Bagels are one of the many foods in the United States that can prove controversial, like pizza or cheesesteaks, not because of any real controversy, mind you, but simply because it’s become synonymous with a particular place to the point where some can’t fathom it being good anywhere else.
In the case of bagels, they are linked with NYC as an iconic staple for any New Yorker’s diet, but just because bagel shops are a dime a dozen over there, it does not mean that great bagel shops can’t be found outside the NYC’s five boroughs!
In fact, according to a recent ranking, one of the best bagel shops in America is actually right here in the District.
What’s the best bagel in the District?
According to the list, which was actually published in alphabetical order to reduce the risk of riots or panic amongst the bagel-loving community, the Washington, D.C. bagel shop “Call Your Mother Deli” was one of the best in the nation.
According to the review featured in the rankings, what made this spot stand out amongst the thousands of other bagel shops in the nation was some of their superb sandwiches on bagels that were handmade daily.
Quality ingredients? Check.
Chewy, fresh bagels? Check. Check.
A selection of sandwiches to fit any craving, from sweet to spicy? Check. Check. Check!
What you’ll want to order
The set sandwich menu at Call Your Mother Deli is a thing of beauty, filled with something for everyone!
For a simple breakfast order, a novice in the bagel game should go for the ‘Moon River’ – a breakfast sandwich on a plain bagel featuring turkey bacon, egg whites, and American + cheddar cheeses topped with spicy honey.
A more experienced bagel order, if you’ve got some serious hunger, you’ll want to order the ‘Sun City’ (the best seller!) – a choice of local bacon, pastrami, Impossible™ sausage, or no meat + bodega-style egg, American & cheddar cheeses, spicy honey, on an Everything bagel.
If, however, you’re not in the mood for a basic breakfast bagel, you may want to check out the ‘Jetski’ – a brisket and pastrami cheesesteak on a cheddar bagel!