This Unique Bagel Shop Is the Best Place to Get an Authentic Everything Bagel in Yellow Springs, Ohio

When you hear the word “bagel,” Ohio probably isn’t the first state that comes to mind. Maybe not even the fifth. New York dominates the conversation for a reason, and for decades, it’s set the standard. But tucked into the vibrant, tree-lined town of Yellow Springs is a place that’s quietly rewriting the rules.

Yes, Ohio. The same state known for pierogies, buckeyes, and chili with questionable pasta pairings is also the home of what may be the best everything bagel you’ll ever eat.

Tucked just off the main drag in Yellow Springs is a takeout bagel operation slinging some of the best rings of dough you’ll ever meet... especially the Everything bagel. This isn’t brunch with bottomless mimosas. It’s a grab-a-sack, take-it-home, build-your-own-breakfast kind of vibe. And these bagels? They’re the ideal vehicle for a proper sandwich: crisped outside, chewy inside, and dense enough to hold their own under sausage, egg, and cheese without succumbing to the pressure. Ohio, you’re onto something.

Bootleg Bagels was started by Ben Bullock, a fine-dining chef with more than 20 years in kitchens. When the pandemic upended the hospitality industry (and childcare), Bullock turned to his home oven and eventually found himself in possession of the most in-demand baked goods in town. The bagels hit a nerve... a chewy, carby, deeply satisfying nerve. East Coast transplants began whispering, “These taste like home.” Word spread. The orders multiplied. The Everything bagel was born again.

The Everything bagel is the cornerstone. Every surface is accounted for, blanketed with a classic mix of onion flake, garlic bits, black and white sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and pretzel salt. The crust is golden and crackled, the interior dense but not tough, and the flavor is deeply savory. It’s the kind of bagel that tastes like a complete thought. If you’ve ever seen Everything Everywhere All At Once, you’ll understand when I say this bagel doesn’t just wear “everything” - it fully commits to it, emotionally and existentially. One bite, and you start to wonder if the secrets of the universe might actually be hidden in a ring of carbs.

No googly eyes included, but you might still feel seen.

The poppy seed bagel is a quiet classic, but for me, it’s also deeply personal. It reminds me of my Nana, who grew up in Germany and believed no baked good was truly finished until it had a layer of poppy seeds clinging to its top like tiny punctuation marks. Bootleg’s version is golden and speckled, slightly nutty, and chewy in all the right ways.

Prefer something sweeter? The blueberry bagel is a standout. Real blueberry compote is baked right in, giving it a subtle tang that balances the natural sweetness. It's not dessert, but it could be. Add plain cream cheese and you’ve got the sort of breakfast that makes even a Monday feel like it’s got potential. It's kid-approved, adult-justified, and universally friendly.

When fall rolls around, there’s no shame in reaching for the pumpkin spice bagel. But forget what you know from corporate coffee chains. This one is gently sweet with real pumpkin puree and a dusting of pearled sugar that gives it a satisfying crunch. Toasted with a slick of honey butter or maple cream cheese, it’s the edible equivalent of wearing a knit sweater while stepping on crunchy leaves.

Then there’s the Ogre. As chaotic and delightful as the name suggests, this bagel has caramelized onions mixed right into the dough and gets topped with pretzel salt and nigella seeds for a deep, savory wallop. It’s rich and layered, slightly sweet from the onions, a little funky from the nigella, and perfect with sharp cheese or a dollop of horseradish cream cheese. If you like your breakfasts bold and your bagels with bite, the Ogre delivers.

So here’s the takeaway: You don’t need to fly to New York to experience a top-tier bagel. Sometimes, the best version of an iconic food is right in your backyard. Whether it’s a bagel, a pierogi, or a scoop of Jeni’s ice cream, Ohio has more than a few claims to culinary fame. And Bootleg Bagels is right up there, satisfying the cravings of homesick New Yorkers and local carb connoisseurs, alike.
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Just like a warm bagel, a good Ohio-made tee never goes out of style.