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 widely celebrated as a Montreal staple with fresh, chewy bagels in a variety of flavors like sesame, everything, onion and the playful Bozo, described by many as the best in town or even in the world. The scene is lively with lines that move quickly and a visible craft of bagel making in wood fired ovens, and many reviews note the option to take bagels to the cafe across the street to make sandwiches, though some visits mention miscommunication about sandwiches and payment issues such as cash only or limits on non-Canadian cards. The bagels are consistently praised for aroma and quality, and staff are frequently described as friendly, but a few critiques cite high prices, crowded conditions or an uneven service.
Note, below $10, they will only take cash. I only had old notes, which they rejected. Also only local debit cards accepted, but will take overseas cards for a fee. At that point, I left, without trying. St-Viateur win hands down with their immaculate service. For just over $8 for 2 bagels & tuna spread, they provided serviettes, a knife, & cleaned a preparation table for me, all with friendly smile, & accepted my overseas credit card without any fuss.
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.
Aug 10, 2025
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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 $10 then you can use a Canadian debit card (no credit cards, no international cards)
You can only buy the bagels here, & you have to get the cream cheese on the side. They sell individual packets or tubs of Philadelphia Cream Cheese. The bagels are a bit tough, & they only accept cash (CAD & USD) & Canadian debit.
We waited in a short line this afternoon & left with 1/2 dozen bagels & smoked salmon. Good options to take away & make sandwiches. Bring Canadian cash (US-Canadian exchange is 1:1) or a Canadian debit card.
Smells yummy! Only pick up to take away & only Cash or Canadian Debit to pay. Not a bad thing we were just unaware. They were super nice though & so understanding
Les bagels sont toujours aussi bon que quand j'y venais enfant avec mes parents! Le service & rapide & il y a beaucoup de choix! Comptant ou débit (au dessus de 10$) seulement.
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.
