Few things spark a morning craving quite like a fresh, chewy bagel, and Lexington has quietly become a haven for bagel lovers searching for their new favorite spot. Whether you’re in it for a classic plain with a schmear or chasing creative flavors packed with local flair, this city delivers more than you’d expect.
Let’s get to it.
Great Bagel & Bakery
At Great Bagel & Bakery in Lexington, bagel snobs meet their match. Rolling out the good stuff since 2011, they grind their own organic, regionally grown wheat every morning, because not all bagels are created equal.
The star of the show is a fresh, hand-rolled bagel crafted on a 40-inch Vermont stone mill that somehow feels both medieval and miraculous.
Cinnamon Raisin? Check. Maple Bourbon? Yes. Gluten free? If it’s the weekend, you’re in luck. The cream cheese selection ranges from classic to strawberry to vegan, with a maple bourbon flavor making a cameo.
Breakfast and lunch bagel sandwiches curb any level of hunger. Choose an NYC style lox or a BLT with extra Kentucky flair. Each bagel arrives warm and chewy, perfect with a locally roasted coffee served at the counter.
While the original location is on an unplanned break after a fire, the Boston Road shop continues to serve carbs, coffee, and local warmth all day long. See what’s fresh at Great Bagel & Bakery.
Grounded All Day Cafe
Fresh flavors arrive daily at Grounded All Day Cafe in Lexington. Housed in a charming historic building, this friendly spot flies in fresh bagels from Queens so you can enjoy the real deal without the airfare.
The lineup of spreads reads like a culinary fever dream. Whether you reach for bacon pepper jam, blackberry lavender, maple sin amen, or a bold red pepper jalapeno, your everything or plain bagel will never be the same.
Sandwich lovers will find creations that go beyond the usual. Try the salmon-topped Northern Exposure, the Molly Sims with pimento cheese and hot honey chicken, or something playfully dubbed The Johnny Depp.
House made syrups take coffee to the next level, so every latte feels a bit special.
You’ll find cozy corners indoors and a sunny outdoor patio that sometimes hosts live music or a morning yoga stretch. Parents will appreciate the kids play area, which buys a few extra blissful minutes. If you ever doubted that great bagels can thrive in Lexington, Grounded All Day Cafe will change your mind. See if your new favorite bagel is on the menu.
High on Art & Coffee
Walking into High on Art & Coffee in Lexington feels like stepping into a creative studio where breakfast truly inspires. This art driven cafe pairs a rotating gallery with counter service and scratch made bagels every morning.
Choose from timeless plain or venture into jalapeño cheddar. If you’re lucky, snag a stuffed bagel filled with sausage, egg, and cheese before they vanish.
The coffee program supports local roasters and offers dairy free or vegan options. Keto, gluten free, and vegetarian diets all find thoughtful choices rather than just a lonely snack bar.
Inside, the vibe is cozy and neighborly. Locals plug in laptops under bright gallery lights while sipping carefully crafted espressos. Outside, a small patio offers a few minutes of sunshine with your cappuccino.
Local art lines the walls and Kentucky sourced ingredients appear on the menu, making every visit feel both home grown and inspired. From family friendly seating to a workspace that doubles as a gallery moment, High on Art & Coffee mixes flavors and color in equal measure. Grab a bagel and a latte with a side of art.
Java Jukebox Coffee & Breakfast
Since arriving in Lexington in 2022, Java Jukebox Coffee & Breakfast has already won a local following with its laid back playlist vibe and home style breakfast fare. The bagel selection is straightforward with everything, plain, poppyseed, and cinnamon raisin ready to be dressed up with house made cream cheeses. They keep the special spreads under wraps, but you can always count on something unexpected.
Sandwich fans will enjoy options like the Tomato Basil Pesto Grilled Cheese or the French Toast Sandwich, a sweet and savory mash up that brings breakfast fever dreams to your table. Coffee arrives in every form you’d expect at a real coffee shop from espresso based drinks to pour overs.
Families appreciate the roomy seating, and remote workers set up laptops in the sunlit corner. Limited hours mean breakfast stops at 2 PM, but why wait longer when mornings here hit the right note? Whether you’re chasing caffeine or a carb fix, Java Jukebox drops tasty beats and even tastier bites. See what’s brewing at Java Jukebox.
Leestown Coffee House
Tucked into a quiet corner of Lexington, Leestown Coffee House has quickly developed the feel of a neighborhood favorite. The menu focuses on quality over quantity, featuring locally sourced bagels from Southland Bagel. Cream cheese fans will be thrilled by the generous spread options—you really can pile it on.
Breakfast takes center stage here. While you won’t find an all-day sandwich lineup, gluten-free surprises like GF Pop Tarts and a rotating selection of muffins, scones, and croissants make a solid case for an early visit.
Coffee and espresso drinks consistently deliver on flavor, which is exactly what you came for. Inside, the lighting is warm and flattering enough to lift even the groggiest morning mood.
Remote workers will appreciate the reliable Wi-Fi. Parents will be relieved to find a well-equipped diaper changing table. In short, Leestown Coffee House welcomes laptops, families, and true bagel enthusiasts alike. Peep their menu and see for yourself.
Southland Bagel
When bagel cravings hit, Southland Bagel in Lexington might be your answer. Owned by a team of passionate hand-rollers, this spot merges New York bakery energy with a touch of Kentucky charm. Classic flavors like sesame and everything share the menu with more adventurous picks such as churro, za’atar, and jalapeño cheddar.
Cream cheese isn’t an afterthought here. Expect playful additions like pimento cheese or chicken salad. Sandwich lovers will find plenty to enjoy too. The “After School Special” brings a nostalgic twist and the “Hangover Burger” pushes breakfast boundaries.
Atmosphere is cozy rather than pretentious. On weekends, you can even grab gluten-free options alongside coffee that’s worth lingering over. If you’re after doughy delights with a local spin, Southland Bagel has you covered. See what Kentucky-style bagels are all about.
Third Street Stuff
Wandering into Third Street Stuff & Coffee feels like dropping by your most creative friend’s kitchen. The bagel selection ranges from plain to jalapeño cheddar, and cream cheese options go beyond the basics to include pesto, garlic, and even olive nut.
Sandwiches cover the usual suspects—ham, turkey, smoked salmon—and there’s a veggie bagel so generously loaded you might feel virtuous for a moment. Pastries like croissants and brownies round out the bakery case.
Coffee is sourced locally, and the colorful, art-infused décor gives the place a joyful energy.
There’s no formal vegan or gluten-free section listed, but if you want excellent coffee, a family-friendly vibe, and a bold take on bagels, Third Street Stuff delivers. See why locals keep coming back for more.
