Brooklyn is famed for bagels that blend crispy exteriors with soft, doughy centres—an iconic staple closely bound to the borough’s culinary personality. Yet for many years, if you followed a diet free from wheat, you may have felt left out of this local tradition. Thankfully, a new wave of bakeries and cafés has begun crafting alternatives that capture the spirit of those beloved rings, minus the usual flour. Whether you’re a Brooklyn native searching for fresh morning bites or a visitor hoping to experience a slice of local life, these innovative spots are ready to delight.
Some emphasise heritage and time-honoured methods, swapping out wheat flour for thoughtful combinations of millet, quinoa, or other grains, to maintain that irresistible chew. Others get more experimental, perhaps infusing the dough with unexpected ingredients to produce subtle flavours. All, however, understand that no matter how your bagel is composed, it should still exude that comforting sense of familiarity. You’ll taste tangy spreads, sweet jams, or savoury fillings like smoked salmon—just as a classic bagel shop would offer, only with a wheat-free twist.
Below, we spotlight eight establishments that outshine others in providing the best gluten-free bagel shops in Brooklyn. Whether you pop in for a quick pick-me-up or plan to linger with a book and a latte, each destination promises to make you feel at ease. Their warm décor, dedicated staff, and inventive recipes ensure you won’t miss the standard floury ring. So as you roam this lively borough—where indie boutiques and hip coffee bars coexist with old brownstones—take a detour to taste a timeless breakfast treat, newly reinvented to include everyone at the table.
No matter if you prefer something sweet, something spicy, or something elegantly simple, these forward-thinking spots stand ready to transform your next breakfast or brunch. Gather a friend, follow that tempting bakery smell, and relish a bagel that’s free of wheat yet full of flavour.
1. Shelsky’s Brooklyn Bagels
Shelsky’s Brooklyn Bagels has made its mark by uniting a love for artisanal fish and carefully crafted dough—two pillars of a classic New York–inspired breakfast. Step inside, and you’ll notice an easy blend of tradition and modern flair, with staff neatly clad behind the counter, ready to talk you through the day’s fresh creations. Though many visitors arrive expecting well-known lox sandwiches or bagels topped with cream cheese, those seeking wheat-free versions find themselves warmly guided toward the best gluten-free bagel shops in Brooklyn—Shelsky’s included.
The interior exudes a snug vibe: a few vintage signs on the walls, half a dozen chairs near a large window, and a display case showing off everything from smoked salmon to fruit-laced spreads. Rather than cling to standard flour-only rings, the bakers here have explored novel ways to produce a satisfying chew, leaning on non-wheat blends. Expect a bagel that still conveys the beloved bounce when you press a fingertip to its crust. Top it with luxurious Nova lox, or try a whacky combination like horseradish cream cheese if you crave a spicy edge.
Shelsky’s doesn’t limit the gluten-free approach solely to plain bagels. You’ll also see onion, poppy seed, or everything variants, each channeling the hallmark savoury sprinkles of old-school doughs. If you fancy a sandwich-like meal, staff can stack up layers of fresh tomato, crisp lettuce, and maybe a slice of turkey or a smoked fish portion. Pair your pick with a smooth cappuccino or maybe a bright tea, then grab a seat to watch passers-by hustling along the street.
Though the vibe is relaxed, Shelsky’s never slacks on quality. Local fans praise the consistency—each ring emerges from the oven with that tried-and-true shape and aroma. The real pleasure is that by skipping standard wheat, you don’t miss out on the genuine bagel experience: that comforting chew, the fragrant seeds, and the pride that comes from devouring something truly reminiscent of classic Brooklyn.
2. Olde Brooklyn Bagel Shoppe
Olde Brooklyn Bagel Shoppe might be the place your grandparents would’ve loved—down-to-earth and brimming with a sense of local ties. The chalkboard outside generally highlights a short list of daily specials, and the glass display showcases fresh bagels in broad variety. Impressively, they also cultivate a gluten-free line, earning themselves a prime spot in discussions about the best gluten-free bagel shops in Brooklyn.
Once you push open the vintage wooden door, you’re greeted by a cosy interior dotted with framed photos of the neighbourhood. The staff wave you closer, ready to assist with your order. If you mention a wheat-free preference, they cheerfully suggest one of their special dough bases that combine alternative grains—maybe rice flour, potato starch, or a dash of teff. Thanks to frequent experimentation, these bagels capture much of the mouthfeel typical of a traditional ring, from the outer crisp to that slightly dense centre.
