There are few better options for a quick breakfast on the go than a bagel, a chewy, flavorful way to start your morning off deliciously. We’ve dug into the Phoenix bagel scene and came up with five of the best spots in town, many of which go to great lengths to replicate the qualities of a perfect New York City-style bagel.

Bongiorno Bagels

Chef/owner John Bongiorno brings the sort of storybook NYC authenticity, with a background cooking in firehouses as an FDNY lieutenant, to Bongiorno Bagels that can’t be replicated. This Gilbert spot utilizes a high-tech water filtration system to replicate the specific makeup of the water in New York City, a component all bagel lovers agree is an incredibly important ingredient. Their tribute to New York extends to their deli counter, stocked with plenty of staples like prosciutto, corned beef and Taylor ham. 6 a.m. – 2 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. 3107 S Gilbert Rd. #101, Gilbert, AZ; bongiornobagels.com // @bongiornobagels

Chompies

Since 1979, Chompies has been a go-to breakfast spot for bagel lovers in the Valley.  Now serving authentic New York-style bagels at four locations (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, and Glendale), they offer over a dozen varieties of bagels, from classics like egg, sesame, and onion, to more unique styles like parmesan, cinnamon crunch, and the mind-blowing Cragel, a concoction that’s half bagel, half croissant. Top your bagel with a variety of flavored cream cheeses like honey raisin walnut, garlic herb, or their fan-favorite lox spread. Multiple locations. chompies.com // @chompies

The Bagel Man

Boasting nearly three decades in the bagel business, The Bagel Man boils and bakes their bagels in the NYC style, going so far as to filter and soften their water to make it more like the stuff used in the Big Apple. One bite and you’ll be glad they go through all the trouble, their bagels are perfectly chewy and flavorful, either as a part of a breakfast sandwich or just topped with a bit of schmear. Be sure to show up early, because they’re known to sell out within a few hours of opening. 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday. 5035 E Elliot Rd, Phoenix, AZ; thebagelman.food73.com

Hot Bagels & Deli

After relocating to Arizona from New Jersey in the early 2000s, the folks behind Hot Bagels quickly made a name for themselves, thanks to their high-quality handmade bagels, each rolled by hand (not a machine). They’re extended to a trio of locations, two in Glendale, and one in Phoenix, so you’re never too far from a crusty, chewy, Hot Bagel. Multiple locations. azhotbagel.com // @hotbagel.carefree

Back East Bagels

This quirky, charming Tempe breakfast spot is decorated with subway tile and vintage license plates, giving it a kitschy vibe that perfectly compliments their creative and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re craving a simple bagel topped with cream cheese or lox, or something more offbeat, like their fan-favorite bagel dog (a kosher hot dog wrapped in plain bagel dough topped with cheese), Back East’s a great spot for a quick, satisfying breakfast. 5:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. 1628 E Southern Ave #2, Tempe, AZ; backeastbagels.com

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