Roland’s Bakery has the best bagels in the city, say hounds who’ve been there. Hand-rolled, long-proofed, and boiled in water before baking, these babies have a nice crust with good chew.
“I am quite sure that these are as close to the ‘real deal’ as I’ve found this side of the Hudson,” declares Alan C. But does that mean they’re authentically New Yorkian? The bagels’ slightly flattened shape and hint of sweetness are more of the Montreal school, a few hounds say. The price, however, is pure San Francisco: $1.50 for a plain, unadorned, uncut bagel (some even say they were charged $1.75).
There are bialys too, and an Asiago cheese roll (or maybe bialy) that rworange says has replaced the Cheese Board’s cheese rolls in her affections.
Aside from bagels, there are nice morning buns, Cynsa says, and very good breakfast dishes like a California omelet and thickly sliced corned beef with potatoes, spinach, and perfectly cooked eggs. The almond croissant is wonderful, adds Martha Copeland, with “great croissant texture, and just perfect almond filling.”
Roland’s Bakery & Cafe [Haight]
422 Haight Street, San Francisco
415-896-4925
Board Links: Rolands - Real Bagels - follow-up
Roland’s Bagels > Real Bagesl in SF (Finally)
My vote is for house of bagels
House of Bagels is the best!
I am so mad at Chow.com for sending me an email about Rolands on a Sunday night when the place is closed on Monday! What a tease! :)
I buy all my bagels at The Beanery coffee shop at 9th & Irving. I’m not sure where they get them, but they’re the closest to NY bagels I’ve had out here (I’m from NY). Chewy, definitely boiled, delicious. I won’t eat a Noah’s bagel anymore.