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.
Sweet little spot. Appreciated that they were open before 8am on a Sunday - I was the first one in & had quick & efficient service. Food & prices were decent. I ordered a classic breakfast. Coffee kept flowing without me needing to ask for it which i appreciated. I did ask for my potatoes to be crispy & they weren't, but they were still ok. Did enjoy the music selection as well - perfect chill Sunday morning vibes.
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!
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 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!
May 22, 2025
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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.
More or less a standard diner for classic breakfast fare; pancackes, eggs, bacon, etc. Very nice vibe & even nicer service. Apparently this was one of Leonard Cohen's old haunts too, which is pretty cool to me!
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Bagel etc, & it was an experience to remember! From the moment I walked in, I was transported back to the vibrant 80s with the retro decor & nostalgic tunes playing in the background. The atmosphere was electric, & I couldn't help but smile. The service was incredibly fast without compromising on quality. My food arrived promptly, & I was genuinely impressed by how quickly the staff managed to serve a bustling restaurant. Speaking of the staff, they were the epitome of politeness & professionalism. Every interaction was warm & welcoming, making me feel like a valued guest. & then there was the food-absolutely delicious! Each dish was bursting with flavor & prepared to perfection. It's clear that a lot of love & skill goes into every meal. Whether you're a fan of classic comfort foods or looking to try something new, Bagel etc has something to tantalize every palate.
Skidding through the Park of Portugal, we transversely approached this famous eat-spot, Bagel Etc. Once inside, quick attention & taken straight to a seat gave us a chance to get a look at the decor. What a grand place to get juices (mine, gracious grapefruit) & order a meal (mine, French Toast with bacon). Looking up, there was a classic tin ceiling, dark in its current form, as dark as the music man. See the pictures, & in one find the bullet hole (resulting from gun mismanagement by some angry girlfriend, further information not for publishing). It was nice here as the service was impeccable & not suffocating. Just the perfect atmosphere, given the place we were in & who was there before us ...
Jun 5, 2024
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Great brunch spot in the plateau. Has an old school diner vibe, with an open kitchen. Went with friends who had a classic breakfast plate, eggs Benedict on bagel. Portions were quite large & everything was delicious. Ordered a large latte & it was humongous! Be forewarned it's not a regular cafe large size. I will say the staff were very friendly, but a bit short on the Sunday we were there. Arrived at 11, waiting about 5-10 minutes for a table. It took a while to take our orders, but the food arrived hot. Will go back for sure, but will go earlier :)
Stick to the classics & you will have an enjoyable meal. Disappointed with the mushroom blintzes. They were more like mashed potato blintzes with a couple mushroom flecks.
