
Nate's Bagels
Nate's Bagels offers handcrafted, kettle-boiled bagels with unique toppings and creative sandwich fillings, making it a beloved breakfast and lunch sp...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Nate's Bagels

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Nate's Bagels offers handcrafted, kettle-boiled bagels with unique toppings and creative sandwich fillings, making it a beloved breakfast and lunch spot.
"The bagels are thick and chewy, just the way I like them. If you love bagels, stop by!"
Order Ahead Online
Beat the crowds and potential waits by placing your order online, especially during busy times.
Ask for Extra Cream Cheese
If you prefer a generous spread, don't hesitate to request extra cream cheese on your bagel.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Bagel Shop
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Thick & Chewy Handcrafted Bagels
Experience unique bagel creations with toppings like herb aioli, pepper jelly, and scallion cream cheese.

Creative Breakfast & Lunch Sandwiches
Savor specialty options like the 'Glamper' or classic combinations with fresh ingredients.

Efficient Service Amidst the Buzz
Friendly and quick staff manage busy periods seamlessly, ensuring a smooth dining experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Order Ahead Online
Beat the crowds and potential waits by placing your order online, especially during busy times.
Ask for Extra Cream Cheese
If you prefer a generous spread, don't hesitate to request extra cream cheese on your bagel.
Consider Takeout During Peak Hours
For a faster experience during busy periods, opt for takeout due to limited seating.
Explore Vegan Options
Discover delicious vegan choices, including house-made cashew shmear and vegan bagel sandwiches.
Tips
from all over the internet
Order Ahead Online
Beat the crowds and potential waits by placing your order online, especially during busy times.
Ask for Extra Cream Cheese
If you prefer a generous spread, don't hesitate to request extra cream cheese on your bagel.
Consider Takeout During Peak Hours
For a faster experience during busy periods, opt for takeout due to limited seating.
Explore Vegan Options
Discover delicious vegan choices, including house-made cashew shmear and vegan bagel sandwiches.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nate's Bagels is celebrated for its exceptional, thick, and chewy bagels, often described as the best in Richmond. Diners rave about creative sandwich combinations and friendly, efficient service, even during peak hours. However, some patrons note that portion sizes for cream cheese can be small, and parking in the area can be challenging.
"What a great corner bagel shop! Visiting from D.C., it was packed on a Sunday morning in January. The counter had dozens of paper bags for online orders.
I ordered a sesame bagel with one egg, country ham, herb aioli, pepper jelly, and American cheese. I LOVED it. The bagels are thick and chewy, just the way I like them.
If you love bagels, stop by! Street parking is easy to find right out front."
Austin Graff
"Nate’s Bagels is clearly a hot spot in Richmond—and for good reason. We showed up on a weekday morning, and the line was nearly out the door. The place was very busy, with what looked like 50+ bag orders stacked on the counter, but the staff kept things moving smoothly and efficiently. Despite the crowd, we didn’t wait long at all for our food, which was a pleasant surprise given how popular the place is.
We ordered the Lox bagel, and it did not disappoint. It was generously loaded with lox, and every bite was fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. While the bagel doesn’t come warm (something to keep in mind), the quality of the ingredients made up for it. It felt like a great value and exactly what you’d hope for from a bagel shop with this kind of reputation.
We also tried “The Virginny,” which turned out to be the sleeper hit of the visit. It came with egg, sausage, and tomato jam—and wow. The tomato jam added a sweet but savory twist that tied everything together perfectly. It was unique, well-balanced, and absolutely delicious.
One thing to note: parking is tough. There’s no lot—just street parking in a busy area, so plan ahead or be ready to circle the block a bit.
Overall, Nate’s Bagels lives up to the hype. Great food, fast service despite the crowds, and a creative menu that makes it worth the wait. Highly recommend if you’re in the area!"
Brent Duvall
"Extensive selection with kind, quick service! It was busy on a late Saturday morning/early afternoon, but they’ve got a system down pat for managing and fulfilling the orders. Great neighborhood spot. I got the simple breakfast sandwich on a Nate’s Bagel to try the basic. Looking forward to trying more options."
Aubrey Eicher
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Popular choices include the Lox bagel, 'The Virginny' with egg, sausage, and tomato jam, and specialty bagel sandwiches.
Parking is primarily street parking and can be difficult to find in the busy area. Planning ahead or being prepared to circle the block is recommended.
Yes, they offer house-made cashew vegan shmear and several vegan bagel sandwiches.
Ordering ahead online is highly recommended, especially during busy times, or consider takeout.
While the bagels are fresh, they do not always come warm. The quality of ingredients is still highly praised.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Best & Worst 2021: Food & Drink
Initially baked in owners Nate and Lauren Mathews’ home oven, their tangy, chewy bagels were sold at pop-ups and farmers markets before the Cary Street bagel shop opened in 2018. “Our bagels ferment for 24 hours before being baked day of sale,” Lauren says. “We empower our employees to learn the craft: Our bakers and bagel-rollers also make sandwiches and work the counter.” One bagel-wich, the veg-forward Glamper, took some serious R&D to find the right mix of wilted greens that would keep the bagel and egg moist but not soggy.
10 Best Restaurants In Richmond
If you want a quick bite so you can get busy seeing the sights of Richmond, Nate’s Bagels is a delicious option for breakfast or lunch. Start your day by fueling up with a cup of joe and a bagel schmeared with cream cheese or filled with breakfast ingredients like egg, bacon, and cheese. If you visit for lunch, a variety of tasty sandwiches await.
The 100 best restaurants in Richmond in 2025
Bagels are essential to human happiness — or, at least, they’re essential to breakfast. Nate’s Bagels, located in the Fan, sells bagels in a variety of types, including everything, onion and blueberry. They also offer a range of menu options to dress them up.
The Best Takeout Spots in Richmond
If we’re ordering breakfast, it’s almost always Nate’s Bagels. They have the best bagels in Richmond, hands down. I love the Rosemary Sea Salt bagel but you can’t go wrong with any of their flavors.
Richmond's favorite coffee shops
At this Fan District establishment, you guessed it, the satisfying bagels are the attraction. While the brew is on point, the accompanying fresh, yeasty treats brings out the best in the beverage.
Best Breakfast in Richmond, VA (2025) — 20 Top Places!
21 South Allen AveRichmond, VA 23220(804) 939-5310 Visit Website Open in Google Maps. Founded in 2016, this spot on South Allen Avenue wins praises for its handcrafted and kettle-boiled bagels.
Vegan Guide to Dining Out in Richmond, Virginia
House-made cashew vegan shmear is on the menu as well as several vegan bagel sandwiches. Must-tries: New Virginny, Mox w/ the Works (pictured above).
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit