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.
I really liked the bagels, they are different from New York bagels & not really the same type of thing, but tasty nonetheless. However keep in mind there is no place to sit & you can't get them to put anything on the bagel, although they do have cream cheese & salmon for purchase.
Best bagels in the world. I'm from NYC & I will stand by this statement till my grave. I first visited Fairmount when visiting in 2017 & when returning in 2025, I made sure to visit again. I was so excited by the warm fresh bagel that I didn't even put cream cheese on it. It was delicious on its own!
went on a montreal trip w my team & holy moly these guys would not SHUT UP abt these damn bagels 😭😭 some of them legit went & got a pack of like 2 dozen to snack on for the week & ate them for breakfast each day & then they finished it all early & set out to make the 40 min commute all the way there again just to be able to get more like it was insane 😭😭😭 so i was like um these genuinely better be the best damn bagels ive ever had in my life if we're going out of our way for these
After hearing countless glowing recommendations-hundreds, perhaps thousands-I finally made my way to one of Montreal's most beloved bagel institutions, tucked away in a modest, no-frills corner of the city. From the moment you approach, the warm, sweet scent of freshly baked dough draws you in like a beacon. This isn't your average bakery-it's a tiny, bustling hub of bagel-making magic, with trays of golden rings stacked high & ovens firing in full rhythm.
We picked up a variety of bagels: everything, garlic, onion, & the intriguingly named'Bozo'-each one a unique expression of this iconic Montreal staple. There's no indoor seating, so we took our warm paper bag, along with tubs of cream cheese & jam, & enjoyed it from the comfort of our car parked just outside. Honestly? It only added to the charm.
Now, let's talk about those bagels. They were soft, chewy, & still warm to the touch-the texture right where you want it: dense without being heavy, with just the right bite. The garlic bagel quickly emerged as my personal favorite, unapologetically bold & aromatic. Yes, it left me with a garlic-forward breath, but let me be clear-it was absolutely worth it. The everything bagel offered a perfectly balanced medley of seeds & seasoning, while the onion had a subtle sweetness & deep flavor that grew with each bite. The Bozo was a bit of a wildcard-mysterious & slightly sweet, possibly cinnamon-spiced-surprisingly delightful.
There's something wonderfully nostalgic about standing in line with locals & tourists alike, all eagerly waiting for that fresh dozen, watching the bakers work in full view. It's not polished or fancy, but that's exactly the point. This place doesn't need bells & whistles. It's pure, authentic, bagel perfection.
Final word: If you're in Montreal-whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth-do not leave without making a stop here. Yes, there's a line. No, there's no seating. But take it from me: one bite, & you'll understand why people keep coming back for more. It's the kind of experience that reminds you how simple food, made with care & tradition, can be absolutely unforgettable.
Apr 20, 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.
Apr 2, 2025
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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)!!!