Customise your pick with a sweet or savoury slant. Salmon fans might load up on smoked fish, red onion, and capers, while egg lovers might choose a fluffy scramble layered with cheese. Meanwhile, a turkey or roast beef option beckons if you fancy a robust sandwich style. Regulars commend the staff’s readiness to double-check on details like sauces or spreads, ensuring all fits your wheat-free stance.
That personal touch resonates throughout the small dining area, where folks sip coffee, peruse their morning paper, or compare notes about local news. A child might nibble a plain bagel, enthralled by the novelty of skipping typical flour. Others indulge with honey or jam, discovering how sweetly it balances the slightly hearty texture. In essence, Olde Brooklyn Bagel Shoppe unites heritage with flexibility. You leave feeling like you’ve encountered a classic corner of the borough’s breakfast scene, revitalised by a dash of modern sensitivity and a willingness to evolve beyond the standard dough formula.
3. Pio Bagel
Pio Bagel merges a bright, airy ambience with a friendly approach to all things breakfast, forging a novel path that suits a more contemporary audience. Stepping inside, you see pastel shades on the walls, a stylish row of potted herbs near the countertop, and a throng of customers choosing their daily fix. Alongside classic poppy seed or onion bagels, Pio Bagel invests in wheat-free alternatives, underscoring its place on any list of the best gluten-free bagel shops in Brooklyn.
The staff excel in their knowledge of each creation, walking you through which variety might best highlight your favourite topping. Their gluten-free dough, for instance, replaces standard wheat with carefully balanced rice, sorghum, or a smidge of tapioca for elasticity. The outcome is a ring that’s lightly firm on the exterior, with a decent chew inside. Adding a swirl of whipped cream cheese or a thin layer of jam elevates it to a comforting breakfast delight.
If you need something more substantial, staff can whip up a bagel sandwich loaded with fresh vegetables and a slice of turkey or ham. Meanwhile, the line of pastries, though smaller, emphasises high-quality ingredients and a similar openness to non-wheat recipes. Pair your choice with a latte or a fresh fruit smoothie, which you can enjoy at minimalistic tables that let you keep an eye on the passing foot traffic.
Pio Bagel consistently draws a diverse crowd, from students quietly reading at the corners to families breezing in for a quick group brunch. Everyone seems to relish the sense that they’ve discovered a hidden gem in an otherwise hectic city. Combining an airy interior, staff well-versed in wheat-free needs, and a passion for morning staples, the café stands as a cheerful beacon that modernity needn’t exclude tradition—or those who prefer to skip flour. You leave with a full stomach and a sense of breezy contentment that’s quintessentially Brooklyn.
4. Knickerbocker Bagel
Knickerbocker Bagel has anchored its reputation on bridging old-fashioned principles with lively updates, ensuring that the classic ring never falls out of favour. Wander in on a busy morning, and you’ll see a swirl of hungry patrons, each examining blackboard lists of bagel varieties and possible pairings. The presence of wheat-free offerings here is more than just a side note—it’s an integral part of how they serve the entire community, thus featuring in the best gluten-free bagel shops in Brooklyn category.
A quick glance at the display shows an array of shapes and sizes: some topped with seeds, others spiked with onions or chilli flakes. Ask for the gluten-free variant, and the staff switch to a dedicated set of dough rings that rely on grains like millet or buckwheat. The result holds that quintessential bagel essence: lightly golden, slightly dense, and a satisfying chew as you break in. For toppings, you might opt for the simplicity of plain cream cheese, or push boundaries with a spicy hummus or maple-laced butter.
The environment exudes a neat, unpretentious vibe. Concrete floors, simple chairs, and a flurry of customers passing in and out, all while the barista cranks out cappuccinos. If you manage to secure a seat by the window, it’s a prime vantage to watch city life unfold. Meanwhile, the staff keep a certain rhythmic efficiency—there’s no time for dithering, but they’ll still happily chat about how each bagel is baked, shaped, and topped.
Knickerbocker Bagel might be overshadowed by more flamboyant shops, but locals appreciate its consistent dedication to taste. That devotion extends to those who can’t touch standard wheat. By removing the typical flour barrier, the team ensures that the iconic ring remains accessible—whether you want a savoury sandwich with smoked salmon or a sweet wake-up call with cinnamon-laced jam. Simply put, it’s an everyman’s bagel hub for a city that thrives on morning pick-me-ups and perpetual forward motion.
