Fairmount Bagel

"Fairmount is the older sibling in Montreal’s intense bagel rivalry. And while Montrealers love to dispute which bagel is best, Fairmount’s is the only one to have been authorized by NASA to go into space. (In 2008, the owner’s nephew was one of the astronauts on the Discovery.) This shop has been open since 1919 and operating 24/7 in this Mile End location since 1949. It’s a cozy, compact spot—line up, point to the cream cheese you want, and order your dozen, with a few extra to snack on outside. There’s other great food on the block, too, like takeout gnocchi from Drogheria Fine and summer ice cream from Kem Coba, and it’s not unheard of to make a pilgrimage of sorts out of this trio." - ivy lerner frank

"Fairmount is the older sibling in Montreal’s intense bagel rivalry. And while Montrealers love to dispute which bagel is best, Fairmount’s is the only one to have been authorized by NASA to go into space. (In 2008, the owner’s nephew was one of the astronauts on the Discovery.) This shop has been open since 1919 and operating 24/7 in this Mile End location since 1949. It’s a cozy, compact spot—line up, point to the cream cheese you want, and order your dozen, with a few extra to snack on outside. There’s other great food on the block, too, like takeout gnocchi from Drogheria Fine and summer ice cream from Kem Coba, and it’s not unheard of to make a pilgrimage of sorts out of this trio." - Ivy Lerner-Frank

"A beloved bakery known for its fresh sesame bagels, made in the traditional Montreal style."

"A family-owned bakery in operation since 1949, famous for its slightly denser texture and rich, woodsy flavor. Known for its poppy seed variety." - Ksenia Prints

"The Absolute Best Bagels in Montreal New York City vs Montreal . Oh, the debate. In the ongoing Great War of the Bagels between the two cities, Montreal has always been the favorite contender, both among the proud locals and the tourists. Let's be honest here—Montreal wins, and there is no such thing as better bagels than Montreal bagels. If you agree with the premise of this highlight, then you might want to add this to your next Montreal trip: the Fairmount Bagel Bakery in the Mile End area. Founded by Jewish immigrant Isadore Shlafman in 1919, the knowledge was transmitted from generation to generation, and the family still uses the same methods even today. Everything is done by hand, and with love! It's very rewarding, as a consumer, to buy things locally and encourage an almost-century-old family-owned business. And in this case, it's double the reward: good conscience, and full stomach. What's not to like?"