A Perfectly ‘Popup’ Surprise: The Rise of SoHo’s Trendiest Bagelry, Popup Bagel

Text by Heather Hall

New York City’s SoHo neighborhood, with its lustrous history and charming streets, is a culinary playground for self-proclaimed foodies. Adding to its already diverse food landscape, a new player has emerged from the unlikely corners of Connecticut, bringing with it a simple yet perfect pleasure – the bagel. Popup Bagel, located at 177 Thompson Street, promises to put a new spin on a New York classic.

Not quite famous but far from obscure, Popup Bagel started its journey from a backyard pickup window, which was merely a humble nook to share a homemade bagel recipe with friends. But what began as a backyard delight has now grown into a thriving business with multiple Popup locations, an always-fresh weekend pickup, home delivery, and now a permanent outpost in SoHo.

Popup Bagel’s mission is clear: To provide the best, freshest bagels without any superfluous frills.

The result? A bagel that is the epitome of plain perfection: a crispy crust enclosing a soft crumb center, just the right size, with an impeccable proportion of seeds. And while they don’t have as many flavor offerings as some places, they do have the basics covered. When visiting, you can choose from their selection of traditional bagel varieties such as sesame, plain, poppy, everything, and salt.

Yet, Popup Bagel isn’t just a hit among locals; its acclaim extends to bagel enthusiasts all over the city. In fact, the establishment has won the coveted title of “Best Bagel” at the Brooklyn Bagelfest for two years running, which is a true testament to their commitment to quality and flavor.

So, what makes this bagel shop so great? Well, for starters, their popular offering, the “Dozen & 2 Schmears,” invites patrons to choose from a dozen bagels and pair them with two specialty spreads. And it’s with these spreads that Popup Bagel again showcases its knack for pairing tradition with a twist. Unique spread flavors like the zingy Honey Chipotle Cream Cheese and the sumptuous Georgia Peach Butter join the ranks of perennial favorites like plain cream cheese and scallion cream cheese.

But for those with a taste for the extraordinary, Popup Bagel offers a range of optional toppings, from the classic delicacy of smoked salmon to the traditional whitefish salad and even the indulgence of trout roe. 

Therefore, in many ways, Popup Bagel embodies the spirit that defines SoHo: a harmonious blend of old and new, an unyielding commitment to quality, and an effortless sense of style. So, whether you’re a native New Yorker, a curious traveler, or a passionate foodie, a visit to Popup Bagel promises to be a memorable experience.

To whet your appetite and stay informed about their popup locations and future offerings, follow Popup Bagel on Instagram @popupbagels. Or if you’re looking for more details or to place an order, their website https://www.popupbagels.com/ serves as the go-to platform.

So, next time you’re in the neighborhood, don’t forget to swing by Popup Bagel. Dive into a mouthwatering blend of tradition and innovation and add a new must-visit spot to your SoHo itinerary. Experience Popup Bagel, where every bite tells a story.