5. Bagelsmith
Bagelsmith has carved a distinctive identity by marrying a laid-back aesthetic with a precision approach to dough. Trendy yet grounded in older traditions, it draws all sorts of folks, from creatives seeking a coffee fix to families on leisurely outings. What has put Bagelsmith in the conversation among the best gluten-free bagel shops in Brooklyn is the flexible side to its menu—particularly those puffy rings that skip wheat but keep the scrumptious essence.
When you enter, large chalkboards list a kaleidoscope of possibilities: plain, sesame, everything, onion, and a couple of wilder flavours if you’re feeling bold. Within that selection, the staff highlight a separate batch of gluten-free variants, shaped with alternative flours such as quinoa or arrowroot. Taste-wise, the approach keeps them from becoming too dense, ensuring a balanced chew that bagel lovers want. Whether your topping is classic smoked salmon with a swirl of cream cheese or a simpler jam, your mouthful brims with the trademark comfort you’d expect from a well-done bagel.
Squeeze into a seat or perch near the window, sipping your latte while the city’s bustle provides a steady show. Bagelsmith fosters a warmth that might remind you of an old café from your childhood. Strangers share small talk about daily errands, the staff call regulars by name, and kids rummage through pockets for leftover coins to buy an extra pastry. Meanwhile, the background hum of steaming milk and clinking mugs complements the rhythmic vibe of customers arriving in waves.
For the sweet-of-tooth, a selection of cookies or brownies might beckon once you’ve settled on your main, though you can confirm if they skip standard flour. Bagelsmith’s success arises from balancing homely authenticity with an open-minded approach that never marginalises customers based on diet. In an era of fleeting attention spans and busy schedules, that formula thrives: real bagels, real charm, and real inclusiveness, all in a cosy nook of Brooklyn.
6. Bagel Pub
Bagel Pub bursts with a sunny, lighthearted spirit that draws bleary-eyed early birds as much as midday meanderers. Loved for its pastel hues and easy seating, it invites patrons to linger over their coffee or chai latte while planning the day ahead. Another reason it stands out is the presence of wheat-free bagels, rightfully including Bagel Pub on any top list of the best gluten-free bagel shops in Brooklyn.
Walk up to the counter, and staff greet you with the day’s suggestions. The display might flaunt an everything bagel topped with seeds or a dynamic cheddar-and-jalapeño variant. Meanwhile, the gluten-free selection stands proudly to one side, formed from flours that replicate the crisp shell and gentle denseness that bagels are famed for. Top it with tangy goat cheese or a swirl of honey-laden cream cheese for a sweet–savoury kick, or go the extra mile with a luscious lox spread, each slice dotted with pickled onions.
The interior’s design suggests a cross between a retro café and a bright lounge. Chairs and tables cluster around a little reading nook where magazines lie in wait for a casual skim. Observing the swirl of locals picking up bagged breakfasts, or friends sharing weekend gossip, forms part of the charm. At times, in the background, you might catch acoustic tunes that add a subtle hum.
As for beverages, the baristas pride themselves on everything from artisan cappuccinos to fresh juices. A wheat-free bagel plus a fruit-forward smoothie can produce a lively morning meal that gets your day rolling with minimal fuss. Bagel Pub’s entire ethos revolves around that notion: life doesn’t need to be complicated for you to relish top-tier bagels, especially if you prefer no standard flour in the recipe. By emphasising breezy comfort and playful design, it ensures everyone can join the bagel queue, from the wheat-loving to those skipping gluten entirely.
7. Everybody Eats
Everybody Eats transcends the idea of a standard shop, more closely echoing a close-knit community hub where delicious baked goods—including bagels—take centre stage. The business name suggests an inclusive vibe, an ethos that seamlessly incorporates wheat-free dough into the daily batch. Unsurprisingly, it emerges as a prime candidate among the best gluten-free bagel shops in Brooklyn, championing an approach that welcomes multiple dietary choices without fanfare.
A quick look around reveals an eclectic décor style: vintage prints, a few potted plants, and chairs that don’t match, in the best possible way. Behind the counter, a modest group of bakers works with unwavering focus, ensuring the rings come out of the oven puffed and gently browned. The wheat-free versions typically harness buckwheat, tapioca, or a few other lesser-known flours, producing a thoughtful crumb that’s airy enough for a classic bagel chew. A swirl of bright cream cheese, or perhaps a spicy jalapeño-laced one, completes that perfect morning ritual.
