Milwaukee's Best Bagels: Your Ultimate Guide

What makes Milwaukee's bagel scene distinctive is the emergence of a local style: hand-rolled and boiled like New York bagels, but slightly softer and more approachable for Midwestern palates.

Local bakers note that Lake Michigan water gives their bagels a unique character. For families, this means options ranging from quick weekday breakfast stops at familiar chains to weekend adventures at acclaimed artisan shops where lines form early and bagels sell out by noon.

Milwaukee

The city of Milwaukee—particularly the Walker's Point neighborhood—has become ground zero for artisan bagel making, with three acclaimed shops within walking distance of each other.

Allie Boy's Bagelry & Luncheonette

Walker's Point Location: 135 E. National Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53204
East Side Location (opened August 2024): 2100 N. Farwell Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: (414) 988-0388
Website: allieboysmke.com
Hours: Thursday–Friday 7:30am–2pm; Saturday–Sunday 8am–2pm; Closed Monday–Wednesday

Consistently rated Milwaukee's best bagels, Allie Boy's has earned recognition from OnMilwaukee and local food critics for its authentic New York-style hand-rolled, boiled bagels. Owners Staci Lopez (a New York native) and Ben Nerenhausen opened during the pandemic in May 2020, overcoming fires, floods, and even a car crashing into their building to build a devoted following.

Bagel varieties: Plain, everything, sesame, poppy seed, pumpernickel, honey wheat, onion, cinnamon raisin, za'atar, and rotating daily specials

Pricing: Individual bagels approximately $3–4; half dozen $13.50; dozen $25; sandwiches $11.50–15

Signature items: The Classic (house-cured Nova lox with labneh herb schmear, tomatoes, onions, capers, dill); Pastrami Chop Cheese on pumpernickel; Pizza Bagel Tartine with house-made tomato sauce; Latke Waffle; Bubbe's Matzo Ball Soup

Schmears: Plain cream cheese, roasted shallot, labneh and herb, pesto, almond praline butter, seasonal varieties, plus vegan options

Family-friendly features: Both locations offer outdoor patio seating perfect for strollers. The East Side location has a private parking lot and larger capacity thanks to industrial rotating deck ovens imported from New York. Dogs welcome in outdoor areas. All bagels are vegan (no egg wash), making them suitable for families with dietary restrictions. Full espresso bar, beer, and wine available for parents. The relaxed weekend atmosphere welcomes families, though expect lines during peak hours.

Ruby's Bagels

Brick & Mortar (opened May 2024): 5513 W. North Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53208
Food Truck at Zócalo Food Park: 636 S. 6th St., Milwaukee, WI 53204
Website: rubysbagels.com
Instagram: @rubysbagelsmke
Hours (North Ave): Thursday–Friday 7am–1pm; Saturday–Sunday 8am–1pm; Closed Monday–Wednesday
Food Truck Hours: Friday–Sunday 8am–2pm (weather permitting; closes below 25°F)

Named to Bon Appétit's list of best bagels in the United States outside New York City in 2023, Ruby's represents Milwaukee's first bagel pop-up, launched in 2019 by Daniela Ruby Varela. This 100% woman-owned business serves 400–800 bagels per day on weekends, and the secret family recipe—developed while Varela was a UWM microbiology student—has earned a cult following.

Bagel varieties: Plain, everything, sesame, poppy seed, rosemary sea salt, cinnamon cranberry—all vegan

Pricing: Single bagel $2.50; bagel with cream cheese $5.50; half dozen $13.50; dozen $25; day-old variety six-pack $8

Signature items: BEC (thick-cut bacon, two fried eggs, American cheese) $11.50; Chorizo Egg & Cheese with jalapeño cream cheese $14; Classic Lox $14; Guilty Guava (plain bagel with guava jam and cream cheese—inspired by Cuban and Mexican empanadas) $5.50

Cream cheese flavors: Plain, jalapeño, strawberry, green onion and cheddar; vegan tofu-based option; 8oz containers available for $5.40–7.50

Family-friendly features: The new brick-and-mortar occupies a charming 1921 Arts & Crafts building that housed Hartter's European Fine Pastries for 40 years. Counter service with limited seating keeps things moving quickly. Online ordering available and strongly recommended—bagels sell out regularly. Accepts Apple Pay. All bagels vegan. Street parking on North Ave.

