I was well aware that Pearl's sells out of their bagels very fast and it probably explains why I've never tried them. I'm not likely to be awake and out of the house with a thirty minute drive early enough to score the purchase of any. However, my wife had recently just heard about Pearl's, and we happened to be passing in the neighborhood thirty minutes before their 2 PM closing. Yes, they were still open, and no, they didn't have any bagel's left. In fact, that was the very first thing the clerk announced as we came through the door. "We are sold out of bagels and cannot make any sandwiches." As we looked at the small display case we saw four different pastries on a plate. My wife asked what they were and chose two. One was a strawberry marshmallow muffin and the other was some kind of brownie combination ($11 for the two). Once we returned home we were ready to share them. The muffin was super fresh, soft, and very enjoyable. But we didn't believe that there was a strong strawberry flavor and neither of us detected a marshmallow flavor. It didn't matter! This was a delicious muffin no matter what the flavor was supposed to be. The brownie "thing" might have been what their website menu calls a "Featured Daily Brownie." This looked like they used their challah dough to roll up around brownie mix like you would make a cinnamon roll with cinnamon/sugar instead of the brownie mix. Whatever, it was a total success. It was delicious with two different chewy textures and lots of flavor. Maybe some day my wife or I will have to be in Albany around 9 AM and get to try the bagels. read more

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Bagel flavor great. Bagel texture not so great, stale and difficult to chew. They honestly tasted like day old bagels. Over priced and overrated. I do love the spread texture and flavor. Order: everything, plain, sesame, and garlic bagels. Scallion, plain, olive spread. read more

Pearl's Bagels & Bakery - Bagels Near Me - Albany, New York

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My favorite bagel shop in the area- I have tried almost every combination of breakfast and lunch sandwiches on the menu as well as their pastries and every single one has been phenomenal. You have to try their challah pockets! read more

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Amazing bagels! Delicious coffee! I love the maple latte this time of year. Yum! Staff is always friendly and smiling, too. read more

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What a fantastic bakery! I stopped by on a weekend day to get some bagels. [[HIGHLIGHT]]When my boyfriend and I arrived, they were about 30 minutes from closing time so pickings were slim, which was totally understandable.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Thankfully, they had a decent selection of bagels left so we grabbed a half dozen and the specialty sticky bun, which was Gingerbread. We also ordered a coffee and cappuccino. The owner made our coffees and told us she threw in some extra bagels since it was the end of the day. She also threw in a muffin too. That was incredibly generous and kind of her! The bagels were awesome. They had a nice crunch on the outside and good chew. The sticky bun was Challah based so it was doughy and delicious. Our coffees were also fantastic too. I'll definitely be returning and stopping by earlier next time to get more things before they run out. Pearl's is such a great spot in Albany! read more

Pearl's Bagels & Bakery - Counter with menu - Bagels Near Me - Albany, New York

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Food: 3.5/5 Service: 4/5 Ambience: 4/5 Parking: Available Food: Great variety of bagels with delicious options to choose from. Spread inside was generous, but the toasted bagels were very hard to chew. Service: The staff is incredibly warm and friendly, making you feel welcome the moment you walk in. Ambience: [[HIGHLIGHT]]A cute, cozy spot in a peaceful neighborhood, though there's no seating available, making it more of a grab-and-go location.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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Best Bagels I've had in Albany area. Good 'snap' or slight crisp as you break thru the crust and very good texture, not just a roll with a hole like so many of the other local places. I sampled for the first time with cream cheese and nothing else, so I could really taste the bagel. Tiny place and the line moves rapidly. [[HIGHLIGHT]]No seating, so be prepared to eat in the car or bring them home to eat.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]This is a super tiny, super busy spot.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I was asked to pick up some bagels from here. This place is takeout only. I never knew this little gem was here. I think it may be one of my Sunday stops! I got a toasted everything bagel with cream cheese. It was so good! Lots of bagel choices lots of cream cheese choices and lots of coffee choices too! The service is fast. read more

Have heard such great things about Pearl's from many friends and colleagues. A coworkers brought some bagels in a while ago and everyone (I mean EVERYONE) asked him where they were from. His answer: Pearl's. Today, I finally stopped in after a friend recommended that I go try the chicken or the egg breakfast sandwich. The store is located in a small plaza with ample parking which was nice. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It wasn't too busy when I first got there but a line started to grow a bit later as people trickled in.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The staff were super friendly and patient as I looked over the menu. I got the chicken or the egg breakfast sandwich on a plain bagel and a coconut latte with oat milk. The food didn't take too long to come out. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The space itself isn't the biggest but it's aesthetically pleasing and well kept so no complaints at all.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] When I opened the bagel I had to let out a chuckle at how big the chicken cutlet is. Definitely a 10/10 for bot taste and value. The sandwich and the latte together were around $20 including a small tip. I'm not complaining since the sandwich was packed with protein and delicious. I ended up saving the other half for lunch. The latte was also solid. I certainly get the hype for Pearl's! read more

