Where to Find the Best Bagels in Clark County and Portland

As a Clark County realtor and food enthusiast, I’m always on the hunt for the perfect bagel. Recently, I stumbled upon a lively Reddit discussion comparing several Portland bakeries. While that thread isn’t curated by me, it did inspire this deeper dive into the standout places in our region. From Vancouver’s favorite cafes to Portland’s acclaimed bakeries, here’s my take on where to find exceptional bagels near me without leaving Southwest Washington.

Bernstein’s Bagels – The North Portland Icon

Located on North Russell Street, Bernstein’s Bagels has built a devoted following for its chewy, flavorful creations. Owner Noah Bernstein, a transplanted New Yorker, boils bagels throughout the day to keep them fresh. Toppings range from classic salt to weekend pumpernickel, and the rotating schmears often sell out. Get there early before the line wraps around the block.

Bentley’s Bagels – Northwest District Tradition

Bentley’s Bagels emerged when its owners couldn’t find a proper New York–style bagel in Portland. They deliver that sought‑after crisp crust with a warm, chewy center. Open Wednesday through Sunday for breakfast and lunch, the shop keeps its menu simple so they can focus on perfecting each ring of dough.

Bowery Bagels – Hand‑Rolled and Authentic

Bowery Bagels was founded by a former New Yorker determined to replicate the bagels he missed. Each one is hand‑rolled, slowly fermented, boiled in small batches and then baked, producing the coveted light crunch and malty richness. With two locations, you can enjoy a traditional lox bagel downtown or on PSU’s campus. The ingredients are simple, vegan, and even certified kosher.

Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels – Local Favorite

Henry Higgins operates four cafés across Portland, each with its own vibe. They won a People’s Choice award at the Portland Bagel‑Off for their classic boiled bagels and offer more than a dozen flavors alongside deli sides and pastries. It’s a reliable pick when you’re searching for a bagel shop near me that satisfies everyone’s craving.

Spielman Coffee & Bagels – Sourdough Surprise

Spielman stands out because it uses a sourdough starter, giving each bagel a distinct tang and a crisp exterior. Started as a father‑and‑son coffee roaster, the business now boasts multiple locations around Portland. The salt and herb bagel is a must‑try, and the house‑roasted coffee complements every bite.

Ben & Esther’s Vegan Delicatessen – Plant‑Based Comfort

On Alberta Street, this vegan deli proves you don’t need dairy or meat to enjoy a satisfying bagel. Their chewy rings come with dairy‑free cream cheeses like honey‑almond or lemon‑dill, and they offer inventive carrot “lox” or hearts‑of‑palm “whitefish.” It’s a perfect destination when searching bagels near me that cater to plant‑based eaters.

Honey Bagels – Limited and Worth the Wait

Honey Bagels operates under the Fairbanks Bread banner and is only available via pre‑order, with pick‑up at Café Olli in Northeast Portland. The bagels have a dark crust and airy interior. Flavors rotate weekly, including classics like poppy and cinnamon‑raisin and sometimes a decadent chocolate version. They sell out quickly, so plan ahead.

Puddletown Bagels – Bagels on Wheels

Puddletown runs a brick‑and‑mortar bakery plus multiple carts around Portland, making it easy to find a fresh bagel on the go. Their chewy rings stand up well to loaded sandwiches like the lox classic or the meat‑packed Dagwood. It’s a great option for commuters seeking bagels near me before work.

Tastebud – When Bagels Meet Wood‑Fired Ovens

Known for wood‑fired pizzas, Tastebud occasionally offers boiled and wood‑fired bagels. The crust develops a nice char while the interior remains chewy. If you manage to snag a batch, follow their tip: slice and freeze what you don’t finish and toast from frozen later.

Seize The Bagel – Vancouver’s Pride

Back home in Clark County, Seize The Bagel reigns supreme. With four locations, Cascade Park, Hazel Dell, Orchards and the Heights, this local chain offers about twenty flavors ranging from chocolate chip to snickerdoodle. They also serve hearty sandwiches like a beef dip. If you’re searching for a bagel shop near me in Vancouver, this is probably your first stop.

Cedar Street Bagel Co. – Camas Gem

A short drive east, Cedar Street Bagel Co. in Camas serves New York–style boiled bagels with house‑made cream cheeses and scratch‑made soups. Under new ownership since October 2025, the shop remains committed to simple, delicious breakfast and lunch options.

Sincerely Bagel – Modern Sourdough

This NE Portland bakery specializes in sourdough bagels with creative toppings such as za’atar olive oil and kimchi cheddar. The cozy space offers affordable breakfast and lunch options along with Wi‑Fi. Perfect for remote work and a quick bite.

Bialy Bird – A Bagel Cousin

Bialy Bird focuses on bialys—similar to bagels but with a depression instead of a hole and operates from a bright shop on SE Morrison Street. It’s a nice change of pace for anyone looking to explore beyond the typical boiled bagel.

If there's a place you know and thats not on the list, please do comment.