I recently visited Pop Up Bagels first location in Westfield, New Jersey.
The bagels are fluffy and crispy, but lacked in flavor. But I think I would go back for the cream cheese.
It started as a “local sensation” in Connecticut. Known for the “Grip, Rip, Dip” concept. Hot bagels are sold in 3, 6 or 12 packs. Plus larger catering options. They’ve become immensely popular over the last few years. Opening up locations in New York City, and now New Jersey.
When I arrived at Pop Up Bagels, there was a decently long line out the door. It moved relatively quickly though. It took 17 minutes from me getting on line to have my bagels in hand.
You order the bagels in packs:
3 bagels + 1 schmear $15
6 bagels + 1 schmear $24
12 bagels + 2 schmears $46
Extra schmear $8
It’s definitely pricey given the size of the bagel compared to the New Jersey bagel I am used to. It felt and looked smaller.
The one included schemer was not enough cream cheese for my 6 bagels. I needed to purchase a second one! Just something to keep in mind if you are going..
The Bagel
My first impression was that these bagels were small, but piping hot and super fresh, like straight out of the oven.
The exterior is crunchy, and the inside is soft. The plain bagel was lacking that bagel-y flavor. More just like a plain bread. The everything bagel was coated with seasoning! Much more than a typical bagel would be, which I appreciated!
The Spreads
And the cream cheese was another story. Some of the best I have ever tasted!
What I Tried:
- Scallion Cream Cheese
- Cinnamon Sugar Butter
The butter was super delicious!
Favorite Combination: Everything Bagel and Scallion Cream Cheese
Overall, Pop Up Bagels offers a a different experience built around eating bagels fresh out of the oven. Whether it’s worth the hype depends on what you want from a bagel. For myself, I would say it’s more of a one and done deal and was not really worth the line.
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