Back East Bagels

Introduction / Overview

For Arizona locals searching for that traditional, chewy, and satisfying bagel experience often associated with the East Coast, Back East Bagels in Tempe is a dedicated culinary destination. More than just a simple breakfast spot, this location operates as a versatile Bagel shop, full-service Espresso bar, and casual Sandwich shop, offering a comprehensive menu to fuel your day from morning till early afternoon.

Back East Bagels takes pride in its commitment to delivering authentic bagel quality right here in the Valley. While the debate over whether an Arizona bagel can truly replicate the "Back East" experience is a point of local discussion, many value this shop for its dedication to the craft. The wide array of bagel flavors alone—ranging from the essential Plain and Everything to unique options like Banana Walnut and Jalapeno—ensures there is a perfect base for every craving. They also boast a large selection of homemade cream cheeses, the perfect accompaniment to the freshly baked dough.

Beyond the iconic bagel, the establishment offers substantial lunch options and a full coffee menu. Whether you are craving the rich warmth of a bowl of soup, such as the popular Broccoli Cheddar, or a hearty Lunch Bagel Sandwich like the Turkey Tempe or the classic Daniels Traditional Lox And Bagel, Back East Bagels aims to be your reliable spot for a quick, delicious meal. Their menu extends to freshly prepared salads and a delightful selection of pastries, including Cinnamon Rolls and various muffins.

The atmosphere of the shop is often described as cozy, offering a comfortable place for Tempe residents to gather, grab a coffee, and enjoy a quick bite. It is also noted for being LGBTQ+ friendly, fostering an inclusive environment for all community members. While one customer noted that the service can sometimes be slow, others appreciate the friendly nature of the staff, emphasizing that the focus here is on the quality of the product and the convenience of a quick visit.

The core value proposition for Arizona patrons is clear: a convenient, centrally located shop that attempts to bring the revered "back east" bagel traditions to the desert, ensuring freshness with products Made And Baked Fresh All Day, Until We Sell Out!

Location and Accessibility

Back East Bagels is conveniently situated in the heart of Tempe, making it an easy stop for locals across the East Valley and those traveling through the area.

The exact address is 1628 E Southern Ave #2, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA.

This prime location on Southern Avenue offers excellent accessibility. The shop is located in a plaza, which provides multiple parking solutions, a critical factor in the busy Tempe area. Customers benefit from both a Free parking lot directly adjacent to the store and the availability of Free street parking nearby, ensuring a smooth process for running in and grabbing an order or settling in for a meal.

In line with providing a welcoming experience for everyone in the Arizona community, the establishment is fully committed to accessibility. The facilities are equipped with:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Wheelchair accessible restroom

The overall layout and service model are optimized for efficiency, designed for customers planning a Quick visit for their morning coffee or lunch break.

Services Offered

Back East Bagels provides a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the diverse dining needs of the Tempe community throughout the day:

• Daily Bagel Baking: Freshly baking a wide variety of 18+ bagel flavors daily, ensuring high quality and optimal taste and texture for all breakfast and lunch items.
• Full Espresso Bar Service: Offering a wide selection of coffee and espresso-based beverages, from standard hot coffee to lattes, cappuccinos, and blended drinks, perfect for a morning boost or afternoon pick-me-up.
• Dine-in and Onsite Services: Providing a cozy, comfortable atmosphere with tables and counter seating for customers who wish to eat their meal inside the shop.
• Takeout and In-store Pickup: Quick and efficient service for customers ordering to-go, allowing for minimal wait time for both small and large orders.
• Lunch Bagel Sandwich Specials: Crafting specialty sandwiches like the Turkey Tempe, Philly Pastrami, and the classic Lox And Bagel, using their fresh bagels as the base.
• Diverse Menu Offerings: Serving a complete meal selection beyond bagels, including freshly made salads, hot soups of the day (served with a cheese bagel stick), and a selection of pastries and sweets.
• Catering Options: Offering bulk deals, such as the 'Dozen Deal' or '19 Bagel Deal,' which are perfect for catering office meetings, university events, or family gatherings in the Valley.

Features / Highlights

Back East Bagels distinguishes itself in the competitive Arizona food scene with several key features:

• Authentic Bagel Selection: Boasting an extensive list of over 18 unique bagel flavors, from traditional Pumpernickel and Poppy to Arizona-friendly options like Jalapeno, ensuring variety for repeat customers.
• All-Day Menu Versatility: Functioning as a trifecta of an Bagel shop, Espresso bar, and Sandwich shop, catering to breakfast, lunch, and mid-day coffee cravings from early morning until the afternoon.
• Daily Freshness Commitment: Products are Made And Baked Fresh All Day, ensuring the characteristic chewiness and flavor that customers expect from a high-quality bagel.
• Signature Menu Items: Popular and unique sandwich options like the "Turkey Tempe" (featuring chive cream cheese and vegetables) and the "Earls Ruben" highlight their creativity in utilizing the fresh bagel or rye bread base.
• Comprehensive Accessibility: Providing full accessibility features, including a Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom, demonstrating commitment to serving the entire community.
• Cozy, Community-Focused Vibe: Described as "cozy inside," the ambiance is welcoming, comfortable, and explicitly LGBTQ+ friendly, appealing to a diverse local crowd.
• Payment and Parking Ease: Accepts modern payment methods like Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, and offers the convenience of both Free parking lot and Free street parking.

Contact Information

To reach Back East Bagels in Tempe, Arizona for an order, catering inquiry, or general questions:

Address: 1628 E Southern Ave #2, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA

Phone: (480) 491-4222

Mobile Phone: +1 480-491-4222

What is Worth Choosing

For Arizona residents, choosing Back East Bagels is worth it for the sheer variety, quality commitment, and the seamless integration of three distinct dining experiences—bagel shop, deli, and coffee house—into one accessible location.

The first compelling reason is the dedication to the bagel itself. In a region where truly traditional bagels can be hard to find, Back East Bagels makes a concerted effort to deliver on that "Back East" promise. Customers appreciate the wide array of nearly twenty unique bagel flavors and the variety of spreads, which includes multiple homemade cream cheese flavors. Whether you are a purist who wants a Plain Bagel or someone looking for a flavor adventure with a Cheddar Cheese or Banana Walnut, the volume of choice is unparalleled for a quick-service location in Tempe. This commitment is supported by the fact that they are Baked Fresh All Day, ensuring a better, fresher product for every customer.

Secondly, its role as a full-service café is a major convenience for students, commuters, and families in the East Valley. The menu extends well beyond breakfast, offering an extensive selection of Lunch Bagel Sandwiches, hearty salads like the Garden Chicken Salad, and warming Soups of the Day, all served with a complimentary cheese bagel stick. This versatility means you can stop by for a high-quality Breakfast or a substantial lunch without having to visit multiple places. Pairing any meal with an expertly made beverage from their Espresso bar—be it a decent hot black coffee or a customized latte—makes it a true one-stop destination.

Finally, the practical amenities make the entire experience painless. The central Tempe location with Free parking (both lot and street) eliminates the stress of parking, and the welcoming atmosphere—including being LGBTQ+ friendly—makes it a comfortable spot for everyone. While there have been occasional notes about service speed, the overall value of the diverse, high-quality, and authentic selection of bagels, sandwiches, and coffee makes Back East Bagels a highly worthwhile and reliable choice for the Arizona local looking for an honest taste of the East Coast bagel tradition.