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 cherished as a nostalgic Montreal institution, capturing the citys soul with its cozy, vintage atmosphere and connection to local legends like Leonard Cohen. Many patrons praise the friendly, welcoming staff and the authentic, comforting breakfast dishes, with specific favorites including the Huevos Rancheros, the Mount Royal omelette, and the delicious challah French toast. The restaurant is frequently lauded for its generous portions, efficient service, and charming decor, making it a go-to spot for both locals and tourists seeking a classic neighborhood brunch experience. While feedback on specific items varies, the overall consensus highlights a warm, vibrant place that feels like a meaningful piece of Montreal history, perfect for those who appreciate a relaxed and soulful morning meal.
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.
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.
Dec 21, 2025
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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!
A perfect breakfast & brunch spot. Great decor & lighting, it felt cozy the second I walked in. Fantastic music. Service was sweet & efficient. Just felt like one of those institutions where the servers & the patrons alike respect the place.
Probably best eggs Benedict I've had in my whole life. Just *perfect* Hollandaise sauce. They know what they're doing here. Worth a visit when you're in MTL & wanna be treated well.
I have been coming here since 1985 & everything is done to the perfection from the Hollandaise, made 100 % from scratch with real butter & that flavorful touch of citrus, to the cooking of poached eggs !!! The music is often swing jazz & the two owners are often there.
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!
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!
In the continuation of my ambitious quest to try every reputed breakfast spot in Montreal - I come to Bagels ETC in the Plateau. This restaurant is open later than other brunch restaurants which is great for the late-risers. Lineups don't seem as bad here. The prices are alright. Food was generally good, some items better than others. The service deserves major credit, they are very friendly & personable. I complimented their stylish menu & the server introduced me to the guy that designed it so I could praise his work which was a warm gesture. The décor is definitely interesting, the large golden egg was what really got my attention. Quirky place that may not have top tier food but thoroughly checks off all the other boxes.
