Worth the wait. Lines are shorter in the early morning. Worth waking up for. If there’s 20 people in-front of you it’ll probably take about an hour before you get your bagel. Still worth it.

I’m obsessed with this bagels!!! I went with my brother and we ate 3 pieces each! Delicious! Also matcha is amazing, same with the ice latte! Highly recommend! Super freshly and worthy ! Go with time because always have line…

Best bagels I've ever had, fresh and unique options. You have to try the burnt everything bagel flavour, paired well with everything we had. I don't even have a favorite, they were all amazing. Don't hesitate to try this!!

Good but busy place to grab a bagel, really popular also on a Saturday morning at 7:45am with a longer waiting line. Until I got my bagel maybe 30 min. Is it worth the waiting? For some people maybe yes. I had a Bagel at Layla’s Bagel which were similar good. Nevertheless would probably come back

Today we didn’t wait as long as we usually do; we were driving on Virgil hungry and saw that not only was there an available parking spot in front of courage but also there were only a couple of people in line! It was a no brainer 🤩 I usually order a 1/2 roe and a 1/2 tomato but today I tried the whole Sardine instead and OH MY GOODNESS! Courage bagels are hands down the best bagels you can find in LA! Not sure exactly what they’re doing back there but they’re doing it very well, I have so much respect for them. The bagels are perfect. The toppings are suuuch good quality and plated perfectly for your enjoyment 🤤 I love love love how the herbs are always so fresh and so cleanly placed on top, and they don’t skimp on ‘‘em either. I always get the same mouth feeling in every bite and every time slaps so hard it’s not even funny! The Parsley in the Sardine was my favorite touch 👌🏼

+1

I woke up one morning on a mission. After weeks of stalking Courage Bagels on Instagram and seeing one of my absolute favorite humans, Luenell (spelled L-U-E-N-E-L-L, thank you very much), sitting there enjoying what looked like the crunchiest, most seductive salmon bagel known to man, I cracked. The craving had been building. The time had come. I drove down, found the infamous line (because of course there’s a line), and took my place like a devoted carb disciple. I waited a solid 30 minutes, and let me tell you, not a single second of that wait was in vain. I ordered the Burnt Everything Bagel, and baby, it was everything. That thing came out looking like it had been to war and came back victorious. Crisped to perfection, loaded with flavor, and carrying the kind of texture that makes you question all previous bagel choices in your life. I didn’t just order one. I ordered four. Maybe five. I blacked out somewhere between “I’ll take another one of those” and “just give me everything again.” I couldn’t even start the car. I sat there in the parking lot like some wild animal, tearing into my bagel with the intensity of someone who just found food after wandering the desert. It was that serious. Courage Bagels is not a bagel shop. It’s a culinary altar. The crowd is beautifully diverse, the ingredients are fresh, and the presentation is flawless. It's giving Brooklyn energy with California confidence. This place has found its niche and protected it like a national treasure. And let me just say, unless the original owners are going to be personally supervising and inspecting every future bagel like it’s a newborn baby, they better not open a second location. Some things are too sacred to franchise. So thank you, Courage Bagels, for having the nerve to serve a Burnt Everything Bagel that changed my life and for giving me the courage to stand in line and wait for a flavor revelation. I will absolutely be back. Next time, I’m coming with a folding chair, a good book, and a cooler.

I come all the way to LA from Detroit once a year, mostly for Courage. I’m not kidding. Yes, the wait is long. Yes, they ask you if you want to leave a tip. Yes, you’re going to pay a bit more compared to other places. But every single bagel is made to order, out of the oven, with incredible ingredients. They don’t just throw salmon and capers on a bagel and call It a day. They place the toppings on with pride, and it’s just magical. People giving negative reviews for wait times and tipping are overlooking the most important thing: quality. I’ll pay money and time for that. I love you courage.