Pro tip for families: Order online up to a week in advance for guaranteed availability on busy weekends.

Hen's Deli

Address: 209 W. Florida St., Milwaukee, WI 53204
Instagram: @hensdelimke
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 9am–3pm; Closed Sunday–Monday

This cozy 501-square-foot space feels like stepping into a grandmother's farmhouse kitchen, complete with comic books and board games for kids. Owners Vivian Sotolongo and Lucas McDonald (previously of Clarke Street Sausage Co.) opened in December 2022, naming the deli with an acronym of their children's initials: Hadassah, Eva, and Noah.

Bagel varieties: Plain, sesame, everything, cinnamon raisin, poppy, rosemary sea salt, egg, onion, curry—all made with the traditional boil-bake method

Pricing: Sandwiches approximately $11; breakfast sandwiches with bacon or sausage upcharge

Signature items: Bagel Levantine (curry bagel with baba ganoush, labneh, tabbouleh, pickled onion, tahini); The Hadassah (rosemary bagel with lox cream cheese, tomato, cucumber, micro sprout salad); Pork Pastrami with Swiss, "horsey mayo," and pickled onion; daily torta specials

Family-friendly features: Limited indoor seating (one table with four chairs plus wall counter with stools), but the intimate atmosphere creates a special experience. Sidewalk seating available in warm weather. Board games and comic books entertain kids while waiting. Half-price coffee if you bring your own cup. Sprecher root beer available for kids.

Sprocket Cafe – Bay View

Address: 3385 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207
Phone: (414) 539-4040
Website: sprocketcafe.weebly.com
Hours: Daily 8am–3pm

This woman-owned café in South Bay View (accessible from St. Francis and Cudahy) serves locally baked bagels with Anodyne Coffee in a quirky, welcoming atmosphere.

Bagel sandwiches: Turkey Bagel (turkey, Swiss, red onion, lettuce, Sprocket aioli); Ham & Cheddar; Club Sandwich on bagel; Egg Bagel (hard-boiled egg, capers, cream cheese, red onion—a twist on Nova lox); Hummus Cucumber (vegan); Chocolate Chip Bagel with Strawberry Cream Cheese

Cream cheese options: Garlic herb, strawberry

Family-friendly features: Cozy atmosphere with antique and bicycle décor; board games and books available; small free library; wheelchair accessible ground floor; indoor and outdoor seating overlooking a pocket park; local doughnuts and cakes; delivery via Grubhub and EatStreet

Amaranth Bakery & Cafe

Address: 3329 W. Lisbon Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53208
Phone: (414) 934-0587
Hours: Thursday–Saturday 7am–2pm; Closed Sunday–Wednesday

This European-style artisan bakery in the Walnut Hill neighborhood uses a heritage sourdough starter and flour the owners personally drive to New York to source. While known primarily for breads, croissants, and pastries, bagels are available as part of the breakfast rotation.

Family-friendly features: Warm community atmosphere; on-site garden supplies fresh produce; gluten-free options available on request; cozy indoor seating

Colectivo Coffee (Troubadour Bakery)

Bay View Location: 2301 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207
Multiple locations throughout Milwaukee
Website: colectivo.com

Colectivo's in-house Troubadour Bakery (scratch baking since 1999, formally established 2012) supplies bagels to all 16+ café locations. Bakers trained at the San Francisco Baking Institute create café-style bagels using ingredients from local Midwest farmers.

