Big Bad Bagels Old Town — Restaurant in Riga

So good! Could rival a New York bagel! Located on the edge of the Old Town and thankfully located opposite my hotel. I went twice for breakfast whilst in Riga. Huge variety including options for those who are vegetarian. Staff are friendly and pleasant. The first time I went I had the Salmon in New York bagel generously filled with salmon, cream cheese, red onion, capers and spinach. Fresh ingredients and perfect with a black coffee. Even the coffee was very good. They also have a selection of fresh juices and power smoothies. I couldn't fault it. The second time I went, I had the Peanut in Jelly Bagel. This was also nice. However, go for one of the savoury options as there is a bigger variety and definitely one of the best bagels I have eaten. They have an English menu as well. This is the big problem, seating! They are very busy but there are limited tables packed close together inside. Really small place with a few more tables outside. I was super lucky and managed to get a table both times within a few minutes. You need to order and pay at the counter. If dining in, the staff will bring your order to you when ready. Some people just ordered and then waited in the hope of getting a table whereas I waited for a table first and then ordered. You can takeout as well. It wasn't that cheap but I was happy to pay, as the bagels were delicious, as was the coffee and service. Very satisfying and filling! ...

I had the pleasure of visiting this bagel spot, and I must say, it was a fantastic experience! I tried three bagels during my visit: the Chicken Thai Bagel, the Salmon Bagel, and the Egg Salad Bagel.

To start, all the bagels were incredibly fresh, with the perfect texture and flavor. The Chicken Thai Bagel stood out for its crispy chicken that was far from dry—just perfectly cooked. The mango sauce added a delightful sweetness balanced with a subtle kick of spice, making it truly memorable.

Next, I tried the Egg Salad Bagel, which was absolutely delicious. The flavors were elevated by the addition of herbs like dill, and the generous toppings made every bite satisfying. This bagel didn’t need any extra sauces; it was already bursting with flavor.

Lastly, the Salmon Bagel was a classic done right. The fresh salmon paired beautifully with the bagel, and the overall presentation and taste were spot on.

The place itself was cozy and comfortable, with a nice ambiance to relax in. The service was decent, and I appreciated the wide variety of options on the menu. Overall, I had an excellent time here and will definitely be coming...

Visited Big Bad Bagels today — it was quite crowded, definitely not the kind of place to relax over a coffee. It’s more of a spot for a quick lunch or takeaway. Prices range around €6–8 per bagel. Interesting to try once, but I realized it’s not really for me.

The bagels themselves are large and a bit tough to chew, which made it less enjoyable. That said, they do have some creative flavor combos — the banana-bacon-syrup (bacon in Canada) bagel was certainly unique!

If you’re in the area and want something quick, it’s worth a visit. But if you’re after a more cozy café experience, I’d personally recommend grabbing a croissant at a nearby place like Strada or Caffeine instead. I don’t plan on returning anytime soon, but it’s a solid fast...