Better Know a Bagel: Soho Bakery and Deli
By David R. Cohen | david@atljewishtimes.com
In our last edition of Better Know a Bagel, we visited Art’s Bagels in Acworth. This week we explore Soho Bakery and Deli in the heart of Sandy Springs.
Readers might recognize Soho as the location of the former Little European Bakery, which closed about nine months ago. Located off Sandy Springs Circle behind the Cromwell Square shopping center, Soho is a relatively new offering in the Atlanta bagel market. Read on to see how it stacks up.
Atmosphere
They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, and from the street, Soho doesn’t look like much. But the interior has the sights, sounds and smells of an authentic New York bakery. Gourmet cakes and pastries line the glass display cases, and contemporary works from local artists hang on the wall. To get your grub, order from the cashier at the front counter and wait at a table. The seating area is big enough to accommodate large groups and includes the ever-popular banquet table for minyans and church groups alike.
Verdict: 4/5 bagels
Bagels
The star attraction of Soho Bakery and Deli is the extensive selection of cakes, pastries, torts and pies, but the house-made bagels give those sweet treats a serious run for their money. Soho’s large, soft and puffy bagels can stand up to any in Atlanta. Soho has a surprisingly wide variety of flavors, including blueberry, honey whole wheat and salt, to go along with such standbys as everything, sesame and plain. Order a dozen discs and you will get them in an oversized, clear sack through which you can see the steam coming off the ultra-fresh delights. Bottom line: These bagels live up to their New York namesake and might be the freshest in Atlanta.
Verdict: 5/5 bagels
Spreads
The cream cheese and other spreads at Soho are adequate to go along with the ultra-fresh bagels. I found the variety of cream cheeses, which feature flavors garlic herb, chocolate chip, and chive and onion, to be slightly bland compared with other delis. Soho offers a selection of Boar’s Head meat and cheese sandwiches but nothing kosher. I did enjoy the LEO bagel (pictured), which came with eggs and onion on top of chilled Nova.
Verdict: 3/5 bagels
Overall
Soho is in a great location in the heart of Sandy Springs and makes incredibly fresh New York-style bagels that will satisfy any deli aficionado. I highly recommend a visit to this authentic shop to sit down and enjoy a hot coffee, a warm bagel and all-around good eats.
Verdict: 4/5 bagels
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