Family-friendly features: Multiple convenient locations; spacious seating areas; excellent coffee for parents; bagels also available at Outpost, Sendik's, Fresh Thyme, and Metcalfe's Market

North Shore communities

The affluent North Shore suburbs offer a mix of chain reliability and Milwaukee's most beloved traditional Jewish deli.

Benji's Deli & Restaurant – Shorewood

Address: 4156 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood, WI 53211
Phone: (414) 332-7777
Website: benjisdeliandrestaurant.com
Hours: Full-service restaurant hours (call to confirm)

A Milwaukee institution since 1963, Benji's delivers the authentic Jewish deli experience that older generations remember and younger families deserve to discover. Original owner Benji, now in his 80s, still maintains an office at this location. Current owners Chris and Mike Price have preserved the tradition since 2006.

Bagel preparations: Bagel with Nova Lox (cream cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion); Double Lox Bagel (two bagels with double portion); breakfast bagel platters

Signature items beyond bagels: Hand-carved corned beef; famous Reuben sandwiches; Mish Mosh soup; Hoppel Poppel (scrambled eggs with potatoes and salami); fried matzoh; homemade potato pancakes (served weekends and Mondays at this location)

Pricing: Moderate to upscale; sandwiches typically $13–15+

Family-friendly features: Full-service restaurant with extensive menu beyond bagels; high chairs available; designated "Good for Kids" on Yelp; dogs allowed; kids party menu available; reservations accepted for larger families. The counter seating introduces kids to classic diner culture.

Parking note: Small lot can be challenging during peak brunch hours

Benji's Deli & Restaurant – Fox Point

Address: 8683 N. Port Washington Rd., Fox Point, WI 53217
Phone: (414) 228-5130
Hours: 10am–3pm (call to verify current hours)

The suburban outpost offers the same beloved menu with significantly easier parking in a shopping plaza setting. Potato pancakes available daily (versus weekends only at Shorewood).

Family-friendly features: Outdoor seating; abundant parking; less crowded than Shorewood location; delivery and takeout available; Health Score 90/100

Bruegger's Bagels – Whitefish Bay

Address: 601 E. Silver Spring Dr., Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
Phone: (414) 964-4600
Website: brueggers.com
Hours: Daily 6am–2pm

This 40-year-old chain specializes in authentic New York-style kettle-boiled bagels with made-in-Vermont cream cheeses—a combination that has earned loyal fans who appreciate consistency and quality without the wait times of artisan shops.

Bagel varieties: Plain, everything, sesame, poppy, cinnamon raisin, blueberry, asiago parmesan, cheesy hash brown gourmet, pumpernickel

Pricing: Bagel with cream cheese approximately $3.19; three bagels $7.39; Baker's Dozen with cream cheese (catering) approximately $41; egg sandwiches $8.49–9.89

Cream cheese flavors (12): Plain, strawberry, garden veggie, honey walnut, jalapeño, country pepper, sriracha honey, bacon scallion, lox spread, and more

Signature sandwiches: Farmhouse (egg, bacon, ham, cheddar, country pepper cream cheese on cheesy hash brown bagel); Sriracha Honey Sunrise; Bacon Avocado & Tomato Egg White; Nova Lox

Family-friendly features: Indoor and outdoor seating; wheelchair accessible; drive-thru convenience; delivery via DoorDash and Uber Eats; rewards program with free bagel signup; consistent quality kids recognize

Einstein Bros. Bagels – Shorewood

Address: 4301 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood, WI 53211
Phone: (414) 962-9888
Hours: Daily (check website for current hours)

Same reliable Einstein Bros. quality in a convenient Shorewood location near the Benji's strip.

Einstein Bros. Bagels – Mequon

Address: 10950 N. Port Washington Rd., Mequon, WI 53092
Phone: (262) 241-9878
Hours: Weekdays from 5:30am; Weekends from 6am

Convenient location just off I-43 in an upscale strip mall with ample parking. Rated the #1 bakery in Mequon on TripAdvisor.

