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.
Bagels were FAB. Great experience for other tourists looking to engage in the Montreal culture. Didn't know that you had to apply the cream cheese to one's own bagel, however, it ended up being OK. We got a bonut (with the cream cheese on top in the pic). you can only use cash or debit cards if you're from the US.
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.
We were excited to try the hype of the Montréal Bagel, but we were unfortunately disappointed. The atmosphere immediately seemed tired & unfriendly, especially towards tourists. We had the salmon bonut & poppy bagel with cream cheese. The texture was more dense & the flavour sweet, but we expected fresh hot bagels as we could see them being made. However ours was cold & chewy. The toppings were hrs to eat being placed directly on top. There was no pricing displayed or instructions on how to order so we were forced to ask questions which was annoying for them. It was okay, I think they would be better warmed up at home with your own toppings. Not a bagel sandwich shop. Cash only or 5% foreign card fee.
There was a long line up when I was there during lunch time on a Sunday but it was moving at a pretty decent pace. There are only a few options to choose from. The smoked salmon bagel had a generous amount of cream cheese & the bagel had a chewy texture. The sesame bagel with cream cheese was abit too salty. Overall it was nice but nothing memorable or fantastic. They only accept cash or debit.
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)
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.
Been going there for the last decade whenever I visit Montreal. The quality & service have always been great. Unfortunately, this time the service was sloppy. I bought 6 dozens of bagels. After bagging these bagels, I noticed I wasn't given plastic bags so I let the cashier know. She told me the plastic bags were already in the paper bags but decided to give me a couple more. I thanked her & left. Upon returning home, I realized she never initially placed any plastic bags. Even with the couple she provided, I was still 5 bags short. I had to bag them in some Ziploc bags & give them to my family friends. Not a huge deal but simply disappointed with the sloppy service especially I did my due diligence to remind her.
May 23, 2025
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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)!!!
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
They have a variety of flavours to choose from, & their bagels were so delicious & chewy! The only drawbacks are that the shop is so small & they accept only cash.
Honestly maybe we got a bad batch but the bagel was way too chewy. Super cramped space to order, make sure you bring cash. Preferred st viteur personally.