As an East Coaster who eats a fair share of bagels, I’ve found plenty of great, under-the-radar bagel spots in LA. But I don’t order lox from any of them—except here. The lox at Courage is simply perfect, possibly even better than Russ & Daughters in NYC (and I love that place). If you go during off-hours, you won’t wait long—I was in and out in under 10 minutes. Also, don’t skip the bagel with tomatoes—it’s another standout.

Wow! Just Wow! By far this was the best bagel I’ve tried in my life. Great texture in the bagel and amazing combination of toppings. How the tastes carefully sit together was like a piece of art. We tried the smoked salmon and I loved how they added olive oil to boost the taste. I found it more delicious to buy a naked bagel and add to my bagel with toppings to have two bagels and the balance of bagel to toppings was more delicious to me this way. I don’t know how they baked the bagel, the process seemed to be like Montreal bagels but the result was quite different.

+3

I had been wanting to try courage bagels for forever and it was everything I had expected and more. The tomato bagel was delicious as was the lox bagel. The consistency of the bagel is truly one of the best I’ve ever had. The coffee was also great. It is pretty expensive for a bagel, but still worth it for how good it was. Went at around 9:30am on a Sunday and waited about 30 mins in line. The line went by quickly though.

These are certainly the best bagels I’ve ever had (disclaimer, I have yet to try New York bagels). Noted as “Montreal style”, the juxtaposing crunchy exterior and soft interior is a delight. Each bagel is consistently spread with rich, well-bodied cream cheese. For specialty bagels, I find the produce to be juicy and fresh. I’ve been here several times and below are key notes of some of the best bagels: - Run it through the garden = refreshing - Cream cheese and tomato = simple, but powerful - Hand sliced smoked salmon = well-balanced To-go bagels also reheat nicely in a toaster oven for up to a few days. They will sell you the amount of cream cheese you need for the size of your to-go order, which is awesome! Only drawback is the usual 30 min line (if you get there around 9 am on a weekend), plus about a 20 min wait after ordering. Totally worth it though. There is plenty of street parking in nearby neighborhoods. You order at a window, but there is outdoor seating along the curb and seats open up pretty routinely. Staff is efficient and chill.

1/2 hand sliced smoked salmon / smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomato, onion, caper, dill, pepper, olive oil, lemon - 5 🌟! Brunt everything bagel with cream cheese - 5 🌟! I have always been afraid of the line at Courage Bagels. It is intimidating but clearly the folks visiting know what's up. The smoked salmon bagel sandwich was amazing. I love that they let you select a half sandwich option. The burnt everything bagel was new to me so I gave it a try. It's the same idea as ordering a pizza well done. It's a great idea and was tasty. Courage Bagels is open until early afternoon and their shop faces east. This means that there is no shade for the line that forms. They do their best with offering parasols and misting machines but only really hot days with long line, it is worth knowing in advance that you'll be standing in the sun. Overall, I was quite happy with the experience and I can see myself returning.

+5

The bagel was warm and tough. I liked it. The tomato bagel was 10/10. Coffee was great. Would go again

Confidently striding ahead, carving its niche with its flavors and unparalleled passion for the craft: bagels. The bagels are perfectly chewy on the inside with a delightfully crisp crust. Whether you're into classic or adventurous or some place in between there's a bagel here to win you over. All the spreads and toppings with each option work well together like a harmonious symphony. Their open faced bagel sandwiches are the perfect duet of flavors, textures and farm-fresh veggies. There is typically a line, and it takes its time and you'll even think about leaving, but definitely do not. The party for your palate is going to exceed your expectations. There are a number of tables outside that are typically occupied, and it's first come first serve but the tables and chairs are a bit dinky so most people tend to leave once they have finished eating. It truly is like no bagel I have ever had. Their dedication to quality and creativity truly shines through. I am not even a bagel person at all but I stand up and applaud this place. It will redefine your relationship with bagels, mark my words.

My favorite bagel in the entire world. I fly to LA quarterly just to eat it. I always get the Run it Through the Garden and the Sliced Salmon. Worth the wait - we waited probably 25 minutes - not even that bad. Lives up to the hype.

