Whether it's for breakfast, lunch or even after "last call", come and have a bagel of your choice with or without cream cheese and/or smoked salmon, ready to take out.
Fairmount Bagel Bakery is described as an iconic Montreal staple, with wood fired ovens delivering warm, chewy bagels that are best enjoyed fresh and often taken to go. Reviews celebrate a broad lineup of flavors from sesame and everything to blueberry and sun dried tomato, with many calling the sesame bagel the standout and consistently excellent. Readers note the aroma and the hands on experience of watching dough being shaped and boiled in honey water before baking, which adds to the charm. The atmosphere varies in tone from warmly praised staff to occasional comments about slow or uneven service, and some notes about unfriendly moments. A common caveat is that the shop is cash or Canadian debit card only, with some posts noting no seating and lines that move slowly at peak times, but many still say the wait is worth it for the quality. Several reviewers declare it among the best bagels in Montreal if not the world, often preferring it to competitors and NYC comparisons, while a few say the quality can vary and freshness fades later in the day. Overall, the reviews paint a picture of a beloved institution where fresh, warm bagels, classic toppings, and a straightforward takeout experience define the visit, and where the ritual and taste keep locals and visitors returning.
This establishment Being Canadian debit or CASH ONLY was a little annoying but the coffee shop a few doors down did have an ATM so it wasn't that big of a deal. The bagels were good, they're a little more dense than the typical New York bagel. The cream cheese was put on top which was also different. But it tasted great, we even got some to go. I'd go back for sure.
Nov 17, 2025
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Excellent Bagels & absolute place to stop & purchase. Has different types of cream cheese for purchase too. The everything bagel was delicious. Cash only Canadian & American change in Canadian!
Solid bagel, workers looked absolutely exhausted here. Did not like that they had a $10 spending limit for credit. Since we didn't bring any Canadian dollars not expecting them to have cash only businesses,we paid the tourist fee using USD.
My go-to place for Montreal-style bagels. Highly recommend the sesame bagels which are always the freshest. Note that you either need cash or if your purchase is over $10 then you can use a Canadian debit card (no credit cards, no international cards)
Jul 11, 2025
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You can only buy the bagels here, & you have to get the cream cheese on the side. They sell individual packets or tubs of Philadelphia Cream Cheese. The bagels are a bit tough, & they only accept cash (CAD & USD) & Canadian debit.
The place is a bakery specialized in bagels. Compared with the ones in New York, these are a bit thinner than that & the hole is larger. We have the one with garlic & classic with sesame. It was nice, nothing wrong on that, proce around $2 each. It was good.
However, they accept only cash or just Canadian cards. No sign of this at the entrance.
The lady who served us today was quite unpleasant: no smile, no customer service, didn't say thank you, seems like that we were disturbing her. I don't know, maybe she had a bad day, but from an iconic place that is marked a'must visit' in Montreal, i'm expecting something.
We waited in a short line this afternoon & left with 1/2 dozen bagels & smoked salmon. Good options to take away & make sandwiches. Bring Canadian cash (US-Canadian exchange is 1:1) or a Canadian debit card.
it was a bagel- quick service & no frills. for silly american tourists used to apple pay (calling myself out here) bring cash (american or canadian will do)!!!
Apr 2, 2025
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Fairmount Bagel truly lives up to its legendary status. The combination of perfectly made bagels, locally sourced cream cheese, & smoked salmon from Quebec made my delicious food creations shine. If you haven't tried them yet, it is a must-visit for anyone in Montreal - whether you're enjoying them traditionally or experimenting with new recipes!
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In depth review:
As a food blogger, I couldn't resist celebrating National Bagels & Lox Day with some of Montreal's best from Fairmount Bagel. Their bagels are iconic, chewy, & baked to perfection in a wood-fired oven, making them the perfect base for creative recipes. I made two unique bagel creations using their fresh, local ingredients:
1. Cranberry Delight Bagel
I started with their cranberry bagel for a subtle sweetness, paired with a creamy goat cheese spread, topped with smoked salmon, caramelized onions, & arugula. A drizzle of balsamic reduction added a perfect balance of sweet & savory. The fresh Quebec smoked salmon was the highlight, bringing everything together beautifully.
2. Lox Caprese Bagel
For something lighter & more colorful & fun, I used one of there limited edition Canada bagels, spread with Canadian cream cheese, & topped with smoked salmon, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, & a drizzle of olive oil. I finished it with salt, pepper, & fresh basil (or basil pesto for an extra kick). The result was a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired bite that was light & flavorful.
Fairmount Bagel delivers on all fronts. The bagels are simply some of the best you'll find in Montreal, & the ability to customize with local products like cream cheese & smoked salmon makes for a top-tier meal. Whether you're a local or a tourist, it's a must-visit for anyone wanting to try authentic Montreal bagels. The service is friendly, & the nostalgic atmosphere adds to the charm of the place.
Smells yummy! Only pick up to take away & only Cash or Canadian Debit to pay. Not a bad thing we were just unaware. They were super nice though & so understanding
There was a short wait but then once inside I didn't expect: only to go, pay in cash or Canadian debit, you have to buy a whole separate cream cheese if you want it so we bought one & asked for knives. They don't put it on for you. We found outside seating then it was a little awkward cutting the bagels & spreading it on without a surface but not a major problem. Now here is where I might get some hate but it's personal preference: it's a sweet taste & not what I consider a bagel of choice. However it wasn't stale, just the right amount of crunchiness on the outside while soft in the middle. Im glad I tried it as it's a different style but just not for me.
Aug 18, 2024
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We arrived at the store around 4pm. We got some plain & sesame bagels, & the sesame bagels were still warm. They only accept cash & debit cards. We didn't have CAD. We were told that most debit cards issued by non-Canadian banks would not work, fortunately our debit card worked.
