South Carolina is famous for grits and biscuits, but a quiet bagel movement has been rolling across the state for years. Locals from the Upstate to the Lowcountry have their favorite spots, and they are happy to point newcomers in the right direction.
Some of these shops boil their dough the New York way, while others have their own twist on the classic ring. Here are seven places that keep earning word-of-mouth love, plus the practical details you need before you go.
1. Holey City Bagels, Charleston, SC
Charleston has a nickname, the Holy City, and one clever shop turned it into a bagel pun that locals now use as directions. Holey City Bagels sits at 43 Cannon St, Charleston, SC 29403, close to the local college crowd.
The menu covers a wide variety of bagel flavors, along with lox, pork roll, and other breakfast-friendly provisions. The jalapeño cheddar bagel is a standout, and it gets even better piled with pastrami.
A coffee bar rounds things out, so a full morning routine happens under one roof. The spot also keeps Pedialyte in the fridge, a small touch that says a lot about its student neighbors.
Hours run from 7 AM to 1 PM every day except Tuesday, when the shop is closed. Weekend mornings get busy, while Wednesday and Thursday afternoons tend to be calmer.
Expect to spend around $10 to $20 per person. Free wi-fi and delivery are both available, so there is no excuse to miss out.
2. Greenfield’s Bagels & Deli-Midtown, Greenville, SC
Ten years is a long time to stay loyal to one breakfast spot, yet plenty of Greenville families have done exactly that. Greenfield’s Bagels & Deli-Midtown, at 101 Verdae Blvd #180, has earned that kind of devotion.
Part bagel bakery and part classic deli, it serves hot pastrami, corned beef, and turkey alongside a strong lineup of bagel sandwiches. The pastrami egg and cheese is a local favorite, and the turkey sausage egg and cheese on an everything bagel holds its own.
Then there is the double crunch bagel, which fans insist is essential. The cheese bagel, with its crispy baked-on topping, also has a loyal following.
Many compare these bagels favorably with a classic New York version. That reputation brings crowds, and weekend lines can stretch out the door, so arriving early on Saturday is smart.
The shop is open daily from 7 AM to 2:30 PM, with free parking and wi-fi.
3. Broadway Bagels Cafe, Spartanburg, SC
Early risers in Spartanburg have a friend in Broadway Bagels Cafe, which opens its doors at 6:30 AM on weekdays. The family-owned spot sits at 1200 E Main St, Spartanburg, SC 29307.
This casual neighborhood eatery specializes in bagels, sold by the assortment or built into sandwiches. Paninis, omelets, baked goods, and coffee fill out the menu, including a cappuccino breve.
The sourdough bagel is a pleasant surprise for anyone expecting only the usual lineup. A cinnamon sugar option, dusted with crystallized sugar outside and cinnamon pockets inside, is another reason to linger at the case.
Transplants from New York count these among the best New York-style bagels they have found since moving south. Sandwiches come out quickly, which helps on busy workday mornings.
Prices land in the $1 to $10 range, making it the budget champion of this list. Saturday hours run 7 AM to 2 PM, and the cafe is closed on Sunday.
4. Bagel Factory, Myrtle Beach, SC
Beach days start better with a big bagel, and the Grand Strand has a favorite factory for them. Bagel Factory is at 2012 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.
The cafe features a variety of New York-style bagels, plus breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, French toast, and coffee. The Bagel Benedict with potatoes and the Manhattan Special are two menu highlights worth a look.
Size matters here, and these bagels are generously big. A sausage, egg, and cheese on a jalapeño cheddar bagel is a hearty way to fuel up.
Staff are known for making orders exactly as requested, whether that means extra toasting or a thick layer of garlic and herb cream cheese. The dining room is clean and roomy.
Prices stay friendly at $1 to $10 per person. Delivery is available, and hours are 7 AM to 2 PM daily, with Sunday and Friday mornings the busiest times.
5. Island Bagel & Deli, Hilton Head Island, SC
Plenty of families build an annual Hilton Head trip around one breakfast stop. Island Bagel & Deli, at 841 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, is that stop for many of them.
The shop serves authentic New York-style boiled bagels, specialty sandwiches, salads, coffee, and pastries. A wide variety of cream cheese spreads gives every bagel its own personality.
The setting is relaxed, with a patio for eating outside. Its central location on the island makes it an easy morning errand.
Good things take time, and orders can involve a wait, sometimes 15 minutes or more for a half dozen. Anyone in a hurry should plan ahead.
Hours run from 7 AM to 2 PM daily, and costs are about $10 to $20 per person. Free parking is available, but delivery is not.
6. Carolina Cafe & Catering Co, Columbia, SC
Just steps from the university campus, a homey cafe has been turning out housemade New York-style bagels for Columbia’s students and neighbors. Carolina Cafe & Catering Co sits at 925 Sumter St, Columbia, SC 29201.
Bagels are made fresh in-house each morning, with a nice variety that includes jalapeño and everything. Salads and sandwiches round out the menu, including a turkey and cranberry sauce creation on a poppyseed bagel.
Coffee and tea get serious attention here, and both are highlights. A full vegetarian menu and healthy options widen the appeal.
The atmosphere is casual and cozy, and the crowd is welcoming, with an LGBTQ+ friendly space and a gender-neutral restroom. Kids are welcome, high chairs are available, and dogs can join on the outdoor seating.
Catering, including deli sandwich trays, makes it a go-to for group events. Weekday hours are 7 AM to 3 PM, and weekends run 8 AM to 2 PM.
Parking can be tricky, so allow a few extra minutes.
7. Island Bagel and Deli, Bluffton, SC
Cream cheese lovers, take note. The Bluffton location of Island Bagel and Deli does not hold back on the spread.
Find it at 17 Sherington Dr #6039, Bluffton, SC 29910. Bagels are made from scratch every day, and breakfast and lunch are served all day long.
Hefty breakfast sandwiches are the main draw, with bacon, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel leading the pack. A toasted raisin bagel with cream cheese and bacon is a sweet and salty wild card.
Fair warning for salt watchers: the everything seasoning here leans bold. Many locals call these the closest thing to real New York-style bagels in the Lowcountry.
Turnaround is quick, which helps during the busy weekday morning rush. The shop is open 7 AM to 2 PM daily, with Sunday and Thursday afternoons the quietest, and a meal runs about $10 to $20.
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