Bagel Etc is described as a nostalgic classic brunch spot with a warm, efficient staff, retro decor, and music that evokes a Montreal past. Reviews celebrate fresh, well executed staples like eggs Benedict on bagels, house made salsas, generous portions, and bagels that are always chewy and delicious. The coffee and orange juice are highlighted as freshly prepared, with quick service on weekend mornings and a lively atmosphere that makes it feel like a local ritual. Several comments praise the welcoming vibe and the sense of community, though a few note occasional service hiccups, potential extra charges, slow meals when busy, and questions about cleanliness or a wasp presence outside. Cash or debit are often preferred since credit cards may not always be accepted. Overall the place is seen as a beloved Montreal gem offering strong brunch, classic dishes, and a memorable vibe, with some caveats to consider.
I visited Bagel Etc. for lunch with my family-it's actually my parents' favorite brunch spot in Montreal, so my expectations were pretty high going in.
We were seated at an outdoor table, which was nice in theory, but I definitely regretted not dressing warmer. Something to keep in mind depending on the weather.
The restaurant was very busy, & it took about 30-40 minutes for our food to arrive. The food itself was good, but not quite at the level I had built up in my mind.
Unfortunately, I did find a fairly large piece of eggshell in my Eggs Benedict. To their credit, the staff handled it well-they apologized promptly & offered complimentary fruit, which I appreciated.
My parents also mentioned that it didn't feel quite as good as they remembered from previous visits.
Overall, it was still a positive experience. With faster service & perhaps an upgrade to crispy roasted potatoes instead of the current ones, this place could really elevate the dining experience.
AMAZING PLACE. The variety, the prices, the vibes, the decal, & the BAGELS. Very very good. We got omelettes & they were great. The bagel came with; it was the signature Montreal-style & it was to die fo
Mar 11, 2026
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The Huevos Rancheros (with bagel) was absolutely delicious.
This was my first time having a salsa like this - not a blended sauce, but one with large, fresh chunks of tomato, which made it feel really vibrant & fresh. The tomatoes had a nice natural acidity, paired beautifully with the chewy bagel & finished with a soft, runny egg yolk. The combination of tangy, chewy, & creamy textures was really memorable & definitely worth trying.
That said, the French toast was pretty average & didn't stand out compared to the other dishes, so I wouldn't particularly recommend it.
Classic diner with laid back vibes. A great place to get some fried eggs & a bagel while you're bumming through one of the better neighborhoods in Montreal. Going thrift & vintage shopping? Go here for breakfast first!
Mauvaise expérience malgré les personnes du service très sympathiques. Le café n'est pas bon, les bagels non plus & les ingrédients utilisés dedans de faible qualité. Un diner à l'apparence sympa mais une expérience gustative mauvaise.
Bagel Etc. in Montreal is a charming breakfast spot that blends great food with rich local lore. From the moment you walk in, the friendly staff make you feel like a regular-even if it's your first visit. Service is impressively quick; you'll barely have time to sip your coffee before your breakfast arrives, hot & satisfying.
The menu is full of comforting classics, but what truly sets Bagel Etc. apart is its atmosphere. The head chef is known for sharing stories with diners, weaving tales of Montreal's cultural past with a warmth that makes the experience feel personal. One of the most beloved stories is about Leonard Cohen, who was a frequent visitor. His presence still lingers in the air, especially when you spot the signed Photos he once brought in, now proudly displayed on the walls-a quiet tribute to a legendary artist & a loyal patron.
Bring in your own signed CD Andhave it added to the wall.
Whether you're there for a quick bite or a leisurely morning, Bagel Etc. offers more than just breakfast-it offers a slice of Montreal's soul. Between the food, the stories, & the welcoming vibe, it's easy to see why locals & tourists alike keep coming back.
Bagel Etc.-a great place to sit.
Sep 26, 2025
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Nice patio, cool place to grab brunch, but the food is overpriced for sure. The potatoes are terrible, & the side salad is also mediocre. I'd say get a pancake or the turkey & swiss on a bagel, but avoid much else on the menu or you'll be disappointed. The waitress assumed things without asking, & was kinda cold too.
