I have been to PopUp before and so I knew what I was getting myself into with the 3 bagels + schmear business. I had to come in to try the Jonas Brothers collab schmear and it was Yummy. It was a 'Hot Pepper Parmesan', but it didn't have much heat in it at all so it was giving more of a Roasted Pepper Parm, which honestly I preferred. Their weekly cream cheese specials is what makes this place something special IMO. The bagels were and are really solid, I love a Rip & Dip and the bagels are dense but fluffy. I will say I'm kind of surprised PopUp chose this location to open, given where it is locally & that it's in NJ, arguably the nation's bagel capital. I'm very interested to see how PopUp does in NJ where we have so many really good Mom & Pop shops around, although these bagels are good I do think you can find better at local shops. read more

PopUp Bagels - Sesame Bagel + Jonas Brothers Burning Up Schmear - Bagels Near Me - Westfield, New Jersey

See all

I decided to go on a spontaneous bagel tasting mission and stopped by here and Manhattan Bagels, just a short walk away on a mid morning weekday. I have never heard of Pop Up Bagels until I saw the sign while they were prepping for opening, then read about the outrage of it being located next to a local favorite. They have a mini parking lot of their own with a few reserved spots in the parking lot to the right and behind it. They have a certain hype about them. Branding? Perhaps they're IG or TikTok famous? It must be, because they only sell bagels in increments of 3, 6, and 12... and pricing begins at $15. Ouch. The 3-pack comes with one container of smear (butter or cream cheese in a flavor of your choice) and the amount of "dip" (as they apparently advocate tearing apart your bagel and DIPPING it into your flavor(s) of choice) increases with the number of bagels you order. You can choose any combination of bagel you like as long as they're in stock. I got the 3-pack of bagels - plain, poppy, sesame. I chose the "half and half" flavor which I later realized was BUTTER. I was intrigued at the idea of iced tea and lemonade inspired CREAM CHEESE and never thought they'd have butter as a choice as well. I don't remember it being specified on the menu (which is pretty, stylized art for the flavors) and they only mention the flavor names. Now I know. Their bagels definitely have a crust, a nice chew, good flavor, and overall tastes quite good. The seeded ones are STUDDED and they drop a lot, but what was left was enough. I'm not sure how they store their bagels but there's a definitely possibility of cross contamination if there's an allergy or dietary restriction involved. One of my bagels had onion stuck to it and definitely gave off a smell of alliums. Blech. Other than that odoriferous mishap, I didn't find any additional issues with the bagels except for the fact they're slightly smaller than the one from Manhattan Bagel and they lack a hole in the middle. The spread was super soft and suitable for dipping. I ate them at home and I used a butter knife so I completely failed at the dipping part. The flavor of the butter was unique. You DO taste the tea and lemon notes. I'm not sure I loved it, but I also didn't hate it. It's possible I might even like it a little. I'm not sure if I would choose it again. The people who work there are friendly, the place has a more modern feel, but they have tiny tables with a few seats each ... and not that many tables either. So although I like Pop Up overall, I still gave them 3 stars because though they have good bagels and I like their concept and the rotating dip flavors, it isn't something I can do regularly. And to me, bagels aren't supposed to be $4 each unless it's huge or is a sandwich. And the fact I'm essentially being forced to buy multiple gives me mixed feelings. They clearly still get customers and I can see the appeal, but the only reason why I'd choose Pop Up over Manhattan is if they have a new dip flavor that I must try. Manhattan is much more reasonably priced and their bagels are a little bigger. They also do bagel sandwiches, something I don't believe Pop Up offers. I would like to add that once the bagels were eaten, we still had extra butter left so I guess I bought extra butter for the fridge. It is a small, but substantial amount in the tub. And I liberally apply cream cheese to my bagels, not butter. read more

PopUp Bagels - Plain bagel size comparison. Manhattan is upper left, PopUp is lower right. - Bagels Near Me - Westfield, New Jersey

See all

Trendy bagel shop near Westfield train station with fun rotating schmears and a unique "rip and dip" format. Orders come out hot and fresh, and the staff is very efficient. While I do enjoy the novelty of these bagels, the size order is pretty limiting. You can only choose to buy 3, 6, or 12 bagels at a time, which comes with one tub of schmear. It's a bit of an awkward amount of schmear - I found it way too much for 3 bagels, and it'd be too little for 12. It's also pricey, with a sticker price that matches more NYC pricing. Taste-wise though, I did really enjoy my salt bagel and the fun dip. Expect to grab these bagels for takeaway and note that parking is pretty limited. While this spot might not be my daily go-to, I found it fun to check out especially when they have interesting schmears to try. read more

