Bagel cravings can strike at any hour, and luckily, this city delivers with a lineup that can satisfy any carb-loving appetite. Whether you’re searching for chewy New York-style rounds or local spins with unforgettable spreads, Des Moines serves up bagels worth crossing town for.
Let’s get to it.
Bruegger’s Bagels
On Ingersoll Avenue, Bruegger’s Bagels brings genuine New York-style bagels to Des Moines… With over 40 years perfecting hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagels, they’re basically the scene’s wise grandparent.
You’ll see classics like everything, sesame, and cinnamon raisin. Then there’s the double-stack egg sandwich, stacked with eggs and smoky chipotle mayo. It makes Mondays feel instantly better.
Their Vermont-made cream cheeses read like mood-based food therapy. Swap plain for honey walnut or garden veggie depending on what your bagel is whispering.
The shop stays low-key and family-friendly. Counter service and plenty of indoor space mean you can grab a seat and settle in. Outdoor tables offer an al fresco alternative when Iowa’s weather behaves. Wifi and espresso drinks cater to remote workers or anyone in need of a caffeine boost.
Open daily from 6 AM to 2 PM, they know how to handle early birds and brunch seekers alike. Catering here doesn’t feel like an afterthought; these pros will make sure your events run smoothly. Whether you’re after the legendary Double-Stack or want a dozen for the office, Bruegger’s on Ingersoll has your morning routine covered. Bagels that deserve their own fan club.
Caribou Coffee
Stepping inside Caribou Coffee, you immediately notice the steady hum of espresso machines. Breakfast lives here all day, so you can grab a blueberry bagel at 8 AM or a hash brown one at 2 PM.
The menu is simple and reliable. Sandwich options like Turkey Provolone on Asiago hit the spot without fuss. If you need a coffee fix, the baristas sling espresso drinks quickly and with a smile.
The space caters to every mood. Spread out with your laptop at a communal table or settle into a cozy chair for a solo recharge. Families will find room on the patio or inside. Even gluten-free and vegan guests won’t feel overlooked.
Quality and comfort guide every detail. From the freshly baked bagels to the balancing act of a good latte, Caribou nails the casual coffeehouse vibe. Lunch isn’t an afterthought, so whether it’s midday or morning you need fuel, this chain makes a strong case for treating every meal equally. See what’s brewing on Ingersoll Avenue.
Ritual Cafe
Ritual Cafe in downtown Des Moines knows how to combine fresh coffee with food that keeps you tapping away at your keyboard. Rotating daily bagels come from a local bakery rather than a machine. That alone keeps things interesting.
If a vegetarian panini sounds like a treat, try their Grilled Hummus or Spicy Four Cheese. Organic, locally roasted beans fuel every cup. Counter service and free wifi make it easy to settle in, whether you’re working solo or catching up with friends.
This spot welcomes families, laptop warriors, and anyone who just wants good coffee and lunch in the same place. Sandwiches and salads fill out the all-day menu, so breakfast people and lunch people can coexist in harmony. Just note they close on Sundays, which makes weekdays and Saturdays all the more special.
If you’re curious how good vegetarian-friendly, coffee-forward dining can be in Des Moines, Ritual Cafe offers a practical answer. see what Ritual Cafe is up to.
Smokey Row Coffee
Smokey Row Coffee in Des Moines feels like your favorite cozy sweater if that sweater also brewed excellent coffee. The bagel sandwich menu is a carb and caffeine love letter. Take The Row Bagel, which stacks smoked turkey, garden veggie cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and cucumber.
Beyond the classics, spreads range from plain cream cheese to grape jelly. The all-day menu includes sandwiches, wraps, and salads to satisfy every mood. Gluten-free, vegan, and veggie-forward options mean no one misses out.
Family-friendly seating and plenty of outlets welcome laptop warriors and chatters alike. The bakery case almost demands a side of cookie or muffin. Open early and staying open late, this spot makes it easy to grab coffee or have it delivered to your couch.
Smokey Row nails that local-vibe magic. Whether you want to settle in for work, catch up with friends, or just enjoy a quality bagel sandwich, you’ll find what you need here. Sneak a peek at what’s brewing.
5 Borough Bagels
Right in Des Moines, 5 Borough Bagels might just be the city’s best-kept secret for New York-style bagels… Since 2016 they’ve been hand-rolling and kettle-boiling classics like everything and cinnamon raisin. They also mix in a wildcard flavor such as French toast, which really deserves some applause.
Their cream cheese menu reads like a dessert spread, with jalapeño one minute, hot honey the next, cucumber dill if you’re feeling healthy-ish. It’s the sort of list you want to share with a friend who doesn’t mind double dipping.
The shop stays welcoming without feeling cramped. A few tables and laptop-friendly outlets mean you can linger with your kids or get some remote work done. The Empire breakfast sandwich, piled high with meats and cheese on your choice of bagel, will make you rethink drive-thru runs.
Locally roasted coffee isn’t an afterthought here… it’s served fresh to keep up with all those bagels. They also cater and deliver if you need to feed a crowd. That might just seal Des Moines’ bagel street cred. See the bagels for yourself.
