Levy’s Bagels, in Alameda CA, is the way to go when choosing a bagel shop. From the perspective of someone who has been going there for years, I can say that it is the best of the four bagel-only shops on the island.
The variety of bagels as well as cream cheeses allow for so many different combinations. I think that the best combinations they have to offer include: French toast bagel & cinnamon raisin walnut cream cheese, asiago bagel & plain cream cheese, onion bagel & garlic herb cream cheese, garlic bagel & plain cream cheese, cheddar jalapeno & plain cream cheese.
5.) Cheddar Jalapeno & Plain Cream Cheese
Coming in fifth place in my ranking is cheddar jalapeno. The contrast between the jalapeno and the cream cheese creates a pleasing flavor. The spiciness from the jalapenos and the cooling sensation from the cream cheese allows for a wonderful combination that leaves you wanting more. Though not in my top three this is definitely a bagel that you should try.
4.) Garlic Bagel & Plain Cream Cheese
In fourth place I would put garlic bagels. I love the crunchiness of the garlic on top of the bagel with the smoothness of the cream cheese. I also like the way that the cream cheese tones down the intense flavor of the garlic making it a much more subtle yet unique flavor.
3.) Asiago Bagel & Plain Cream Cheese
I think that third place goes to asiago bagels. Similar to the Cheddar Jalapeño, the cheese and the cream cheese allows for a very cheesy bagel in a way that is very tasty. Though it doesn’t have the spice that cheddar jalapeño does, I actually think it makes it better due to the simplicity. This bagel is so simple yet so good and has been one of my go-to’s since I was young.
2.) French Toast Bagel & Cinnamon Raisin Walnut Cream Cheese
This bagel and the next are my two favorites and I always switch which one I prefer. As of now, this does get the number two spot. Nothing can even begin to capture the feeling of the first bite of this bagel. One would think the extravagance of the name would give you somewhat of an idea but it doesn’t even come close. The sweetness from the sugar on the outside of the bagel makes it so enjoyable along with the slight crunch from the walnuts in the cream cheese. The flavor of the french toast with the cinnamon just gives you the perfect bite of sweetness and it truly is one the best bagels you could get.
1.) Onion Bagel & Garlic Herb Cream Cheese
Now for my favorite bagel. This is the bagel that influenced me to try new bagels and cream cheeses. It is the perfect savory bagel and it is very hard to compete with. First you have the savory flavor from the crispy onions on the outside of the bagel that provide a perfect crunch, and on the inside you have the garlic herb cream cheese adding a perfect finish to the already savory bagel. Because of all the different savory flavors (garlic, onion, herbs) it truly does make it the best combination you can come by.
Yes, these combinations may be relatively generic, and you could easily say “oh but you can get these exact bagels at another bagel shop” which may be true yes, but as someone who has tried lots of these combinations at other locations in Alameda, you really can’t get any bagel like the bagels at Levy’s. Everything put in the bagel shop truly makes it the best place to go.
