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.
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 $10 then you can use a Canadian debit card (no credit cards, no international cards)
You can only buy the bagels here, & you have to get the cream cheese on the side. They sell individual packets or tubs of Philadelphia Cream Cheese. The bagels are a bit tough, & they only accept cash (CAD & USD) & Canadian debit.
Jun 28, 2025
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We waited in a short line this afternoon & left with 1/2 dozen bagels & smoked salmon. Good options to take away & make sandwiches. Bring Canadian cash (US-Canadian exchange is 1:1) or a Canadian debit card.
Smells yummy! Only pick up to take away & only Cash or Canadian Debit to pay. Not a bad thing we were just unaware. They were super nice though & so understanding
Les bagels sont toujours aussi bon que quand j'y venais enfant avec mes parents! Le service & rapide & il y a beaucoup de choix! Comptant ou débit (au dessus de 10$) seulement.
Dec 31, 2024
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One of the best bagels in Montreal! Open 24h, bagels are made on site & served freshly baked, many flavors available yet I think sesame is the best. No credit card, no debit card, ONLY cash.
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.
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.
