Best Ugly Bagels

Similar to their original, they have an open kitchen with the front person shouting the orders and the huge wood-​firing process of making these delicious hand-​rolled Montréal bagels. Not only do they master the carbs, but make a mean hot chocolate as well.
A neat real fire outside for those cooler days. Great communal table as well as small tables with quirky colourful chairs around. We sat against the green partition– with a couch on one side and chairs opposite. There is outdoor sheltered seating just in front of store and bench on the inside.
The Butter up! is fantastic if you just want a bagel with simply melted butter. Or if you’re in the mood for chocolate– the Koko is what Nutella aspires to be. The hip sounding J.C. is great with sweet raspberry jam and creamy cream cheese. And if you want something a little cheesy the Swiss Melt is great. All come on toasted sesame bagels with spreads just as good as toppings as I’ve found out. How can you not win when they use great quality products that hail from exciting places like Balclutha and the Kapiti Coast. Filling and delicious!

The premise is simple — bagels (and coffee). Ok, and there are a few other worthy accompaniments with vegetarian options.
The offerings are straight-​forward — choose from plain («straight up»), spreads, or filled.
The spreads, for the more faint hearted, have toppings like PB&J (peanut butter and jelly), hazelnut, marmite, etc.
For a notch up and a good brunch choice, the filled bagels are delectable… The Yodi with pastrami, swiss cheese, mustard and half a giant pickle atop is so moreish; a large coffee was the perfect accompaniment. Of course, the staple salmon lox with cream cheese and capers is a popular choice.
The Newmarket location is a good spot, too. There’s plenty of outdoor seating with an open fireplace to keep warm and ample indoor seating as well. I went with a large group and we were able to mingle in the front courtyard quite comfortably.
Orders are called out over an inaudible loudspeaker — probably about as old as the décor is made to look.
All up (for two people) — two filled bagels and two big black coffees for just under $ 30 — good value I reckon with the coffee perhaps on the slightly expensive side.
You can also pick up a bag of bagels, pastrami, salmon and other condiments to try and recreate your own menu at home.

I sat in front of the fireplace on a stool drinking Karma Cola. The outdoor seating area was almost at capacity on Father’s Day 2015. My daughter ordered Holy Smoke and our server at the counter shouted, «Holy Smoke!!» The rest of the staff joined in shouting in unison, «Holy Smoke!»
The Rocket sauce and fresh tasting smoked fish on a sesame bagel really hit the spot.

Being a long term fan of Best Ugly Bagels after beginning my love affair with their beautiful food down at the City Works Depot store a couple of years ago, trying out their Newmarket store has long been on my agenda. Finally headed over this weekend and was quite satisfied with the experience. The Newmarket store has a wonderful openness, being much bigger than the City one, with more seating, but remaining true to its industrial no-​nonsense rustic look. Pictured below are the JC (Te Horo raspberry jam and cream cheese) and Mean Joe Green (free range bacon, avocado and tomato) bagels. Both definitely hit the flavour mark, however, the cream cheese was a bit thick on the JC if I’m perfectly honest. Nonetheless, the bagel itself was wonderful, very true to the standard you tend to expect from Al Brown’s kitchen. Definitely recommend to all other newmarketers in search of a quick bite to eat whilst on their shopping or work grind!

Very cool, very neat place, and totally out in the middle of nowhere in Newmarket. I spend most of my time in the CBD, but I’ve heard so many great things about Best Ugly Bagels that I figured I should go along. It took a little while to find it, but it felt like all of a sudden the heart of Newmarket opened up and there was this perfect bagel store! I feel like I missed a great opportunity to take some stylish photos of the food, but it looks like all of the other reviewers beat me to the punch.
These might just be the best bagels I’ve eaten in a very, very long time. They had the perfect consistency, the toppings that go along were perfect, and the staff were surprisingly energetic for a Sunday afternoon.
I ordered the King and my girlfriend ordered the TAB, they were stunning. The toppings were plentiful, but not overpowering, and you definitely got your money’s worth with them. We also ordered two long blacks — super hot, super strong, perfect.
The way that the staff yelled out your orders and your name was pretty neat — it was a bit unexpected, but pretty neat.
We haven’t been back yet, but it’s top on the list for our next trip out to Newmarket!

A Yodi is a magestic thing. It is perfect. Hot habanero mustard, salty chewy pastrami and a tangy pickle. In saying that, I’ve completely over done them. I get ridiculously excited at the start of the month to see what the new monthly special will be.
The people in the kitchen are awesome, and the announcement set up when they call your name is a cute gimmick. The barista makes the meanest long black in town. These guys make the Newmarket joint 100x better than City Works. They’ve also nailed their chat with regulars — they remember me and all my flatmates, and our coffee orders and flat gossip.
I also recommend the bags of bagels and pots of mustard to take home and make your own. Makes an amazing work lunch.

Their TAB bagel made me fall in love with Basil (I cook with it almost every day now!). This is one of my favourite places to eat lunch in Newmarket. I enjoy myself regardless of the weather, the time of day, or whether I’m alone or with company. The staff are pretty cool and they take time to acknowledge their regulars which gives me the warm fuzzies. There’s nothing better than walking into your favourite café and being greeted by name.
Best Ugly is an eco friendly store, who offer discounts if you bring your own reusable cup, and use recyclable plates which is wonderful to see. The loudspeakers can be bothersome as they’re used to call out orders, but the cool music and snazzy setting make up for that in terms of atmosphere. The food is incredibly delish and I can’t imaging getting tired of it. Yum!

