This place is so good it's become a ritual for me. On a weekly basis I'm putting in my pre-order and enjoying delicious bagels all weekend long (about as long as they can last without getting gobbled up). These are the best bagels I've had outside of New York in as long as I can remember. The everything bagel is outstanding, I've always liked many of the weekly specials including the French Toast bagel, which is definitely sweet but totally my type of jam. Definitely follow them on Instagram to check out their rotating weekly specials or you can always go with the plain or everything, also delicious. read more

Proof Handmade Bagels - Menu offering from Proof for Jan 31, both the classic selections as well as the specials - Bagels Near Me - Irvine, California

This place fucks. I'm from NY and grew up blue collar working in manhattan with my dad for 30 years. I know all the best bagel and bodega spots in NYC. My first job was a bagel store. I'm a snob. This is the best bagel in SoCal...period. How did you make me fall in love with your garlic and pepper cream cheese? It was better than scallion! One piece of advice, add more salt to the everything's to make it more authentic. Also, a pinch more pepper in the cc so it's not just on top. Also, if your bagels were a tad crispier and bubbly on the outside, you'd be a 6/5 star bagel spot. Thanks for saving me from the bagel drought which is OC. And yes, this is better than courage bagels. read more

Pretty solid bagels. Got them at the Stonegate farmer's market. Got blueberry, rosemary sea salt, everything, and French onion. Personal favorites were the rosemary sea salt, and the everything bagel. Also got their scallion cream cheese, which was pretty solid. Go get them when you can. Definitely recommended. read more

Proof Handmade Bagels - Bagels - Bagels Near Me - Irvine, California

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If you're reading this wondering whether to get Proof Handmade Bagels, the answer is a resounding YES! These are the best bagels in OC, thick and chewy and everything you could possibly want in a bagel! I'm updating my review because I tried their French Onion bagel and OMG it was AMAZING! It tastes just like French Onion soup but in bagel form. Sure, it's a little pricey at $4.50 but it's totally worth it! My daughter bit into their French Toast bagel and said, "YUM!" She was half-tempted to eat it with maple syrup because it tasted just like its namesake. Another winner! Their blueberry bagel is good, but not the flavor bomb that these two are. Their plain bagels are also perfect too! Definitely order ahead so you can skip the line and ensure that you get the bagels you want! Plus if you preorder, they have a buy five, get one free deal (at least at the time of this review they do). Proof always sells out so preorder! You won't be disappointed! read more

Proof Handmade Bagels - Bagels Near Me - Irvine, California

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My daughter-in-law and I recently happened upon Proof's stand at the Orange Home Grown Farmer's Market one Saturday, and wow -- what a find! I should preface this review by saying I'm not normally a bagel person...but the rest of my family adores them. We decided to pick up an assortment of a dozen bagels along with their scallion cream cheese and honey-ricotta pistachio cream cheese. The French onion bagels intrigued me most -- I mean, listen to this description: "topped with caramelized onions (sherry, wine, thyme) and imported La Gruyère cheese." How could I resist? As soon as we got home, we toasted one up. O. M. G. -- absolutely sublime! I'm still thinking about it. The rest of the family quickly devoured each flavor and declared them all amazing. The spreads were equally fantastic -- creamy, flavorful, and the perfect complement to the bagels. Proof may just have converted me into a bagel lover! On top of all that, the team at the stand was wonderful -- warm, welcoming, and happy to answer questions and make recommendations. Highly recommend pre-ordering or stopping by early because they do sell out fast! read more

Rosa and Rich, you've changed my weekend AMs for the better! Proof Bagels have touched down to the Irvine Farmers Market scene, and I can frantically run two blocks from my apt every Sunday morning to get my bagel fix in now. (I've been following Rich's bagel development from its Reddit days and haven't gotten the chance to try them for myself until the Irvine landing.) These bagels are the plumpest, fluffiest, and most well decorated bagels I've had since... probably ever. Proof is worth the AM detour, and if you're worried about the bagels selling out (which they do), use their website and order ahead! Ordering ahead allows you to skip the ordering line and guarantees you your chosen bagels. read more

Proof Handmade Bagels - Everything Bagel, French Onion Bagel, and Aglio e Oilo Bagel - Bagels Near Me - Irvine, California

I came across Proof Handmade Bagels at the OC Great Park Farmer's Market, and they were delicious! They are Asian-owned and very friendly and welcoming. I got an everything bagel in the morning and it stayed fresh all day, and was still soft when I ate it in the afternoon with cream cheese. Yum! I can't wait to get more bagels from these guys. They are located at the Great Park Farmer's Market, which has recently moved to Stonegate Elementary at 100 Honors, Irvine, CA 92620, every Sunday from 10am -2pm. Happy eating! read more

