Bagel lovers, rejoice—this city is rising to the occasion with everything from classic New York-style boils to inventive, flavor-packed spreads. Whether your ideal bagel is crispy, chewy, or smothered in lox, Raleigh has plenty of mouthwatering options that are anything but average.
Let’s get to it.
Cup A Joe
Since 1991, Cup A Joe has stood as a Raleigh landmark. This coffee shop feels like a living room for NC State students, professors and freelancers who swear the hum of conversation sparks productivity.
Their secret lies in roasting beans daily on site. Every cup is as fresh as it gets, seven days a week. But it’s not just coffee. Bagels arrive with every topping you could ask for: cream cheese, honey, peanut butter… or all three if you’re bold.
Need something heartier? Try a bacon, egg & cheese bagel sandwich or a flakily perfect croissant pastry. Daily drink specials like Wired Wednesday and Fusion Friday keep regulars coming back.
With casual counter service, laptop-friendly seating and an old-school neighborhood vibe, Cup A Joe proves that great coffee can feel both familiar and exciting. See what’s brewing at Cup A Joe.
Manhattan Cafe
Raleigh’s Manhattan Cafe brings a bit of New York flair to every morning. Their bagel lineup ranges from cinnamon sugar and pumpernickel to oat goodness and jalapeño cheddar.
Cream cheese spreads go beyond plain, with honey walnut, hot & spicy and even lox for those feeling fancy. Breakfast sandwiches pack enough punch to jump-start your day.
At lunchtime, the New Yorker and Empire State sandwiches evoke classic deli style without the fuss. The atmosphere stays casual—toddlers and laptops are equally welcome.
Family owned and operated, Manhattan Cafe cranks out fresh bagels all week long. Pastries and espresso drinks round out the menu. They also handle catering if you need a crowd-pleasing spread. Dip into their cream cheese offerings and see why this local spot feels a lot like the city that never sleeps. Wake up your taste buds here.
New York Bagels & Deli North Raleigh
Arriving at New York Bagels & Deli North Raleigh feels like finding a slice of the city’s soul right in North Carolina. This family-owned deli serves hand-rolled bagels baked fresh each morning. The moment you walk in you get that cozy, neighborhood warmth a classic New York spot is known for.
The bagel selection is vast, with everything, sesame, jalapeño cheddar among others, enough to satisfy even a seasoned bagel fan. The menu reads like a greatest hits from a NYC deli. Signature sandwiches such as The New Yorker feature pastrami, corned beef, and Swiss, while Boar’s Head meats and cheeses fill out plenty more options. Don’t skip their specialty cream cheeses, each one a perfect pairing.
Breakfast runs all day so there’s no rush to show up early. If you need a spot to work or catch up with friends, grab a table and plug in your laptop. A black and white cookie or a fresh bagel will keep you going whether your day calls for caffeine, carbs, or both. See what’s baking at New York Bagels & Deli North Raleigh.
Sola Coffee Cafe
Tucked into Raleigh, Sola Coffee Cafe strikes the perfect balance between European café vibes and Southern hospitality. This family-run spot skips the formality and welcomes every coffee order with genuine warmth. Their signature hot mini donuts are so popular they often vanish before noon…pro tip, arrive early.
Bagel lovers will appreciate the partnership with a local favorite, New York Bagel & Deli. Options like cinnamon raisin or everything bagels come with a variety of cream cheeses that make choosing your topping a delightful challenge. The espresso menu features Counter Culture Coffee, ensuring rich flavor in every cup.
Beyond breakfast, the all-day menu includes sandwiches, Neapolitan pizza, and an array of pastries that tempt even the most disciplined. Free Wi-Fi turns this cafe into both a social hub and a workspace for those who need it. Indoor nooks offer a cozy retreat, while the patio provides a bright spot for fresh air and people watching.
Don’t sleep on those donuts. Sola Coffee Cafe brings charm and quality to each bite and sip, making it a Raleigh staple. See what the buzz is about here.
Transfer Co. Food Hall
In Raleigh, Transfer Co. Food Hall gathers local culinary talent under one roof. The standout stall is Benchwarmers Bagels, which rose to national fame by baking wood-fired bagels with a crisp exterior and chewy interior. Their lineup ranges from classics to creative options like za’atar.