Family-friendly features: Spacious seating good for groups; easy highway access; private lot parking; WiFi; catering and delivery available

North Shore Boulangerie – Shorewood

Address: 4401 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood, WI 53211
Website: northshoreboulangerie.com
Hours: Counter service 7am–6pm daily; Lunch 11am–2:30pm

While technically a French bakery rather than a bagel shop, this Alsatian-style boulangerie serves excellent breakfast fare for families seeking European pastries and fresh-baked breads. The owner trained in Paris and at the French Pastry School.

Family-friendly features: Two sunlit dining rooms; wheelchair accessible; free street parking; outdoor seating; exclusive Milwaukee vendor for Cafés Richard Parisian coffee

Western suburbs: Family-friendly convenience

The western suburbs offer primarily chain options but with convenient locations, family value deals, and one beloved local breakfast institution.

Bruegger's Bagels – Wauwatosa

Address: 8340 W. Bluemound Rd., Wauwatosa, WI 53213
Phone: (414) 443-1303
Website: brueggers.com
Hours: Daily 6am–2pm

The go-to bagel destination for Wauwatosa families seeking authentic kettle-boiled New York-style bagels without driving downtown.

Pricing: Bagel with cream cheese approximately $3.99–4.99; breakfast sandwiches $5.99–8.99; Baker's Dozen approximately $15.99; Family Brunch Pack (6 bagels, cream cheese, sandwiches, sides) approximately $35+

Family-friendly features: Strip mall location with ample parking; free WiFi; dine-in seating; catering for birthday parties and events; rewards program; family-sized meal deals

Einstein Bros. Bagels – Brookfield (Two Locations)

Bluemound & Calhoun: 17000 W. Bluemound Rd., Suite A, Brookfield, WI 53005; Phone: (262) 860-9088
I-94 & Moorland: 880 S. Moorland Rd., Brookfield, WI 53005; Phone: (262) 649-2704
Hours: Daily 6am–2pm

Two convenient Brookfield locations with drive-thru available at the Bluemound location—a lifesaver for families with sleeping babies or restless toddlers.

Family-friendly features: Drive-thru (Bluemound); WiFi; mobile app ordering; catering; plaza parking

Einstein Bros. Bagels – Waukesha

Address: 180 E. Sunset Dr., Suite A, Waukesha, WI 53189
Phone: (262) 513-2820
Hours: Daily 6am–2pm

The primary bagel option for Waukesha families, located in the Sunset Crossings shopping area.

Big Apple Bagels – Hales Corners

Address: 5710 S. 108th St., Hales Corners Shopping Center, Hales Corners, WI 53130
Phone: (414) 529-3050
Website: halescorners.orderbigapplebagels.com
Hours: Daily 6:30am–3pm

This locally owned franchise location stands out for making bagels from scratch on premises daily—a rarity among chain establishments. The 3pm closing time (latest of any dedicated bagel shop) makes it ideal for families with unpredictable schedules.

Bagel varieties: Plain, everything, sesame, poppy seed, onion, garlic, cinnamon raisin, cranberry, pumpernickel, honey whole wheat, plus gourmet options (cheddar herb, apple cinnamon, cheesy hash brown, cheddar jalapeño, spinach florentine)

Pricing: Bagel with cream cheese from $2.89; breakfast sandwiches from $6.99; specialty sandwiches from $12.49; gourmet muffins from $2.19; smoothies from $6.39

Signature breakfast sandwiches: Morning Classic (sausage, bacon, or ham with scrambled eggs and American cheese); Breakfast BLT; Start Fresh (egg whites, turkey sausage, provolone, tomato); Ranchero (guacamole, egg, cheddar, jalapeño, Tapatio); Lox and Cream Cheese

Cream cheese options: Plain (regular or lite), scallion, apple cinnamon, cheddar bacon, chocolate chip, dill garlic, strawberry lite, veggie lite

Additional offerings: My Favorite Muffin brand muffins; Brewster's gourmet coffee; Freshens smoothies; deli sandwiches; soups; salads

Family-friendly features: Casual counter-service atmosphere with seating area; kid-friendly options like chocolate chip bagels and muffins; smoothies appeal to children; delivery via Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub; party platters and catering; Health Score 98/100; shopping center parking

Cranky Al's – Wauwatosa

Address: 6901 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53213
Phone: (414) 258-5282
Website: crankyals.com
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 6am–1pm; Closed Monday

While famous for award-winning doughnuts, this Wauwatosa institution also serves freshly baked bagels in breakfast sandwiches. Families who can't agree on doughnuts versus bagels will find both here.

