Shanina S.

I've been living near this establishment for around thirteen years and not once have I heard about it, until I started Yelping. It's not really seen as it's located in a plaza that's in back of another plaza. I have seen that my fellow Yelpers were coming to this place all the way from the Hartford, Connecticut area and Hartford, Connecticut is about forty minutes away from my house. I had it marked in my collections for a while now and decided to try them out. Before I went to the establishment, I looked at the menu before I went. They had Cheddar Bagels on the menu and that's what I wanted. I finally got to the cafe and they ran out of Cheddar Bagels so I ordered an Egg Bagel with Bacon, Egg, and Cheese. The cashier told me I had to get there early to get a Cheddar Bagel as they are the most popular. She also told me that you have to get there pretty early if you want to try the special bagel of day as they run out fast. They have a multitude of flavor of bagels such as Oreo, French Toast, and Barbecue Frito. My sandwich was delicious. It crispy on the outside and soft in the inside. The flavors were great and the bacon was cooked just right. The staff we're very engaging and very pleasant. I don't eat bagels too much unless I'm in the mood but I will definitely be back to try the Cheddar Bagel.

Madison M.

I honestly thought I'd written a review here before and intended to just make an update, only to find that I (shockingly) have never reviewed A.M. Bagel before! So let's start general: I LOVE this bagel spot!!!! They started SUPER small during covid and have been continuing to blow up in popularity ever since! They keep needing to expand with no signs of slowing, and (more importantly) no signs of it effecting the high quality of their bagels or service! They have a plethora of specialty bagel choices. My daughters love the french toast, my husband the everything and jalapeño cheddar, but even their plain is top notch. They make a ton of awesome chream cheeses too that change up all the time, so you never know what they will have in stock. Today for instance they had strawberry, jalapeño, and carrot cake (besides their typical plain), to name a few. They also sell delicious muffins and iced and hot coffee as well. Today I had a banana hazelnut iced coffee that was very good. Also important to note is that although there is always a line, the line moves fast. What gets me though are their specialty bagels and sandwiches that, like their cream cheese, are constantly changing. They change so much that weekly they post a menu of what bagel, cream cheese, and sandwich is highlighted each day of the week. I'm always checking their instagram account to see! It's honestly a great business model since it forces people to constantly frequent their establishment to try all their specials since they're only there for a day. Of course most will pop up again...but you never know when! Usually I live for their special sandwiches which are often very creative and have NEVER disappointed... ...which brings us to today! OMGGG I cannot begin to rave mire highly about the sandwich and bagel they had out today...hands down my favorite they've had, which is saying a lot! I've included a picture of a list of exactly what's on the sandwich for reference. It was suggested on a pesto parm bagel too...i wanted to cry at how spectacularly well every single one of these flavors complimented each other, unlike anything I've ever experienced on a bagel. From the balsamic to the pesto to the egg...literal perfection. And what pushed it from 5 stars to beyond was the fact that the prosciutto was sliced TISSUE paper thin!!! I RARELY get to eat prosciutto cut thin enough...again - perfection. I honestly wished I wasn't full so I could have another. If I had any complaint it would be that the wet ingredients would not have made this a sandwich to buy and eat later, otherwise I would have gotten another to eat for lunch! I already can't wait for them to offer this special again! I will be sure to add photos of other bagels I get here in the future!

Emma D.

With weekly specialty bagels, cream cheese flavors and special sandwich, this place needs to be on your list. It is a family owned spot that is super creative and efficient considering the line can be wrapped all the way around the building! Be sure to get there early as they close each day when they sell out and run out of popular flavors fast (can range from as early as 8:30am to noon). The interior is quaint with a few tables towards the back. The line can be confusing as the waiting area is situated by the entrance with a separate line for ordering. Ps. Pick up a sandwich card to fill out. Earn a free bagel sandwich after ordering 10. You'll fill it quicker than you think!

Kim G.

