Big City Bagels Cafe- BCB Cafe
1010 University Ave, San Diego
(619) 574-7878
Recent Reviews
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BCB Fit
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I love this neighborhood place. Great bagels, good coffee, variety of cream cheese. Taking some for the team again, and they love it too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love BC Bagels. Been here 3 times and the quality and customer service is consistently good. Love this place. Always order a plain bagel with cream cheese and a sausage egg and cheese on an everything.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
BCB Bagels is one of those rare places that instantly becomes a non-negotiable stop once you’ve had it. From the moment you walk in, you can tell this spot is dialed. There’s a perfect balance of local energy, efficiency, and straight-up pride in what they’re serving.
Let’s start with the bagels themselves, because that’s where BCB separates from 99% of the competition. These bagels are legitimately elite — crispy, golden, and slightly blistered on the outside, with that chewy, dense, New York–style interior that most places try to replicate and completely miss. Every bite has structure, flavor, and texture. They’re not fluffy bread circles pretending to be bagels — these are the real deal.
Now the sandwiches. Absolute weapons. Perfect ratios every time. Nothing sloppy, nothing dry, nothing overdone. Whether you’re going classic breakfast, loading up on bacon/egg/cheese, or going full deli-style, everything tastes intentional. The eggs are cooked right, the meats are high quality, the spreads are generous without being overpowering, and the bagel never gets soggy — which is honestly impressive.
The cream cheese game deserves its own paragraph. Smooth, rich, and flavorful, with options that actually taste fresh and well-balanced. Not overly whipped, not bland, not clumpy. You can tell they care.
Service-wise, BCB absolutely crushes it. The staff is friendly, fast, and locked in, even when the line’s out the door. Orders come out quick, accurate, and with zero attitude — which matters way more than people admit. It feels like a place run by people who genuinely want you to have a good experience, not just get you in and out.
Atmosphere? Classic local gem vibes. Clean, welcoming, and buzzing with regulars — which is always the best sign. You’ve got surfers, locals, families, and people who clearly know food all in the same space. That alone tells you everything you need to know.
Bottom line: BCB Bagels isn’t just good — it’s top tier.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love this place best bagel shop in town, been coming here for years!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My husband and I are from the East Coast. Finding a good bagel shop has been a challenge. However, not any more! BCB has the best bagels in SD! The location is spotlessly clean, the service is wonderful, and everything on the menu is fantastic. This is our go to spot, for sure! Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love this place - the bagels are great but so are their pastries (bagels, muffins, and donuts all made in house)! Also appreciate that they have gluten friendly options :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
friendliest service ever!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
No better bagel in town!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
WE LOVE BCB!! Best food, great staff, the owners are incredible!! I would highly recommend anything from BCB!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Coming from the East coast & loving NY style bagels, (boiled & baked) I had high expectations.
BCB never disappoints!!
The BEST bagels in SD!!
Favorites are the 5th Ave & the TPR breakfast sandwich.
Love this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The beat bagels and sandwiches in San Diego! And their tuna is absolutely the best!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I love this place! Service is great the bagels are the best. Old school bagel and cream cheese is delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great bagels and super friendly staff. The All Star is the bomb ! Highly recommend .
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing food and service, pleasant staff . Bagel sandwiches are delicious. Highly recommend lox/ smoked salmon on everything bagel. A must try if you are in the area .
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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