St. Paul Bagelry Nicollet

Introduction / Overview

For years, discerning residents across the Twin Cities have known that to find an authentic, chewy, and perfectly crusted bagel—the kind that truly rivals a New York original—one must make a pilgrimage to the St. Paul Bagelry. While the name pays homage to its roots, the Nicollet Avenue location in South Minneapolis has firmly established itself as a local institution, serving the essential breakfast and lunch fix for the neighborhood and beyond. This is more than just a bagel shop; it’s a friendly, women-owned small business that operates as a bustling breakfast restaurant, lunch spot, and a purveyor of finely crafted coffee, all wrapped up in a welcoming community space.

The true star of the show is the bagel itself, celebrated by local patrons for its traditional, "Brooklyn-style" preparation. This means the bagels are made from scratch, boiled in water to achieve that signature exterior crust and chewy interior, and then baked daily. It's an old-world artisan recipe that results in a product far superior to the common, bread-like options found elsewhere. The reputation of the bagels here is stellar, with one customer review simply stating, “Love love love the bagels and sandwiches.”

Recognizing that a great bagel is only the beginning, St. Paul Bagelry Nicollet excels in culinary creativity. They offer an extensive menu of innovative, cleverly named bagel sandwiches—both hot and cold—and an impressive selection of over a dozen bagel flavors and a wide variety of cream cheeses. Whether you're grabbing a dozen to share at the office, settling in for a hearty breakfast sandwich, or picking up lunch on the go, this Nicollet Avenue gem promises a satisfying and authentically crafted experience. Be prepared for a line on cool Saturday mornings, as the friendly, attentive service and amazing food draw a loyal crowd.

Location and Accessibility

The St. Paul Bagelry Nicollet location is conveniently situated at 5426 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55419, USA. This places it perfectly in the heart of South Minneapolis, serving the neighborhoods of Tangletown, Windom, and the surrounding areas, making it a regular and easy stop for locals heading out on their day. Its location off a major city thoroughfare ensures visibility and access.

Accessibility for all guests is a priority for this welcoming establishment:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance: Ensures easy access into the shop.
• Wheelchair accessible seating: Dedicated seating options for patrons dining in.

Parking is typically manageable, a major advantage in the city, offering a quick visit experience:

• Free street parking: Available street parking is generally fine, even during peak hours, allowing for a quick grab-and-go experience.

For services, they cater to every need, from a quick coffee to a relaxed meal:

• Delivery: Convenient for local residents and businesses.
• In-store pickup and Takeout: Perfect for patrons on a tight schedule who want to skip the line.
• In-store shopping and Dine-in: Comfortable seating and a welcoming atmosphere for those who want to stay awhile.

Payment methods are modern and flexible:

• Credit cards
• Debit cards
• NFC mobile payments

Services Offered

St. Paul Bagelry Nicollet offers a comprehensive menu that extends far beyond a simple bagel-and-schmear counter, truly encompassing the role of a full-service breakfast and lunch restaurant.

