Briny Bagels — Restaurant in Bainbridge Island

Black magic delicious. Ive been eating bagels since I was weened from the tit, traveled the world, bagels on 3 continents, more than 50 cities...Briny is the gold standard. They are so good Justin Timberlake might be enticed to write a new song about them "Bringing Bagels Back". Sure, this may sound a little over the top, maybe hyperbolic, exaggerated even but hear me out. Most weekends I find my self here, a lot of those visits im in a line of locals waiting for it to open. Because we are friendly folk conversation takes place, almost everytime it drifts to individuals telling stories of all the bagels they have eaten in different parts of the world and how Briny is the boss. Never, ever, do I hear a critique of this place and trust me when I say, Bainbridge Islanders are more than willing to complain about just about everything so when I hear nada, zero, zilch, bad things...that is saying a lot without saying anything. Okay...okay...I've talked about the deliciousness of the bagels, sure I left out that their breaky sandwhiches are next level amazing with egg, pesto, and sausage/bacon, or their smoked tuna wasabi sandwich or...or... but i think we need to mention the space. Briny is in an unassuming building and a small space tucked away on the island. They have shelves stocked with goods from other pacific northwest companies, a fridge filled with every high quality boutique juice you could ask for and a warm, charming feel that invites you to stay, play some cribbage or chess, talk to your friends or family and share a damn good meal. They have done so much to make you feel at home, you find yourself happily drawn back.

How does a thing like this exist? The way it is described and experienced feels like a fever dream of delight.

It is here only because of the people who run it. They are locals, they are kind hearted, they remember you, your name, your order, and are deeply woven into the fabric of the island they feed. It's because of them and their love for the craft and their community that everything else falls into place.

Thank you Briny. I do blame you for me having to get up so early on my days off so my lady can enjoy her bagel in bed with coffee...but somehow I'm not mad. You...

Channeling my Inner-New Yorker for this review because it deserves the flair! Enjoy my fellow foodies:

So, I’m down on Bainbridge Island, right? Expectin' a quiet little town with fancy tea shops or whatever. But then, BOOM, like a slap from a New York cabbie, I see this bagel shop. A BAGEL SHOP, on Bainbridge freakin’ Island! My New York heart skips a beat. Could it be? Could they really know what they’re doin’ out here?

As I’m headin’ in, the owner—Frank, because of course that's his name—even greets me in line. I walk in, and lemme tell ya, the aroma hits me like a sweet symphony of bagel bliss. I’m talkin' about that smell that makes you wanna do a little dance when it hits you...and I did. They got a menu that would make any New Yorker proud: sesame, poppy, everything, even a bunch of extra schmear flavors for those feelin’ extra fancy.

I order my taste test bagel, how I judge a good place, an everything bagel and opt for the chive and black pepper schmear. I take one bite, and BAM! I’m transported back to Russ & Daughters on Houston St with that quality, except I’m on this freakin’ beautiful island with trees and fresh air.

The bagel’s got the perfect chew—none of that doughy nonsense. The schmear? Fuhgeddaboudit, it's fresher than a kid in new kicks on the first day of school. I’m sittin’ there, enjoying my bagel, and I start thinkin', “Maybe Bainbridge Island isn’t so bad after all.” Who knew?

If you’re a New Yorker—or just someone with taste buds—you gotta check this joint out. They’ll make you feel like you’re back home, without the honking horns and the guy yellin' at you to move it along. Bagels this good?...

Growing up in the mid Atlantic and living in NYC for almost a decade, I definitely took good bagels for granted. It wasn't until I had an everything bagel at Briny Bagels that I realized how much I missed having a real bagel after a decade of living up and down the West Coast.

Briny Bagels really does rival the best bagels from NYC. The crispy outer shell, the dense but chewy air pocketed interior, and the generous amount of flavoring on the top and bottom (pretty much the same amount top and bottom, which I love) combined with top quality, and inventive schmear (black pepper + chive + scallion, yes please) makes Briny Bagels a must visit.

They just opened recently, and there's usually a line, and it's always worth the wait. I get there before they open, and I'm always 10-20 back in line, but their operations are very smooth and the line...