Emerald City Bagels

Are you on the hunt for a genuinely satisfying bagel experience right here in Georgia? For many locals, the search ends in East Atlanta Village at Emerald City Bagels. More than just a breakfast spot, this bagel shop and restaurant has garnered a reputation for crafting New York-style bagels that bring a taste of the Northeast to the South. Founded by mother-daughter duo Deanna and Jackie Halcrow, who are Long Island natives, Emerald City Bagels is a love letter to the classic bagel and appetizing shops of lower Manhattan, offering a simple yet expertly executed menu that focuses on tradition and quality ingredients.

Since opening their brick-and-mortar location in 2018, after building a loyal following through pop-ups and market stands, Emerald City Bagels has been a staple in the Atlanta food scene. Their dedication to the traditional New York bagel process—including kettle-boiling and long-fermentation—is what sets them apart. This meticulous method results in the distinct dense, chewy interior and crusty exterior that fans of the style crave. In fact, many local reviews and publications consistently name Emerald City Bagels among the best bagel shops in the Atlanta area, a true testament to their commitment to authenticity outside of the New York boroughs. Whether you’re a New York transplant craving a familiar bite or a Georgia native curious about the genuine article, Emerald City Bagels is a must-try destination for breakfast and lunch.

The flagship location of Emerald City Bagels is nestled in the vibrant heart of the East Atlanta Village neighborhood. This dynamic and artsy area provides a perfect backdrop for the shop’s retro, classic deli aesthetic. It’s an easy-to-find spot that serves as a central hub for many people in Southeast Atlanta and surrounding areas.

The specific location is:

1257A Glenwood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316, USA

For patrons traveling to the location, the shop offers convenience with easy accessibility features:

• The establishment features a wheelchair accessible entrance.
• Wheelchair accessible parking is also available, making it welcoming for all guests.
• For drivers, there is free street parking available in the vicinity.
• The location is also known for being on the Atlanta BeltLine, making it a great stop for those enjoying a walk or bike ride along the popular trail (though the provided address is the primary East Atlanta Village location).

The East Atlanta Village shop’s décor intentionally evokes the spirit of old New York delis and pharmacy counters, a nod to the owners' Long Island roots. Customers can enjoy their meal in the welcoming dine-in area, making it a comfortable place for a quick visit or a leisurely breakfast.

Emerald City Bagels is focused on delivering a comprehensive bagel shop and breakfast restaurant experience. They offer a variety of services to accommodate their customers’ needs, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or feeding the office.

• Dine-in Service: Enjoy your breakfast or lunch inside the uniquely decorated shop.
• Takeout: Perfect for a meal on the go, allowing you to quickly grab your order.
• Delivery: For convenience, they offer delivery options to bring their bagels and sandwiches right to your door.
• In-store Pickup: Place your order ahead of time for a fast and efficient pick-up experience.
• Wholesale/Large Orders: They offer a Baker's Dozen (13 bagels) for bulk purchases and have a 'Box of Coffee' service suitable for catering or meetings.
• NFC Mobile Payments: Accepting modern payment methods for a speedy transaction.
• Serving Breakfast: Specializing in classic breakfast fare centered around their signature bagels.
• Restroom Access: Amenities are available on-site for customer convenience.

The distinct offerings and operating style of Emerald City Bagels are what have made it a standout choice for local residents seeking quality bagels in Georgia.

• Authentic New York-Style Bagels: Their bagels are long-fermented and kettle-boiled using traditional methods, which is key to achieving the desired dense, chewy interior and crispy exterior, a texture they proudly claim is "as close to a NY-style bagel as you can get outside of the 5 boroughs."
• Classic Menu and Appetizing Items: The menu features traditional appetizing items and deli-style meats. Highlights include 'The Suffolk' (bagel with cold smoked lox, capers, red onion, and choice of spread) and 'The Nassau' (bagel with Whitefish Salad, tomato, and red onion).
• Creative and Classic Sandwiches: Beyond the lox and cream cheese, the shop serves up a variety of satisfying sandwiches, like 'The Starliter' (hot pastrami, grilled onion, and spicy mustard) and 'The Fried Egg Sandwich' (a customizable breakfast staple). They also feature an 'Employee Of The Month Sandwich' with rotating, creative fillings.
• Signature Cream Cheese and Spreads: They offer a diverse range of cream cheese tubs and individual spreads, including plain, flavored options, and 8 oz tubs of Housemade Vegan Spread, Avocado Smash, and various butters and jams.
• Unique Drink Offerings: A throwback to classic New York soda fountain culture, they serve traditional Egg Creams (a beloved NYC staple with no egg or cream, but milk, syrup, and seltzer) and house-made seltzers. They also proudly serve coffee and cold brew.
• Daily and Weekly Specials: Keep an eye out for unique daily offerings like the 'Chopped Cheese' sandwich served every Tuesday, and the 'Inverted Grilled Cheese' featured as a Weekday Special, which involves griddling the bagel with the cut-side out and melty cheese in-between.
• Retro Ambiance and Uniform: The shop’s design is inspired by lower Manhattan bagel and appetizing shops. The staff's distinctive look—including ties, paper hats, and crisp white jackets—adds to the fun, old-school atmosphere.

For those in Georgia looking to visit or place an order, here is the contact information for the East Atlanta Village location:

• Address: 1257A Glenwood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316, USA
• Phone: (404) 343-3758 (Also listed as +1 404-343-3758)
• Type of Business: Bagel Shop, Breakfast Restaurant

Choosing Emerald City Bagels means selecting quality, tradition, and a genuinely good New York-style experience in Atlanta. The core of their appeal lies in the product itself: a bagel made using the classic methods of long-fermentation and kettle-boiling, ensuring a superior texture and flavor profile compared to mass-produced alternatives.

The menu is structured for both the purist and the adventurous eater. For a quintessential experience, ‘The Classic – A Bagel With Cream Cheese’ is essential, giving you the unadulterated taste of their signature bagel with your choice of spread. For something more substantial, the shop shines with its deli-style sandwiches.

The most highly recommended and popular choices include:

• The Suffolk: This option featuring Woodsmoke Provisions cold smoked lox, capers, and red onion on your choice of bagel is a traditional masterpiece for lovers of fish and schmear.
• The Fried Egg Sandwich: A simple, satisfying breakfast option that can be customized with meats and cheeses to start your day.
• The Starliter: A savory hit with hot pastrami, grilled onion, and spicy mustard, offering a hearty, flavorful lunch or late breakfast.
• The Classic - A Bagel With Cream Cheese: Often cited as a 'most ordered' item, this is the benchmark to truly appreciate the New York-style chew and crust.

Beyond the excellent food, the shop’s unique ambiance—reminiscent of an old-school New York deli—enhances the dining experience. It provides a unique, friendly, and quick-service atmosphere, a welcome change for those tired of the same old breakfast routine. For Georgia residents, Emerald City Bagels offers a reliable, highly-rated slice of New York bagel culture without having to leave the state. It is a consistently praised local favorite that delivers on its promise of an authentic, high-quality bagel, making it a worthwhile choice for your next breakfast or lunch outing.

Emerald City Bagels

1257A Glenwood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316, USA