also have a gluten-free version and, yes, sandwiches.
On top of their 15 regular flavors, expect rotating varieties such as chocolate chip and French toast as well as seasonal specialties and colorfully swirled bagels. Purple is a frequent color pick, though last week they had a three-day special commemorating the release of “Wicked: For Good” with Glinda- and Elphaba-inspired bagels in pink and white, and green and black.
Want to know what’s in stock? There’s a BagelCam livestream on their YouTube channel where customers can scope out what’s still on the shelves at their Trophy Club shop. On top of having spots in Trophy Club and Fort Worth, Dan’s staff says that a Grapevine location is “hopefully opening within the next couple of weeks.” But wait, there’s more: Another location is expected to open in Argyle in December, according to staff. They did not give exact dates, but indicated the Grapevine spot could open after Thanksgiving.
2430 Forest Park Blvd., Fort Worth; 972-586-3090
Savory, sweet cream cheeses at Boopa’s Bagel Deli
The online menu for Boopa’s Bagel Deli shows 2-ounce and 8-ounce cream cheeses in 14 flavors, savory and sweet. Several of their spreads –– apricot, redberry, wildberry and vanilla bean –– feature Madagascan bourbon vanilla bean paste and brown sugar. Pumpkin, honey walnut and cinnamon brown sugar round out the sweet schmears.
Naturally, whipped plain cream cheese is on the cards, along with a bacon scallion rendition with Boar’s Head hickory bacon. Smoked salmon, roasted jalapeno, veggie, chive and garlic-chive are also available.
6513 N. Beach St., Fort Worth; 817-232-4771
Sandwiches and coffee at Lucky Duck Bagels
The duck-themed restaurant and coffee shop on Currie Street in Fort Worth has lots of drinks and both lunch and breakfast sandwiches. Among the savories are avocado toast; sausage, egg and cheese; a pizza bagel; and the All Night Quacker, which pairs an egg with American cheese, bacon and spicy mayo. These can be modified, of course, so diners can pick from several cheeses and meats like brisket, pepperoni, chorizo, lox, turkey and steak.
They’ve also got breakfast burritos, egg bites, and all manner of caffeinated beverages to get you going during your commute or lunch break.
If cold brew, machiatos and lattes don’t have enough zip for you, their Red Bull Infusion comes in 15 flavors, from blue raspberry to lavender. Drinks can include toppings for a bit extra, which range from boba and dried fruits to chocolate drizzle.
817 Currie St., Fort Worth; 817-791-8393
We’d love to hear from you! Send your restaurant tips and hot takes to erin.ratigan@fortworthreport.org.
Erin Ratigan is a freelance journalist and writer specializing in narrative news features. You can find her on X @erinratigan.
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