Proof Handmade Bagels - Everything Bagel- $3 - Bagels Near Me - Irvine, California

Was craving bagels and have had trouble finding bagels a good as New York. Got the French onion which was a hit with my entire family. We went to the park after picking it up and it was even good room temp. Definitely satisfied the craving and will be back. Picked up at the great park farmers market which was easily accessible Got the blueberry too which was good but I always blueberry bagels are more muted in flavor. read more

Finally--a real bagel in California without having to travel all the way to New York! Look at this beauty: perfectly crispy on the outside and wonderfully chewy on the inside. The cream cheeses are to die for--we got the scallion and the salmon, and both were incredibly flavorful and delicious. I'm so glad we finally have something this good locally. Thank you so much Proof for sharing your delicious bagels with us! read more

Proof Handmade Bagels - Proof-Sesame Bagel - Bagels Near Me - Irvine, California

Best bagels in SoCal. Thank you from an east coast transplant. I come down from LA County to get them.

OMG these bagels are so good. I tried their French Onion, French Toast, and their Rosemary and Sea Salt and they were all so chewy and delicious. You have a customer for life now! And the owners are so nice and provided amazing customer service at the farmers market. I definitely recommend you pre-order as they will have your order ready for you so you can just pick up! They sell out fast so this is a great way to make sure you get your bagels. Their specialty cream cheese is also very good and tastes so fresh. read more

Proof Handmade Bagels - Bagels Near Me - Irvine, California

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These handmade bagels are AMAZING! If you are in the OC they travel to different farmer's markets. I pre-ordered and picked mine up in Irvine. We are a bagel loving family and these are so soft and fresh tasting! @proofbagels - so yum! read more

Proof Handmade Bagels - Rosemary and sea salt w/black garlic cream cheese - Bagels Near Me - Irvine, California

Grabbed some at OC Great Park Farmer's Market Please open a bagel shop soon! It was so gooood, can tell quality ingredients were used! Super moist and chewy center yummmy Taste similar to NY style bagels Just pick up some smoked lox, capers, and onions and make yourself a bomb lunch with these bagels Will be back for sure read more

I'm not one to review many places, but these bagels take the cake!! I've been far and wide across the nation eating bagels, and this is one of the best I've eaten so far. I've tried their blueberry, everything, french onion, french toast, jalapeño asiago, and sea salt bagels. Every single bagel is delicious, crispy, (but also amazingly) chewy, and perfectly fluffy! They also sell amazing cream cheese options, including smoked salmon and chive cream cheese. I always order online (find them on IG @proofbagels) and am greeted with a smile every time I come pick up. It's part of my biweekly ritual, and I love sharing with my coworkers at the hospital too who love their bagels! read more

Proof Handmade Bagels - Bagels (individually wrapped) - Bagels Near Me - Irvine, California

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East coaster here and these are the best bagels! Why do they only sell them on Saturday? They need to figure that out quickly! We brought some home for the week, but if you can't make it to the farmers market on Saturday, no bagels for you?! Too good to gate keep for one day a week! read more

Fantastic bagels on a Saturday morning at the Aliso Viejo Town Center parking lot near Regals. Lovely people and their pre-orders were flying off the shelves. Definitely recommend visiting their website so you don't miss out. The bagels are thick, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Cream cheese is also delicious. I recommend everyone come to visit when they want a good bagel. read more

A big fan of this brand since day one at the market. For all you bread lovers out there, you NEED to try proofbagels! Bagels - THE BEST!!! All bagels are prepped days in advance and freshly baked right before each market. These are hands down some of the best East Coast-style bagels you'll find on the West Coast. The quality is unmatched. Cream Cheese - In house made cream cheese is a must try. From the classic scallion cream cheese to other special flavors. Ever since they introduced the pre-order/pick up system, the lines have become much easier to all customers and they move very quickly Really grateful for this preorder/pick up system!! Let me give you a PRO TIP here... I HIGHLY RECOMMEND ordering from their online website because their products often sell out at every market. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother. Your bagels and cream cheese are pre packaged and guaranteed to be ready for pick up. The two owners, Richard and Rosa, are always there, working hard to make sure everything runs smoothly. They've been continuously improving the menu and operations since day one. Their kindness and dedication are evident, and they always greet you with genuine smiles while serving up the most delicious products. GO VISIT !!! read more

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I don't even like bagels but these were amazing!!!! Didn't know a bagel could have this kind of texture. My husband and kids just ate them like a donut they were so good. Sad for my waistline but can't wait to eat them again this weekend. read more

PROOF took me from "not knowing or caring about bagels" to "yeah, I'm a bagel fanatic" in about two weeks. they're that awesome. read more