This was my first time here but not my first time tasting one of these bagels. They give them to you fresh and warm. You pick the spread. The banana choc chip was not my favorite. My favorite is the Rosemary butter that they did not have that day. Although there is a line, it moves fairly quickly. read more

PopUp Bagels - Banana choc chip - Bagels Near Me - Westfield, New Jersey

See all

First time here. Staff extremely friendly and courteous! Ordered 3 bagels with a schmear and one extra schmear. Tried the salted butter and hot honey schmear. Both were good and bagels were good. A little expensive compared to your average bagel shop but certainly not an everyday purchase. Worth trying if you're in the area. read more

See all

Highly anticipated and I was so disappointed. The bagels are very dense. I did not like the texture. Also the price and size. Forced to buy 3 bagels. I would not come back. They do not live up to the hype in my opinion, so many better bagel spots! read more

PopUp Bagels - Bagels Near Me - Westfield, New Jersey

If you are looking for a on the go breakfast, something light then this is a good spot. You get about of mini bagels with a container of cream cheese or butter and there are many different flavors a long with their flavor of the month. They have many location in the city and now this one In NJ. They server your bagels hot out the oven, so there are really fresh. It's a small location so not much space to eat there. 15 for 3 small bagels it's a bit much. A local shop gives up more bang for your buck. But it's a cute concept!! read more

PopUp Bagels - Plain and sesame seed and the signature butter of the month - Bagels Near Me - Westfield, New Jersey

Came here midday, midweek, in hopes of avoiding the crowd, and was successful! There was no line and I ordered 3 Salt and 2 Everything, both of which they had run low on and were baking. Perfect timing because my food came out fresh and hot! I went with the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Smear and it was awesome! Perfect mix of sweet and savory when paired with the salt bagel. I don't live in the immediate area, but I can definitely see myself coming back in the future! Only downside is the price. You have to get a minimum of 3 (comes with a free smear), but the bagels are pretty small in size. Took off one star for the price and wishing they had other smaller options for the smears, so that first timers can try them all. read more

See all

I have been to Popup Bagels before so I am familiar with their concept of minimum of 3 bagels with schmear. I made the trek to this new location as I really wanted to try their Jalapeno Popper Schmear. When I got there, there was a couple in front of me and a family behind me. The cashier gave both of them an extra bagel on the house in their order. But when I placed an order for 6 bagels, I didn't get offered that. That alone made my experience feel a bit unpleasant. I also had to wait 15 minutes for fresh hot plain bagels, which was fine as I rather have fresh bagels. However, the sesame bagel I ordered was very stale and cold. I didn't find the Jalapeno Popper cream cheese to be that great either. Overall, it was a disappointing experience at this location compared to other locations I have been too in NYC & CT. read more

PopUp Bagels - Bagels - Bagels Near Me - Westfield, New Jersey

See all

This is a tough place to give a review to. It's really critical to temper your expectations. So let's just start with the bagel. The bagels are very good and the spreads or smears as they call them are also very good. I especially loved the jalapeño flavored cream cheese. It had an excellent flavor, but was not very hot. Highly recommended. So the downside is as many people have noted you cannot just go by one or two bagels. It is 36 or 12. Which can be annoying but again as I noted in the beginning if you understand that going in then it's not a big deal. The other downside. The price. These are the most expensive bagels. I think I have seen. I have now gone there twice and gotten them because I really like them and I was buying them for a group so I found it to be worth it based on how I was purchasing them for a group. Bottom line they are expensive. The people working there were very friendly and knowledgeable. It's a pretty simple format so there's not too much to expect. Overall, if you understand their concept, it's a good experience and a very good bagel. Hope this helps enjoy. read more

Just getting this out of the way, I didn't actually try the bagels which I heard are quite good. The experience before turned me off. If you can get by that then it's likely you'll enjoy the bagels What turned me off: Loud - music so loud I couldn't even converse without yelling. This is a bagelry not a bar. Limited bagel choice - no cinnamon raisin or garlic. Limited options - I wanted 4 bagels , nope 3 , 6 or 12. Expensive - No option for just the bagels. You have to get 3 bagels & schmear = 15.99. that's when I walked out read more