• Authentic Bagels (Over 20 Flavors): A remarkable variety of daily-baked, water-boiled bagels, ranging from staple flavors like Plain, Everything, and Sesame to more unique seasonal and creative choices such as Jalapeno Cheese, Sundried Tomato, Caramel Apple, and Pumpernickel. (Note: Chocolate Chip is a weekend-only special).
• Innovative Breakfast Sandwiches: A robust selection of hot breakfast sandwiches, including staples like the Egg, Meat, and Cheese, and signature creations such as the 'Luther Van Dross' (Egg, Ham, Bacon, Sausage & Cheddar), and the vegetarian-friendly 'Al Green' (Egg, Swiss, and all the veggies).
• Creative Lunch Sandwiches: A full menu of hot and cold bagel-based lunch items. Options include the classic Lox, the hearty Reuben, the famous 'Kickin' Turkey' (featuring Jalapeno Cream Cheese), the 'MacGyver' (Hot Roast Beef, Garlic Herb Cream Cheese), and even a made-to-order Pizza Bagel.
• Bulk Bagel Orders: Convenient options for parties, meetings, or home stocking, including the Half Dozen, Baker's Dozen (13 bagels), and value-packed 'Special' bundles that include tubs of their signature cream cheeses.
• Fresh Cream Cheese Tubs: Large and small portions of a variety of cream cheese flavors to complement any bagel choice. While the specific flavors can be eclectic, they are consistently praised for being a great accompaniment to the New York-style bagels.
• Specialty Coffee Program: Offering high-quality, locally sourced Dogwood Coffee, available as self-serve drip coffee (Small or Large), or a full espresso bar featuring Lattes, Cappuccinos, Mochas, and Cold Press, in addition to Chai Lattes and Hot/Iced Teas.
• Retail Items: Selling bags of whole-bean Dogwood Coffee (including local favorites like 'Mix Tape' and 'Panorama') and branded merchandise like hats and mugs.

Features / Highlights

St. Paul Bagelry Nicollet has cultivated a loyal following in the Twin Cities by offering distinctive features that set it apart from typical quick-service eateries:

• Authentic 'Brooklyn-Style' Bagels: The commitment to the traditional water-boiling and baking process is the store's central highlight. This technique results in a denser, chewier interior and a glossy, slightly crisp crust—the hallmark of a genuinely great bagel and a rarity in the Minnesota food scene.
• Creative and Fun Sandwich Menu: The menu, with its music-themed names like 'Diana Ross' and 'Isaac Hayes,' adds a touch of personality and fun to the ordering process. These aren’t standard sandwiches; they are thoughtfully layered, innovative combinations that pair perfectly with the unique bagel varieties.
• Local and Quality Coffee Partnership: By exclusively serving Dogwood Coffee, a highly respected local Minnesota roaster, the Bagelry ensures that their beverage menu matches the quality of their baked goods, appealing to the discerning local coffee enthusiast.
• Dedicated to the Community and Inclusivity: The business identifies as women-owned and is known for its friendly, attentive service, making it a welcoming neighborhood spot for a quick, quality visit. The provision of a gender-neutral restroom further reflects its inclusive community focus.
• High Demand and Local Buzz: The presence of lines out the door on weekend mornings is a testament to the quality and popularity of the shop, confirming its status as one of the Twin Cities' best bagel destinations. Patrons consider the short wait worth it for the exceptional product.

Contact Information

For your next bagel run or to inquire about a catering order, here is the contact information for the St. Paul Bagelry Nicollet location:

Address: 5426 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55419, USA

Phone: (612) 353-4203 or +1 612-353-4203

What is Worth Choosing

For local Minneapolis residents and visitors, St. Paul Bagelry Nicollet is definitively worth choosing because it represents the pinnacle of authentic bagel craftsmanship in Minnesota. This shop is not just selling bread with a hole; it is offering a genuine 'Brooklyn-style' experience, a rarity that locals enthusiastically embrace.

The primary reason to choose this spot is the quality and texture of the bagel itself. As one reviewer noted, this place does several things very well, but the foundational element—the water-boiled bagel with its perfect chew and crust—is truly outstanding. This is paired with an "eclectic assortment of cream cheeses and bagels" that allows for thousands of customized combinations, ensuring every visit can offer something new and exciting.

If you are planning a weekend breakfast or brunch, the combination of a classic Everything Bagel with the Lox and all the fixings, or one of their innovative and hearty breakfast sandwiches like the 'Luther Van Dross,' provides a filling and delicious start to your day. Moreover, the dedication to a full-service experience—from the friendly, quick service to the pairing with excellent local Dogwood coffee—solidifies its position as an essential stop on the Nicollet Avenue corridor. It’s the perfect place to grab a quick, high-quality bite on your way to work or to gather a dozen of the finest bagels in the state for your next family gathering.

St. Paul Bagelry Nicollet

5426 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55419, USA