Few foods spark as much debate and devotion as a really good bagel, and in this city, every block seems to claim a local favorite. If you’re searching for the perfect chewy round, toasted just right and slathered with your favorite spread, you’re in luck… Providence is packed with standout bakeries and morning spots that take bagels seriously.
Let’s get to it.
Bagel Express on Broadway
For over two decades, Bagel Express on Broadway has been a Providence morning staple. They hand-roll and boil each bagel the old-fashioned way, which truly shows in every chewy bite.
The rotating lineup of cream cheeses keeps things interesting… from sweet maple walnut to savory bacon chive. Don’t skip the lox sandwich with chive cream cheese—it’s practically a rite of passage. And if you’re eyeing pastries, grab a pistachio muffin early. They tend to sell out fast, and that has become something of a friendly competition.
This family-friendly spot pairs cheerful staff with flexible seating. Inside seating is cosy, while the outdoor area offers a breezy brunch vibe. Just be warned: if you arrive around noon hoping for your favorite bagel, you might find the shelves a bit bare. Still, the lines move quickly, and most mornings end with satisfied smiles and half-eaten bagels in hand. Peep their menu over here.
Cafe La France
Before Providence fully wakes up, Cafe La France is already bustling. Nestled in the city’s core, this grab-and-go haven caters to early commuters and locals craving a reliable breakfast.
Their bagels arrive fresh from Iggy’s in Boston, which explains that slight New England flair. You won’t see dozens of exotic flavors here—just a well-chosen selection of bagels, pastries, and sandwiches. The Alaskan lox bagel is perfect for seafood lovers, while the Lean Machine on whole wheat keeps things light.
Breakfast hours are strictly morning, so don’t roll in late expecting an afternoon egg sandwich. Counter service is friendly and efficient, and the warm atmosphere feels like a quick pick-me-up. If you want a fast, satisfying start to your day without any fuss, this café hits the mark every time. Give their bagels a Providence welcome.
Coffee Connection Providence
At 32 Custom House Street, Coffee Connection Providence doubles as a neighborhood hangout and a grab-and-go hotspot. The coffee menu covers all the classics, while bagels—from asiago to cinnamon raisin—deliver a nostalgic crunch.
They’ve thought of everyone, too. Gluten-free and vegan options sit alongside traditional cream cheeses and lox. The breakfast menu runs all day, so feel free to swing by whenever hunger strikes. Try the BLT on a bagel or the chicken salad for a satisfying twist on lunch.
Counter service remains swift, whether you’re tapping away on a laptop or juggling a toddler. Delivery through popular apps means you can skip the commute entirely. Here, efficiency meets friendly faces, so you’ll leave caffeinated, well-fed, and ready to handle whatever the rest of the day brings. See what’s brewing at Coffee Connection Providence.
Eastside Bagel Company
Located on Providence’s east side, Eastside Bagel Company blends classic bagels with a surprisingly broad menu. You’ll find everything from onion and marble bagels to acai bowls, burgers, salads, and even bubble tea.
This family-owned café showcases local art on its walls and keeps little ones entertained in a dedicated play area. They brew Illy coffee alongside specialty spreads—homemade veggie cream cheese deserves a special mention.
Gluten-free options ensure no one feels left out. Whether it’s a breakfast sandwich at 1 pm or an afternoon ice cream break, the counter service is prompt and upbeat. Natural light floods the dining area, giving the whole place a welcoming air. It’s an easygoing spot that balances neighborhood charm with creative flair without missing a beat. Pop in and browse their bagel-centric menu here.
L’Artisan Cafe & Bakery
Tucked into both Wayland Square and Davol Square, L’Artisan Cafe & Bakery offers early birds and late risers something to love. The bagels here actually taste like bagels, and the pastries deliver serious gluten glory.
Morning playlists stick to classical music, which adds a refined touch to casual sweatpants dining. Later in the day, jazz takes over. Illy coffee flows behind the counter, poured by baristas who’ve earned national acclaim. They may not boast, but Illy’s “artisti del gusto” nod speaks volumes.