What a cute place! The owners and workers are so welcoming and friendly. They enjoy the customers and it is mutual! The bagels are so fresh, warm, airy and delicious! The cream cheese is so good. We had the pistachio, bourbon brown sugar and regular. All were great. We had a bakers dozen and I ate more than I care to admit before the day was over. I was making excuses to eat more bagels. They had a special strawberry chocolate chip muffin that was so good my daughter and I split it in the car before we got home. We also had some nice ice coffees. That was flavored without added sugar which I really appreciate. The line on a weekend is long and they sell out by 11:00am/noon so plan to be early and enjoy some music or a chat while you wait.

Allison C.

We had always heard great things about AM Bagel, so we were super curious to come check them out. We ordered their porchetta sandwich special and pepperoni bagel special that day, as well as a plain bagel with scallion cream cheese. My fiancé and I both agreed that AM Bagel quickly earned a spot in our top 5 bagel shops in the state! Absolutely delicious, and the staff handled the volume of the store well. We didn't have to wait long at all, and it was nice that there were a few tables available to sit at. We'll 100% be back!

Daniella M.

The freshest bagels in CT! I love trying their new daily flavors. The service is always beyond friendly and fast.

Douglas S.

By no means am I the greatest expert on a bagel but I have had my fair share especially throughout CT . That being said for the Valley Area of CT and in most of CT the bagels here are probably the closest you will find to a traditional NY bagel . They are crunchy on the outside have a multitude of fantastic choices and the appropriate amount of seasoning on top . They are chewy and soft on the inside and I might say absolutely addictive. Found off route 34 in the small valley town of Derby the shop is set back in a small shopping center and office space. Parking at times especially bagel times can sometimes be tough but I promise worth the trouble to find a spot as well as the wait in what is mostly a pretty decent line. The line handled by the nicest off duty firemen you can find moves quickly and efficiently . Once inside you are immediately consumed by the multitude of basket filled bagels that you can see behind the counter , if you use Facebook follow them as they have weekly specials in sandwiches as well as whipped homemade cream cheeses. They carry all the significant bagel types and the plain is like a fresh Italian sourdough that is delicious . You will find salt / garlic / plain / everything / sesame seed / specials like French toast / jalapeño cheddar is a daily standard as well as the egg varieties in plain / everything. The shop has a few tables but really is meant to go . They have coffee bar / and all types of fresh made egg sandwiches with a variety of meats including Taylor pork. My go to is an everything toasted egg / cheese / sausage and bacon and let me tell it's a weekend standard . On top of the sandwich grab a bakers dozen of your fav and freeze till needed . We buy a bakers dozen but they are never frozen they don't last . Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays they are open latest 2 but it's usually sooner as once they are sold out they are done . Family owned and operated they work tirelessly to ensure you get a great product . You know one better lmk I will travel but this is very hard to beat . Oh my bakers dozen is mostly because I have a spoiled dog see photo who is also a bagel snob and will only accept A.M. and no substitutes as his morning treat ..

Tiffany B.

This bagel shop is nothing less than addicting. I love their bagels as well as their customer service. My biggest tip to you is to follow their Instagram page (a.m.bagel) to keep up to date with their creative flavors and daily/weekly specials. These are some bagels that you cannot find anywhere else! This past weekend I rushed in for their daily special of Oreo bagels along with their coconut chocolate chip cream cheese and the flavor combination was AMAZING! I highly recommend! P.S. they close after they run out of product so go in early!

Stupidly, waited in line for a take-out bagel (toasted with cream cheese & bacon) - Got home & this is what I was given... SERIOUSLY??? They didn't notice this before they wrapped it up & sold it to me? I Definitely WON'T go back.

Martin G.

Recently renovated so they have more space. Must go! So delicious and the folks are so nice!

Jen H.