Great customer service, great coffee, great bagels! I love how fresh everything is at Courage, today was my first time trying it and while the wait was long the runners were kind and kept every party updated on the progress of their orders. Coffee came out first and was excellent (almond milk cappuccino). I ordered a salted sesame bagel with cream cheese and loved the bagel, but the cream cheese was just fine… sort of gritty and honestly not my vibe, so next time I’ll be having butter. I took some loosies to go, and can’t wait to come back with friends!

This place changed my life. The best bagels in the world and I’ve had them all. Tip: If you just want loose bagels you don’t have to wait in line you can go directly inside.

Would I pay $12 for half a bagel and wait an hour? Probably every once in a while. I understand the hype — the bagel was so perfectly chewy and flavorful. I got the hand sliced smoked salmon on a sesame bagel without tomato. The olive oil and cream cheese and lemon together made the lox bagel so much more elevated and now I am inspired to try it myself. The line moves decently fast but the longest time spent waiting is after placing the order. It’s outdoor-only seating but people move in and out of spots really quickly so you likely can find somewhere to sit when you are actually actively eating. It is outrageously expensive though, even for LA…

This place is a gem for hipsters and bagel lovers. Seems like they’ve always got a line. The bagels are excellent. Pricey but excellent. Seems like the way to go here is to get a hand crafted sandwich. They put such care and attention into each one and look delicious. $19+ for a half dozen (which is the per person limit) seems much but 🤷🏻‍♂️ . Cute little outdoor seating area. It’s an experience and the warm bagel was real yummy. Can’t argue with that.

+1

courage bagels lives up to its hype. each individual component and the sum of its parts make a top tier open faced bagel. be warned though that they serve montreal style bagels — crispy and not doughy/chewy. so if you’re looking for a new york style bagel, you’ll be disappointed. skip the lines by going during the week! overall, a top tier spot and adding to my rotation when visiting los angeles. one quirk though was they ask you if you want to tip instead of showing the screen which was odd and uncomfortable. garden (on burnt everything): ingredients were fresh and the right ratio. loved the burnt everything.

+1

Consider me a Courage convert. I finally made it to Courage Bagels for the first time, and it lived up to the hype. As a New Yorker, I take my bagels seriously - and Courage delivers. Being my first time, I couldn’t decide so I ordered the Burnt Everything with Dill cream cheese, along with a mini everything. The burnt bagel was crispy, crunchy, chewy and covered with all the seasonings. The dill cream cheese was herbaceous and subtle, complimenting the bagel perfectly. The mini regular everything bagel with regular cream cheese was equally satisfying. The mini bagels are genius; perfectly sized to try several flavors. I can’t wait to come back and try other varieties along with Run It Thru the Garden. LA has come a long way in the 20+ years I’ve lived here. We now have world-class pizza and bagels. Well done, Courage. 👏

Came here with a couple of my friends on a Sunday morning. There was limited parking in the surrounded neighborhood streets. Once we got to the bakery, the line was a little long and it took us about 15 minutes before we were able to order. It was also very hot and sunny outside. Despite that, the wait experience wasn't too bad because they had umbrellas for customers to use. After ordering, we sat down in their outdoor space and waited about 20 minutes before our order was called. I decided to order the run it thru the garden on the everything bagel. And let me tell you it did not disappoint! It's definitely one of the best bagels I've had in LA. It was very flavorful and fresh. I will for sure be coming again!

Delicious bagels but long wait times and quite expensive for each. Line usually 20-30 minutes to be able to order in the mornings and seating are small stools with an umbrella along the sidewalk. Parking is a pain and requires parking several streets away.

+1

Aside from the wait during some visits, this place is pretty great. Flavors are amazing and fresh.

It is unfortunately with all the hype 🥲 sad I don’t live in state to get to experience this all the time. One thing I don’t understand is when the line gets busy someone comes to write down your order but it doesn’t make it any quicker by starting your order.. you still have to take the slip they give you and give it to the cashier and then they start the food.. why would the person taking the orders put your order in to start it??

