Nothing makes a morning feel like a treat quite like a hot, chewy bagel fresh from a local bakery. Whether you swear by a classic everything or live for inventive flavors and decadent schmears, this lakeside city has you covered.
Let’s get to it.
Bay Bread Company
When it comes to bagels with character, Bay Bread Company in Traverse City stands out. Hand-rolling dough since 1996, they offer plain, everything, and other classic varieties that bake up with a crisp crust and chewy interior. Cream cheese is a staple. If you need more fuel, the bagel, egg, and cheese sandwich hits the spot… you can even add ham or bacon for an extra boost.
The atmosphere feels like home. Two small tables inside, a handful of outdoor seats, and free Wi-Fi make it easy to settle in. Finding a spot might take patience, but that’s part of the charm. Counter service is warm and accommodating, and kids are always welcome.
Beyond bagels, cinnamon rolls and scones use local ingredients, so each bite connects you to the region. Pair your pastry with coffee or espresso, or place an order for catering and delivery. Whether you stop in for a quick breakfast or stock up for a gathering, Bay Bread Company delivers that satisfying, freshly baked start to your day. Peruse the goods for yourself right here.
Big Apple Bagels
Bagel lovers and coffee sippers will find a neighborhood haven at Big Apple Bagels. This locally owned café crafts dough every morning using simple, recognizable ingredients that yield chewy, golden loaves. Choose from classic plain, robust everything, or sweet cinnamon raisin. The muffin case adds variety without skimping on taste. Each treat manages to feel indulgent while still passing for a sensible pick.
When hunger lingers past dawn, the sandwich menu delivers. The Big Apple Club layers turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and Swiss on your bagel of choice. The Turkey & Havarti option earns praise for its creamy cheese and savory slices. Both arrive with a generous spread of house-made cream cheese flavors.
Inside, comfy chairs and small tables sit under soft lighting. The aroma of fresh-ground beans blends with muted jazz and Motown tunes. Free Wi-Fi invites laptops and casual catch-ups. If you’re organizing an event, catering options let you share bagels, muffins, and spreads with friends or colleagues. Doors open at 7:00 AM, making it a reliable first stop for anyone starting early. See what’s fresh out of the oven.
Potter’s Bakery
A piece of Traverse City history sits on Front Street: Potter’s Bakery. Fourth-generation owners have been perfecting baked goods since 1929. Every morning, bagels emerge fresh from the ovens though the exact flavors of cream cheese remain part of the family lore. What is no secret is the care in each dough ball and the satisfying crust that follows.
Stepping inside feels like visiting a friendly neighbor. A casual counter serves warm pastries from a display that overflows with cookies, danishes, and muffins alongside those bagels. The cozy, family-friendly interior welcomes both early-birds and strollers pushing babies. Coffee flows freely to match any choice, whether you grab a quick cup or linger over the morning paper.
Weekday doors open at dawn for anyone craving a classic start. Weekends ease into the day with extended morning hours, perfect for sleeping in without missing out. For locals and visitors alike, Potter’s Bakery remains a dependable spot for fresh, straightforward treats and a glimpse into baking traditions nearly a century old. See what’s fresh at Potter’s Bakery.
Reflect Bistro
Tucked inside the Cambria Hotel & Suites, Reflect Bistro blends relaxed comfort with polished style. Both indoor tables and an outdoor patio let you choose your scene—whether you want a sunlit breeze or a cozy corner. The atmosphere walks the line between upgraded hotel dining and community café.
Breakfast takes center stage. You can order the Big Apple Everything Bagel Sandwich or opt for the Cambria Eggs Benedict Wrap, which wraps English muffin, ham, and Hollandaise into a neat package. A proper lox spread features silky smoked whitefish and capers, served with a toasted bagel. Beyond morning plates, lunch and dinner menus lean into American classics refreshed with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients—think burgers, salads, and artisanal sides.
The bar opens early enough for a midday craft beer or local wine pairing, and happy hour runs seven days a week. Service is attentive without being stiff, making Reflect Bistro a destination for casual gatherings, business breakfasts, or a laid-back evening drink. With consistent quality and a varied menu, this spot remains a favorite for hotel guests and locals alike. View the menu and see why locals keep coming back.
Third Coast Bakery
At Third Coast Bakery, gluten-free baked goods are anything but bland. This Traverse City shop eliminates gluten, dairy, and soy but still serves cheddar and chive bagels that keep people coming back. They go beyond bagels with a wide variety of vegan and allergen-friendly pastries. Their espresso drinks come with house-made syrups, so each cup delivers unique flavor. Coffee snobs and bagel lovers unite under one roof, where quality and dietary needs both come first.
Cozy seating around an indoor fireplace invites guests to linger over their favorite carbs. Walk outside to the patio and you’ll find reliable Wi-Fi along with a few cookies that pair perfectly with your morning brew. Third Coast is family-friendly whether you’re dining solo or bringing the whole crew. Plus, they handle catering and delivery so your next meeting or gathering can feature safe, allergen-free sweets without the stress.
Operating as a dedicated gluten-free facility since 2012, they eliminate any risk of cross-contamination, making both breakfast and dessert more inclusive than ever. Get a taste of allergen-free heaven.
