Fairmount Bagel Bakery is widely celebrated for its authentic Montreal style bagels, chewy and freshly baked in wood-fired ovens, with a range that includes sesame, everything, onion, garlic, pumpernickel, bozo, sun dried tomato, cranberry, and more; reviewers describe them as among the best in Montreal and often in the world, worth the wait in long lines that move steadily; the experience is typically take-out only, with no indoor seating and a cash or Canadian debit card payment policy, plus occasional notes about rising prices and smaller sizes; the bagels pair well with a variety of cream cheeses and toppings, and the smell of the bakery and watching bagels being prepared adds to the charm; several mentions highlight the friendly staff and the sense of tradition, while a few reviews flag inconsistent service or crowding at peak times; overall the place is regarded as a must try for Montreal bagel lovers and a signature stop for visitors seeking an iconic bite.View restaurant profile
St-Viateur Bagel is widely celebrated as an iconic Montreal institution, renowned for hand rolled, wood-fired bagels that come hot from the oven with a crisp exterior and chewy interior, and many reviews note the distinctive aroma and the experience of watching the bakers at work. The bagels are praised for freshness and a classic sesame variety, with a range of flavors and a self-serve setup at some locations that lets customers pick toppings from a fridge, though that approach isn't ideal for all. Practical details pop up frequently: the shops are cash only (ATM often on site), seating is minimal or nonexistent, and lines can be long but move quickly. The tone is typically enthusiastic, with many calling it a must-do Montreal experience and one of the best bagel spots, though a few reviews report occasional inconsistency in freshness, pricey sandwiches, or concerns about hygiene. Overall the consensus is that the place delivers a quintessential Montreal bagel experience, prized for texture, flavor and tradition, even as it remains a bustling, no-frills take-out venue.View restaurant profile
St-Viateur Bagel offers a classic Montreal bagel experience with wood-fired bagels baked right in front of customers, a crisp exterior and chewy center, especially the sesame classic, and reviews praise fresh and hot bagels and quick in-and-out service. Some say the place is cash-only and takeaway focused, with lines that sometimes test patience, while others note the atmosphere can be minimal or unpretentious but the craft and aroma shine through. A few reviews mention bagels not always fresh or a bit hard, and a handful caution about the no seating policy, but most celebrate the iconic status, consistent quality, and the ability to watch the bagel making process. Many travelers say it is among the best bagels in Montreal, with others cherishing the experience enough to stock up for a long drive home or to share with family, and a note that a second store exists nearby to choose if something is not hot out of the oven. Overall, the place is seen as a must visit for wood-fired, freshly baked bagels, with devotion to the craft and a reliable, if sometimes crowded, performance.View restaurant profile
Overall, reviews describe Kettlemans Bagel as delivering fresh, flavorful bagels with a wide range of fillings and a generally welcoming, attentive service. The staff are frequently praised for friendliness and helpfulness, and the shop is noted as clean and casual, with a bakery-like feel from watching the bagels being made. At the same time, experiences vary, with some guests experiencing slow service, order mix-ups, or bagels that were dry or not as fresh on certain visits, leading to mixed impressions of consistency. Many emphasize standout items such as bagel sandwiches and flavorful fillings, and several diners consider the bagels among the better options in the area, while a few describe them as not quite living up to other Montreal bagel experiences. The menu's breadth includes vegan and other specialty options, reflecting a willingness to accommodate different tastes, though there was some confusion about vegan choices on a visit. Overall, it is seen as a solid bagel destination with strong service that can be exceptional but with occasional inconsistencies in taste and speed.View restaurant profile