Bagel Etc is a CLASSIC plateau establishment. Their potatoes are *unreal*. I visited for the first time in a few yrs (been living away from MTL) & it was even nicer than I remembered. Turns out it was bought by one of the line cooks & a waitress! The vibes were good, now they've retained vibe & are augmenting!! Their benedicts are all served on bagels. The French toast is made with challah. Unlimited drip coffee. Weekends are busy which makes things difficult for the waitstaff at times, be patient!! it's worth the wait. Takes cash or debit. Former haunt of famed son of MTL Leonard Cohen. Congratulations again on the purchase of the business, so happy we'll have Bagel Etc for generations to come!!
This place is a beautifully preserved time capsule, radiating the nostalgic charm & authenticity of a classic 1940s bar & restaurant. The moment you walk in, you're greeted by the sounds, scents, & atmosphere of another era - like stepping through a time portal right in the heart of the ever-evolving Plateau.
It's so vivid, you can almost imagine the faint trace of smoky cigars lingering from a bygone time, before smoking was banned indoors - a sensory whisper of the past that deepens the nostalgic feel.
The owners & staff deserve full credit for their warm hospitality & welcoming energy. While the entire menu is solid - everything is well-prepared & satisfying - it's the vibe that truly makes this spot unforgettable. You're not just coming for a meal; you're here for a nostalgic experience.
By pure luck, I stumbled across this gem on one of my early morning walks while searching for a good coffee spot. I'm so glad I did. They open at 7:30 AM daily - perfect for fellow early risers looking for more than just a caffeine fix. 🫶🏻🌞
Thank you for your hospitality & the experience you shared through'Bagel etc.' (1940's restaurant) ✨
Returning to an old huant after almost 40 yrs. Still has its charm & & awesome menu & staff. Stopped in for a midweek brunch as we'd been in town to see a show. The plateau & main are the same & yet different than I remember. Bagel Ect, still a gem! They served up one of the best brunches we've had in Montreal. I ordered the classic Benedictine Eggs Benedict-perfectly poached eggs, rich & velvety hollandaise, all on a fresh, fluffy base. My partner had the Romanov, a version with lox, which was equally delicious-the smoked salmon was silky & flavorful without overpowering the dish. A special shoutout to their sautéed potatoes-crispy, well-seasoned, & the ideal companion to our meals. Cozy atmosphere, friendly service, & food done right. Forgot to mention, thier latte are perfect...Highly recommended!
I recently visited Bagel Etc. for breakfast while in Montreal, & overall, it was an okay experience - nothing exceptional, but not disappointing either.
The breakfast portions were reasonable, though I wouldn't say they were particularly generous or memorable. It felt pretty standard, & while it filled me up, it didn't really stand out compared to other breakfast spots in the area.
The highlight, as you'd expect from a place with'Bagel' in the name, was definitely the bagels.
They were fresh, nicely toasted, & had that classic Montreal-style chewiness, which I really enjoyed. If you're coming here for a bagel, you won't be let down.
One thing that's important to know before visiting: they don't accept credit cards - only debit or cash. There is an ATM on-site, but like most restaurant ATMs, it's always better to have cash on hand to avoid fees or any inconvenience.
The atmosphere is casual, & the service was fine, though nothing particularly warm or memorable. It's a simple, no-frills kind of spot - good for a quick, decent bagel breakfast if you're in the area.
Would I go out of my way to return? Probably not. But if you're nearby & craving a solid Montreal bagel, it's worth a visit.
Skip Beauty's & come here. Huge portions, the best staff, old world feels, no lines, & awesome Challah/bagels/Russian bread. If you're lucky you'll get the table by the window to people-watch. FYI it's cash/debit only
Great Montreal bagels here! Service was good. Very contemporary place & not too expensive. Highly recommend. Multiple vegetarian options, but limited vegan options.
It was cold, rainy, one of those October mornings that makes you hate being outside. I walked into Bagels Etc., mostly for shelter. Ordered the Eastern European without thinking. The hot sauce woke me up, cut through the fog in my head. Service was quick, food was decent, place was crowded but not loud. Felt a little better walking out.
