The Bagel Man

Introduction / Overview

For Arizonans craving a truly authentic, chewy, and large East Coast-style bagel, The Bagel Man in Phoenix is widely recognized as a premier destination. Located in the Ahwatukee neighborhood, this local spot is more than just a typical Bagel shop; it is a dedicated Breakfast restaurant that adheres to old-school methods to achieve exceptional quality.

Owner Kal Salih, who opened his first bagel shop in New Jersey in 1994, brought his perfected formula to Arizona. The secret to the exceptional quality and consistency is a meticulous process: the dough is made in-house, the bagels are boiled to create that signature crisp exterior, and they are baked to perfection. A key to replicating the East Coast taste is the use of water that is filtered and softened to match the composition of water back East. Customers frequently praise the incredible quality and consistency of the bagels, often calling them some of the top things they have ever eaten. The focus is on a quick, efficient, and friendly experience, making it perfect for a Quick visit on your way to work or starting your day.

Location and Accessibility

The Bagel Man is conveniently located in the Ahwatukee area of Phoenix, easily accessible for residents across the South East Valley and beyond. The precise address is 5035 E Elliot Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85044, USA. This location is tucked into a busy area, but is designed for customer ease.

The shop provides robust accessibility features, including a Wheelchair accessible entrance and a Wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring that all community members can visit without issue. Parking is made simple for patrons with access to a Free parking garage as well as a Free parking lot. Given the high popularity and frequent crowds, the ample, free parking is a valuable feature for locals stopping by during busy morning hours.

Services Offered

The Bagel Man focuses on fast, friendly service built around the morning rush and lunch periods, primarily offering quick service options:

• Takeout: The primary service option, enabling customers to quickly grab their freshly made bagels, sandwiches, and coffee and be on their way. Customer reviews highlight the efficiency of the operations, even when the shop is busy.
• Breakfast and All-Day Sandwiches: Serving a full menu for Breakfast, which seamlessly transitions into an extensive deli sandwich selection for lunch.
• Customizable Deli Orders: All deli sandwiches, including Turkey Sandwich and Ham Sandwich, are served on a roll or bread and are highly customizable, with free additions like lettuce, tomato, cucumber, sprouts, onion, cheese, and sauce.
• Coffee Service: Offering a variety of Coffee options, which pairs perfectly with the bagel menu for a complete morning meal.
• Simple Payments: Transactions are quick and modern, accepting major Credit cards and Debit cards.

Features / Highlights

The key highlights of The Bagel Man stem directly from its commitment to authentic bagel-making techniques and its comprehensive deli menu.

• Authentic, Handcrafted Bagels: The core feature is the quality of the bagels themselves. They are known to be large, with a nice crisp exterior and a tender interior, achieved by adhering to the traditional boiling and baking method using specially filtered water to replicate the ideal East Coast environment.
• Homemade Cream Cheeses (Smears): All cream cheese spreads, or Smears for Your Bagel, are homemade and served fresh daily. Popular options like Bagel with Veggie Cream Cheese are widely praised for their freshness and flavor, and there is a variety of options including scallion, lox spread, and honey walnut raisin.
• Affordable, Hearty Breakfast Sandwiches: They offer high-value, substantial breakfast options. The Scrambled Egg Breakfast Sandwich is exceptionally affordable, and the Scrambled Egg and Cheese with Meat Breakfast Sandwich provides a full, satisfying start to the day.
• Full-Service Deli Menu: Beyond breakfast, the shop offers a strong deli selection including Fresh Deli Meat Sandwiches (like Turkey and Ham), Cheese Sandwiches, and Fresh Homemade Salad Sandwiches (Tuna Salad Sandwich, Chicken Salad Sandwich). This expanded menu makes it a viable lunch option as well.
• Friendly, Efficient Service: Customers consistently praise the super kind and helpful staff and the efficient operation, noting that even during busy times, getting food and heading out is a fast and simple process.

Contact Information

For the exact location and contact details for The Bagel Man in Phoenix, please use the following information:

Address: 5035 E Elliot Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85044, USA

Phone: (480) 705-9999 (also reachable via mobile at +1 480-705-9999)

What is Worth Choosing

For an Arizona local, choosing The Bagel Man is about prioritizing quality, authenticity, and value in your morning routine. It is the best choice for anyone specifically seeking a genuine East Coast Bagel experience without having to leave the Valley.

Authenticity Over Chains: The commitment to the traditional boiling method and the special water filtration process sets this shop apart from large chain bakeries. Choosing The Bagel Man is choosing a bagel that is genuinely crispy, shiny, and chewy—the characteristics that truly define a great bagel. This dedication to quality is why the bagels are often described as “second to none” and why many patrons drive a distance, even planning to freeze one or two to savor later.

The Cream Cheese Difference: The quality extends beyond the bread itself. The fact that all Smears for Your Bagel are homemade and fresh daily elevates the entire experience. Pairing a fresh, warm bagel with a generous schmear of their unique Veggie Cream Cheese offers a satisfying burst of flavor and freshness that is far superior to pre-packaged alternatives.

Value and Speed for Breakfast: The menu offers high value, particularly with the breakfast sandwiches. Where else can you find a hearty Scrambled Egg Breakfast Sandwich for under two dollars? This combination of low price, generous portions, and lightning-fast takeout service makes The Bagel Man an ideal choice for the busy professional or family looking for a high-quality, efficient morning pit-stop in Ahwatukee.

The Bagel Man

5035 E Elliot Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85044, USA