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I haven't had a "real" bagel in so long I'd forgotten what they taste like. Pearl's has set the bar really high. I had the everything bagel with egg and sausage. So flavorful with a nice crunch. read more

Let me be clear. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The service, people, overall setup of the bakery etc was all great.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] That said, of the 4 things we bought, only 1 of them was really great. I had a Chicken and Egg sandwich. This gigantic bagel sandwich had a (darkly/deeply) fried chicken cutlet, bacon, sriracha mayo, egg and jalapeno slices. The chicken cutlet was huge but pretty dry and flavorless. I think the mayo should have been a flavored cream cheese to add a little zing to this heavy rich sandwich. The jalapenos were spicy but seemed out of place. I only ate half the sandwich and honestly I didn't even enjoy that half. I would rework the sandwich with a smaller grilled chicken cutlet, a spicy cream cheese and no fresh jalapenos. I didn't try the cinnamon raisin bagel with plain cream cheese but the person who had it swore they wouldn't know it was a cinnamon raisin bagel if their eyes were closed. I ordered a chocolate chip blondie which turned out to be a banana chocolate chip blondie. This item was moist and flavorful but the texture was more like a very moist muffin than a blondie and the banana only accentuated the muffin like feel. The raspberry pastries (they looked like tiny croissants) were highly rated by the person who ate them. Considering there is probably almost always a line to get anything at Pearl's, other people are clearly enjoying their food more than we did. read more

I recently have had the pleasure of a NYC bagel and was craving it. After a bit of research this place came highly recommended. The bagel itself was just okay and pretty thin. The cream cheese was definitely the star of the show, it was delicious. I also ordered a iced dirty chai and that was honestly one of the best I've ever had. This is a great spot for when you are wanting a bagel and some good coffee but if you are looking for a fix close to a NYC bagel, it isn't close. But the cream cheese was fantastic and comparable. The service was quick despite a line, there is no seating it is just a counter. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The inside was nicely decorated and was a nice vibe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Pearl's Bagels & Bakery - Sesame bagel with scallion cream cheese - Bagels Near Me - Albany, New York

I asked my wife to get me an everything bagel with lox , capers and onions as we have had good experiences there in the past. Not today however. There was absolutely no lox on the bagel at all. How hard is it to fill a simple order ? We will not be back. read more

Pearl's Bagels & Bakery - An everything bagel with lox but they forgot the lox. - Bagels Near Me - Albany, New York

Wonderful little local business serving up fresh bagels with lots of delicious toppings! The bagels are made daily and they are very good! They also have these little tiny pastry things that are hard to resist! I don't remember what they are called but they are there in the case. I wish they had seating, that's my only complaint. read more

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Consistently excellent bagels. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Be warned it's a small shop.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Don't let lines bother you. A true gem!

First time there this morning. Reminds me of the places I would go in Long Island when I lived there. Wait in line to get your bagels and the line was fairly long (which is a good sign). It was worth the short wait. Bagels were very good and not overly massive like many of the places nowadays. They don't need to be giant to be good. Eggs were cooked in the back, not nuked and rubbery. The price was very reasonable for the sandwich I ordered. I really liked it and will be back for sure. read more

Slow af, I could've drove to nyc and made my own bagel and been back before this place made one.

Pearl's is right next to Spinners pizza on Whitehall Ave in Albany. I am reluctantly posting this review because this local business needs our support but my hesitation is because I don't want to make the line any longer than it already is, haha. You need to get up early for the full selection. I've woken up late and they were nearly out of these fresh baked beauties. They have other items like brioche buns for sandwiches but the bagels are so nice and chewy I don't want to compromise and can't because every bagel is accidentally vegan and the brioche contains egg (traditionally, I have not confirmed here). I was totally impressed with the plant-based/vegan options on their menu. Just like Spinners a few doors down, they are really opening up the options in Albany for plant-based foods. Both our sandwiches were really good. They have plant-based meats available, JUST egg substitute, and vegan cheese and cream cheese. Totally worth waking up just a bit earlier to get in line and bring home breakfast. No dining in available, just get in, place your order and get out. They'll call your name through the pick up window when your order is ready! I highly recommend Pearl's Bagels! read more

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Other bagels can not compete at this time- hyper fixation of the month- get there early on the weekends to make sure you get the flavor of your choice- great staff, great food... period!! read more

Holy Bagels Batman. Why not just stop by and try it for yourself. you'll never know unless you go. Try a little bit of everything. I think you'll be pleased. read more

