Grumblefish Bagels — Restaurant in Lincoln City

Who knew you had to come all the way to Lincoln City for a proper NY bagel.

At first I thought I’d come to the wrong place. The ghostly ruins of the late Vivian’s Restaurant & BBQ signage still towers over an empty parking lot and a building into which someone is now breathing in new life. Nevertheless a chucklesome sign of a crotchety fish misspelling the word “twoday” and a door ajar led me inside, where an old Western fisherman’s saloon vibe seemed to be coming to fruition.

Chrissy was literally my first verbal interaction of the morning, and her lovely comforting disposition instantly brightened my whole day. She told me they’d only been open about a month and they were still working on renovating and making the place their own.

As someone who had once been on a multi-years expedition to try the best bagel in NYC, I had nearly given up hope on finding a good boiled New York-style bagel that could rival the best in NYC anywhere in the state of Oregon, and at long last, my journey led me here. I felt shaken and surprised in all the best ways, as I’d practically wandered in from across the street.

I ordered lox and chive cream cheese on an everything bagel, and sensing the quality I panicked and ordered a sampling of others and cream cheeses we’ll enjoy later on the drive back home. What I can say so far is that these bagels are QUALITY stuff. The insides are delightfully chewy with perfect density and a wonderfully crispy exterior. My palate was transported to Thompson Square, Ess-a-Bagel, and H&H before they closed down.

NYC transplants (as well as fellow bagel snobs) lurking around the area should RUN - don’t walk - to Grumblefish before the line starts in the ocean.

Also the coffee is...

These are bagels. Like real NYC bagels. As someone who spent half of their 50+ years in the NYC area, and transplanted to the midwest, I am always on the hunt for good bagels.

These hit the mark. The bagels have a great crust, and the perfect chewy well baked interior. I'm not big on extreme bagels ( things like asiago with jalapeno, bacon, etc) but they have them and they look great.

I went with standard bagels, everything, salt, plain, sesame, and I couldnt be happier. Toppings were great, and salt is 'pretzel salt', like real NY bagels.

I think I havent stopped telling my wife how good they are. Go there. Support them. You wont be disappointed! (ok, there really is no atmosphere, but I couldnt NOT give them...

Chewy, lightly crispy, flavorful, toasted delight. Whipped cream cheese - strawberry and chives are my two faves. Blueberry Bagel with thick slices and fresh strawberries? Yes please. Large blueberries throughout the bagel. Todays’s choice is Asiago with plain whipped cream cheese. Refreshing part of the bakery? The Grumblefish guys are always smiling- joyful- they seem to love it, and enjoy talking food. They are busy- so it’s not “too long” chatter. Go get one! ( or a bunch ). Plan for time to enjoy the lake and sea birds in the camel just outside...