When the weather cooperates, folks spill out onto the pavement, forming a makeshift patio of sorts. The hush of conversation merges with the hiss of the espresso machine, giving the place a friendly, spontaneous energy. Inside, shelves might display local produce or house-made jams for you to buy. If you’re keen on a bagel sandwich, staff are delighted to load it up with crisp lettuce, flavourful tomato slices, or smoky turkey. For a sweet tooth, seasonal fruit compote can bring a swirl of orchard notes.
It’s this casual synergy—someone nibbling a bagel while reading, a cluster of pals comparing coffee notes—that reveals Everybody Eats is far more than a quick-service pit stop. The unwavering dedication to imaginative flours, fresh toppings, and a thoroughly welcoming vibe underscores why so many in the borough continue to drop by daily, bagging their favourite ring on the way to life’s next adventure.
8. Lula Bagel
Lula Bagel strikes a playful chord in its name, but behind that whimsical façade stands a thoroughly serious mission: championing bagels that respect local tastes and modern diets in equal measure. Neon signage might catch your eye first, framed by a sleek shopfront that merges Brooklyn’s edgy vibe with a cosy café spirit. For the city’s wheat-free fans, Lula Bagel cements itself in the top ranks of the best gluten-free bagel shops in Brooklyn, using cunning flour blends to conjure a ring that truly competes with the typical wheat-based variety.
Inside, a short queue of customers often forms near the vibrant display, with staff busily slipping fresh bagels onto racks. The wheat-free batch arises from a meticulous recipe: perhaps coconut flour for faint sweetness, balanced by tapioca’s structural support. Toppings remain classic, from salt flecks and onion pieces to a swirl of seeds, generating that essential savoury finish. Teamed with luscious spreads—think tangy veggie-based schmears or a luscious sweet berry jam—it yields a bagel that packs both robust flavour and gentle chew.
Lula Bagel’s interior fosters a sense of bohemian calm. Wooden benches line one side, while the other might showcase local art or a rotating photo exhibit. Patrons sip herbal teas or well-pulled espresso, exchanging midday stories or burying themselves in a novel. If you gravitate toward heartier combos, you could request an egg-and-cheese stack or a side of pickled cucumbers for a zesty punch. The staff remain open to custom requests, so feel free to dream up a topping that best suits your palate.
Visitors leave with a sense that Lula Bagel isn’t just about gastronomic novelty; it’s a testament to how tradition evolves in a city as diverse as Brooklyn. By baking alternative dough to a high standard, the shop ensures that celiacs, casual wheat-avoiders, and adventurous eaters all converge under one roof, drawn together by that universal love for a comforting, ring-shaped indulgence that’s wholly local.
Exploring The Best Gluten-Free Bagel Spots in Brooklyn
Brooklyn’s food culture has long stood in the spotlight for its imaginative energy, weaving together the old and the new in streets brimming with multicultural flavours. For bagels, the borough once adhered firmly to classic wheat-based dough—famed for that timeless crisp-and-chew combination. Yet as mindful eating becomes standard, the best gluten-free bagel shops in Brooklyn illuminate how cherished traditions can stretch and flex. Innovative bakers experiment with rice flour, millet, or even quinoa, introducing a refreshing spin that draws all bagel enthusiasts, no matter their dietary preferences.
Each of the eight highlighted shops offers a unique stamp. Some double down on that old-school formula, ensuring the ring remains robust enough for dense spreads or thick smoked salmon layers. Others feature airy cafés, emphasising fruit-laced schmears, colourful seating, or a more experimental roster of bagel flavours. Beyond their surface differences, these cafés share a commitment to brightening each morning with top-notch dough—an inclusive approach that invites both the classic loyalist and the wheat-free newcomer.
Alongside those carefully considered bagels, you’ll find the broader charm of Brooklyn on display. Locals might queue outside a beloved shop at dawn, fuelling up for a busy day in the city, while travellers navigate side streets in search of that legendary bite. Inside, the hum of espresso machines, the waft of fresh brew, and the occasional swirl of conversation bind everyone together under a single communal experience: a sense that bagels represent something bigger than breakfast alone. They embody community, routine, and that fleeting hush of enjoyment whenever you bite into fresh bread—now translated into a wheat-free dimension.
In the end, these outlets underscore that a seemingly small shift—omitting standard flour—needn’t disrupt the enchantment of a ring that’s baked with care. So if you’re eager to recapture that comforting treat from childhood or simply chase new flavours while sidestepping wheat, rest assured: Brooklyn’s best gluten-free bagel shops stand ready. The city’s creative pulse ensures every ring retains the borough’s hallmark taste, bridging tradition and thoughtful adaptation in each satisfying chew.