Pearl's Bagel & Bakery has some of the best bagels I have tried in upstate! Its so fresh and it tastes so good, it makes you want to try more. This place is always busy specially on the weekend. Expect a line if you're going there and expect some great food too because the wait is worth it. I got lucky and got the last everything bagel and they ran out or everything else, place gets very busy and their freshly baked food gets sold out quick. You can customize your food or order what they have on the menu. Theres also parking on the premises and sidewalk which makes it easier to go there. Theres no seating area inside, its a very small store. The services were great and workers were super friendly. read more

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I thought I'd reviewed this place awhile ago when they first opened but apparently I just have a bunch of their food pics in my phone. I have been a regular here since they opened and come at least once a week, if not more. They are the best bagel shop in the entire Capital Region and they definitely fill a void we had for so long. The bagels are hand rolled and delicious. Perfectly crisp on the outside, and fluffy and airy on the inside. There's usually a line in the mornings, especially on the weekends, but it moves along and is definitely worth the wait. They have vegan options as well, which makes them top tier. I always look forward to my trips here. The owner and her family are awesome and this place is a gem! read more

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This is one of the only places in the capital district that makes real bagels, and they're fantastic! They have a limited supply of bagels, as they're made fresh every day, so once they're out that's it. If you're looking for specific kinds, or a large order, you should get here early or place an order ahead. They also have a nice menu of both breakfast and lunch items, as well as coffee, tea, and some bakery things. read more

I applaud Pearl's for community-building in a fairly sterile neighborhood, and for delivering a good product. That said, avoid if you're in any sort of hurry (my bagel with cream cheese: 20 minutes). I suggest Pearl's streamline its needlessly deep menu to move things along; customers have a thousand questions and have trouble making up their minds. read more

Bagels just not nearly as good as Uncommon and Broad Street. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Place is also very small so cold and rainy weather you're waiting outside[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Pearl's has the best bagels in the capitol region!! Bagels are baked fresh daily, and when they run out they're out for the day. They also have several treats in addition to bagels that are phenomenal (try their cookies!!). There is no where to sit inside, and there is often a line to get your items, but it goes quick. So delicious!!! read more

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Updated review: the food is still so so sooooo good, however they have become a victim of their own success. The last time I came here I waited 20+ minutes for a sandwich. It's also a very small venue which at first was fine, but now it's so full when people are waiting for their food. If it's nice you can choose to wait outside but if it's raining.... There's almost always a line at the door if it's a weekend day. I would still recommend coming, but only if you have time to spend. If you get just bagels to go, those seem to be done quick, but if you want it toasted with cream cheese or a sandwich...expect to wait awhile. read more

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Wow, I am really loving this place. For me these bagels are perfect. Soft and chewy on the inside, crisp crust in the outside, and absolutely drenched in toppings. The top and bottom are completely coated. My favorite is the rye because you don't see it very often, but you can't miss on any of them. Even the cream cheese is probably the best I've had. I was happy to see they also had vegan cream cheese, and it was surprisingly good. It's not the real deal, but close enough to fit the bill. I haven't ventured beyond the basics, but the menu is deep and there are always sweets in the front case (cookies, rugelach, brownies...) so I'm looking forward to trying everything. I was a bit scared at the comments about bagels selling out early, but I'll show up around 8:00 or 9:00 and they still have all the flavors, so they don't sell out THAT early. read more

Pearl's Bagels & Bakery - Everything and garlic bagels - Bagels Near Me - Albany, New York

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Better tasting bagels with better texture than anywhere else in the capital region. You will not be sorry. read more

Stumbled upon this cute place one morning. The bagels didn't wow me but their baked goods sure did. Tried a chocolate pumpkin cookie that was huge, perfectly crisp on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside, and the perfect combination of pumpkin and chocolate. The rugelach was WOW. Get more than you think you'll want, treat yourself read more

Pearl's Bagels & Bakery - Lox sandwhich on everything bagel - Bagels Near Me - Albany, New York

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Best bagels I've had in the Capital District. Unlike all the other bagels I've had in the area that are just bread in the shape of a bagel, these have that chewyness that all the others are missing. And their sandwiches are also great. I had the Easy Being Green last time and look forward to trying others on the menu. They even have a selection of sandwiches that they can make vegan! If you are looking for bagels, I highly recommend giving Pearl's a taste, read more

So, I get these very bizarre cravings for cured foods....someone please tell me I'm not the only one T_T But anyhow, I heard someone mention that there was a bagel place that was EVEN BETTER than Uncommon Grounds, so of course I had to try! I got the lox on an everything bagel. First off, the bagel was seasoned on both sides, which is always a good sign. The bagel itself had a nice chewy to it and plenty of fragrant seasoning. They also had a hefty serving of salmon, dill, capers, and red onion in the bagel, no skimping here! Would I say my lox craving was satiated? Of course. Would I say this is better than Uncommon Grounds? Ehhh, I'd say that's up to personal preference: if you like thicker bagels then Uncommon Grounds is the way to go, but both places make yummy bagels. read more