Bagel items: Tomato and Three Cheese Bagel (grilled cheese-style); Savory Sausage, Egg and Cheese Bagel; bacon, egg, and cheese bagel

Family-friendly features: Uses local, responsibly sourced, and organic ingredients; gluten-free and vegan options available; casual welcoming atmosphere; arrives early—popular items sell out

Ruby's Bagels – Near Wauwatosa Border

Address: 5513 W. North Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53208

Located just four blocks from the Wauwatosa border in Milwaukee's Washington Heights neighborhood, Ruby's is the closest acclaimed artisan bagel shop for western suburb families. See the Milwaukee proper section for complete details.

Southern and eastern suburbs

Dedicated bagel shops are scarce in Milwaukee's southern suburbs, but families have reliable options in Hales Corners and Bay View, with national recognition just a short drive away.

National Bakery & Deli – Greendale

Address: 5673 Broad St., Greendale, WI 53129
Phone: (414) 423-4620
Website: nationalbakery.com
Hours: Monday–Friday 6:30am–3pm; Saturday 6:30am–2pm; Closed Sunday

This traditional bakery has served Greendale for over 100 years, specializing in fresh-baked breads, pastries, and deli sandwiches. While not a dedicated bagel shop, it offers limited bagel options as part of its breakfast rotation.

Northern Suburbs

Fiddleheads Coffee – Cedarburg & Thiensville

Cedarburg: W62 N605 Washington Ave., Cedarburg, WI 53012
Hours: Monday–Friday 6:30am–7pm; Saturday–Sunday 7am–7pm

Thiensville (Original): 120 N. Main St., Thiensville, WI 53092
Phone: (262) 242-1137
Website: fiddleheadscoffee.com

This family-owned specialty coffee company has operated since 1996, offering bagels alongside artisan pastries, soups, and sandwiches. While not a dedicated bagel shop, it provides a pleasant option for families wanting coffee drinks with bagels in historic downtown Cedarburg.

Family-friendly features: Good for kids; dogs allowed on patio; indoor and outdoor seating; cozy atmosphere in historic buildings; delivery via Uber Eats

Dave's Bagel & Bread Cafe – Cedarburg (CLOSED)

Former address: W62 N206 Washington Ave., Cedarburg, WI 53012
Status: Appears permanently closed

This was previously the most acclaimed independent bagel shop in the northern suburbs, known for NYC-style bagels, Swiss cheese bagels, and signature "Bagel Dogs." Its closure represents a significant loss for the area.

Geographic gaps in the northern suburbs

Families in Menomonee Falls, Germantown, Port Washington, and Saukville will not find dedicated bagel shops within their immediate communities. Big Apple Bagels in Grafton (10–15 minutes from most northern locations) or Einstein Bros. in Mequon are the closest quality options.

Understanding Milwaukee's bagel styles

Milwaukee's bagel scene offers three distinct experiences for families to explore.

Artisan hand-rolled and boiled bagels represent the pinnacle of local craftsmanship. Allie Boy's, Ruby's, and Hen's Deli all employ the traditional method: hand-rolling each bagel, boiling in water (sometimes with malt or honey), then baking at high temperatures. This process creates the characteristic crispy exterior and chewy interior. Local bakers describe a developing "Milwaukee style"—similar to New York bagels but slightly softer, influenced by Lake Michigan water's mineral content (133 mg/L hardness versus NYC's 26 mg/L).

