Have you ever craved a bagel so exceptional, so unlike anything youve tasted before, that it redefines your entire understanding of the breakfast staple? The answer, for many in Los Angeles, is a resounding yes, thanks to the culinary phenomenon known as Calic Bagel.
Calic Bagel, a name that has become synonymous with innovative flavors and Instagram-worthy creations, began its journey as a pop-up, a small-batch operation crafting garlic breads and bagels that quickly captured the hearts (and stomachs) of the Los Angeles food scene. This humble beginning, fueled by a passion for the unique garlic cream cheese breads found in Korean bakeries, has blossomed into a local icon. Today, after years of building a devoted following, Calic Bagel has finally settled into a permanent home at 2748 West 8th Street, in the heart of Los Angeles, California.
Name | Calic Bagel |
Location | 2748 West 8th Street, Los Angeles, CA |
Specialty | Fresh and stuffed bagels, sandwiches, schmear, and cafe drinks |
Signature Item | Garlic butter dipped and garlic cream cheese filled original Calic Bagel |
Origin | Inspired by garlic cream cheese breads found in Korean bakeries |
Noteworthy Feature | Featured on Food Network |
Availability | Delivery, takeout, and dine-in |
Online Ordering | Click here |
Social Media Presence | Active presence on Instagram (search for "Calic Bagel") and other platforms. |
The concept behind Calic Bagel is simple yet brilliant: take the familiar comfort of a bagel and elevate it with unexpected flavors and textures. This vision, born from the founders observation of a gap in the American market for the unique garlic cream cheese breads found in small Korean bakeries, has resulted in a menu that's both exciting and comforting.
The cornerstone of Calic Bagel's success is undoubtedly its signature creation: the iconic garlic butter dipped and garlic cream cheese filled original Calic Bagel. This bagel, a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary, is a sensory experience. The outer layer, perfectly toasted and slightly crunchy, gives way to a soft, pillowy interior brimming with a generous slathering of creamy garlic-infused cream cheese. Then, the whole package is taken for a dip in garlic butter. Its a bagel so good, it has been featured on the Food Network and reviewed countless times on platforms like TikTok.
But Calic Bagel is far more than just its signature offering. The menu boasts a variety of fresh and stuffed bagels, catering to every palate. From classic plain, sesame, and everything bagels to more adventurous options like jalapeo, there's something for everyone. And for those seeking a heartier meal, the cafe also offers a selection of sandwiches, schmear, and cafe drinks, perfectly complementing the star of the show.
Calic's commitment to freshness and quality is evident in every bite. Bagels are baked fresh, with the "loose bagels" the plain and simply flavored options baked every 30 minutes to ensure optimal texture and taste. This dedication to freshness, along with the innovative flavor combinations, has made Calic Bagel a must-visit destination for food lovers across Los Angeles and beyond.
The success of Calic Bagel is not just a testament to its delicious offerings, but also to its clever approach to customer service and branding. The online ordering system, which allows customers to order ahead for delivery or takeout, makes the experience convenient and efficient. And the promise of no delivery fee on the first order is a tempting incentive for newcomers to try the culinary delights. Moreover, by operating as part of Markeat8, formerly the location of All Good Things, Calic Bagel became part of a curated space and adds another layer of interest.
The buzz surrounding Calic Bagel is impossible to ignore. Scroll through the brand's Instagram feed, and youll see why crowds gather daily. The garlic cream cheese bagel dipped in garlic butter remains the star, but other options, like those stuffed with pizza fillings or a habanero garlic butter, are equally popular. The bagels have been reviewed on tiktok more times than we care to count.
For those who like to try their hand at home cooking, copycat recipes of Calic Bagel's viral creations are readily available online. These recipes typically involve a few simple ingredients and steps, allowing home cooks to recreate the magic of the garlic cream cheese stuffed bagel. Of course, no matter how good the home version is, it's unlikely to match the expertise of Calic Bagel's dedicated bakers.
The brands appeal goes beyond its food, its about creating an experience. From the moment you walk in, you get a sense of the energy and passion that defines the place. The line, which can sometimes stretch down the block, is a testament to the bagel's popularity and the efficiency of the service. Its a nice touch that helps speed up the line of people there for one of their signature stuffed bagels. If you are a bagel purist, you can rest assured that calic also prepares the classics well.
Calic Bagel has become more than just a breakfast spot; its a cultural phenomenon. It embodies the spirit of Los Angeles, where innovation and tradition collide to create something truly special. Whether you're a longtime local or a first-time visitor, a trip to Calic Bagel is an experience. With its unique flavor combinations, commitment to freshness, and dedication to customer satisfaction, Calic Bagel has earned its place as a true LA food icon.
The eatery is open Tuesday through Sunday, starting at 8 a.m., providing ample opportunity to experience the delights for yourself. To truly appreciate the scale of Calic Bagel's impact, one need only look at the numbers: over 2,054 likes on social media, with hundreds of people already experiencing the bagel in person.
For those who like to make their own version of the recipes at home, this is a basic recipe of how it's made, in case you decide to recreate the viral cream cheese stuffed garlic bread bagel. First, the dough is prepared with the necessary ingredients, then shaped into the desired bagel form. The bagels are then boiled, before baking in the oven. After the bagels are done and cooled, they are sliced and generously filled with a garlic cream cheese mixture, that is then baked again until golden and crispy.
You can order online on the Calic Bagel site here, which provides you with options for the calic bagel to be catered for your events and meetups. It's a great spread for any bread, meats, seafood, and pasta. If you are on a road trip in CA, make sure to add this to your itinerary. If you're looking for just a good ol bagel, they have them too from a simple butter bagel to a jalapeo bagel. Either way, youre bound to leave with your cravings satisfied.