Maybe my fiancé from Jersey will fight me on this one but A.M. Bagel is equal to if not better than a Jersey bagel. I get those all the time seeing in laws in Jersey. But I was not expecting how big my eyes got when trying the fresh bagels from A.M. Bagel. My visit was unforgettable and I'm eager to be back as I travel on the Merritt a bit more in the next few months. While traveling to Bridgeport from Hartford, I was told this is a must stop. I had no idea what to expect as it was in a plaza off of the highway and a small spot. I waited eagerly and was told we were lucky the line was so short because other days it's wrapped around the building. Upon waiting in line and then sitting to eat, Sue, Myron, and the team were all incredibly welcoming and friendly. They had their regulars who all raved about this place as I asked questions and then they treated me, a newcomer not from this area of CT at all, with such kindness. Customers flock from Hartford, Oxford, New Haven, and more for this place. Additionally I happened to stop in the day before a major fundraiser for the community. I could hear the passion and personal stories of the staff and it warmed my heart. They not only make great food and know what they're doing, they also greatly care about the community too. It's clear why. When I had my first bite of the bacon egg and cheese on cheddar toasted, my eyes widened and I had to double take. The bagel was so soft on the inside and crunch on the outside. I usually have ketchup on my BEC but I really forgot given how good this was. I also had a mission to try the weekly special which was Oreo bagel this week. I saw how popular this was as I snagged the last few before they sold out for the day. It was worth it as it was a unique cream cheese. I now have everyone asking me about this flavor since I had it on my Instagram story. Finally I had hazelnut banana coffee which was new, but certainly delicious. Topped off a great morning before I continued my day. I'm blessed I accidentally left way earlier from home than I needed to so I could enjoy my morning at A.M. Bagel. Don't pass on this place, or if you do you're just giving up your spot in line that someone else definitely wants before the bagels sell out daily!

Jason P.

I learned from Instagram that A.M. Bagel in Derby is a favorite of many CT Foodies. I planned to go on January 15th without initially knowing that it was National Bagel Day. It was the perfect day to visit, except for the single degree temperatures, and the long line from A.M.'s massive popularity. By the time I finished my outside food pics and scooted towards my car, my left hand was literally frozen-numb. But that's the Game. When I made it to the front of the line, I ordered an assorted half dozen bagels and the Special Bagel Sandwich of the day, which included bacon, egg, unmelted cheddar cheese, pickled carrots, arugula and lemon, ginger, honey cream cheese. My bagel choice was toasted cheddar jalapeño. The bagel looked very cool. The outline of thin jalapeño slices peaked through the dried cheddar cheese that topped the bagel. The bagel was neither New York, nor Montreal Style. It was bagel-shaped, but had a softer, almost focaccia-like texture. This makes A.M perfect for sandwiches, but if you prefer a bagel with a firmer exterior and chewier texture like NY Style, a.m. may not be your top choice. I thought this bagel and the other bagels I sampled were well-executed, and I can see why many people are big fans. I really enjoyed the sandwich filling. I'm always a sucker for pickled carrots. The bacon was well-cooked and tasty. The arugula offered nice green color, leafy texture and contrasting slightly bitter flavor. A highlight for me was the cream cheese. It really tasted like lemon, ginger and honey in the best possible way. I immediately wished I had purchased an entire container of it. Service was very friendly. There are some outside tables with a River and bridge view. There is no inside seating, and even if there was, you'd be surrounded by the people ordering or waiting for their sandwiches. If you're trying to name the best CT bagel, A.M. is clearly a must stop! Five Stars

Anne C.

New Years Eve Bae-goals Finally made it to @a.m.bagel this morning and boy did it live up to the hype!!! I headed down for their daily special bagel (Garlic Rosemary)and to try their Salt Bagel (my fav and perfect fo post run recovery ) There was a bit of a line but it moved fast. Ended up getting a 1/2 dozen assortment to bring home so the hubs and I could make some #HEC sandwiches and have some for the weekend. Guys. Their bagels are LEGIT - a bit chewy on the outside and moist on the inside. The cashier was surprised I drive almost 40 minutes for bagels but it was worth it! I did taste test the cream cheese ( Plain and brown sugar cinnamon) for research purposes and I can't wait to try it on the other bagels I got.