Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels

For Oregonians craving the authentic, satisfying chew of a classic New York-style bagel, Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels stands as a local Portland favorite. Known for upholding the traditional preparation method of boiling before baking, this shop delivers a distinct texture and flavor that has garnered a loyal following across the city. More than just a simple bagel spot, Henry Higgins operates as a full-service breakfast restaurant and cafe, providing a cozy atmosphere for a quick visit or a leisurely morning meal.

The mission here is straightforward: to provide Portland with a traditional, high-quality bagel experience, utilizing locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, including flour from Shepard's Grain and seeds from Bob's Red Mill. This commitment to quality ingredients and classic methods is what sets their offerings apart in the Pacific Northwest’s vibrant food scene.

Whether you are in the mood for a simple bagel with schmear, a hearty breakfast sandwich, or a full deli experience with lox and whitefish, Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels has cultivated a menu that appeals to a wide variety of tastes. Its reputation for authentic preparation has even earned it recognition as a top bagel shop in Oregon.

The core of the menu revolves around their signature boiled bagels, available in popular varieties like Everything, Plain, Onion, Sesame, Salt, Pumpernickel, Blueberry, Cinnamon Raisin, Garlic, Jalapeno, and Hearty Wheat. These can be purchased individually, as a Half Dozen ($16.00), or as an Assorted Dozen ($32.00) for family gatherings or office treats.

Beyond the bagels themselves, the shop is equally lauded for its extensive range of toppings and spreads, from various cream cheeses to specialty fish salads and classic deli meats. The overall vibe is welcoming and professional, focusing on speed and quality for those on the go, while also offering a pleasant environment for those who wish to dine in.

The featured location for Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels is centrally situated within the bustling city of Portland, making it an accessible stop for many Oregon residents and visitors.

Location and Accessibility

The shop is located in Northeast Portland, specifically in the Kerns neighborhood, which is a known hub for dining and local businesses.

Address: 523 NE 19th Ave, Portland, OR 97232, USA

This Northeast 19th Avenue address places the shop conveniently near major thoroughfares and public transit options. For those driving, the location is noted for having Free street parking available, which is a significant amenity in a busy urban area like Portland. For those utilizing public transportation, the central location ensures various bus lines and light rail stops are within easy reach.

Once inside, the shop offers a seating area with a cozy atmosphere, making it a viable option for those looking for a quick bite or a comfortable place to enjoy a coffee and breakfast. While some customers have noted that the environment is more geared toward a quick visit rather than a dedicated study space, the provision of Restroom facilities and comfortable seating enhances its accessibility for all patrons.

Services Offered

Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels provides a comprehensive range of dining and procurement options to suit every customer's needs, whether they are starting their day or picking up lunch for the office.

• Dine-in service with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
• Takeout for quick and convenient orders to go.
• In-store pickup for orders placed ahead of time.
• Delivery service via third-party partners for at-home or office enjoyment.
• Full breakfast service, with sandwiches and items available all day.
• A variety of Coffee and Drinks, including Latte ($6.50), Americano ($5.50), Cold Brew ($6.00), Chai ($6.50), and Hot Coffee ($3.00 - $4.00), catering to various beverage preferences.
• Catering and bulk purchasing options, including Half Dozen and Assorted Dozen bagels, along with By the Pound options for Plain, Flavored, or Salmon Cream Cheese, and Lox/Whitefish.

Features / Highlights

The shop is celebrated by many Oregon locals for several distinctive features that elevate it beyond a typical cafe or breakfast spot, establishing it as a serious contender in the regional bagel market.

• Authentic NY-Style Boiled Bagels: The core appeal is the commitment to the traditional method of boiling the dough before baking, which is crucial for achieving the classic shiny crust and satisfyingly chewy interior that East Coast bagel aficionados expect. They are noted for using high-quality ingredients like Shepard's Grain and Bob's Red Mill flours.
• Comprehensive Deli Menu: Beyond simple cream cheese, the menu features a robust selection of sandwiches, including hot options like the Reuben ($16.00) and Rachel ($16.00), and cold classics such as Tuna Salad Sandwich ($13.75), Turkey Sandwich ($13.75), and the signature Hanks Harvest-Veggie Sandwich ($12.25).
• Premium Fish Offerings: A standout feature is the availability of high-quality fish options. Customers can enjoy the classic Lox Bagel ($24.00), Smoked Salmon Bagel ($24.00), or a bagel with Whitefish Salad ($21.00). They even offer a Fish Board For 2 ($45.00), which includes Lox, Whitefish, Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese, and classic garnishes.
• All-Day Breakfast Sandwiches: Catering to all schedules, the breakfast sandwich menu—including the popular Egg, Meat And Cheese Sandwich ($12.75) and various meat-free options—is available throughout the day, ensuring you can satisfy that morning craving anytime.
• Vegan and Non-Dairy Options: The menu is inclusive, offering options like a Bagel With Tofutti ($8.00) or Bagel With Earth Balance ($4.25) as vegan cream cheese and butter alternatives, respectively. They also carry non-dairy options for their coffee and tea selections.

Contact Information

For Oregon locals looking to visit or place an order, here is the direct contact information for the Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels location on NE 19th Ave:

• Address: 523 NE 19th Ave, Portland, OR 97232, USA
• Phone: (971) 940-0256

The shop accepts multiple forms of payment, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, ensuring a fast and modern checkout process.

What is Worth Choosing

For Oregon residents navigating Portland's diverse culinary landscape, Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels offers several compelling reasons to visit, solidifying its place as a go-to spot for an elevated bagel and deli experience.

The primary draw is, without a doubt, the commitment to New York-style bagel authenticity. The critical boiling step ensures a dense, chewy texture and a lightly crispy exterior that is often difficult to find outside of the East Coast. While some long-time fans of New York bagels have a high bar, many local reviews praise the shop as offering some of the best bagels in the Pacific Northwest, specifically for achieving that traditional structure and chew.

Secondly, the shop offers a fully realized delicatessen experience. It's not just a place for a cream cheese bagel; it is one of the few local venues where you can consistently find a wide array of specialty smoked and cured fish. The abundance of options for Lox and Whitefish Salad, available on bagels or in bulk By the Pound, caters to a specific, high-quality deli craving. The Fish Board For 2 is a particularly recommended choice for a brunch date or a shared morning indulgence.

Finally, the sheer variety and flexibility of the menu make it a valuable local asset. From the diverse bagel flavors to the full range of both hot and cold sandwiches (including classics like the BLT), and the availability of all-day breakfast sandwiches, Henry Higgins meets the needs of virtually any time of day and dietary preference. The attention to detail, such as offering an option to order Lox or Whitefish without vegetables for purists, and the provision of multiple vegan alternatives, demonstrates a thoughtful and customer-focused approach. For those in Oregon who appreciate traditional preparation and a deep menu selection, Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels is an establishment well worth adding to your regular rotation.

Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels

523 NE 19th Ave, Portland, OR 97232, USA