Whether you’re craving a Croque Matin or a fresh pastry to-go, this café balances laid-back vibes with polished execution. An outdoor patio invites lingerers, and delivery or catering options mean you don’t have to miss out if you’re short on time. Good food, good coffee, good atmosphere—it’s all here. Grab a peek at the menu here.
Oak Bakeshop
At Oak Bakeshop in Providence, classic Jewish baking meets fresh, joyful twists. Opened in 2022 by the team behind PVDonuts, Oak Bakeshop dishes out rugelach, babka, and a cinnamon bun you simply have to try. The daily-changing menu also features quiche, scones, and cookies alongside vegan Jerusalem bagels and gluten-free brownies, so there is something for nearly everyone, just don’t expect a fixed lineup.
The atmosphere feels laid-back, with bright décor that suits both casual coffee dates and focused laptop sessions. Keep your charger handy though, power outlets vanish faster than a second babka slice on a Sunday morning.
The coffee selection complements the pastries perfectly, offering rich brews that highlight each sweet or savory bite.
Roll in early to snag the best selection because favorites tend to disappear quickly. Delivery is off the table, which means a quick trip in person is the only way to satisfy that Oak craving. Friendly staff are ready with recommendations, so don’t hesitate to ask what’s fresh that day. See what’s fresh at Oak Bakeshop.
Providence Bagel
Stepping into Providence Bagel feels like wandering into a breakfast wonderland. With several Rhode Island locations, each shop uses recipes from a certified New York bagel expert to produce everything from classic plain and everything bagels to French Toast and pumpernickel. They pair these chewy rounds with homemade cream cheeses in flavors like lox spread or vegan chive so you can customize each bite.
Hungry for more than carbs? Try the Spicy Sunrise Egg Sandwich or The Friar BLT and call it a day. Vegan and gluten-free diners get proper choices here instead of a lonely fruit cup, like tofu scrambles and gluten-free bagels to keep things interesting.
The café itself is warm and welcoming, great for solo email sessions or a weekend brunch with friends. Be warned that peak times can mean a wait for seating. Counter service moves fast, so if you’re just grabbing a bagel and coffee to go, you’ll be out before you know it. Freshly brewed coffee and efficient staff make the time pass quickly. Open early morning to mid-afternoon, it’s the kind of spot you can count on for a solid start to your day. Scope out their menu and start planning your order.
Seven Stars Bakery
When you visit Seven Stars Bakery, you’ll see why Providence carb-lovers keep coming back. Since 2001, this family-owned café on Hope Street has transformed an old gas station into a neighborhood bakery with locally famous croissants, scones, breads, and pastries. The patio invites guests to linger over a morning treat or mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
The almond croissant inspires true devotion and the cheddar scone can ruin other scones forever. The coffee menu reads like a playbook for fun… lavender cappuccino, turmeric latte, and more creative twists join the essentials.
You can grab a breakfast sandwich or toast something ready-made, but most visits revolve around debating which pastry takes the crown. The cozy seating areas feel neighborly and the loyalty program means those bread-themed birthday rewards actually make you smile. Gluten-free and vegan options keep everyone at the table. Staff chat enthusiastically about new menu items and seasonal specials, adding to the warm, community vibe. Parking can be tight during peak hours but finding a spot feels like part of the ritual. Get familiar with their menu right here.
Small Point Café
Tucked away in Providence, Small Point Café treats breakfast like art. Whether you crave a classic lox and bagel or the maple soy tofu wrap for vegan curiosity, the menu offers plenty of surprises. Croissants and honey lavender lattes share space with taro drinks and a host of baked goods to nibble on.
The bright, plant-filled interior showcases local art on every wall and feels more like a creative studio than a café. It is laptop-friendly so you can knock out those emails next to someone drafting a new novel.
Kitchen service ends at 2:30 PM but there is still plenty to graze on afterward, think pastries, cookies, and cold sandwiches. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, ready to guide you through vegan and gluten-free options without hesitation. Coffee preparations range from straightforward drip to more adventurous brews, each cup balanced to complement the food. Outdoor seating lets you soak up a bit of fresh air when the weather cooperates. Whether you sit on a cozy couch or at a communal table, the vibe is relaxed and engaging. See why locals love Small Point Café.