Proof Handmade Bagels - Bagels Near Me - Irvine, California

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I am so happy that I discovered this business. I've been getting them pretty much every week they've been open. So far I've tried their plain, sesame, garlic and everything bagels. I've also tried their plain, scallion, and garlic & pepper cream cheese. I've loved everything I've tried! I will say that usually my favorite bagels are the everything bagels but from Proof, I really enjoy their plain bagels as well as the sesame. I felt the everything bagel was a tad bit too salty. The main thing that makes these bagels stand out is the amazing texture. I also felt that the customer service has been incredible. They're so friendly and accommodating. So far, I'd say my favorite cream cheese is the scallion cream cheese. It's very oniony so I didn't think I'd like it that much but it has grown on me a lot! The plain cream cheese is also very tasty. I really appreciate how the owners have always been striving to improve. I really hope they will continue to have great business and grow! Recently, they've started a website where you can preorder bagels. I've placed my first preorder this morning and can't wait to pick it up at the farmers market this Saturday. If I remember, I'll update this review with pictures and my thoughts on their jalapeño and cheese bagel and the dill smoked salmon cream cheese. Keep up the amazing work! Owners, if you're reading this.... Have you considered sweet flavored cream cheeses? I'd love to see some! Update: I tried the smoked salmon and dill cream cheese! It's excellent. Very Smokey and super tasty/flavorful! Highly recommend if you're a fan of smoked salmon! Definitely can say this is my favorite cream cheese of theirs! read more

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The best bagels in Orange County! Tastes like a true New York bagel. The perfect taste and consistency. Also, love their dill and salmon and scallion cream cheeses. They have unique flavors like French toast, rosemary and sea salt and black sesame. They are so good! read more

My wife and I ordered some bagels and cream cheese last week and picked them up in Aliso Viejo. Firstly, Rich and Rosa are nice people. Pleasant to talk to and relive our East Cost experiences. Bagels were excellent. Crisp outside and soft inside. I am a big "not toasting unless I have to person" and prefer to eat it out of the bag (with, of course, the appropriate amount of cream cheese). But you usually wind up freezing some for a later snack. In my mind these bagels were the first to hold their goodness and crustiness after being frozen and thawed. Tasted as fresh as the day we bought them. Congratulations for filling a long-awaited need in Orange County. Highly recommend you try some. And don't forget the cream cheese. read more

Richard and his team are amazing!! They go above and beyond for their customers, not to mention the amazing bagels! Excited to have these bagels as a part of my weekly schedule! Blueberry bagels are my favourite!! They taste so fluffy and goes perfect with the lemon and ricotta cream cheese! Can't wait for their new flavours every week!! read more

I heard about Proof Handmade Bagels being at the Aliso Viejo Farmers Market on Reddit so I dragged my husband down to check them out. We were there before they opened at 10 so we walked around checking out the other booths. Soon enough a line was forming in front of the booth so we got in line and the line only got longer from there. They were still setting up so they thanked us for our patience. My husband and I ordered 2 everything bagels ($2.50 ea) and the special which was French onion ($4). We also got the roasted garlic cream cheese ($7). We stopped to get some smoked salmon and juice to go with our brunch. Once home, we toasted the bagels and spread out the fluffy cream cheese, then went to town. The bagels have a nice chew and texture to them. The owners are from the NJ area and he has worked in fine dining restaurants in the past. He decided that he perfected his bagel recipe and started Proof. This was their first pop-up at the farmers market so I was happy to support a local Asian business. The bagels are reasonably priced and I'm sure they will do well. More importantly, they taste really good and fresh! Kudos to them advertising on Reddit because theirs was the only booth with the really long line. We will be back to support them again. Cheers! read more

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Drove a little ways to try this popup bagel shop. Bagels were fluffy and delicious. Owners were so kind to us with added perks because it was our first time there. Everything Bagel was on point. I don't usually like plain bagels, but this one is delightfully different. Have no idea what the yelper, who gave one star was talking about. I'll be back for sure. read more

Who would've thought high quality, locally made bagels were hiding in Irvine! I preordered a blueberry, French onion, Aglio e Olio, everything, and plain and we loved all of them. Dare I say, best bagels I've had? Perfect chewy/doughy inside and slightly crisp outside. No notes! These bagels are extra large so you are really getting a good value. Can't wait to order again and try the scallion cream cheese! read more

These bagels are HUGE and super tasty. We preordered and picked them up in Irvine. Our order was ready when we arrived and the business owners seemed very nice and appreciative of the business. I'll certainly be back again! read more

