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Los Bagels

1 rating: 5.0
Los Bagels is a multi-cultural bagel bakery cafe in Arcata and Eureka, California that combines a Jewish ethnic tradition with the customs and tastes of Mexico.

The Real Story of Los Bagels            Way up in Northern California, nestled along the bay of Humboldt among the redwoods lies the town of Arcata, home to Los Bagels Company, Inc. Founded in 1984 by Dennis Rael, … see full wiki

Tags: Restaurant
Address: Humboldt County, CA
Phone: Eureka: 707-442-8525, Arcata: 707-822-3150
Hours: Eureka and Arcata: M-F, 6:30am-5:00pm; Sat, 7:00am-5:00pm; Sun, 7:00am-4:00pm or 7:00am-3:00pm (Arcata location), HSU Depot in Arcata: M-Th, 7:30am-3:00pm; Fri, 7:30am-2:00pm
1 review about Los Bagels
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The Best Bagels in Humboldt County, CA!

  • Jan 27, 2010
Rating:
+5


I never really enjoyed bagels, or bakeries for that matter, before coming to Humboldt County, California. The closet I came to eating baked goods from a bakery was the chocolate croissant at La Bou, in the Sacramento area.

My first visit to Los Bagels was at the Eureka location, in old town. My initial reaction was surprise. It did not look like a traditional bakery. It was colorful and had many Jewish and Mexican references all over its walls. I was intrigued by this blend of cultures, and I especially liked all the skeletons and Dia de Los Muertos icons that were displayed (it was close to Halloween). I immediately felt a connection to the location that went deeper than the food.

The food was the second thing I noticed. Displayed before my hungry eyes were freshly baked bagels made at their Arcata location. The varieties were and continue to be as colorful as a rainbow: Poppy, Sesame, Plain, Onion, Garlic, Multi-Grain, Poppy Seed, Whole Wheat, Raisin, Multi-Cultural, Jalapeno, Rosemary Parmesan, and, my personal delight, the Slug. On that first day, I was probably too intimidated to try anything real fancy.

Since that first day, I have sampled all their boiled and baked bagels. My favorites include the more traditional taste of Onion, the zesty flavor of Garlic, and their infamous Slug, which is an "everything" bagel but in a long vertical shape rather than the circular one. Usually, I am boring when it comes to my bagel toppings. I prefer them toasted with butter. Then, I generously pour slug slime on top (a mixture of their slug toppings: toasted onions, garlic, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and salt).

Since I am a creature of habit, it has taken me time to try some of the other delicious bagel toppings. They are all worthy of a high rating from any food lover. Additional bagel toppings I adore at Los Bagels include guacamole, salsa, and hummus (all three are jam-packed with flavor). I've never been a big fan of cream cheese, but I can assure you that theirs is exceptional. They also offer variations on their cream cheeses including pesto, curry, smoked salmon, wasabi, tofu, and wild herb. Of course, there are a ton of other amazing toppings you can add to any bagel: tomatoes, onions, carrots, olives, tofu, sesame seeds, and cucumbers, to name a few. They offer a wide selection of bagel combinations or you can be daring and create your own. There are also peanut butter and jelly options (jalapeno jelly is extremely tasty), lox, and different meats that can be added to make the perfect bagel. 

In recent days, I have tried some of their infamous scrambagels, my favorite being huevos los bagels (egg, cheddar cheese, guacamole, and tomatoes. I never believed that one bagel could be as filling as one of theirs. If I go there for breakfast, I am too full for lunch. If I go there for lunch, I usually eat a late dinner.

Since my four years in Eureka, I have actually become sick of bagels because I eat them so much at Los Bagels. Luckily, that is not the only item served at the bakery. Their salads are always fresh made with local produce; I really adore their balsamic vinegar dressing. Their other main source of sustenance are their zesty soups. There are too many to list, but there has never been one occasion when I didn't like their daily soup. They always list the ingredients (many are Vegan friendly), and the employees are quick to offer you a sample before you decide to order a bowl. Speaking of samples, you can usually find a plate or basket full of their various items on the counter. They rotate the samples daily, so that all the items on their menu eventually make an appearance. 

Then there are the sweet baked goods. I have tried all their cookies and croissants and love them all! Some of my favorites are the chocolate "kwasant," as spelled at Los Bagels, Chocolate Chip cookies, and Marlene's Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. I also enjoy their empanadas and potato knishes. About the only items I haven't really tried are the Jewish favorites, such as the Challah bread. Even that is a lie because I have probably sampled some of these treats on various occasions even if I don't regularly order the items. 

Last but not least are their drink options. They make a darn good cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Usually though, I grab a juice from their fridge; try the tangerine one. 