Pearl's Bagels & Bakery - Lox bagel - Bagels Near Me - Albany, New York

Try one of their bagel sandwiches for the first time and you will be coming back. They have many bagel flavors to choose from and you can create your own sandwich combo. I ordered the sesame bagel with egg, cheese and pastrami. I was nervous at first with choosing pastrami as my meat option because places sometimes load pastrami in sandwiches which can be overkill. However, there was just a few slices of pastrami in the bagel. It was packed with flavor! I was shocked. Such good quality meat. The bagel itself was soft and chewy. The egg was perfectly cooked. I was very impressed overall. This place will make you become a regular! Service is also friendly and warm. The interior is very small and is ideally a spot for take out. They also have a variety of baked goods on display including cookies and rugelach. read more

Pearl's Bagels & Bakery - Sesame bagel with cheddar cheese, egg and pastrami - Bagels Near Me - Albany, New York

If you are someone who likes an amazing-quality, delicious, fresh bagel, please do yourself a favor and go to Pearl's. Now. Do it today. I will wait. It is honestly hard to express in words how good these bagels are. I opted for a classic: sesame bagel with plain cream cheese. The bagel was perfectly chewy but with a just-toasted crust. There were sesames covering all parts of the bagel (not just the top). The bagel was so tasty, and the plain cream cheese just added to its scrumptious... ness? Scrumptiosity? Either way it was great. My fiancé got the bagel with lox, capers, red onion, etc and he was blown away. He also was especially pleased with the addition of dill. All in all, we cannot wait to return... it will likely be within the next week. read more

Pearl's Bagels & Bakery - Sesame bagel with cream cheese - Bagels Near Me - Albany, New York

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Came here with my boyfriend due to our craving of bagels after trying some Long Island bagels. Best place in Albany to cancel out those bagel cravings. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Kind of a hole in the wall place, but still cute on the inside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I also tried a latte that was good - not bad not amazing, just good. The staff was super friendly. read more

I'm from western NY so a "normal" bagel for me came out of a bag from the freezer section, and sometimes we would upgrade to supermarket bakery loose bagels. On rare occasions would I go to Bruggers or Manhattan Bagel. Thus, that was was the standard was for me. I like to eat my bagels in an unusual manner. Generally, I like sesame bagels untoasted so I can peel off the outer exterior portions and eat them, and then scoop out the inner portions and eat them separate. That way, you get a chewy, bready part and a roasted, hearty part. Most bagels are too dried out or flavorless to make it worthwhile (enter the butter or jam...) My wife picked up of these bagels for a treat. I didn't go with her so I don't know what types were available but she brought back several fresh, warm sesame bagels. They had to be the best bagel I have ever hard. Considering what I wrote in paragraph #1, that might not be ample praise. I have never had a bagel in NYC so I can't compare them to that, but these were chewy, flavorful, had contrasting interior and exterior textures, and covered with seeds. Covered! No jam, butter or cream cheese were required. After 48 hours they had started to dry out, but they were still better than most supermarket bagels. read more

I really wanted to like this place because there was a lot of hype leading up to its opening, it's cute and in a good location with parking. I agree with the reviewer below who said the bagels are mid-shapen and not uniform. They are not aesthetically pleasing bagels. They are firm on the outside and soft on the inside, which is positive. Also I do not think they store their fish properly-- the first two times I tried it, I got lox cream cheese one time and lox salmon the second time. Both times I got very sick. I talked to other people who tried their bagels and realized that no one else had tried the lox so then I decided I could just buy a half dozen bagels without any cream cheese or fish and then freeze them at home. I got a half dozen onion bagels but literally every bagel was burned with burnt onion (see attached picture). Because I spent $10 on 6 bagels, I keep eating them but acknowledge that this is not ideal. This place has a lot of potential but they have some issues to work out. I really miss authentic bagels after living in cities with good bagels but I haven't decided how commited I am to Pearl's to see them work out their issues. read more

Pearl's Bagels & Bakery - Burned onion bagels - Bagels Near Me - Albany, New York

FINALLYYYY Albany has good, actually great, bagels! Yes, they do sell out very fast, so yes, you do have to get there early, but it's worth it! Pearl's bagels are just a bit crusty on the outside, and soft and chewy on the inside -- exactly how bagels should be. The sesame and everything bagels are always abundantly topped on the top AND bottom. I really don't think it's fair to give them 1 star just because they sell out fast, wait until you can actually taste their outstanding product before casting judgement because the bagels speak for themselves. read more

Pearl's Bagels & Bakery - Bagels Near Me - Albany, New York

Meh bagels. Great exterior chewiness, but the interior collapses the minute you spread the cream cheese.

Was over charged ordered a half dozen got charged for a full dozen tried contacting them no response will not be back