Bagel Etc produces iconic Montreal style bagels characterized by a distinctively chewy interior and a golden, blistered crust achieved through traditional wood fired baking techniques. These hand rolled rings are boiled in honey water to ensure the signature flavor profile that defines the local culinary identity. Beyond the classic sesame and poppy seed varieties, the establishment offers a diverse selection of hearty sandwiches featuring premium meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables layered upon these dense, malted carriers. The interior environment emphasizes a functional and straightforward aesthetic that prioritizes the rapid delivery of high quality baked goods for patrons. Strict adherence to long standing artisanal methods maintains the specific textural integrity required for an authentic product. Patrons encounter a specialized menu focused on the fundamental elements of yeast dough preparation and savory protein pairings.
Bagel Etc. is widely regarded as a charming Montreal institution, praised for its cozy retro atmosphere, nostalgic decor, and connection to the city's cultural history. Many patrons enjoy the classic breakfast menu, specifically highlighting the eggs Benedict, Huevos Rancheros, and fresh bagels, often noting the quick and friendly service provided by the staff. While the establishment is a favorite for its unique vibe and welcoming character, some visitors have experienced inconsistencies in food quality, service delays during busy hours, and concerns regarding the cash-only payment policy, which has caused frustration for those unaware of the requirement beforehand.
Don't go here. There are so many nice breakfast places in Montreal. The food & options were good, but the service was TERRIBLE. One of the servers in particular was so impolite, you wonder why she even works there. We were told this place was a classic & the owner seems nice but clearly he needs to take a look at how his staff treat customers.
Came here for brunch with my friends & we loved the trendy style/ambiance of the place.
We each ordered a specialty platter, where they ranged anywhere from $15 to $23. I personally got the Mont Royal, which I'd highly recommend.
It was a very flavorful omelette packed with meat & peppers, & it was great with the home fries & bread. Despite the bagels being from Fairmont, they were pretty disappointing. Get the challah! Side note, the french toast was DELICIOUS.
The service was also great! The waitress noticed I had an empty water bottle from outside & offered to refill it. I was very impressed since I've never been asked that before lol. However, it took quite a while to get the bill because the restaurant was so busy.
Despite the restaurant's name, if you skip the bagel, I'd highly recommend getting brunch here!
Jul 28, 2026
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My girlfriend & I were disappointed with our brunch breakfast plates.
For a place called Bagels Etc the bagels are not good & used to be better. They could at least source them from nearby St Viateur or Fairmount, or one of several better other bagel shops in town.
While disclosed on the menu, the plates suffer from a lack of fruit. Included potatoes & meat were standard as expected.
On the positive side, our server was good, aside from not bringing us condiments (minor) & the outdoor seating is very nice. No loud music so easy to enjoy a peaceful meal.
I don't get the hype ?!? Other than the staff who are super friendly & welcoming the food is mediocre . The potatoes lack flavor , the pancakes were dense . Overall, the food failed to live up to all the positive reviews I read before choosing this place . However , the great service made the visit pleasant .
The food was absolutely delicious, & that's the only reason I'm giving two stars instead of one.
Unfortunately, the experience at the end completely ruined our visit. We are tourists, & it was obvious from the moment we arrived. We spoke Spanish & our English is clearly not native, so it was evident we weren't from Montreal. Despite that, nobody told us before ordering that the restaurant only accepts cash or Canadian debit (Interac).
We only found out after we had finished our meal, when it was time to pay. It was an incredibly stressful & embarrassing situation. We had to leave the restaurant, go across the street, buy something at a convenience store just to get cash back, & even pay extra to be able to withdraw enough money.
We lost a lot of time & ended what should have been a wonderful meal feeling anxious & frustrated. We completely understand if a business chooses not to accept credit cards, but when it's such an unusual payment policy in a city that welcomes so many international visitors, customers should be informed before they order, especially when it's obvious they're tourists.
Great food, but very poor communication. A simple heads-up would have avoided a very unpleasant experience.
