Brandwein's Bagels — Restaurant in Chapel Hill

Looks like I'll be the one to stop blowing smoke up Brandwein's backside. The bagels are halfway decent (mine was burned from toasting), but are fairly small. There was a generous amount of cream cheese and toppings, but I wasn't expecting anything less than that because I paid...$25 for one bagel sandwich and a bagel with lox. I understand lox is expensive but are y'all joking? I would pay less in NEW YORK CITY. And get a better bagel to boot. What amazes me is all the people paying these ludicrous prices more than once.

PROS: -Halfway decent bagels; glad to have another entry in the bagel market that's so lacking in NC -Local (not a corporation) -Staff was friendly -Homemade cream cheese (admittedly not hard to make and basically a requirement for any mom and pop bagel shop, but still)

CONS: -The most expensive bagels I've ever eaten, and not the best I've ever eaten in order to justify the price -No free parking -Small bagels; adding insult to injury for the insane prices -Outdoor seating only, with cheap plastic tables and bees at both ends (we had to move because the bees were so prevalent)

If the prices were more reasonable, this would be a four star review and I would come back. Maybe the owner will get away with this absurdity because it's Chapel Hill and many millennials/gen Zs with no financial acumen will pay huge bucks for anything trendy.

The owner has mentioned that one of the (many) reasons the prices are absurd is that he pays the employees a living wage; that's all well and good but he may not realize that his claim is easily verifiable by going to the Orange County Living Wage website. His business is not listed as a partner in the living wage movement, and it's been open for a year. I'm sure he pays way more than minimum, but he's definitely not paying 15.85 an hour. Edited to add that he is now part of the website over a year later. Which still means nothing as the actual living wage has gone up significantly over the past year, but OCLW hasn't updated it by more than a few cents. I'm sure Brandwein again raised his ridiculous prices to compensate for his...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Brandswein Bagel, and I must say, it was an incredible experience from start to finish! From the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere that set the stage for what was to come.

The bagels at Brandswein are undoubtedly the stars of the show. They are simply outstanding, with a perfect balance of chewiness on the inside and a slight crispness on the outside. Each bite was a burst of flavor, and I could tell that they were made with the utmost care and attention to detail. The variety of flavors available was impressive, ranging from classic favorites like plain and sesame to more unique options like blueberry and everything bagels.

The staff at Brandswein Bagel deserves a special mention. They were incredibly friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about their products. They took the time to explain the different types of bagels and offer recommendations based on personal preferences. Their passion for their craft was evident, and it made the entire experience even more enjoyable.

In addition to their exceptional bagels, Brandswein offers a wide selection of spreads and toppings to accompany them. I opted for their house-made cream cheese, which was velvety smooth and infused with various flavors. It complemented the bagels perfectly and elevated the overall taste to new heights.

The pricing at Brandswein Bagel is reasonable considering the quality and size of the bagels. The portion sizes were generous, ensuring that I left fully satisfied. It's also worth mentioning that they offer a takeaway option, making it convenient for those on the go.

Overall, I cannot recommend Brandswein Bagel enough. Whether you're a bagel aficionado or simply someone looking for a delicious breakfast or snack, this place is a gem. The combination of fantastic bagels, friendly staff, and delightful atmosphere creates an experience that is hard to beat. I will definitely be returning to Brandswein Bagel to indulge in their...

⭐5 Stars for 5 Amazing Years⭐

Huge congratulations to Brandwein's Bagels and their 5th anniversary! As someone who's always been on the hunt for a real, New York-style bagel here in North Carolina, I can confidently say: I've found my bagel home and it's right here in Chapel Hill.

From the very first bite of a warm freshly baked sesame bagel with lox and schmear, I knew I didn't need to go anywhere else. The quality, the authenticity, the care put into every item on the menu is unmatched. Whether it's a classic egg bagel or one of their seasonal specials, everything is made with the kind of love and precision that only comes from people who truly care about their craft.

And speaking of people--Alex, the owner, is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. His passion for bagels is only matched by his warmth and dedication to his customers. Brandwein's isn't just a place to grab a bagel; it's a place where you'll feel welcome, like you're part of the extended bagel-loving family.

The success of Brandwein's isn't just about the incredible food, it's about the community that Alex has built. The shop radiates a genuine, feel-good vibe that makes you want to come back again and again.

Happy 5th anniversary Brandwein's! Thanks for making Chapel Hill feel a little more like NYC, and a whole lot more delicious.

Here's to many more years of bagels, smears, and smiles!...