Better Know a Bagel: Goldberg’s Bagel Co.
The Hunt for the Best Bagel in Atlanta: Part 1
Atlanta is a city known for its rich southern culture, Coca-Cola and traffic. One category that is typically underappreciated is our wide array of delicatessens. There are in fact, over 20 delicious delis scattered across Atlanta for you to get your fix of bagels, lox, and “schmear.” Kicking off in December, the Jewish Times will be attempting to visit every Atlanta area deli as part of our “Better Know a Bagel” series. Our mission? To find the best bagel locales in the city, especially the lesser known ones.
Rules
Order a lox platter with cream cheese and three bagels. The deli will be ranked in three categories: Atmosphere, Bagels and Spreads. Ratings will be from one to five bagels. Got it? Let’s go find some bagels!!
Goldberg’s Bagel Company
Goldberg’s Bagel Company and Deli promises “An authentic New York deli experience,” and with a rich 40+ year history in Metro Atlanta they deliver. For the first edition of our “Better Know a Bagel” feature we headed over to the Goldberg’s on Roswell Road in Buckhead. There we ranked the deli in three categories: Atmosphere, Bagels and Spreads.
Atmosphere
When we stepped into Goldberg’s, we knew we were in a happening spot. The deli was busy, but there was still a sense of order; we never had the feeling that we were in complete chaos. The walls are decorated with murals inspired by famous Broadway shows, like The Producers and West Side Story. We found our own seats immediately. The place setting was attractive, and a jar of pickles sat proudly on each table. The waitress was friendly, attentive, and efficient.
Verdict: 4/5 Bagels
Bagels
Goldberg’s deli bakes classic boiled bagels in over 25 varieties. From classics like sesame to non-traditional varieties like cranberry and jalapeno cheddar, all the bagels are soft and doughy on the inside and lightly crisp on the outside. We found the bagels to be large, dense and very filling.
Verdict: 4/5 Bagels
Spreads
One of Goldberg’s biggest draws is their variety of cream cheese. Offering imaginative flavors such as green olive, cinnamon raisin and blueberry means there’s sure to be something for everyone’s taste. We felt that the consistency of the “schmear” was a tad heavy and just a bit too rich. The whitefish salad however, was a perfect and smooth spreadable consistency with the perfect amount of smoked flavor. The lox was thin sliced and presented with plenty of capers on top.
Verdict: 3/5 Bagels
Overall
Goldberg’s is an esteemed bagel bakery with a highly varied menu and the classic feel (and taste) of a New York Deli. Although it doesn’t over deliver in any one area, you won’t be disappointed with anything on the menu. The bagels are always fresh, the lox always ice cold and the latkes are always piping hot.
Verdict: 4/5 Bagels
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