Traditional Jewish deli bagels at Benji's connect families to a 60-year Milwaukee tradition. These aren't artisan bagels but rather the authentic Jewish-American deli experience: bagels served with hand-carved lox, cream cheese, and all the fixings in a full-service restaurant setting where matzo ball soup and Reuben sandwiches share the menu.

Regional chain bagels from Bruegger's, Einstein Bros., and Big Apple Bagels offer consistency, convenience, and family-friendly value deals. Bruegger's emphasizes its 40-year commitment to authentic New York-style kettle-boiling. Einstein Bros. provides the widest variety of flavors and the most family-focused deals. Big Apple Bagels' from-scratch local franchises (particularly Grafton and Hales Corners) bridge the gap between chain convenience and artisan quality.

Planning your family bagel adventure

For weekend brunch seekers: Arrive early at Allie Boy's or Ruby's—both open at 8am on weekends and often develop lines by 9am. Both shops sell out of popular items, so online ordering (especially at Ruby's) is strongly recommended. These shops close by early afternoon (1–2pm) and are closed Monday through Wednesday.

For weekday convenience: Einstein Bros. and Bruegger's locations open as early as 5:30–6am daily and provide drive-thru options at select locations. These are ideal for school mornings or commutes.

For groups and parties: Einstein Bros. offers the best family value deals (Baker's Dozen with Shmear under $2 per person; Brunch Box for 8 under $6 per person). Big Apple Bagels locations provide excellent catering platters with 24-hour notice.

For the full deli experience: Benji's serves breakfast all day in a full-service restaurant setting where kids can explore Jewish-American deli culture beyond just bagels.

For dietary restrictions: All bagels at Allie Boy's and Ruby's are vegan (no egg wash). Both shops offer vegan cream cheese alternatives. Einstein Bros. and Bruegger's provide detailed allergen information through their apps.

For families who can't decide between doughnuts and bagels: Cranky Al's in Wauwatosa offers both, made with quality local ingredients.

Quick reference: Hours at a glance

Shop Weekdays Weekends Notes Allie Boy's Thu–Fri 7:30am–2pm 8am–2pm Closed Mon–Wed Ruby's (North Ave) Thu–Fri 7am–1pm 8am–1pm Closed Mon–Wed Hen's Deli Tue–Sat 9am–3pm — Closed Sun–Mon Benji's Varies by location Full service Call to confirm Einstein Bros. 6am–2pm 6am–2pm Daily Bruegger's 6am–2pm 6am–2pm Daily Big Apple (Grafton) 6am–5pm 6:30am–5pm (Sat), 7am–4pm (Sun) Extended hours Big Apple (Hales Corners) 6:30am–3pm 6:30am–3pm Daily Cranky Al's Tue–Sun 6am–1pm 6am–1pm Closed Monday

Conclusion

Milwaukee's bagel scene has evolved dramatically from a city once limited to grocery store options and national chains into a legitimate destination for bagel enthusiasts. Families can now choose between nationally recognized artisan shops where hand-rolled bagels emerge from deck ovens imported from New York, beloved 60-year-old Jewish delis serving lox platters alongside matzo ball soup, and reliable regional chains offering drive-thru convenience and family value meals.

The concentration of acclaimed shops in Walker's Point—Allie Boy's, Ruby's, and Hen's Deli within blocks of each other—makes that neighborhood an ideal destination for a family bagel tour. For suburban families, Big Apple Bagels locations in Grafton and Hales Corners deliver from-scratch quality with the accessibility of extended hours and ample parking. And Benji's two locations continue a tradition that connects today's families to Milwaukee's Jewish heritage.

Whether your family prefers the adventure of an artisan shop (arrive early, expect to wait, prepare for sell-outs) or the predictability of a chain (mobile ordering, drive-thru, rewards programs), Milwaukee's bagel options have never been stronger. The only remaining challenge is deciding which style to try first.