Ripple Bagel and Deli — Restaurant in Indianapolis

Very disappointing first (and most likely last) experience.

Ordered a Loxy Lady and then had to wait 30+ minutes for it. I get they were busy, but 30 minutes? Okay, whatever, given the hype and the buzz, I figured it must be really worth it.

It was not.

I don't know if the bagel was previously frozen, or steamed and left out, or poorly toasted, but it was rock hard. I had been checking in every few minutes and ate it in my car, so there's zero excuse for why a bagel was that hard. There was no "crunch" to it like you would get from a toasted bagel, and for anyone that's ever microwaved a bagel and left it for a few minutes knows how quick and easy it is for it to become a brick - that's exactly what this was. I got an everything bagel and even the amount of everything seasoning was pretty disappointing. It felt like it was doing the bare minimum just to be classified as an everything bagel.

As far as the ingredients went, they were very bad, as in the lowest tier possible one could go. The onions, despite being red onions, had absolutely no flavor, which is the same that can be said for the capers, which completely lacked that salty profile, the cucumbers tasted like they had been pre-sliced (very thinly) and then put in the fridge for just shy of a weak because they were flavorless and very limp. The cream cheese was nothing special, just a basic, run of the mill cream cheese - honestly wouldn't surprise me if it was just Philadelphia cream cheese, but even then, it was most likely some generic brand. The lox was pitiful. It had no smoke flavor to it and didn't taste fresh at all. It was just a very cheap smoked salmon.

All of the ingredients felt like they were prepped en masse, put in a prep table for many, many hours, put in the fridge at the end of the day, and used the following day. At best. It also felt like their menu is so exhaustive that no single ingredient is the star, everything is shared to some extent between the next sandwich, so it quickly becomes quantity over quality.

The only "redeeming quality" is the price, but even then, after trying other lox bagels in the area, and from back home, I would GLADLY pay more for a higher quality product, from top to bottom. Pay $10 for a terrible product or $13 for a premium product? It's a no-brainer for me.

I have a very hard time imagining that the quality can be drastic enough between this experience and the next that it would make for a redemption story. A lox bagel is a staple in the bagel world, and while it's my favorite, it's also a solid litmus test that you can reliably carry from shop to shop to determine their quality. Ripple Bagel and Deli failed in every area as far as...

Ripple Bagel & Deli A Steamed Bagel Haven in Broad Ripple If you’re in Indianapolis and craving a bagel experience that’s a cut above the rest, look no further than Ripple Bagel & Deli. Nestled in the heart of Broad Ripple since 2003, this family-owned gem has been delighting locals with their signature steamed bagel sandwiches.

The moment you step inside, you’re greeted with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like home. The staff’s friendly demeanor and personal touch often remembering your name make each visit special. It’s the kind of place where post-yoga cravings are met with smiles and seriously satisfying eats.

Their menu boasts over 50 creatively named steamed bagel sandwiches, each one better than the last. My personal favorite? The Big N. I don’t even want to know how many calories are in it…. but honestly, I don’t care. It’s absolutely delicious and worth every bite.

Whether you’re customizing your own creation or indulging in one of their iconic combos, every bite reflects their commitment to flavor, quality, and community. The steam makes a huge difference soft, warm, melty goodness in every sandwich.

For a taste of Indy’s original steamed bagel sandwiches and the kind of customer service that makes you feel like family, Ripple Bagel & Deli is a must-visit.

Support a family owned gem...

The bagel deli is what Broad Ripple is all about to me. Local shop filled with quality food and good people. The vibes are always immaculate in the deli but beware it can get really busy especially on the weekends. I love stopping here for the Loxy Lady bagel and probably a coffee. This is where I take all of my out of town friends when we are seeking a quick brunch. You order at the counter and depending on how busy they’ll either call your name out or bring it to you. I was in today and am really writing because of an interaction that took place. An unhoused man came in and began rudely speaking to customers at the front. No idea what words were exchanged and this is not a political comment on people without homes. However, once the man dismissed himself, one of the staff ladies came to talk to the customers. Again, no idea of the words exchanged, but I thought the deli staff really went the extra mile by addressing it. I always leave here with a brown paper bag, a pitter pater in my heart and a smile on my face. Good music...