Western Bagel

Introduction / Overview: Western Bagel – The Bagel That Won The West®

For residents of the San Fernando Valley and the greater Los Angeles area, Western Bagel is more than just a bagel shop; it is a true local institution with a rich history dating back to 1947. This family-owned business proudly holds the title of the first bagel bakery in Los Angeles, setting the standard for quality and flavor for over 75 years. The Encino location, situated right on the famed Ventura Boulevard, carries this legacy forward by offering not only classic, freshly baked bagels but also a massive selection of innovative spreads, delicious sandwiches, and specialty drinks.

What makes a Western Bagel truly Californian, and what sets it apart from its East Coast counterparts, is a deliberate adaptation of the classic recipe. Unlike the dense and heavy New York style, Western Bagel developed a signature "West Coast twist": a bagel that is softer inside, lighter, and easier to chew, with just the right amount of pleasant chewiness and a soft interior. This formula, which the company calls "The Bagel that Won The West®," perfectly suits the Southern California palate, making it a beloved daily staple for generations of Angelenos.

Whether you're starting your morning with a fresh-from-the-oven bagel and a gourmet schmear, stopping for a hearty lunch panini, or picking up a Baker's Dozen for the office, Western Bagel provides a consistent, high-quality experience built on decades of tradition, blended with a modern focus on health-conscious options.

Location and Accessibility in Encino

The Western Bagel Encino location is a conveniently situated spot right in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, ensuring easy access for its local customer base. The store is located at 17401 Ventura Blvd # A43, Encino, CA 91316, USA. Being on Ventura Boulevard, a central commercial corridor, makes it a highly visible and essential morning stop for commuters and local residents alike.

The location boasts excellent accessibility features. It is situated within the Encino Courtyard complex, offering multiple options for visitors. Crucially for Southern California patrons, there is ample parking, including a ground-floor parking lot at the back and free underground parking. This abundance of parking eliminates the common hassle of a quick visit in Los Angeles.

Furthermore, the shop is fully committed to accommodating all customers, with a Wheelchair accessible entrance and Wheelchair accessible parking lot. The store maintains consistent and convenient operating hours, being open Sunday through Saturday from 5:00 AM to 3:00 PM, making it an ideal destination for an early morning breakfast, a mid-day coffee break, or a quick visit.

Comprehensive Services and Menu Offerings

Western Bagel provides a massive and diverse menu that extends far beyond the basic bagel and cream cheese, catering to every craving at breakfast and lunch.

• Fresh Bagels & Bulk Ordering: Offerings include the classic Build A Bagel ($2.80), the popular Classic Bagel & Cream Cheese ($5.00), Half Dozen Bagels ($12.00), and the economical Baker's Dozen Bagels ($19.50) for families or group orders.
• Breakfast Specialties: A wide variety of morning options such as the Egg Ala Bagel ($7.85), Stacked Egg Ala Bagel ($9.15), and the gourmet Breakfast Panini ($13.20).
• Gourmet Panini Sandwiches: A substantial lunch menu featuring items like the California Turkey Club Panini ($13.20), Chipotle Chicken Melt Panini ($13.20), and the traditional New York Pastrami Panini ($13.20).
• Deli and Lunch Bagel Sandwiches: Classic deli fare served on their signature bagels, including Hot Turkey Bagel Sandwich ($12.80), Tuna Salad Bagel Sandwich ($12.80), and Pastrami Bagel Sandwich ($12.80).
• Signature Spreads and Lox: An extensive selection of large and small tubs of Cream Cheese, reduced-fat options, and specialty flavors like Jalapeño Cream Cheese ($7.90), Veggie Cream Cheese ($7.90), and Vegan Cream Cheese ($7.90), alongside premium fish options like Acme Lox ($13.95).
• Full Coffee and Beverage Bar: Serving everything from a Medium Coffee ($3.50) to trending specialty drinks like Horchata Cold Brew ($6.15), Iced Matcha Latte ($6.25), and Caramel Frappé ($5.85).
• Baked Goods and Sides: Additional treats include Cinnamon Rolls ($4.65), various muffins (Blueberry, Chocolate, Banana Nut), Bagel Chips, and sides like Hash Brown ($2.50) and Western Bagel Hot Dog ($5.80).
• Convenience Services: Customers can utilize Delivery, In-store pickup, In-store shopping, and Takeout options. The location offers indoor and outdoor seating.

Distinctive Features and Highlights

Western Bagel’s reputation among California residents is built on several unique factors that have cemented its status as an iconic local brand.

• The West Coast Bagel Philosophy: The proprietary recipe results in a bagel that is soft, light, and less dense than the traditional New York style. This distinct texture, optimized for the Southern California palate, is their defining feature and the reason they are hailed as "The Bagel That Won The West®."
• Innovation for LA's Health Consciousness (The Alternative Bagel®): The shop is recognized as a pioneer in developing healthy alternatives. The Alternative Bagel and Perfect 10 lines offer high-protein, low-carb options that cater perfectly to the fitness-minded LA community, allowing customers to enjoy a bagel without sacrificing their dietary goals.
• Freshness Guaranteed: Staff ensure a truly fresh product. Customer reviews frequently praise the bagels for being “freshly baked, just came out from the oven” and the consistency of the quality ingredients.
• Exceptional Customer Service: The staff at the Encino location are noted for their efficiency and friendliness. Customers highlight that the teams work at a “super efficient speed” to manage lines quickly while remaining polite and helpful, making the busy morning rush manageable.
• Free and Ample Parking: Located in a major shopping center on Ventura Blvd, the provision of free underground parking and an accessible ground-floor lot is a massive advantage in the dense LA area, enhancing the convenience of a quick visit.

Contact Information

For residents and visitors in the Encino area, here is the essential contact information for Western Bagel. The staff are ready to assist with orders, catering inquiries, or questions about the menu.

Address: 17401 Ventura Blvd # A43, Encino, CA 91316, USA (Inside Encino Courtyard)

Phone: (818) 907-7065

Daily Hours: Sunday - Saturday: 5:00 AM - 3:00 PM

What is Worth Choosing at Western Bagel Encino?

The overwhelming choice at Western Bagel Encino should always begin with their foundational product: the bagel itself. For a first-timer or a loyal patron, the true essence of this LA icon is best experienced through a freshly baked savory bagel, such as the beloved Jalapeño Cheese Bagel or an Everything Bagel, generously paired with one of their famous schmears. The customer-cited observation that "They give a lot of cream cheese on the bagel" is a testament to the generous West Coast approach, though you can always ask for it on the side. The vast range of flavored cream cheeses, especially the savory options, is a must-try.

Beyond the classics, what truly distinguishes Western Bagel for the California customer are the innovative, healthy choices. If you are focused on nutrition, choosing any item from The Alternative Bagel® or Perfect 10 line is highly recommended. These options allow you to indulge in a comforting carb without compromising your fitness goals, a service pioneered by this very company decades ago.

For a more substantial meal, consider one of their large, satisfying Breakfast Sandwiches (like the Egg Ala Bagel) to fuel your morning, or an elevated lunch option like the California Turkey Club Panini. To round out your meal, be sure to grab one of their specialty drinks, like the Horchata Cold Brew or a high-protein smoothie, which perfectly embodies the blend of traditional quality and modern, Californian food culture. Western Bagel is worth choosing because it offers the speed, selection, and signature flavor that has defined the Los Angeles bagel experience for over 75 years.

Western Bagel

17401 Ventura Blvd # A43, Encino, CA 91316, USA