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2 Valley bagel shops named best in U.S. and Canada

Whether you're looking for a fresh dozen or a hearty breakfast sandwich, these Valley bagel shops have got you covered.
Image: Bongiorno Bagels in Gilbert was named one of Arizona's top bagel spots.
Bongiorno Bagels in Gilbert was named one of Arizona's top bagel spots. Dillon Rosenblatt

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Bagels are a divisive topic. Everyone loves them, and everyone's an expert. Members of the Yelp Elite really believe in their own expertise. And they just ranked the 50 best bagels in the U.S. and Canada.

To build the list, Yelp looked at businesses in the "bagels category" and ranked them by both the volume of reviews and stars given by the Yelp Elite.

Two metro Phoenix bagel spots made the cut.

Bongiorno Bagels

3107 S. Gilbert Road #101, Gilbert
Gilbert bagel shop and deli Bongiorno Bagels made the list at No. 15. The shop was founded in 2017 by a family with New York roots. The shop's claim to fame is their use of New York water to boil their bagels. The shop sells bagels individually or by the dozen. They can also be made into sandwiches. Customers can pick from the menu or build their own bagel sandwiches with different combinations of meat, cheese and spread.

"Yelp Elites rave about the bagels’ perfectly chewy texture, flavorful crust, and classic variety — favorites include everything, sesame, and salt bagels, often paired with generous schmears or piled high in hearty breakfast sandwiches," the Yelp list said. "Many reviewers highlight the friendly service, consistently fresh quality, and excellent selection, calling Bongiorno a go-to spot for anyone craving a true New York bagel experience in Arizona."

click to enlarge
Grab a dozen bagels or a breakfast sandwich at The Bagel Man.
Jennifer Goldberg

The Bagel Man

5035 E. Elliot Road
Just a couple of spots down on the Yelp list, The Bagel Man came in at No. 18. Located in Ahwatukee Plaza off Elliot Road and 51st Street, this local bakery and bagel shop sells a wide variety of flavored bagels from garlic and onion to blueberry. They can be bought by the dozen, paired with a selection of different cream cheeses or made into hearty sandwiches.

"The Bagel Man in Phoenix is a cozy, family-owned shop celebrated for its authentic New York-style bagels, hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, and baked fresh every morning to achieve that classic chewy texture and shiny crust," the Yelp list said. "Customers frequently mention the welcoming service, spotless environment, and friendly, neighborhood vibe."

Arizona's best bagels

One other Arizona spot got a mention. Bubbe's Fine Bagels, which has two locations in Tucson, came in at No. 23.

This is the second time this year that Arizona's bagels have earned some national attention. In March, Tasting Table released a list of the best bagel shops in every state. On that list, Bagelfeld's was named the best bagels in Arizona. The shop is located on Thomas Road and 30th Street and also sells its bagels at farmers markets and restaurants around the Valley.

So, with the national rankings divided, the great debate over our state's best bagels continues. What do you think? Let us know in the comments or at [email protected].