Bears Bagels

Who would have thought that an inconspicuous bagel shop in Hilliard of all places would capture the essence of a bustling New York City bagel institution. Yet, here I am, standing in a line that snakes out the door, braving the winter chill for what I can only hope is a proper, well-crafted bagel. The scent of freshly baked dough fills the air, a warm promise against the cold.After 20 minutes of anticipation, I find myself in front of the counter, placing an order for The Child's Garden--a bold, vegetarian masterpiece on an everything bagel. The first bite? Absolute perfection. The bagel is textbook--chewy, golden-crusted, generously seasoned. The garlic & chive shmear provides a silky, savory richness, while the folded egg (at the wise suggestion of the cashier) is impossibly light and impeccably seasoned. Then there's the layering of textures: cool, crisp cucumber and spinach, the deep umami of roasted tomato, and a subtle acidity and crunch from the pickled radish and carrot. It's balance in its purest form--nothing overpowering, nothing lacking.And just when I think the experience couldn't be better, The Bear arrives. It is a cold Banana Hazelnut Oatmilk Latte in a dark brown glass bottle. No artificial nonsense--just real banana, real hazelnut, all enveloped in creamy oatmilk that enhances the nuttiness of the coffee. One sip, and it's banana bread in a glass.Bears Bagels isn't just a bagel shop. It's a statement--a love letter to the craft of bagel-making, right here in Columbus. If you haven't been, you're missing out. If you have? You're probably already back in line.

On my return visit to Bears Bagels I tried the Goldie Lox bagel. Choice of bagel (I chose Everything toasted), Pastrami Lox, tomato, cucumbers, fresh dill, garlic and chive schmear, pickled red onions for $14.The restaurant was not too busy, service was good, and I got my order in a couple of minutes. I ordered my bagel to go and left. Off to my short drive home to indulge.Here's my thoughts.... It's a little too busy with this many things on a bagel, so difficult for my taste buds to identify all flavors. I tasted the cream cheese, but hard to decipher garlic and chive, the cucumber I would have preferred pickled, but I think that's what the pickled red onions were for. My biggest disappointment was the bagel. It tasted like a day old bagel. Not a bad sandwich, but for $14 I was expected to be put in awe.

Very cute location. The owner Charis is maybe the most personable human I've ever encountered, very perfect for the front of house. I made the trip from Canal to Hilliard in search of an authentic New York style bagel and Bears delivered. Tons of schmear options and a curated menu of sandwiches. We tried a few things as we were indecisive but the OG everything bagel with chive cream cheese was my favorite. My significant other was excited for the Sunday Special; a play on an Arby's beef and cheddar sandwich which he was quite the letdown as it was dry. The slab bacon on the Bears Best was extremely thick and fatty; if you're into that I can see you loving that option.In all, if you enjoy bagels I would definitely suggest you pay Bears a visit.

I was excited to check this place out after all the good reviews. I got lucky, because there was no line and plenty of bagels. Staff here is the best part - genuinely friendly and welcoming. If you like iced coffee, I highly recommend the banana bread latte. It is Jennings Java brand in a bottle and it is incredible. Honestly, I liked it better than the bagel sandwich. Bears Best sandwich was a big portion, stuffed to the max, and bagel had good texture. Way too much sauce though, and it made the whole thing soggy, so I would hold the sauce next time. They have a couple of indoor tables and couple of outdoor tables. It's a cute space located in the same parking lot as the Sunoco gas station. Fuel up with gas and carbs at the same time!

I visited Bears Bagels this morning and finally get the hype! I have been hearing how good this place is for a while now and finally was able to try this morning. I had stopped by a few weeks ago and wasn't able to get anything as they had already sold out around noon (good for them but sad for me) but very was excited to be able to try this morning! The line was a bit long when we got there (around 10:30) but it moved very quickly and we were even able to sit at the barstools inside and eat! I had the Bears Best on toasted rosemary sea salt and the banana bread cold brew. My friend also ordered the mixed berry toasted with cinnamon schmear. The Bears Best was so good! Probably the best bagel sandwich I've had. The bacon was so thick, the chili schmear was so flavorful, and the green onion and pickled veggies brought the whole thing together. I had a bite of the mixed berry with cinnamon schmear, I don't usually love sweet breakfast and prefer savory, but it was also so delicious! The banana bread cold brew honestly shocked me.... It tasted EXACTLY like banana bread and did not disappoint!I'm hoping to return soon and try more flavors!

I was craving a bagel so decided to stop by. It was late morning on a weekday so most of the bagels were sold out. It wasn't busy. Maybe a couple customers walked in.I tried the porque puerco on the poppyseed bagel. Delicious! Great flavors too. I'd order again.I also got the mixed berry bagel with their seasonal cream cheese. I think it was cranberry orange? Delicious! Unique flavors! It was a bit sweeter for my preference but not bad.The bagels aren't quite NY style. But they are very good. Soft and easy to bite into. Prices are a little higher than The Lox. But it's a nice treat every once in a while and there aren't great bagel options in the area imo.Staff was really nice. Personable and helpful explaining the menu.Not a ton of parking but it's located in the same building as a gas station. I'd come back again!

Definitely did not expect to go to a bagel shop right next to a gas station. Cute small bagel shop. It was so good! I got poppyseed bagel with garlic and chives cream cheese. I wish they reduce their garlic in the cream cheese. Still good though!! They have $6 for 6 day old bagels. I wasn't sure if I should grab it. Before I could do that it was gone. Regret!!

I've seen this place trending on social media and when I would drive by, there's always a line out the door so I decided to stop by. The inside of the store is pretty small with limited seating. Delicious bagels! When I came in, majority of the bagels were already sold out. The lady at the counter was super friendly and said you could always call ahead to see what they still have left.

Oh this was GOOD. Just the right balance of toppings and bagel and seasonings. I'll definitely have to try more options soon.

Goldilox on White Russian bagel! Phenomenal! Tons of flavor! Deliciously chewy bagel.Cohort got Cali cuts and loved it as well! Got a Jennings Java cold brew to wash it down. Service was quick. Small indoor seating area but we got in before the next rush. I absolutely need to work my way through the menu