Best Bagels In Metro Denver: Patch Readers Decide

Our country's love affair with bagels isn't confined to New York — it spreads like cream cheese across the nation, over the plains and into Colorado, where the Great Bagel Debate continues — which spot is the best? What toppings are acceptable? What comprises the perfect bagel dough?

The country celebrated National Bagel Day Jan. 15, lovingly dubbed the "holiest" of the nation's food holidays. Patch celebrated the day with a Neighbor Post and Facebook question for readers: Which is your favorite bagel spot in metro Denver's metro area and Boulder?

The verdict? Here are some of the top spots in our area.

Rosenberg's Bagels & Delicatessen

Many Denverites call Rosenberg's the best bagel spot in the city. The deli serves New York-style bagels that are slightly crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. The restaurant sometimes loses points for cost, but many who frequent the spot say it's worth the price. Rosenberg's has locations in Denver and Aurora.

Einstein Bros. Bagels

It's no surprise that this chain has spread like, well, dare we use the cream cheese simile again? Einstein Bros. has proven to be a trusty spot, not only with its consistently delicious bagels, but with its nearly two-dozen locations — you can pretty much find a location wherever you have a craving in metro Denver and Boulder. One Patch reader said a perk of the chain is that it offers "lots of freebies."

Leroy's Bagels

Leroy's is known for its fast, friendly service, which is sorely needed considering it's also known for its long lineups. Those who frequent Leroy's say it's worth the wait. The neighborhood bagel shop, just north of Sloan's Lake in Denver, is perhaps best-known for its classics: the Lox Sandwich, the Everything Bagel and the simple Bagel with cream cheese. This spot is also popular among the gluten-free folks.

Big Daddy Bagels

This spot offers East Coast-style bagels with a full espress0 bar and a whopping 17 flavors of cream cheese. Sometimes the chain loses points in the customer service category, but many Boulderites say they've experienced great service, and call it their favorite spot in the city. Big Daddy also has locations in Longmont, Lafayette and Golden.

Woodgrain Bagels & Deli

This is another popular Boulder bagel spot that many former New Yorkers have applauded in reviews. Some menu highlights include the Brooklyn Classic Woodgrain, the Salt and Pepper Bagel and the Everything Bagel. Woodgrain is a popular spot for vegans and vegetarians; however some meat eaters have given the spot flack for its hot dishes being served a bit too cold.

Moe's Broadway Bagel

Moe's pushes the boundaries with options such as its Cinnamon Raisin Bagel with Strawberry Cream Cheese, but that seems to pay off, as the shop's long lineups will attest. Moe's, at 550 Grant Street in Denver, offers a variety of breakfast bagels and even lunch options, such as its chicken salad bagel. Reviewers from NYC have been known to give this spot a hard time, however.

Which bagel spots are we missing? Add your favorites in the comments!