The only complaint I have about Los Bagels is that the employees can be a bit slow to get the food to you. However, this attitude is very common in Eureka and especially Arcata places of business. It is truly a part of the atmosphere for Humboldt County. The motto is "relax, visit, and enjoy your time with friends and family."

The owners of Los Bagels have perfected the craft of bagel making. You haven't had a good bagel until you try one of theirs. When you plan your next trip to Northern California, don't forget to take a detour to Eureka. There are three locations to choose from (two in Arcata), but they all have the same great bagels and sweets. They also have a Facebook Page where fans can unite in the spirit of good bagels! As they say at Los Bagels: "Until the next time, hasta la proxima."
The Best Bagels in Humboldt County, CA! The Best Bagels in Humboldt County, CA!

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February 02, 2010
holleee....sadly the only experience I have with bagels are the ones from Noah's. Nice review! Love those photos!
February 02, 2010
Yeah, that was the only experience I had of Bagels before Los Bagels, and I was not impressed. It sure didn't make me a bagel lover. lol! And, thanks for the nice comments! :)
 
January 31, 2010
Great Review. Sounds like a great place to eat some tasty bagels and relax. I'm hungry now after reading it, lol. :-)
January 31, 2010
Thanks, Pard! Once you and Shelli get up here to visit I will show you around H.C. This is one of the top eating places we will hit! Thanks for reading my review!
 
January 30, 2010
I'm so jealous!
January 31, 2010
If you ever are in Eureka or Arcata, CA (or just driving through), make this one of your top stops. You won't be disappointed. :)
January 31, 2010
If I'm in California again it'll probably be in my next incarnation. (sigh) I was looking in the various phone books for half hour, but aside from grocery stores and Panera--nothing unless you want to go all the way to Chicago. And I haven't been in the city once since I moved up here 3 years ago.
February 02, 2010
Aw, you should come for a visit sometime! I've never been to Chicago. My mom and sis have been to a Panera, and they love their pastries.
February 03, 2010
Never tried them because I'm trying to lose some serious weight, but they did make a mean grilled cheese sandwich.
February 03, 2010
Yeah, I hear ya there, sister! I love grilled cheese sandwiches though :)
February 03, 2010
Oh yeah, with tomato and a nice big dill pickle.
February 03, 2010
Nice! That sounds really yummy right now! :)
February 03, 2010
Yeah. That's my cue to go downstairs and have some dinner now!
February 03, 2010
LOL! I know I should be eating soon myself, however, I find myself writing for my thesis. It's been a while, so I want to keep up the momentum! ;)
February 03, 2010
I remember how that is. But I'm definitely going for the food now. I also have to remember to put my garbage out tonight. I forgot to last week and they come very early in the morning!
February 03, 2010
LOL, ok, have fun with the food! I've run into similar problems with the trash. Sometimes I post a sticky note on my computer to remind me of some tasks. :)
 
January 27, 2010
Sounds wonderful! Maybe I'm weird but I simply never get tired of bagels. Once in a while I substitute a muffin but most days begin with a poppy or multi-grain bagel. Thanks for telling us about this place. Would love to sample their products sometime!
January 28, 2010
LOL! I just went in there today with a couple of slices of pizza and the workers were jealous. It was so funny. They were talking about how the grass is always greener on the other side. ;)
 
January 27, 2010
Wow, big pictures. You're becoming a computer genius with these reviews. See my Squat & Gobble review for some breakfast. :)  I took the photos myself.
January 28, 2010
Blah. I wish. I'm a "poser" computer genius. ;)
 
January 27, 2010
I can't believe that there was ever a time you didn't have a thing for bagels, but I'm glad to hear that you found your calling!  @drifter51 actually wrote a great review about bagels here.  I love bagels, and have never encountered a place like this before.  I'll have to pay a visit when I'm around.  By the way, I love how you've been branching out with your review topics -- books, movies, TV shows, restaurants... what's in store next for Adrianna? :D
January 27, 2010
Yeah, I find it odd now too. I wonder if my love of bagels will stick with me after I leave Humboldt County.

Going to check out the review you suggested!

If you do come by this way when I'm still in town, let me know. I can show you around!

And, I'm glad you are enjoying my adventures in writing reviews. I am really enjoying the freedom that Lunch gives me! I'm not sure when my new branch out will be, but I have a couple of book reviews coming up soon. :)
January 27, 2010
I don't think I've ever been to Humboldt County before, so awesome!  Whatever topics you write on, I'm still looking forward to your reviews! :)
January 27, 2010
By the way, that Challah bread makes me wanna make some french toast! :D
January 28, 2010
I look forward to surprising you with later reviews. :)
 
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