The bagels were so delish. I had the white fish and the almond butter & jelly—both were incredible in totally different ways. The line wasn’t bad at all, and the service was quick and friendly. Only tiny note: my vanilla latte could’ve used a bit more sweetness, but I fully admit I have a major sweet tooth. Still, I’d absolutely come back just for those bagels.

Nice bagels. Light inside/crunchy outside. Quality toppings. Smoked salmon and salmon roe were amazing. Good idea in buying halves with choice of bagel and toppings. Nice fresh juices. Only outside stool seating. Today's line not bad but long wait to get order.

+1

As NJ/NY I guy have accepted “nothing like east coast bread. Our water different”. No longer. The hype is real. Spent a week in LA eating various “best places” and this was by far the best thing I put in mouth. Besides the food the vibe is crave worthy. Yes there is a line. But with heavy staffing moves quickly. Don’t miss it.

There’s something about Courage Bagels that feels like a ritual. I’ve been more times than I can count, and each bite still feels new. Crisp, fresh, and full of flavor. My favorite escape? Picking one up and heading to Griffith Park—just me, a perfect bagel, and a view. Peace in every bite.

Deliciously baked outside with an airy + pillowy inside. My sesame bagel was rolled in sesame seeds and toasted to perfection. Toppings were perfectly pairs and drizzled with olive oil + capers. Such an amazing breakfast, probably the best bagel I have ever eaten in my life- Brought my Canadian fam and they loved loved loved it!

Best bagel of my life!!!! I got the sesame bagel with vegan cream cheese and tomato. I’m ruined for other bagels now. Long line but they had lots of staff working so it moved quickly. I live 4 hours away and I’ll come back to LA for these bagels

My man bought me here on a Sunday morning. It was my first time here and i love it so far. I had a good over all experience. Bagels were a decent size, made fresh in store I believe. Could not tell cause there were a lot of people that day and I did not have the chance to look at inside. Very flavorful and delicious bagels. I had the one with the salmon and white fish with cucumbers, and coffee. While my man had the salmon and orange juice. Although $20-$25 for just the bagels is a bit pricey for me but I am sure it reflects on the ingredients and condiments used which is chef's kiss. I also had the iced coffee with vanilla something name on it. Could not remember but that was a good balance of coffee and tad sweetness of the vanilla and milk. My man had the orange juice. Was skeptical about it because it was a small/regular sized clear cup for like $5-$7 I think. Lovely outside seating. Tables have umbrellas to accommodate customers. Concerned about this during the summer with all the heat. They have complementary water outside as well while customers wait for their orders. Parking is difficult cause I believe it is only street parking and I do not see a parking area. Over all we ordered 3 bagels, 1 regular coffee, 1 regular orange juice, and paid almost $90. I would say it is good for the experience like the bagels, the beverage, and the flavors and textures were top notch. Just not really a fan of the prices.

The wait is long but worth it. Ingredients are fresh and treated thoughtfully, and the bagels themselves are stellar. Remind me of a really good pizza dough doubled on itself. Burnt everything and sesame ftw. Fish options are delicious. Service is great, it was a hot day and they put out misters and parasols for people to use.

We arrived just 10 minutes before closing, yet the line still took about 15 minutes to place our order. We sampled the almond butter crispy bagel and the salmon lox everything bagel—both were delicious and lived up to the hype, leaving us craving more. Each bagel showcased unique flavors and textures.

