There are certain types of foods that I have always enjoyed, and I know I always will. Bagels are one of those foods. Whether it’s a toasted bagel with cream cheese, a breakfast bagel sandwich, the classic NYC lox (salmon) and capers, or just a bagel with butter and jelly, you can’t go wrong with the carb-filled deliciousness that is a bagel.
Fortunately, we happen to have a variety of places in Columbia that serve up a mean bagel. So, in the spirit of National Bagel Day on January 15th (Did you know that there is a National Bagel Day?!! An entire day set aside to celebrate the chewy, bready, flavorful goodness that is a bagel!), I’ve listed below my favorite Cola hot spots where you can partake in some pretty amazing bagels and bagel sandwiches. Then you too can celebrate National Bagel Day at one of these amazing locations.
1. Carolina Cafe & Catering Co
Located at the heart of the USC campus, across from the historic horseshoe, Carolina Cafe & Catering Co offers up some tasty bagels and bagel sandwiches. Their bagels are made fresh in-house each day and have the perfect amount of chewiness. With a menu of changing bagel flavors, you’re tastebuds will be fully satisfied every time you visit.
Carolina Cafe has a menu that boasts multiple types of bagel spreads, breakfast bagel sandwiches, bagel melts, lunch bagel sandwiches, and more! In addition, they also serve salads, fruit, soup, and chili. They also have some fantastic coffee! (I know because I buy coffee from there frequently on my way to work. Had a cup of chocolate raspberry coffee just this morning. Mmmm!)
Lastly, Carolina Cafe also caters. I’ve used them for catering for a work event and it was fantastic! They were easy to work with, had my order ready right on time, and the food was delicious.
2. Sully’s Steamers
This isn’t the first time we’ve mentioned Sully’s Steamers on Columbia Mom. And I’m mentioning them again because they are just that good.
Sully’s Steamers offers mouthwateringly delicious bagel sandwiches piled high with all your favorite ingredients. Named after pop culture references, you’ll find options on their menu like the Griswold (turkey, bacon, provolone, pepper jack, lettuce, bbq and parm peppercorn), the McSteamy (roast beef, 1000 island, lettuce, American cheese, pickles, onion), and the Mr. “T” (turkey, provolone, lettuce, tomato, mayo). They also have options for kids like a PB&J, Mini Mr. “T”, and pizza bagel. You and your taste buds will leave here truly satisfied!
3. Sour & Salt Bakery
Once a month we have an office staff meeting at my job and someone brings bagels. When it’s my boss’s turn to bring the bagels, she always buys them from Sour and Salt; a favorite of all of ours for good reason.
Sour and Salt features classic bagel flavors like plain, everything, poppy seed, sesame seed, onion, salt, and cheddar and chive. (The cheddar and chive is my favorite!) The secret to their amazing taste is the sourdough starter they use to create their bagels and breads. Each perfectly chewy bagel has their own unique flavor with a kick of sour that pulls it all together. In addition, Sour and Salt’s in-house made cream cheese is super smooth, creamy, packed with flavor, and the perfect topping for these incredible bagels!
4. The Bagel Guys
Have a craving for authentic NYC style bagels? The Bagel Guys have you covered! Their tasty bagels are hand rolled, kettle boiled, and fresh every day, just like it’s done in NYC. They use recipes that have been passed down through generations of NYC bakers, and have brought that classic crunchy bite to the Soda City.
I have had these bagels, and let me tell you, they are amazing and definitely authentic NYC bagels! You’ll find bagel flavors such as egg, plain, everything, sesame, cheddar scallion, onion, salt, cheddar, and French toast. There are also delicious sandwiches like the classix lox bagel, cream cheese and bacon (with LOTS of bacon!), ham and Swiss, and more! I had the French toast bagel sandwich with sausage, egg, and cheddar cheese. It was fantastic! The bagels and bagel sandwiches are not only packed with flavor but are also HUGE. That was the first thing I noticed when I walked into the bakery, how large the bagels are.
While they don’t have a storefront of their own, you can find their bagels at multiple cafes across the Midlands. They have locations in the Northeast, Lexington, and Batesburg-Leesville, so stop by their location in your neck of the woods and prepare your taste buds to go on a flavor filled ride!