Pop-Up Bagels was started in Adam Goldberg in 2020. Originally, he sold the bagels out of his backyard window. The idea is that you do not slice the bagels and put a filling in between. Instead, his concept was to "grip, rip, and dip" the bagel pieces into a series of rotating "schmears" (which of course, have a cream cheese base). Pop-Up has already opened locations in Manhattan, but this is their first in Union County according to their location map on their site. For reference, this is in the old Westfield Seafood building right next to the train station parking lot. The interior is basically dedicated to production and sales. There is no area to sit down and enjoy your food. This is an interesting choice as there is an entire area off to the left that could have been turned small counters to stand at or fit a couple tables with seats. Instead, the area has been turned into a backdrop for customers to take pictures of themselves. There is some seating outside, but they wound up blocking off some parking spots to use it so I'm not sure if that is permanent or temporary. I wound up parking at the train station. The interior was like a party. Loud music was thumping and as new batches of bagels came out the staff would cheer. It was a fun atmosphere and I appreciated the staff trying to bring positive energy into the mix. A bit more commentary on the concept: you cannot just get one bagel here. Instead, you can get 3 with a Schmear for $15, 6 with a Schmear for $25 and finally 12 with a Schmear for $46. You can see a full list of their choices here: https://www.popupbagels.com/menu I wound up ordering three bagels with the apple pie schmear. Out of all their bagel choices, I was surprised to not see an egg or cinnamon raisin bagel option. Out of all their choices, the only two I like are plain and sesame. I do hope they expand their offerings in the future. So how were they? Well, first off the bagels are kind of small for what you're paying. The bagels I get at Zaro's in the city for instance are almost 25% bigger. That said, they are served fresh and hot. Tearing them is a kind of fun and dipping them in the cream cheese does create an enjoyable experience before you even eat them. The bagels themselves have good flavor, mind you, not the best I've ever had. I've had some other bagels that tasted great on their own. These bagels really needed the Schmear to complete the experience - and to be fair they don't say otherwise so it all works out. However, this is a relatively expensive experience, so I don't see myself doing this on the regular. read more

Really good scallion cream cheese. wish there was more scallion in it but like seriously 10/10 cream cheese. some of the best tasting Cream cheese I have ever had. Came the I think second day they were open. 6 bagels and 1 "schmear" is $25. a dozen bagels and 2 schmear is $46. a bit pricey considering the size of the bagels and CC. They offer plain, sesame, salt, everything, and poppy. The cinnamon sugar butter was really good too. I was sad they were out of the rosemary garlic butter when I got there! The bagels came out very hot and fresh which was nice. The team was very friendly and knowledgeable. There will be a line cause there is not much room inside for sitting etc, it's a grab and go spot for sure. Line moves quickly. Parking lot on site and huge one right next to it. read more

See all

My favorite local bagel bakery charges $1 for a bagel or $12 for a dozen. This new bagel bakery won't sell you one bagel or two bagels, but for $15 you can buy three bagels, or a dozen for $46. That's sick, even for frou-frou Westfield. This after they had the nerve to open right next door to Manhattan Bagel. A lot of these trendy, gimmicky food franchises come and go in this town before you even knew they were there. This one has an absurd business model. Once the novelty wears off, it won't last. read more

I have seen several YouTube reviews for the Jersey City and NYC locations, so I was excited and surprised to see Pop Up Bagels come to Westfield...especially with Manhattan Bagel and Bagel Chateau all in the same vicinity already... Went around 930 Sunday morning and there was a line of about 6 people. They had a DJ pumping music to create a lively environment for patrons. They had a significant amount of staff making bagels and bagging...I'd say at least 12 and then two cashiers. The cashiers were pleasant and explained the bagel and schmear offerings. $15 gets you 3 bagels and a schmear (looks to be about a half pint of cream cheese or butter)...extra schmears are $8...got 2 everything, 1 plain, and the rosemary garlic butter schmear and the jalapeño cream cheese schmear. Total came to about $24-25...my mom says that much for bagels is outrageous and she is right but...gotta see what all the hype is about...back to the location...it's small inside. 2 registers, a TikTok/selfie corner for photo opps and then a few high top tables outside. So you won't be eating inside. Also this is a rip and dip bagel concept if you haven't seen reviews on YouTube, so just bagels and dipping in the schmears, no bacon egg and cheese, no sausage egg and cheese, no pork roll etc etc. So if those are bagel sandwiches you want what you want walk a few hundred feet over to Manhattan Bagels or drive half mile over to Bagel Chateau. Bagels were hot and crunchy on the outside and soft inside. This place I would say is like Raising Canes...just how their sauce makes the tenders...the schmears make the bagels at Pop Up Bagels. I found the bagels to be small and mid level. They didn't wow me. Bagels are about the size of a Lenders bagel is you are familiar with that frozen brand...I don't eat those, but just a reference for size...I can see myself getting a schmear and then going to another bagel shop to get larger, better bagels at a lower price... I would def stop by to try Pop Up...like every other social media hyped food location...you have to visit out of curiosity...but likely won't be the "best" bagel you have ever had...also would have liked the space to be bigger to let you eat on site but...I will likely come back for the schmears as I mentioned. The rosemary garlic is 11/10! read more