Everyone kept telling me this place is a must-visit forever, so I finally had to check it out with my friend. Let's see what all the hype is about. Parking: Let me tell you,finding street parking here is a mission. I had to make my friend get in line first while I circled the block what felt like 20 times. Even on a weekday, it's a struggle, so I can't imagine weekends. If you're coming, maybe aim for early morning... or just pray for a miracle. haha! Ambiance: It's got that cozy, house converted-into-a-restaurant vibe. Super cute and casual. The line is always long expect to wait around 30 minutes on average. While you wait, a manager will come around with a notepad and take your order so you can pay at the counter later. No indoor seating, just a small outdoor patio, which also fills up fast. But by the time your food is ready, a spot usually opens up. Food: I went with their most famous order: Smoked salmon on a burnt everything bagel, and also got an iced matcha. First reaction? The salmon portion is INSANE. Way more than any other bagel spot I've been to. Flavor-wise, I totally get why people rave about it. My friend, who's a bagel lover, was straight up obsessed and said they're coming back regularly. Me? I liked it, but I'm not a huge bagel person, so while it was good, I wouldn't wait in line for it every weekend. Price-wise, it's on the higher end, and the wait time is a commitment. That said, I think this spot is perfect for a post-canyon hike brunch, grab a bagel, soak in the sun, and make a morning out of it. If you love bagels, this is a must. If you're just bagel-curious, it's still worth trying at least once, especially on a chill weekend with good weather. Would I come back? Probably, but next time, I'm trying something new from the menu.

+2

These bagels are just truly incredible and the staff are so friendly! I definitely recommend getting in line early because it takes quite a long time, especially on a weekend or Friday. I really appreciate the fresh herbs and vegetables and the smoked salmon is so flavorful. I also tried their coffee and it was a great way to kill time waiting on my order. Worth the wait!

+5

Adorable bagel spot on a corner street in LA. Fun little vibe with really delicious bagels. The cream cheese to bagel to lox ratio was really great. Really loved the added herbs and cornichons on my bagel. The flavors were perfect. Being from New York you really are picky with bagels everywhere else in the world, but these were great. A bit overpriced but you take what you can get. Line was insane to get bagels, but if you want a decent one in LA, come here.

We’ve lived around the corner from Courage since it opened. As crusty millennials, we spend a lot of time eyerolling the long lines and scene of it all. We go to Courage rarely, and when we do, we are surprised by the high cost. The bagels are not the dense, chewy kind we long for a remember from the east coast. And yet, and yet, and yet…. It’s incredible. Courage Bagels are their own thing, and they’re not to be missed. If you’re aware of the lines and prices and that you’re not going to get a New York bagel, ENJOY! It’s a treat :)

We were incredibly lucky to experience Courage Bagels with minimal wait time—something I’ve heard isn’t always the case, given how popular this spot is. But let me tell you, the short wait was just the start of what turned out to be an unforgettable culinary experience. We ordered two bagels: the Hand Cut Smoked Salmon on an Everything Bagel and the Salmon Roe on a Burnt Everything Bagel. Both were nothing short of spectacular. The hand-cut smoked salmon was melt-in-your-mouth perfection, paired beautifully with a schmear of cream cheese and topped with fresh dill and capers. The smoky flavor was subtle yet distinct, making each bite an indulgence. The Salmon Roe bagel was equally divine, with the briny, rich flavor of the roe popping against the creamy backdrop of the schmear. The Burnt Everything Bagel added an extra layer of depth, with a slight char that perfectly complemented the fresh ingredients. The texture of the bagels themselves was spot on—crispy on the outside, yet soft and chewy on the inside. Courage Bagels isn’t just a place to grab a quick bite; it’s an experience, a celebration of simple ingredients elevated to new heights. If you’re a fan of bagels, smoked salmon, or just incredible food in general, this is a must-visit. We left completely satisfied and already planning our next visit. Don’t miss out on this LA gem!

+6

It's worth the wait! The spot is small and cozy, and you can watch the fresh bagels being made through the window, which is a nice touch. The coffee comes in a very small cup, with proper acidity and freshness. As for the bagels, they lived up to the hype—crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, with an excellent texture. The salmon and tomato-topped ones were delicious, but next time, I’d like to try just a bagel with a simple spread. Oh, and the staff are super friendly and full of energy!

