Philly Style Bagels Old City

Philly Style Bagels Old City: The Iconic Taste of Pennsylvania's Signature Bagel

Introduction / Overview

For residents of Pennsylvania, particularly those in the Philadelphia area, Philly Style Bagels Old City represents a true culinary innovation. This is no ordinary bagel shop; it is the birthplace and primary purveyor of the distinct "Philly Style" bagel—a product that has garnered nationwide attention and even been declared to have the "Best Sandwich in America" by a major culinary publication. The owners, Collin Shapiro and Jonathon Zilber, started this venture as an experiment, aiming to fill a gap in Philadelphia's major city food scene: a truly exceptional, fresh-baked bagel.

The "Philly Style" method sets these bagels apart. They are slow fermented in small batches, hand-rolled, and then—in a nod to Philadelphia's deep beer culture—boiled in a mixture of water and local beer (often Yards IPA) before being baked in a pizza oven on wooden boards, similar to the Montreal style. The result is a uniquely flavorful bagel: crunchy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, with an unparalleled, subtle malted sweetness. All of their bagels are proudly vegan, appealing to a wide range of local customers.

The Old City location, situated in the city's historic core, offers a "really cool spot" to experience this award-winning product. It functions as a dedicated bagel shop and Breakfast destination, providing a variety of bagel sandwiches, specialty spreads, and bulk options. The staff is noted for being nice, and the overall operation is kept clean and organized. Customers can opt for a Quick visit via Takeout or choose from other convenient service options, including Delivery and In-store pickup.

Location and Accessibility

Philly Style Bagels’ Old City location is perfectly positioned for locals and tourists exploring one of Philadelphia's most historical and busiest neighborhoods. The address is:

218 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

The shop’s location in Old City makes it easily accessible via public transportation, but street parking can be competitive. The focus on accessibility is clear, with a Wheelchair accessible entrance and a Wheelchair accessible restroom. This commitment ensures that the delicious bagels are available to all members of the Pennsylvania community. While the space itself can be cozy, it is clean and organized, offering an amenity like a dedicated Restroom for customers.

Operating hours are set to accommodate early risers and brunch enthusiasts: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7 A.M. to 1 P.M., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 A.M. to 2 P.M. (The shop is typically closed on Tuesdays.)

Services Offered

The services at Philly Style Bagels Old City are tailored for convenience, ensuring a fresh bagel is never far away for local users:

• In-store Shopping & Takeout: The primary method for customers to grab single bagels, spreads, or sandwiches directly from the counter.
• Delivery: Available through various services, providing an easy way to enjoy the bagels at home or at the office.
• In-store Pickup: Convenient for pre-ordering bulk items like a DOZEN ($31.20) or HALF DOZEN ($15.60) bagels, or large quantities of spreads.
• Bulk & Catering Options: Offering DOZEN and HALF DOZEN bundles, as well as 8 Oz. Spreads ($8.78), and even a 96 Oz. Hot Coffee Box ($32.50) for gatherings.
• Gourmet Coffee Service: Serving high-quality coffee, including Iced Coffee ($7.08) and large bags of Counter Culture Coffee (such as the 5 Pound Bag Of Coffee for $106.60), complementing the exceptional bagels.
• Inclusive Menu Options: Providing vegan spreads (Tofutti options) and plant-based sandwich fillings (e.g., Tofu Banh Mi and Classic Carrot Lox).

Features / Highlights

Philly Style Bagels is celebrated locally and nationally for its distinctive qualities:

• The "Philly Style" Bagel: The signature feature is the unique process of boiling the bagels in a mixture of water and local Yards beer, which imparts a subtle malty flavor and gives the crust a perfect crunch while keeping the inside soft.
• Nationally Recognized Quality: Their Classic Lox Sandwich was famously named the "Best Sandwich in America" by a major culinary publication, underscoring the exceptional quality of their bagels and fillings.
• Gourmet Sandwich Creativity: The menu features inventive, high-quality sandwiches beyond the typical, including the Classic Lox ($17.23), the specialty Lox #2 ($17.48), the vegan-friendly Classic Carrot Lox ($14.30), and the fusion Bahn Mi.
• Vegan-Friendly Options: A dedication to inclusivity is shown through their fully vegan bagels, various Tofutti (V) spreads (Plain, Scallion, Jalapeño), and plant-based protein sandwiches like the VGS Sandwich (Veggies, Cream Cheese, etc.) and the Carrot Lox.
• Freshness and Texture: Customers praise the bagels for being "awesome," dense, chewy, and having a "superb crust," confirming the success of the innovative baking process.
• Premium Coffee Offering: Committed to a complete breakfast, they serve high-quality Counter Culture Coffee alongside their bagels.

Contact Information

For Pennsylvania customers, contacting the Old City location is best done via online channels, as the shop focuses on a streamlined, fast-paced service model. Note that direct phone lines are sometimes not utilized for ordering at this location, though the general business phone may be used for other inquiries:

Address: 218 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

Phone: (267) 333-8812 (General business line, use online for orders)

They accept Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

What is Worth Choosing

For Pennsylvanians, choosing Philly Style Bagels Old City is choosing a unique, nationally recognized piece of local culinary history. It is a necessary stop for anyone seeking the absolute best in bagel quality, defined by its signature brewing process.

The single most worthwhile choice is to experience the "Philly Style" difference by ordering an Everything Bagel with a classic spread. This allows the unique malt flavor imparted by the beer boil to shine through. For a quick, affordable, and satisfying item, the Bagel W/ Spread is a perfect start at just $3.25.

However, to fully appreciate the shop's acclaim, you must try one of the legendary sandwiches. The Classic Lox ($17.23) is the famous, award-winning combination that is widely considered one of the best sandwiches in the country. For customers seeking a delicious plant-based alternative, the Classic Carrot Lox ($14.30) or the Tofu Banh Mi showcase the shop's commitment to creative, satisfying vegan options without sacrificing flavor.

Visitors should be mindful of the toasting process, as one review mentioned receiving a burnt exterior. However, the overall quality and unique texture of the "awesome" bagels overwhelmingly make this location a highly recommended spot for a gourmet, fast breakfast or brunch in the heart of Philadelphia.