We got the cacio e pepe, asiago jalapeño, rosemary & sea salt, and everything bagel. We also got the scallion cream cheese. We were too excited and forgot to take photos, but everything was delicious. The inside of the bagel is soft and fluffy, not dense. Flavors are great. The rosemary & sea salt was our favorite of our haul, and the rosemary wasn't overpowering the bagel, which was a concern we had. The scallion cream cheese is strong, but that made it perfect - it went so well with all of the bagels we got. read more

Best bagels in Southern California, hands down. Crisp and crunchy outside. Soft and chewy inside. The oglio e olio is incredible. Could not recommend this enough. I hope they become successful enough to open their own brick and mortar shop. read more

BEST. BAGELS. EVER. Nothing more to say. - Signed a New Yorker Seriously love these bagels sooo much and they deserve all the hype!! read more

I came across Proof Bagels at a local farmers market and it instantly became a weekend must for me. Living in Southern California, it's really hard to find bagels that come close to the ones I grew up with in New York--but these? They're not just comparable, they might actually be better. The texture is spot on: chewy with just the right amount of crisp on the outside. The flavor combinations change weekly, which keeps things fun, but they also keep a few staples that are consistently excellent. Their cream cheeses are next-level--creative without being gimmicky, and always super fresh. Favorites so far include the Roasted Garlic and Herb and the Smoked Salmon and Dill, but honestly, I haven't had a bad one yet. The couple who runs it is also just the nicest. You can tell they really love what they do, and it shows in both the food and the way they interact with everyone who stops by. read more

These bagels are crispy outside and soft inside. My teenagers love them that they ask for it every weekend. We drive 20mins just to get our bagel fix. They also have delicious cream cheese. You can taste the quality and love they put into the dough. Do yourself a favor and go to the Irvine Farmers market to get your bagels. read more

Proof Handmade Bagels - French onion, plain, aglio olio and everything bagels. - Bagels Near Me - Irvine, California

I'm pretty sure I have a bagel-shaped hole in my heart, and Patch Bagels is the only thing that can fill it. Seriously, I think about these bagels daily--they're so good it's a little ridiculous. Every flavor is a winner!! read more

These are the bagels I have searched for in SoCal ever since I had my first NY bagel! They are hefty and chewy and full of flavor, and make you dream of Saturday mornings. The cream cheeses are really great, with really interesting ingredients. Friendly owner, too! read more

I missed NY style bagels and these delivered. Run don't walk! Order online for pick up so you can buy them before they sell out. Their aglio olio flavor was unique and delicious. Best bagels in California hands down read more

I have absolutely loved Proof! For awhile I was curious on the hype as the line was always long and they would sell out hours before the farmer's market would end. When I finally made it there not only did I finally get a bite but I also went around to all the vendors as well handing out samples of their bagels to try with their various cream cheeses. Now I think both I and the vendors come each week for their bagels. One vendor even bought the remaining green onion cream cheese off of me because they loved it so much! Not only are these amazing bagels, but amazing people. Rosa and Rich are the kindest humans I have ever met! They always check in on how I am doing and I have enjoyed updating them on all the ways I use their bagels throughout the week! These bagels have been delicious to use in everything! From an everything bagel topped with a pesto fried egg and their salmon cream cheese to a jalapeno bagel with their salmon dill cream cheese with a personal addition of some spicy hot lime Cheetos. These bagels are great! I am also guilty of just taking a fresh plain bagel after shopping at the market and placing it in my mouth without anything added as I drive home. These are my weekly treat and I encourage you to try out these bagels and meet an amazing family. As someone who has been to NY these bagels are the closest I've found on the West Coast and truly love having them every weekend! read more

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These are definitely the best bagels I've had in the OC. I love that the menu changes each week. My favorite so far is the rosemary bagels but everything I've tried (French onion, French toast, aglio olio, blueberry) is awesome. I love that they have the reheating instructions so I can freeze a couple to last me throughout the week. read more

Everything bagel should never have salt at all, yours has salt squared horrible! Second time my wife made this mistake bought Stonegate Farmer's Market today Everything Bagels God Awful! This is coming from an ex-NYer born and raised on bagels, Salt is a no-no, my mouth is in toxic shock. Try Katella Deli Everything Bagel that's how it should be. read more

I have had bagels from here a couple times and they are excellent. Definitely the best bagels I have had. I recommend them to everyone anytime bagels are mentioned. read more

As a New Yorker, Proof Bagels is IT. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, and I have been trying several bagel shops since I moved to California a few years ago...none of them hit. But since I tried Proof a few months ago, I finally have that connection to home I miss. The bagels are the right texture, flavorful, and their cream cheeses are phenomenal with just the right hint of sweetness. Plus it's been fun trying all their flavors - big fan of the sea salt bagel!! read more