+2

Juan Barillas

Expect to eat on the street sidewalk. The bagels were delicious more than I expected. A bit pricey but the meal was delicious. I got arrived at a good time where I didn't encounter any lines but after a,while noticed it got crowded. Even the plain bagel. I got was mind blowing L

MDz

We always stop here when visiting Los Angeles from Las Vegas. These are the best bagels we’ve ever had! The line can be long, but the staff works hard to keep it moving quickly. They once made a mistake with one of my orders, but they remade the entire order without any hassle, and the service was very friendly. It’s a bit pricey, but definitely worth trying. Our go-to is the garden bagel with vegan cream cheese.

Was surprised by how satisfying and vinegary the White Fish salad bagel was, and the sliced smoked salmon is a crowd fave for a reason. The bagels themselves are awesomely crispy with generous seasoning and airy insides, they hold toppings so well.

Wow the bagels are amazing! They’re crunchy and fluffy at the same time. I think you can’t go wrong with any order. We got two single sided bagels to share and they were delicious. I do think it’s pricey for a bagel and expect a decent wait time, we went on a weekend morning and it probably took 20+ minutes. Tried their vanilla paste latte as well and it wasn’t bad. There’s a few tables outdoors to eat at but the place gets crowded.

TL;DR: the hype is justified. Waited 20 minutes in line to order, then another 20 minutes to receive my order. That said, I was really impressed with their bagels, especially the sea salt sesame one with almond butter and strawberry jam from Squirl. The combination is just so unique and almost addictive! Totally recommend this place, despite the wait.

Max Liporace

You’ll need to have courage to wait on this line but the bagels are well worth it. I’ve had A LOT of bagels in my life and these are really unique. The only thing we have in NYC like this is Apollo bagel and Courage is better. The fish is very high quality. Overall, I’d wait on that 45 min line for this bagel again but I’d probably plan it better and go earlier (or on a weekday)

Anna V Garibay

Finally I courageously braved the line to try these famous Montreal style bagels! Drum roll please! The line is so worth it! I noticed they feature their menu in Spanish too, so they got even more of my respect! I got the California Crunch bagel with almond butter and very special Sqirl marmalade. Deliciously crunchy but soft and a bit doughy inside! The bagel itself is unique. That’s a good thing too! They really stand out! Amazing! Their garden bagel is very good I hear. My friend loved it! Finally our coffees were great! I like their outside dining area. Very cute set up! Half a California Crunch bagel is a little more than $7 which is steep but again it’s worth it! People often get several bagels to go. This is one reason the line can be long. I liked the service. Chill service even at 7 am! Meter parking available!

+6

Stephanie Correia

Without a hint of a doubt, the best bagel I have ever had in my life!!! The smoked salmon bagel is super light, balanced flavors. The Garden one is a delight surprise! But the unexpected flavor explosion is the sweet one (California Crunch)!! If you’re in LA, don’t skip this place!!! It’s a must! 😋🥰🥯💕

+4

Luca de Paoli

Absolutely Worth the Hype – Best Bagels in LA! Courage Bagels is hands down the best bagel spot in all of Los Angeles. These aren’t your average bagels — they’re something truly special. The wood-fired, Montreal-style bagels are perfectly crisp on the outside, chewy on the inside, and topped with the freshest, most flavorful ingredients you can imagine. Yes, the line can be long — but trust me, it’s absolutely worth the wait. The attention to detail, the quality of ingredients, and the love that clearly goes into every single order make this a must-visit. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, each bite feels like a revelation. Do yourself a favor and don’t leave LA without experiencing Courage Bagels. You’ll be dreaming about them long after you’ve left.

J

My friend and I put it in our mouths and instantly went “👀” it was very good. I would come back to this place when I’m in LA again. There’s no indoor seatings, there were like 2 small tables outside, but compared to the amount of ppl that visits here, that is definitely not enough seats. I recommend planning to do a takeout and maybe eat at home or in the car!

