Bagels Are My Favorite Food in Florida—This Is The One Place You Have to Go to Try It

This might stir some controversy, so I am fully prepared to defend my stance. Florida has great bagels...IF you know where to look. The thing is, Florida isn't known for bagels. I've been to New York more times than I can count, and I already know bagels reign supreme up there. I have also dabbled in New Jersey bagels, understanding that the water is just that much better up north. But that doesn't mean I have stopped my quest to find the best bagels in the Sunshine State. Any chance I get, I'm chowing down on this breakfast staple, and lo and behold, I have found a bagel shop in Florida that is an absolute must for anyone looking to indulge in greatness.

I came across Pete's Bagels in St. Petersburg, Florida, entirely by accident. Driving through the area, hunger hit, and I wanted nothing more than to sink my teeth into a deliciously soft, fresh-out-of-the-oven bagel. Cream cheese? Maybe. A breakfast bagel sandwich?! Now you're talking.

A Google search brought me to Pete's Bagels, a beloved staple in the downtown St. Pete area, known for its commitment to creating fresh, high-quality bagels that locals and visitors rave about. The reviews for this place are outstanding, especially surrounding the hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagels, which are baked daily for a perfectly chewy and delicious bite.

Pete's first opened its doors in 2019 as a neighborhood bakery and general store in the historic Uptown area of St. Petersburg. Since then, it has expanded with a larger cafe in the Grand Central district, a bakery in Gulfport, and another cafe in Ybor. At each location, customers can enjoy fresh, hot bagels delivered every morning.

While I normally opt for the simplicity of an everything bagel with cream cheese, this menu stopped me in my tracks. Not only does Pete's have the usual suspects - sesame, poppyseed, salt, cinnamon raisin...but they also have an extensive selection of breakfast sandwiches, all built on top of these scrumptious bagels.

The breakfast sandwich I ordered was a special - with caramelized onion, melted brie cheese, arugula, and a balsamic glaze, all piled between a sesame-seed bagel. It was absolutely divine, the mix of the sweet and salty all together in one. And let me tell you, the bagel was so delicious, I ordered a half dozen to take home with me to enjoy on a slow morning with my cup of coffee.

I would recommend Pete's Bagels in Florida to anyone who loves bagels and breakfast. I'm so happy this bagel shop fell into my lap. Share this article with your chosen bagel buddy and make plans to visit this bagel shop in Florida today!