Bagel cravings don’t wait for a trip to New York—luckily, Knoxville has plenty of places where the golden, chewy rounds are taken seriously. From classic deli favorites to inventive bakes you won’t find anywhere else, this city offers the perfect spot for any bagel connoisseur.
Let’s get to it.
First Watch
When it comes to breakfast, First Watch clocks out by 2:30 PM and builds its identity around fresh, innovative, and slightly extra morning fare. The menu features omelets, pancakes, and sandwiches loaded with high-quality ingredients that make microwave oatmeal feel like a distant memory. Seasonal specials rotate throughout the year, turning simple eggs and toast into something worth planning your weekend around.
Health-conscious diners will find plenty of options to stick with their resolutions, from steel-cut oats to power bowls and avocado toast. Bagels and bread arrive daily from local bakeries, while gluten-free and vegan choices ensure nobody misses out.
The atmosphere stays casual and family-friendly… you can settle in with a laptop without getting hurried out. Project Sunrise Coffee provides a lively kick-start, and the bakery case offers pastries that resist all self-control.
Whether you’re catching up on email or sharing pancakes with family, First Watch delivers a bright, welcoming space. This is breakfast or brunch that never phones it in. explore what First Watch is serving up in Bearden Hill.
Gourmet’s Market & Cafe
Knoxville’s brunch scene has a local favorite in Gourmet’s Market & Cafe. This spot serves all-day breakfast and lunch, focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients that earn plenty of praise. A classic bagel loaded with whipped cream cheese sits alongside the Power Panini—eggs, bacon, and avocado spread pressed between hearty bread.
The smoked salmon platter is generous enough to elevate any meal, and counter service keeps things casual while the menu stays exciting. Whether you’re craving a warm croissant sandwich or a hearty salad, every dish feels thoughtfully assembled.
Families, remote workers, and weekend groups find this cafe welcoming. The relaxed atmosphere means you can linger over cappuccinos or dive into a latte while tackling that to-do list. Pastries and grab-and-go items line the display case, making it easy to pick up something delicious in a hurry.
With a menu that caters to both comfort-food lovers and health-conscious diners, Gourmet’s Market & Cafe offers a memorable dining experience. This is more than just another lunch spot—it’s where creativity meets comfort in Knoxville. Check out the menu here.
Potchke Deli
Potchke Deli proves that Knoxville has embraced the bagel—and the blintz and borscht too. Open since March 2022, this Jewish deli with Ukrainian influences already holds national recognition thanks to USA Today. Every bagel gets hand-rolled and boiled daily, from everything and poppy seed to cinnamon raisin, plus unique cream cheese flavors that could impress any New Yorker.
Its menu supports diverse tastes, from classic lox spreads to inventive seasonal fillings. Beyond bagels you’ll find blintzes, bialys, and a pastry case stocked with babka. Vegan and gluten-free options mean nobody goes hungry. The casual counter service pairs well with espresso drinks that keep the energy up.
Seating stays cozy and intimate… no stadium dining here, just a neighborhood spot where conversation flows easily. Catering and delivery are available for those pajama days when getting out the door feels impossible.
Whether you stop in for a quick schmear or place a large order for friends, Potchke Deli offers honest, thoughtful food made with care. Lunch or breakfast, it’s a worthy reason to cross town. See what the bagel buzz is about.
Remedy Coffee
Stepping into Remedy Coffee feels like entering the ideal neighborhood living room. This Downtown North spot blends rustic charm, high ceilings, brick walls, and ample natural light with serious barista skills. The coffee and matcha come highly recommended, and the latte art is just the start. There’s also a selection of fresh pastries and light bites to complement every drink. Seasonal lattes join the regular lineup, so there’s always something new to try.
The menu stays cozy and carb-centric… well-done bagels arrive with standard schmears alongside vegan options like dairy-free cream cheese or plant-based egg and Swiss. You might also stumble on a samosa for a savory twist. Service is friendly and speedy, offering caffeinated hospitality at its best.
Whether you’re settling in with a laptop or catching up with friends, the atmosphere encourages lingering. Seating ranges from communal tables to comfy nooks, and the staff never seems to mind if you make yourself at home.