See all

Literally my newest obsession . The sourdough bagels are so good and easier on your gut. I haven fallen in love with the rotating options of cream cheese and butters. The Westfield NJ location is such a gem and one of the first in NJ for POPUP BAGEL . The product is great and secondly the establishment's entire staff are amazing. The staff are very welcoming, knowledgeable, and friendly . I would like to give special recognition to one of the staff members Sofia. She is such a welcoming, and attentive soul. Everytime I walk in she knows what I want to order or she will keep me up to speed on the latest schmear that's out. An employee that's knows the customer is hard to find these days. Her beautiful aura lights up the room. I appreciate every staff member that was picked to work there , they are a solid team for sure. read more

Bagels are good, different from the best nj bagels. A little small. Dips are expensive as are the bagels. The music was way to loud I couldn't even hear myself think or what the cashier said to me. Way to obnoxious and loud. I feel sorry for the neighbors. read more

PopUp Bagels - Bagels Near Me - Westfield, New Jersey

See all

Nope. Not even the best bagel I had ànd too can't buy a single bagel or two. Twice the price of Craft Bagel. I'm not a fan, go back to NYC bruh, read more

I went here two days before they opened. Soft opening. I asked for one bagel and they explained that they sell bagels only in threes. I only wanted one so I said I'm sorry. Thanks. I'll pass and they gave me a free plain bagel which was warm and delicious. Outstanding. But you have to buy three and get the spread. That's their concept. They say they're like a bakery and that they are meant to be shared. The price is $15 for three smallish bagels with a spread which is insane to me but a warm bagel that's good is one of life's pleasure. I'll be back but not so often. Sorry. All the best. Again great bagels!!! And I am very particular about my bagels. read more

Definitely doesn't live up to the hype. The bagels are decent, but for the hype and the price, I expected spectacular. The taste is good, plenty of topping on the everything bagels. The texture is chewy to almost rubbery and still fluffier than a traditional bagel. And for $36/dozen for small bagels, the value is nonexistent. I actually made better bagels at home on my first attempt using the NYT Cooking recipe. I won't be returning. And the volume of the loudspeaker was beyond excessive. It was difficult to hear the order taker. Walking by the speaker was on par with sitting next to one at a rock concert. So unnecessary. read more

I had to see what the hype was about, so I tried the three bagels plus a tub of cream cheese order on their opening weekend. The bagels I had, Everything, Poppy and Sesame, were phenomenal. Especially the Everything bagel. Ridiculously chewy and extremely delicious. And by the way, even the one I took home and threw in the fridge for two days in a Ziplock, then toasted, it was *still* chewy and delicious. I just edited this review, because when I went back on a less crowed day, I can see that they do boil the bagels before finishing them in an oven. The taste of the bread itself is special. Like the best Jersey or NY pizza, there is something about the yeast and water or whatever other magic is in there that just tastes better, and these bagels have that. The price is insane, and it's just plain dumb that you can't buy a single bagel to take on the train with you in the morning, this place is literally connected to the Westfield train station parking lot, but it is what it is. They've come up with their own thing, and I found it a real treat. read more

PopUp Bagels - The place was too packed to eat there, so I walked over to Lion's Roar Brewery for the full bagel and beer experience. - Bagels Near Me - Westfield, New Jersey

Best bagels in NJ! Everything was fresh, delicious, and the schmears were so good. Definitely recommend checking this place out!best service, and such a welcoming atmosphere! read more

I tried Papa Bagel and I was disappointed because I didn't think it was actually very good. I prefer Manhattan Bagel, which actually is right next-door and Bagel Chateau in Westfield and since those stores have been in Westfield for many many years, it's a little annoying that this pop-up Bagel with literally put their business right next-door to Manhattan Bagel as if they're trying to put them out of business read more

Very small and overly chewy bagel. The minimum order is three bagels from their extremly underwhelming selection of five different bagels. Good news is you can probably eat all three they're so small! Want it toasted? Nope. You better like cream cheese too, just don't think that they'll put it on for you. You're in New Jersey go to an actual bagel place, not that Manhattan Bagel, next door is the pinnacle of NJ bagels, but it blows this place out of the water. Totally overhyped. read more