The Bagel Project

Introduction / Overview: The Bagel Project—Bringing Authentic Bagels to Utah

For many Utah residents who have traveled or lived on the East Coast, finding an authentic, properly made bagel can be a culinary challenge. The Bagel Project, located in the heart of Salt Lake City, has risen to meet this demand, quickly establishing itself as a premier Bagel shop, Breakfast restaurant, and Cafe. This establishment isn't just serving up simple bread with a hole; it is built on a foundation of traditional, old-world baking practices.

What sets The Bagel Project apart is its dedication to process. The bagels are made from scratch daily, utilizing simple, clean ingredients without preservatives or sugar. Their technique involves hand-shaping, boiling, and then baking the bagels on bagel boards—a crucial step that ensures the perfect crusty exterior and dense, chewy interior that connoisseurs demand. This attention to detail has earned them a loyal following among local users who consider their product the closest thing to a genuine East Coast bagel available in the Salt Lake Valley.

More than just bagels, the shop offers a full breakfast and lunch experience. It’s a community-focused spot where you can grab a quick, high-quality bite, linger over a cup of Hot Rimini Coffee, or pick up a Baker’s Dozen for the whole family. It is a genuine local treasure that caters to both the hurried morning commuter and the leisurely weekend brunch seeker.

Location and Accessibility

The Bagel Project is strategically located to serve the vibrant communities of downtown Salt Lake City and the Central City neighborhood, particularly those near the popular Liberty Park area.

The full address is:

779 S 500 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, USA

This central location on 500 East (State Street) makes it easy to access for drivers and pedestrians alike. Its proximity to one of Salt Lake’s major green spaces, Liberty Park, means it is a perfect stop before or after a walk, run, or visit to the park.

Accessibility for Utah customers is prioritized with multiple options for parking and service:

• Parking: Patrons benefit from both a Free parking lot and convenient Free street parking nearby, making the short visit hassle-free even during busy morning rushes.
• Accessibility: The facility offers a Wheelchair accessible parking lot, providing necessary convenience for all guests.
• Service Options: Customers can choose from quick Takeout and In-store pickup, or enjoy a more relaxed start to their day with the available Dine-in option and Wi-Fi access.

The combination of a great location and dedicated convenience options ensures that securing your daily bagel fix or signature sandwich is as smooth as possible.

Services Offered

The Bagel Project provides a diverse menu and flexible service options, fitting the needs of Utah’s busy residents, from single breakfast buyers to those planning larger gatherings.

• Daily Bagel Sales: Bagels are available individually ($2.00), as a Half Dozen ($10.00), or as a Baker’s Dozen ($16.00). Customers are encouraged to call ahead for large orders, especially if seeking specific flavors.
• Gourmet Schmears and Spreads: A wide selection of house-made cream cheeses (schmears) in flavors like Plain, Scallion, Veggie, and Lox, available on a Bagel w/ Schmears or in 8oz tubs for home use. They also offer House-Made Jam and Sun-Butter (allergen-free sunflower seed butter).
• Signature Breakfast and Lunch Sandwiches: A creative menu of hearty bagel sandwiches, including classics like Bacon, Egg And Cheese and unique options like the Lox And Loaded ($14.50) and the vegetarian Poblano Picasso ($10.00).
• Catering and Bulk Orders: Bagel and schmear packages are available for events, offices, or large family gatherings, with a 96 Oz Coffee Traveler also offered to complete the breakfast setup.
• Cafe and Bakery Items: Beyond bagels, the shop offers pastries such as Challah (typically available on Fridays), Chocolate Chip Cookies, Mandelbread, and Hamantashen, alongside Hot Rimini Coffee and specialty beverages like Mamachari Kombucha.

Features / Highlights

The Bagel Project has cultivated a strong reputation in the Utah food scene by focusing on quality ingredients, traditional processes, and community-conscious options.

• Authentic, Old-World Craftsmanship: The bagels are hand-shaped, boiled, and baked using old-world fermentation practices, resulting in a product that many East Coast transplants swear is the most authentic they have found in the state.
• Vegan-Friendly Basic Bagels: The base bagel dough is made with simple ingredients—no preservatives, sugar, egg, or honey—making them inherently vegan-friendly and a great option for customers with dietary preferences.
• Creative and High-Quality Sandwiches: The menu features signature combinations using premium ingredients, such as house-cured gravlax in the Lox And Loaded, and locally-inspired flavors like the Poblano Picasso, ensuring a gourmet experience.
• Allergen-Conscious Spreads: The inclusion of Sun-Butter for the Sun-Butter & Jam sandwich provides a safe, nut-free alternative for customers with allergies.
• Comprehensive Service and Amenities: With In-store pickup, Takeout, Dine-in service, and free Wi-Fi, the shop caters equally well to a Quick visit, a morning meeting, or an easy grab-and-go option.

Contact Information

For Utah residents looking to visit, place a large order, or inquire about the current bagel selection at The Bagel Project in Salt Lake City, please use the contact details below.

Address: 779 S 500 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, USA

Phone: (801) 906-0698

Customers are highly encouraged to call ahead, especially for bulk orders or during peak weekend hours, to ensure availability, as fresh batches of their renowned bagels can sell out quickly. Online ordering for In-store pickup is also a recommended service option for minimizing wait times.

What is Worth Choosing

For local Utah users, choosing The Bagel Project is worthwhile for three compelling reasons: the commitment to authenticity, the quality of house-made components, and the exceptional signature sandwiches.

The ultimate choice at The Bagel Project is investing in a Baker’s Dozen for home. This allows you to bring the authentic, chewy, and perfectly crusted bagel experience—a rare find in Utah—to your own kitchen. Pair this with one or two 8oz tubs of their house-made cream cheese, particularly the savory Veggie or Scallion schmear, which customers consistently praise for its incredible flavor and generous portioning.

If you are looking for an immediate, unforgettable breakfast, the Lox And Loaded is a must-try. This signature sandwich showcases their mastery of traditional Jewish deli fare, combining their superior bagel with house-cured gravlax and a rich cream cheese. Alternatively, for a unique Utah spin, the Trout And Truffle bagel sandwich uses smoked local Utah trout, making it a delicious blend of East Coast tradition and Rocky Mountain sourcing.

Ultimately, The Bagel Project is worth choosing because it brings a level of meticulous, traditional bagel-making to Salt Lake City that transforms the simple bagel from a casual snack into a high-quality, memorable culinary experience. Its convenient location and quick service options simply enhance the value of this authentic local gem.