The trendy Dallas-based bagel shop, Shug’s Bagels, recently opened a New Orleans location on the corner of Maple Street and Cherokee Street that serves a unique menu of breakfast and brunch options. A short walk from campus, Shug’s serves as a convenient alternative to the typical Tulane University breakfast at the Malkin Sacks Commons.  

The vibe inside Shug’s is incredible. Shug’s warm atmosphere and vibrant aesthetic fit the college coffee shop stereotype. Decorated with interesting paintings and closely spaced seating, Shug’s provides an intimate yet lively environment.  

The staff was very friendly and suggested I order a ranch chicken cutlet bagel. I also decided to order a toasted cinnamon raisin bagel with cream cheese and orange juice. 

Somehow, the total cost for my meal was $30.80.  

With my ranch chicken cutlet bagel being a steep $17.00, I had lofty expectations for the taste and size of the bagel, and I can say I was pleasantly surprised. The portion size was phenomenal. There was chicken and bacon practically falling out of the sides of my bagel, which was seasoned quite well. However, I do wish there had been more ranch and cheese on the bagel.  

As someone who does not get full easily, I found myself struggling to finish my food, which was another pleasant surprise. While the cinnamon bagel did not have nearly as much flavor as the ranch cutlet, the ratio of cream cheese to bagel was on point.  

To my disappointment, the orange juice was not freshly squeezed. The wait time was minimal, and they had a filtered water station, which was convenient, and a large selection of beverages. If I were to go back, I would explore new options such as the pizza bagel or the pesto bagel. 

My biggest and truly only critique was the pricing. I understand that due to geopolitical factors, restaurant prices are rising, but I simply cannot justify paying $17.00 for a bagel and $5.00 for bottled orange juice. I believe that Shug’s is aware of this because on the receipt, they break down the pricing of each bagel based on ingredients. For example, my receipt stated that the chicken cutlet cost $6.00, the bacon cost $4.00 and the avocado cost $3.00. While the transparency of the pricing is appreciated, $17.00 is a lot for a bagel, especially for a college student. 

If you are looking for a quick and tasty breakfast or lunch, Shug’s is a fantastic spot, but be prepared to spend a pretty penny.