First of all, I just want to say that the service at Best Ugly Bagels is spot on! My Mum, sister and I visited Best Ugly one Saturday morning, a few minutes before 8am — they were just about to open and the staff were chirpy, welcoming, and very friendly. This was a great start to the day, especially as it was such an early time on the weekend!
I was super excited to try the Best Ugly bagels at their Newmarket location (love their City Works Depot branch, but a bit out of the way for me) as they had a 2 for 1 bagel deal going that day — what a steal! My sister and I both ordered their special breakfast bagels (I think this was the bagel of the day) which consisted of two fried eggs, bacon, rocket and parmesan. Best breakfast ever!!!
We also ordered three coffees. All were seriously amazing. Strong, extra hot and creamy — definitely the best coffee I had in 2014 and looking forward to many more of them this year!
What I love about Best Ugly, is that they not only serve delicious food and coffee, but you can also watch them hand roll the bagels and bake them in a wood fired oven. Such a great idea and also very cool that the public can watch the chefs work their magic! Also a big thumbs up to their outdoor courtyard with colourful seating and herb pot plants, plus the Vespa parked right outside gave it that extra touch!
Highly recommend Best Ugly. Definitely worth trying it out if you haven’t already!

Finally went here! Been wanting to try it for SO long. Best bagel I’ve had in forever, it’s as simple as that really! The staff also made the experience so awesome — so fun and full of energy! Left with a big smile on my face :)

Best Ugly Bagels is my new absolute favourite brunch/​lunch spot– especially after they opened their Newmarket store! Both locations are great setups, contemporary and industrial. It’s great being able to watch the whole bagel making process whilst you order! The only problem is that there isn’t much seating, so if you get there during a busy period you may have to wait a while to grab a seat!
It’s worth it though– the bagels are next to none. I’m a huge bagel fan, but nothing I’ve ever had before compares to Best Ugly. I love them so much that I can never decide between the TAB (tomato, avo and basil with a lemon and fennel dressing– amazing) and the PBJ (peanut butter and jelly), so I legitimately get two every time. My dad swears by The King (traditional cream cheese and lox) though, and my sister gets The Yodi (pastrami and swiss cheese) so I feel like there’s definitely something for everyone. If you’re more into simple flavours you can get just peanut butter, cream cheese, cream cheese and jam or their version of nutella too– just so many options!
There’s also a parking building right across the street as well so there’s always somewhere to park which is great, however it is in walking distance from 277 and the Rialto. Fantastic location, and even better food!!!

Al Brown’s Best Ugly Bagel’s are the business. The Newmarket store hasn’t been open long — however everyone flocks to this place for lunch and/​or supplies. I have acquainted City Works Depot branch regularly, so well aware of the standard and gastronomy of this fare. You can opt to takeout or stay, whatever suits. Four choices of bagel (poppy, sesame, plain or cinnamon & raisin) and you can have (many) straight up, spreads or filled bagels from $ 3.50 (plain bagel with Whitestone butter) or spread $ 4.50 (JC: Te Horo jam & Zany Zeus Cream Cheese) or filled $ 10 (Yodi: Pastrami, Swiss, Habanero mustard & pickle)… So there you have it! I love the transparency of Ugly Bagels with all staff visible as they cook, prep, make coffee, sing and engage with each other and you! Super hip place that is honest, affordable and delectable.

Service: ⁴⁄₅
Food: ⁵⁄₅
Price: ³⁄₅
Environment: ³⁄₅
Wonderful, wonderful food. We went to the city one a few times. This new location has the same beautiful food. BUT I don’t like one thing, the wood burner/​oven is outside the shop and is also located next to where everyone sits. The smoke is strong. It also made the whole area smokey. You can smell the smoke in Kent street as well.
It is likely that I will buy takeaways next time.

As far as bagels go there is no place like heaven… I mean Best Ugly. But let me set something straight here — the Newmarket location is the ultimate place to go.
Interior décor — true to Al Brown style (again) it is a minimalistic/​industrial design and I just can’t stop staring at the wood fired oven! Love that they made the outside area slightly bigger than the CWD location’s and put more chairs and tables. It is well sheltered so you will not get wind blow the bagel into your face or get rained on.
Staff — very friendly, cool and positive. I always go there for lunch and even when they are the busiest they are always smiling, efficient and professional.
Menu — like the fact that it is the same as in CWD bagelry. There are plenty options for vegetarians and non vegetarians, from simple bagels to full on lunch «meals», savoury and sweet variations.
Food — great flavours, excellent quality, decent portions. Very good coffee (!) and drink selection — not many places have nice coconut water…
Price — maybe slightly more expensive than what you would normally pay for a bagel but I promise you these little precious are totally worth it! It’s a nice Friday treat for yourself after a hard working week.
And last bu not least — perfect spot for putting the Best Ugly bagelry — York St and Teed St area was so dull before Al Brown set his foot in there. This place totally brought together all little boutiques and salons in the alley and made it the new hip place to go to and have your ultimate Newmarket experience.

As far as foodies are concerned, whenever Al Brown’s involved, things get pretty serious.
Best Ugly being no exception. The word I’d use to describe the recently opened Newmarket location is… snazzy. Their robust wood fired oven is in plain sight (so prepare to be mesmerized by endless bagel-​covered slats being inserted into the fire and the intoxicating smell of freshly baked dough).
…drool.
I went for the bagel of the day: Holey Smoke — smoked warehou (white fish), crème fraîche & lemon juice on a sesame bagel topped with parsley ($ 12). It was good. Okay, it was probably a little better than *good* but I was a little underwhelmed. Maybe it was due to the over-​hype, maybe it was because the amount of fish topping seemed a bit sparse… or that I’m just used to extra huge ‘Murica bagels… but, either way, that’s my take.
It’s a small cozy space with limited indoor seating (just a few bar stools), with the majority of seating outside (including a small fireplace on one side so still doable on those cooler days).
I also hear the coffee is really, really good. I’ll definitely be back.