Living in New York City for a few years turned me into two things: a speed-walker and a bagel snob. I struggled finding a good bagel in Boston even before I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, so I knew that locating the best gluten-free bagels in Boston was going to be a challenge. (If you’re not gluten-free and reading this, True Grounds in Ball Square in Somerville, is the secret best bagel in Boston for non gluten-free bagels.)
Fortunately, after lots of research, I’ve discovered a few gluten-free bagels around Boston that actually taste like real bagels. These gluten-free bagels have a crispy crust and chewy center, and don’t just taste like round-shaped stale bread.
If you have Celiac Disease, make sure the gluten-free bagels are toasted in a separate toaster (or get them to go and toast at home) and that the cream cheese is taken from a fresh container that’s not tainted with gluten bagel crumbs. If the bagel shop doesn’t have a dedicated gluten-free toaster, you could also ask to have your bagel wrapped in foil before toasting.
The Only Good Gluten-Free Bagels in Boston
These are the only worthy gluten-free bagels I’ve found in Boston. Comment with your favorites if I missed any! Looking for the best gluten-free bakeries in Boston? Check out this post.
Local 338 Bagels & Coffee
Local 338’s bagels are made by experts in New York City (using that New York City water that makes a bagel so good), and then frozen and shipped to Boston for baking. This West Roxbury shop also offers gluten-free bagels, at a pretty reasonable price of around $3 per bagel.
Zumies
You can toast your gluten free bagel and eat it too, since Zumies has a separate toaster for gluten free items. In addition to great gluten free bagels, this Charlestown spot has gluten-free/dairy free muffins and pastries.
Black Sheep Bagel Cafe
Located just outside Harvard Square, Black Sheep Bagel Cafe charges an extra dollar for their gluten-free bagels, but it’s a dollar well spent. The scallion cream cheese is my favorite here, but you’ll have your pick from a bunch of flavors, including veggie, lox, fresh jalapeño, maple bacon, and strawberry. Or, go for a non-cream cheese spread for your gluten-free bagel, like labne (so good), pesto, hummus, cinnamon honey butter, and more.
Zaftig’s Delicatessen
Brookline-based Zaftig’s is an old-school style deli, but they understand food allergies and Celiac. Get their gluten-free bagels topped with their incredible cream cheese, or use it as a base for one of their many breakfast sandwich options. Gluten-free toast is available here as well.
If none of the gluten-free bagels in Boston are satisfying your craving, I recommend ordering some from Modern Bread & Bakery in New York City. They charge an extremely reasonable $9 for shipping, and are the best gluten-free bagels that I’ve tried. Cut them in half and wrap them in plastic wrap, and they will freeze beautifully and last you for months (if you have that kind of self-control). Modern Bread & Bakery is completely gluten-free and Celiac-safe, with no opportunities for cross-contamination.
Or, give Pop’s gluten-free bagels a try. These chewy delights are dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan, yet still somehow manage to taste amazing. This small operation hand-makes is run by a true purist who makes just three types of bagels: plain, everything, and cinnamon raisin. Don’t forget to add an order of their fresh buttermilk cream cheese on to your order for a true treat.
Goldilox
Although Goldilox doesn’t make their own gluten-free bagels (which can be better for cross-contamination purposes anyway), they bring in great ones from Something Sweet Without Wheat in Woburn. The arrive frozen and are kept completely separate from the regular gluten bagels, and can be pre-ordered on Goldilox’s website.
7ate9Bakery
Gluten-free options are nonexistent at 7ate9Bakery in Somerville, but it gets an honorable spot on our list for their homemade cream cheese, which they sell in prepackaged tubs (safe from cross-contact). If you’ve ordered bagels from Modern Bread & Bagel but don’t want to ruin them with store bought Philadelphia cream cheese, grab a container from here for your schmear.
Violette Bakers
Violette Bakers is worth a mention on the list because they’re pretty much the only dedicated gluten-free bakery in the Boston city area. They occasionally do bagels, which you can order in advance. However, the bagels are small and not my favorite. (I do, however love Violette’s cookies and baked goods!)
