If ever there was a food that combines simplicity, tradition, and pure delight, it’s the bagel. That golden‑crusted ring, crisp on the outside, chewy and tender within, has journeyed from Jewish bakeries in Central Europe to the delis of New York, and now it finds a home in places you might not expect — like the mountains of Western North Carolina.
That’s where Brooklyn Bagels comes in: a family‑run shop in Franklin, NC that’s bringing authentic New York flavor to the Smoky Mountains.
Let’s talk story, craft, community — and why you should take every excuse to stop by and savor a bagel (or a dozen).
🥯 The Bagel’s Backstory: From Kraków to Brooklyn to WNC
Bagels trace their roots to Eastern European Jewish communities in the 17th century. Their distinctive method — rolling the dough, boiling it briefly, then baking it — gives them that iconic chew and glossy crust. Over time, New York became a bagel mecca, thanks to waves of immigrants who brought their traditions with them.
Today, many shops around the U.S. try to capture the “New York bagel feel.” But the truly great ones — like Brooklyn Bagels — don’t just imitate the look: they lean into method, heart, and flavor.
At Brooklyn Bagels, the tagline says it all: “Family owned and operated bagel shop specializing in authentic NY bagels. Bringing that delicious NY flava to the Great Smoky Mountains.”
💛 What Makes Brooklyn Bagels Special
🥯Variety with care — Their menu includes a breadth of bagel flavors: plain, poppy, everything, sesame, pumpernickel, sundried tomato, cinnamon raisin, onion, garlic, whole wheat, asiago, blueberry, jalapeño cheddar, French toast, and more.
🥯Flexible serving — You can order a plain bagel or dress it with cream cheese, specialty spreads, or “fully loaded” with lox, capers, tomato, and onion.
🥯Bagel‑based sandwiches — Build breakfast or lunch sandwiches like egg & cheese, sausage & egg, or hearty combos like Italian, Reuben, club, BLTs — all served on your choice of bagel.
🥯Community focus — The shop is take‑out only (for now), but it fosters a connection with locals and visitors alike.
🥯Location matters — Nestled at 43 Phillips St in downtown Franklin, NC, Brooklyn Bagels stands as a local gem in a town more often known for scenery than city delicacies.
💬 What Locals Have to Say
The love for Brooklyn Bagels runs deep in Franklin. Here’s what locals are saying:
“Great people and they serve quality food!”
“Wonderful, friendly people.”
“They are definitely the real thing. We love them and we are New York bagel snobs.”
A very popular item is the jalapeño cheddar bagel — some like it with plain cream cheese, others order it as a BLT. Someone even mentioned a pizza bagel, which sounds delicious!
Another crowd favorite: the bacon, egg, and cheese on a sundried tomato bagel — pure comfort food.
The New Yorker iced coffee and Thin Mint Frappe are favorite drinks.
💭 Why Bagels Endure: A Reflection on Food, Memory & Place
Bagels are more than breakfast fuel. They carry nostalgia, memory, ritual. For many, biting into a bagel with lox and cream cheese is a taste of home, of city mornings, of deli counters and coffee cups. Even in a small mountain town, that bite can transport you.
Brooklyn Bagels bridges those worlds: mountain tranquility and urban flavor. It says: you don’t have to be in Brooklyn to taste Brooklyn. You don’t have to live bustle to enjoy the chew, the snap, the balance of dough and topping.
In some ways, a bagel mirrors life: the crisp shell, the soft interior, the open circle that welcomes filling and interpretation. You can dress it up or keep it plain. You can share it or keep it for yourself.
🗓️ Tips for Visiting & Enjoying
🥯Go early — They operate Monday–Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Saturdays 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
🥯Try something new — If you’re used to plain or everything, branch out: French Toast, jalapeño cheddar, or a specialty cream cheese might surprise you.
🥯Make it a full meal — Order a bagel sandwich and maybe a soup or salad side to round it out.
🥯Cater local gatherings — Whether a brunch, office meeting, or get‑together, Brooklyn Bagels can supply variety and a crowd‑pleasing option.
🥯Follow their social updates — They post specials, new flavors, and behind‑the‑scenes content on Instagram at @brooklyn_bagels_wnc.
🥯Visit their website for their full menu and to order online- Brooklyn Bagels
❤️ In Closing: More Than a Bagel Shop
Brooklyn Bagels in Franklin, NC is proof that good food travels beyond geography. It reminds us that tradition and innovation can meet in the most unlikely places — a cozy shop in WNC offering a slice of NYC.
So whether you’re a Franklin local, a visitor to the Smokies, or just someone who hears “bagel” and perks up with hunger, Brooklyn Bagels deserves your consideration. Walk through the door, choose your flavor, load it up (or don’t), take a bite, and let that simple circle of dough remind you why some foods endure. 🥯