While the everything bagel remains a crowd-pleaser, sea salt and poppy seed flavors are worth sampling. A variety of cream cheeses caters to every preference, spicy, nutty, or vegan. Bagels often sell out quickly, so arriving early is wise.
The hall feels family-friendly and bright, with sunlit interiors and a spacious outdoor patio. Casual counter service keeps lines moving, and prices stay approachable. Beyond bagels, dozens of stalls offer diverse foods and drinks, transforming the hall into more than just a breakfast stop.
Transfer Co. Food Hall strikes a perfect balance between lively energy and laid-back comfort. From classic lox to inventive duck rillette with sour cherries, each visit promises a fresh discovery and a solid start to the day. See what’s baking at Transfer Co. Food Hall.
Full Bloom Coffee Roasters
In the heart of downtown Garner, Full Bloom Coffee Roasters redefines what a local café can be. The smell of freshly roasted beans greets you before you even spot the rotating local art on the walls.
They take bagels seriously. Free-range eggs and organic veggies star in every creation. The Vegan Bagel feels like a salad cuddling a carb. The Bacon Bagel Scramble layers sharp cheddar and cream cheese for an extra kick.
Of course, their coffee menu shines with organic, ethically sourced beans roasted in house. But don’t skip the sandwich offerings or the local beer on tap. It’s a balanced approach to breakfast and beyond.
Whether you’re here to finish work or just enjoy a midday break, the cozy atmosphere and carefully crafted menu make Full Bloom a spot worth lingering in. Sip, snack, and stay awhile.
Brandwein’s Bagels
When New York bagels are on your mind but you’re stuck in Chapel Hill, Brandwein’s Bagels delivers a shortcut. They hand-roll and boil 14 flavors every morning, from classic Plain to adventurous Everything.
The cream cheese selection adds plenty of fun… eleven varieties, including vegan-friendly swirls. Even plant-based eaters get more than a plain bagel to get excited about.
Inside, the vibe is cozy and unhurried. Seating is limited, but there’s always the grab-and-go option if you’re in a rush. Early risers and remote workers fit right in.
Specialty sandwiches like The Lox or The Reuben bring even more personality to the menu. They source flour locally, so the bagels taste as fresh as the conversations at the counter. If you’re in Chapel Hill, this spot makes mornings feel like they belong in New York City. See why New York-style cravings end here.
Clayton Bakery & Cafe
Walking downtown Clayton, you might spot someone happily juggling a bagel and their coffee. They’ve probably just been to Clayton Bakery & Cafe.
This friendly neighborhood spot turns out hand-rolled, boiled bagels in flavors ranging from Plain to Blueberry Lavender. Cream cheese lovers will find Zesty Cheddar, Veggie, Pepper Bacon & Scallion and more.
It’s not all schmear and carbs. Their Apple Gobbler Panini adds sweetness to lunchtime, while the Turkey Club might just upstage your old lunchbox memories. Vegans and gluten-free guests get invited to the party too.
The cafe’s easygoing counter service and cozy seating make it a hit with families. Running late? Delivery and catering options have you covered. Clayton Bakery & Cafe doesn’t try to reinvent breakfast… it simply makes it really, really good. Get yourself a seat and a sandwich.
Monuts
Stepping into Monuts in Durham, you instantly see why it’s impossible to ignore. This all-day spot has perfected the art of bagels for over ten years, and it shows the moment you taste their fresh, hand-rolled dough. Slide in at 7 AM for a boiled bagel, stick around past lunch, and by 2 PM treat yourself to a donut…because it is socially acceptable.
The menu covers the classics, plain, salt, sesame, while also serving creative twists like their vegan Tofutti spread. The “Ooey Gooey Gouda” is a bacon and melted gouda breakfast sandwich that is as delightful to order as it is to eat.
Inside, the atmosphere feels busy yet never rushed. Ample seating lets you camp out with your laptop or bring a brunch crowd. On milder days, picnic tables outside beckon.
Coffee flows from local roasters and pairs perfectly with fresh donuts. Vegetarian or vegan? Monuts offers thoughtful options for every diet. With the scent of baked goods in the air and a dash of local character, this bakery and cafe wraps up all your cravings in one spot. Browse the menu and see what’s fresh.