With a mix of solid espresso drinks, thoughtful snacks, and a relaxing vibe, Remedy Coffee makes mornings—and afternoons—feel right. It’s the kind of place you return to time after time. Remedy Coffee’s website.
Paysan Bread & Bagels
When it comes to top-notch bread in Knoxville, Paysan Bread & Bagels would win by a landslide. This little bakery started at a farmers’ market booth and has since graduated to a permanent window at 804 Tyson St. Locals and a dedicated breakfast crowd can’t get enough of those hand-rolled bagels that arrive fresh every morning.
The menu covers the classics, but also throws in delightful surprises. Where else will you find a Cacio e Pepe bagel or a Flower Power sandwich alongside a traditional BLT? And if you think cream cheese only means plain, Paysan would like to introduce you to Horseradish Dill, Chive & Garlic, or any other signature flavor they dream up.
It’s a walk-up, grab-and-go spot, so don’t expect to linger indoors for a long bagel reverie. You can perch at a picnic table outside and let the aroma of freshly baked bread mingle with the caffeine notes from Remedy Coffee next door. Pro tip: arrive early. These bagels disappear fast. see what’s baking at Paysan.
Dunkin’
For anyone seeking a reliable caffeine boost, Dunkin’ has been serving the Knoxville morning crowd for years. They’ve honed the craft of coffee, offering a brew that doesn’t taste like scorched mud. Pair it with a bagel—Plain, Cinnamon Raisin, Multigrain, Sesame Seed, or Everything—and spread on one of their signature cream cheeses.
If breakfast defines your day, Dunkin’ might just be your spirit spot. Their sandwiches stack bacon, egg, and cheese high enough to satisfy any appetite. You can swing by at dawn, lunchtime, or even in that vague midafternoon window when hunger sneaks up on you.
The vibe is quick and efficient. Order at the counter, set up your laptop in a corner, or grab your order to go in seconds. Bagels bake throughout the day, and coffee options are endless enough to keep you questioning bedtime commitments. Hungry, short on time, or craving a donut? Dunkin’ rarely disappoints. Scope out their Knoxville hub here.
Likewise Coffee
Nestled in East Knoxville, Likewise Coffee feels more like your artsy friend’s living room than a typical coffee pit stop. Housed in a converted house, the space offers comfy chairs, cozy nooks for remote work, and chatty corners for catching up. The menu runs from well-crafted espresso drinks to fresh bagels and croissant sandwiches, ensuring that indecision is pretty much guaranteed.
Every cup at Likewise has a higher purpose. Through their partnership with Raising a Voice, your latte supports the fight against human trafficking. Ordering a second drink means contributing to real change.
They roast their own beans on-site, so each pour carries a sense of pride. Sip a handcrafted brew, soak in the warm atmosphere, and know that your coffee break is also a small act of giving. Whether you’re settling in for work or a friendly chat, Likewise Coffee delivers flavor and purpose in every cup. Likewise Coffee’s online menu.
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Across town, Einstein Bros. Bagels turns bagel hunting into a choose-your-own adventure. From Plain and Everything to Asiago Cheese and French Toast, the bagel options satisfy traditionalists and flavor seekers alike. Their cream cheese lineup—from classic to Honey Walnut—earns plenty of fanfare.
The shop also offers gluten-free bagels and dairy-free spreads, ensuring dietary restrictions don’t stand in the way of a good meal. Kids can pick from simple cream cheese while adults explore unique flavor combos. Counter service feels casual but never rushed, inviting you to settle in with a laptop, catch up with family, or chat with friends.
Sandwiches span breakfast and lunch, and the Nova Lox delivers a fancier touch for special occasions. Coffee and espresso round out the menu… each cup pairs perfectly with a warm bagel. If hosting a meeting or planning a brunch, their catering and delivery services step in to make life easier.
Whether it’s fueling a weekday morning or stocking up for a weekend gathering, Einstein Bros. Bagels offers dependable quality and variety. It’s a reliable choice when you need bagels done right. Scope out bagels and brews at their Farragut spot here.
