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.
A staff member at the bagel-only shop across the street told me I could bring the bagels to the café & they would make them into sandwiches, so I bought four bagels.
However, when I went to the café, they said they couldn't do that & that I would need to order again if I wanted a sandwich.
If the staff member wasn't sure, they should have said so instead of giving incorrect information.
The café did offer to cut the bagels in half, but without toasting or cream cheese, it was very difficult to eat.
If you want a sandwich, just order directly at the café. Overall, my first experience was disappointing.
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.
Mar 17, 2026
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I spent $69 on bagels & one container of cream cheese. I asked the girl if my cream cheese was in the bagel. She smiled & said yes. At home I see no cream cheese in the bagel. Great bagels. Pretty smile. No cream cheese in the bag. Wait! An update. I found the cream cheese - under the front seat of my car.
Controversy: Better than a NYC bagel…! (Coming from a lifelong New Yorker.) Any NYers who want to debate this post, let's go.
Best way to eat this bagel: Dip it into cream cheese - it's so crunchy, don't even bother slicing open. (This is the OG way of eating bagels >> pre 1900's)
We got the bozo (sesame/poppy larger style bagel). The bagel is sweeter than expected as I read they dip the bagels in honey water before baking in their 100yr old oven. We also got a regular size (mini-ish) chocolate chip bagel. They had lots of varieties, the bagels were fresh, chewy. They offer many tubs of cream cheese & lox but you add this yourself. Worth a try if you are in the area but I wouldn't go out of my way for them.
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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It's a legend & for good reason. I didn't know a bagel could be so satisfying. Chewy with the right amount of salt. Bizarre way of spreading cream cheese all over the top. Dude rolling out the dough in front of you. Wood burning ovens. Bagels on long boards. Love it. Want it right now.
We came late afternoon & got some bagels & cream cheese. I have to say, unpopular opinion, Montreal bagels aren't my favorite so I think these were okay. The price was really reasonable & it works to get the bagels & a tub of cream cheese.
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!
Oct 10, 2025
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The NY Pretzel is just incredible but you are just an inconvenience to them.
The first time we asked for vegan cream cheese (my bad I thought it was a different shop that had it on their menu) & just got grunted at. Ok, that's on me for mixing it up.
Second time we just asked for the pretzels, in French & paid. No questions no requests just a straight forward ask, pay & out. Still just got grunted at.
So amazing bagels but I have no idea what it takes for them to be polite about it.
After hearing about this place, I was expecting something great. Bagel was small , cold & the added cream cheese was minimal but overpriced. There are prices for the bagels but not the toppings. It would be better to take the bagels home, warm them up & put on your own spread
Sep 11, 2025
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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.
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.
