With the new Shug’s Bagels in town and the Flour Moon Bagels food truck on campus, the bagel hype and competition are at an all-time high. While people will continue debating what the best bagel in New Orleans is, I wanted to add my two cents to the conversation.  

Humble Bagel 

Humble has a cult following to go with the skeptics, but as far as an authentic, dense and filling bagel goes, no one is doing it better than them. Since they often sell out before noon and have a line out the door most days, plan to get there early. They have a wide range of cream cheese flavors, from roasted garlic pesto to Thai curry, which are always packed with the flavors promised. With a rotating bagel special each day, there’s always something fun to try, like sourdough on Saturdays and fun-colored bagels during Carnival season.  

Small Mart Café 

Tucked away in the Bywater, Small Mart is serving up some crazy sandwiches with lots of options for pescatarians and vegans.

Some options include Philadelphia Maki with smoked salmon, pickled ginger, wasabi and soy sauce or the Spinach Tofu with tofu, baby spinach, veggies and vinaigrette. With such unique choices, you’ll have a hard time not ordering the whole menu. Small Mart doesn’t sell meat other than fish, so go elsewhere for a regular bacon, egg and cheese — unless you want a vegan version. 

Stein’s Market and Deli 

There is no better feeling than finding a no-frills spot to get a quick bagel and Stein’s gets you in and out of the door faster than you can say “everything bagel.” You can get a bagel for just $1.50 and add cream cheese for only $1.00 more. With a variety of specialty meats and cheeses, this is a great spot to turn your bagel into a sandwich as well. 

Laurel Street Café 

One of my go-to study spots, Laurel Street Cafe, serves up great bagels in addition to their sandwiches, coffee and pastries. I’m a huge fan of their sundried tomato cream cheese, and any coffee ordered here is perfect for a brunch-and-study moment.  

Flour Moon Bagels 

Flour Moon is a fan favorite in New Orleans, and rightfully so with their creative and delicious cream cheeses and sandwiches. With options like a Creole everything bagel, kimchi cream cheese and French chili butter, every variety of bagel lover will find something to love. With their food truck on campus and the stunning outdoor space at their Mid-City location, there’s no shortage of options to get your Flour Moon fix. 

Bayou Bagel Company 

Bayou Bagel Company is located just a few blocks from Touro on Prytania Street. It’s a quiet spot to grab a bagel. They use Central Grocery olive salad to make their muffuletta cream cheese for an authentic New Orleans comfort flavor. You can also find their bagels and cream cheeses at select local grocery stores, like Breaux Mart, Canseco’s and Robért Fresh Market.  

Leo’s Bread 

The excitement I get seeing a bagel with the everything seasoning on both sides might be embarrassing. But when I get all that goodness with every bite at Leo’s it’s understandable. A great place to grab an open face sandwich and ensure you get all the “everything” flavors.  

Kosher Cajun NY Deli & Grocery 

Walking into Kosher Cajun makes you forget you’re in New Orleans. Instead, it’s like you enter a portal to an authentic New York City deli with groceries and more to shop for. The neighborhood establishment has an extensive sandwich menu, which includes a bagel with lox or whitefish salad. I got the bagel with lox, tomato, lettuce, onion, cream cheese and capers which came loaded up — however, it was $15 before tax and tip, so keep that in mind. This is a cool spot to grab a bagel sandwich and maybe shop for some specialty groceries. 

Shug’s Bagels 

For a classic bacon, egg and cheese, look no further than Shug’s. Within walking distance of campus, the growing following of Shug’s is understandable, especially when you try the “Shug” breakfast sandwich with bacon, egg, American cheese and hashbrowns. You can also make it a “Spicy Shug,” which swaps the American cheese for pepper jack and adds hot sauce. With ample seating and opening hours till 3 p.m., I can’t think of a better post-exam treat.