Backyard Bagel

In Seattle, securing a great bagel on the weekend can be an insufferable ordeal. Not at Backyard Bagel. The crackly rings of bouncy yeasted dough at this Fremont counter are game-changing, and yet, it’s not annoying to get one (for now). Backyard Bagel’s snaking line progresses quickly, food flies out in less than five minutes, and the excellent coffee drinks —featuring Stamp Act beans—are not afterthoughts. There’s a beautiful simplicity in chewy everything bagels stuffed with whipped scallion schmear, eaten at one of the little indoor bistro tables inside. But don’t count out The Cali Crisp, a vegan sandwich full of avocado mash, bright corn salsa, pickled onion, summer tomatoes, and just enough Kari Kari chili crisp to tickle the sinuses. The only catch? Sell-out happens around 11:30am, so don’t you dare sleep through that Sunday alarm.