Restaurant Profile: El Bagel in Miami – A Look into the Popular Bagel Spot

El Bagel, located in Miami, is a bagel shop that has been making waves in the local food scene. The shop is known for its hand-rolled bagels, which are free of any additives and preservatives. El Bagel has been gaining popularity since its opening, and has been featured in various publications, including Yelp and New Times.

El Bagel is owned and operated by Matteson Koche, who has a passion for creating high-quality bagels. The shop offers a variety of bagels, including plain, sesame, poppy seed, and everything. Customers can also choose from a selection of spreads, such as cream cheese, butter, and jam. In addition to bagels, El Bagel also serves breakfast sandwiches, biscuits, and cookies.

The shop has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor seating available. El Bagel has become a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and has received positive reviews for its delicious food and friendly service. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic bagel and cream cheese or a hearty breakfast sandwich, El Bagel is definitely worth a visit.

Location of El Bagel

El Bagel is located at 6910 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138, in the MiMo District and Little Haiti neighborhood. The restaurant is situated on the east side of Biscayne Boulevard, between NE 69th and 70th Streets. It is easily accessible by car, bike, or public transportation.

For those driving to El Bagel, there is metered parking available on the street as well as a small parking lot behind the building. Bicyclists can take advantage of the bike racks located out front of the restaurant. Public transportation options include the Miami-Dade Transit bus routes 3, 10, and 93, which all have stops within walking distance of El Bagel.

The restaurant is housed in a small, unassuming building that is easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. However, once you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The decor is simple and modern, with light wood accents and a black and white color scheme. There is seating available both inside and outside, with a small patio area out front and a larger seating area in the back.

Overall, El Bagel’s location is convenient and easily accessible, making it a great spot for a quick breakfast or lunch.

History of El Bagel

El Bagel was founded by Matteson Koche, a self-proclaimed “bagel head,” in Miami in 2016. The idea for the shop came to him after he couldn’t find a good bagel in Miami and decided to make his own.

Initially, El Bagel started as a pop-up shop, selling bagels at local farmers’ markets and events. The popularity of his hand-rolled, New York-style bagels grew quickly, and in 2018, Koche opened his first brick-and-mortar location in Miami’s MiMo district.

Since then, El Bagel has become a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike, known for its fresh, flavorful bagels and unique toppings. The shop offers a variety of bagel flavors, including sesame, poppyseed, everything, and onion, as well as a rotating selection of specials.

In addition to its classic bagel offerings, El Bagel also serves a range of sandwiches, including the popular “El Cubano” featuring roasted pork, ham, swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on a pressed Cuban-style bagel.

Today, El Bagel has two locations in Miami and has been featured in numerous publications, including Miami New Times and Eater Miami. Despite its growing popularity, the shop remains committed to its roots of hand-rolling and baking fresh, delicious bagels every day.

Menu Overview

El Bagel offers a variety of fresh and delicious bagels, sandwiches, spreads, and drinks for breakfast and lunch. Their menu is simple, but each item is made with high-quality ingredients and attention to detail.

For breakfast, customers can choose from a selection of bagels, including plain, sesame, poppy seed, and everything. They also offer specialty bagels, such as the Montreal-style bagel, which is denser and sweeter than a traditional bagel. Customers can choose from a variety of spreads, including cream cheese, butter, and Nutella. They also have a selection of breakfast sandwiches, including bacon and egg, sausage and egg, and smoked salmon.

For lunch, El Bagel offers a selection of sandwiches, including their signature pork belly sandwich, made with slow-roasted pork belly, pickled red onions, and cilantro. They also have a spicy salmon sandwich, made with house-cured salmon, jalapeno cream cheese, and pickled red onions. Customers can also create their own sandwich with a choice of bagel, meat, cheese, and toppings.

In addition to their food menu, El Bagel offers a selection of drinks, including coffee, tea, and fresh-squeezed orange juice. They also have a variety of sodas and bottled water available.

Overall, El Bagel’s menu is simple but satisfying. Their focus on high-quality ingredients and attention to detail sets them apart from other bagel shops in the area.

Food Quality and Taste

El Bagel is known for its high-quality bagels, made fresh daily with premium ingredients. Customers can choose from a variety of bagels, including plain, everything, sesame, poppy seed, and more. The bagels are soft and chewy, with a crispy crust, and are baked to perfection.

In addition to bagels, El Bagel offers a variety of breakfast and lunch sandwiches, all made with fresh ingredients. The sandwiches are generously filled with meats, cheeses, and vegetables, and are served on a choice of bagel or bread. Customers can also create their own sandwich by choosing from a variety of ingredients.

El Bagel also offers a selection of pastries, including croissants, muffins, and cookies. These items are also made fresh daily and are a perfect complement to the bagels and sandwiches.

Overall, the food quality and taste at El Bagel are exceptional. The use of high-quality ingredients and the attention to detail in the preparation of each item make for a delicious and satisfying meal. Customers can taste the difference and appreciate the effort that goes into each dish.

Ambience and Decor

El Bagel’s interior design is modern and sleek with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant’s white walls and large windows allow natural light to flood the space, creating a bright and airy environment. The wooden tables and chairs add a touch of warmth to the minimalist decor. The seating area is spacious and comfortable, with ample room for customers to enjoy their meals.

The decor is simple yet stylish, with a focus on the bagel-making process. The open kitchen allows customers to watch as the bagels are hand-rolled and baked in the wood-fired oven. The aroma of freshly baked bagels fills the air, adding to the overall experience.

The restaurant’s attention to detail is evident in the small touches, such as the black and white checkered floor, which adds a classic touch to the modern decor. The menu is displayed on a large chalkboard, adding to the restaurant’s casual and inviting atmosphere.

Overall, El Bagel’s ambience and decor provide a relaxed and comfortable setting for customers to enjoy their delicious bagels.

Customer Service

El Bagel is known for providing excellent customer service to its patrons. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that customers have an enjoyable experience. The restaurant has received high marks in online reviews for its attentive and personable service.

One of the standout features of El Bagel’s customer service is their willingness to accommodate special requests. They are happy to modify menu items to meet dietary restrictions or personal preferences. Additionally, the staff is knowledgeable about the ingredients used in each dish and can provide recommendations for those with specific dietary needs.

El Bagel also offers a variety of convenient ordering options to make the customer experience as smooth as possible. In addition to dine-in service, they offer curbside pickup and delivery through various third-party apps. The restaurant’s website is user-friendly and allows customers to easily place orders online.

Overall, El Bagel’s commitment to providing excellent customer service is evident in every aspect of their operation. From the friendly staff to the convenient ordering options, customers can expect a seamless and enjoyable experience at this Miami establishment.

Recognition and Awards

El Bagel has quickly gained recognition and numerous accolades for its delicious, hand-rolled bagels. In 2018, Miami New Times named El Bagel the “Best Bagels” in Miami. The publication praised the quality of the bagels and the dedication of the founder, Matteson Koche, to creating a product free of additives and preservatives.

Since then, El Bagel has continued to receive national recognition. In June 2023, Axios Miami reported that a national food magazine had spotlighted El Bagel, stating that the rest of the country was finally catching on to what Miami locals had known for years – that El Bagel is one of the best bagel shops in the country.

El Bagel’s popularity has also led to collaborations with other local businesses. In 2020, the restaurant partnered with the popular Miami-based brewery, J. Wakefield Brewing, to create a limited-edition beer using El Bagel’s everything bagel seasoning. The collaboration was a hit, with the beer selling out within hours of its release.

Overall, El Bagel’s dedication to quality and commitment to creating a product free of additives and preservatives has earned it a loyal following and numerous accolades.

Community Involvement

El Bagel is not just a restaurant, but a community hub that actively participates in local events and initiatives. They often participate in street fairs, neighborhood block parties, flea markets, and little league games. They also cater to religious congregations and ministries, high school football games, and concerts in the park.

El Bagel has a strong commitment to giving back to the community. They donate a portion of their proceeds to local charities and organizations. They have also partnered with local schools to provide meals for students in need.

In addition to their community involvement, El Bagel is also committed to sustainability and reducing their environmental impact. They use compostable packaging and utensils, and they source their ingredients locally whenever possible.

Overall, El Bagel is more than just a restaurant. They are an active member of the community, committed to giving back and making a positive impact.

Customer Reviews

El Bagel has received positive reviews from its customers. Many customers appreciate the restaurant’s delicious bagels and sandwiches. Some customers have praised the restaurant for its friendly and helpful staff. Others have commented on the restaurant’s cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

One customer on Yelp gave El Bagel a 5-star rating and wrote, “The bagels are amazing! They are so fresh and chewy. I had the Lox Supreme bagel sandwich and it was delicious. The staff was super friendly and helpful.”

Another customer on Restaurantji gave El Bagel a 4-star rating and wrote, “Great bagels and sandwiches. The staff is always friendly and helpful. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming.”

Overall, customers seem to enjoy the food and atmosphere at El Bagel. However, some customers have mentioned that the restaurant can get busy and crowded during peak hours, which can lead to longer wait times.

Future Plans

El Bagel has become a beloved spot for Miami locals and visitors alike, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. The restaurant has already expanded its offerings beyond bagels, with breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and coffee available as well.

Looking to the future, El Bagel has plans to open a pop-up location in the trendy Wynwood neighborhood, which will provide even more exposure for the brand. Additionally, the restaurant is exploring the possibility of expanding its menu to include more lunch and dinner options, which could attract even more customers throughout the day.

Despite these potential changes, El Bagel is committed to maintaining the quality of its food and the authenticity of its brand. The restaurant’s hand-rolled bagels, made without additives or preservatives, are a key part of its identity, and any new menu items will be carefully crafted to meet the same high standards.

Overall, El Bagel’s future looks bright, with plenty of opportunities for growth and expansion while staying true to its roots.

Conclusion

El Bagel is a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking for a delicious and authentic bagel experience in Miami. With its freshly baked bagels and creative sandwich combinations, El Bagel has quickly become a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

The restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and attention to detail is evident in every dish they serve. From their classic lox and cream cheese bagel to their more unique creations like the guava marmalade and cream cheese bagel, El Bagel offers something for everyone.

In addition to their outstanding food, El Bagel’s friendly and attentive staff make every visit a pleasant experience. Whether you’re grabbing a quick breakfast on the go or sitting down for a leisurely brunch with friends, El Bagel is the perfect spot.

Overall, El Bagel is a top-notch restaurant that should not be missed. If you’re in the Miami area, be sure to stop by and experience their delicious bagels and sandwiches for yourself.