Ask any New York transplant about the Bay Area bagel scene, and they’ll likely launch into a well-rehearsed tirade about tap water. And sure, there may not be a bagel shop within walking distance of every three-block radius in SF like there is in NYC. But with the arrival of Schlok’s in NoPa, things are looking up.

The takeout window on Fell St. is recognizable by their appropriately colored salmon-pink walls. That, and the clusters of folks waiting on the sidewalk for fresh bagels and packets of lox. In contrast to their pop-up days when Schlok’s would sell out through their website in minutes, ordering is simple now—just head to the front or pre-order online. Then, have at the simple menu of loose bagels (plain, sesame, poppy, onion, salt, or everything), schmear, lox, sandwiches, and coffee by Saint Frank. 

While the preset sandwiches are good on the go, our path to success always involves focusing on the a la carte options. The bagels are always chewy and soft on the inside, and have a gorgeous bottom crust that crunches loud enough to hear from the Panhandle. We love the schmears, with toppings like green onions and baked tomatoes that aren’t mixed in but rather layered across the top like sprinkles on a cake. Add silky, translucent, house-cured lox to the equation and this becomes a spot you’ll return to more often than a horde of bees to a lush botanical garden. We’re patiently waiting for a Schlok’s to open up on every corner, but until then, you’ll find us here most mornings, bag of bagels in hand. 

Food Rundown

Bagels, Schmear, & House-Cured Lox

Our favorite way to experience Schlok’s is to buy half a dozen bagels (sesame and plain are our go-tos here), scallion schmear, and house-cured lox. The buttery lox has the slightest hint of dill, and is sliced so thinly that you can practically see through it.

photo credit: Sarah Felker

Breakfast Sandwich

If we’re not getting loose bagels and lox, this plump egg-and-cheese bagel sandwich is the way to go, especially with smoked ham added for $2 extra. It’s a well-stuffed stunner, and our preferred way to start a morning.

photo credit: Sarah Felker

Lox Sandwich

The caper schmear that comes on this sandwich is perfectly salty, and as we’ve said many times, we have a legitimate crush on the lox at Schlok’s. You can’t go wrong ordering this.

photo credit: Sarah Felker

Veggie Sandwich

The third (and most skippable) sandwich on the menu. Overall, it’s just a little dry—the sprouts, beets, and spicy chickpea spread are better-suited to be salad toppings than stacked between a bagel.