Sam Khandelwal

TLDR: The hype is worth the long lines. Best 'Montreal style' bagel in LA? In 90+ degrees heat on a Sunday, in a somewhat rough neighborhood, lies Courage bagels. Or a hole in the wall where you order, and sit outside on the sidewalk (they have some outdoor chairs and tables). There were misters connected to buckets of water to cool the outdoor. The line on a Sunday at 1.30 pm was short (5 mins wait), and the counter person was helpful in me making a choice. With 50 kinds of bagel combinations, you feel the pressure to make a selection. Luckily they allow for 'half' sandwiches that reduce your risk of a dud. I asked for the best and was recommended everything bagel that was slightly burnt (yes that is an option) with smoked salmon, onion, capers, dill and cream cheese. I decided to not go plant based and go with the flow. Half a bagel 'sandwich' was around $13/$14 with tip. It took 5 minutes and someone walks out, shouts out your name, and you claim your to-go container (that's the default). The bagel is fresh, warm and smells great. Unlike many bagels that are dense, this one is light, almost like some of the insides are scooped out. The outside is crispy, with the 'everything' seasoning slightly burnt, giving it a caramel'ish taste. The smoked fish is unusually fresh and complements the light spread of cream cheese. With the onion, capers, dill, pickle, you have a perfect combination of a crisp bagel and the gooeyness of the cream cheese. What's clear is they have not skimped on the quality of the ingredients. This bagel was fresh and light. If I can complain, perhaps a bit too light, as half is unlikely to satisfy your appetite. Luckily I was on a food tour, with plenty of food to follow, but you may want to order 2 halves, esp. the one I did not try but they are famous for the one with sardines. Many other guests had ordered drinks (coffee, hot chocolate) and most folks had ordered sandwiches, as opposed to just bagels with cream cheese. For the vegetarians, they have cashew cream cheese and veggie sandwich, along with veggie toppings to make your own creation. This is a scene. You pay a price, in time (long lines) and in $$, but like an experience, you get what you pay for. Since Sunday, I have only craved their bagel 4 times, so looks like I'll be back. Tip: Document coffee in Koreatown is 2 miles away and a great pit stop to get excellent coffee. Tip: Easy street parking, free on Sundays, metered on weekdays.

+1

dennys ilic

Wow. You really have to pick your time to come here because you’ll be waiting in a line for a while if you don’t choose wisely! With that aside, the weight is worth it! My first time here and I will be back just ridiculously delicious. Take on the humble bagel! Great coffee, and great service The only reason I give it a 4 atm is because the only option is to eat outside and I’m not a super fan of that How much prefer air-conditioned indoors and this is an option Still HIGHLY recommend this, and I will be back regularly!

Oren Salomon

Many would question whether this is a bagel, but none would say it’s not delicious. Incredible service by Scotty really made it a memorable experience. I saw some questionable things on the street nearby, but there goes the neighborhood as they say.

+1

dawn cheng

I get the hype now. Courage Bagels is a standout bagel shop on the corner of Virgil and Monroe on the edge of East Hollywood that has been lauded by both food critics and food influencers alike. So I finally got the chance to try: 1. Loose bagels - the poppy and sesame seed ones are my absolute favorite. 2. Jamon beurre - this was probably a one-off limited edition flavor, which were given in exchange for a toy donation during their holiday toy drive. This particular bagel rendered me speechless. From the airy, perfectly chewy sesame bagel it was on, to the French butter, and the impeccable jamon - devouring this bagel was a whole experience and a half. 3. Hand-sliced salmon bagel - perfect proportions of everything; no notes. 4. Roe bagel - while the roe was spectacularly fresh and delicious, I'll be brutally honest here. The burnt everything bagel is not my favorite vessel for this delicious topping. A poppy seed bagel would be my personal preference, and bring the best out of this topping. Parking was fairly easy on a Saturday morning - we found street parking on a perpendicular block. Service is fast and courteous. Will absolutely be back for my bagel fix! Ig: @dawntc

Roopa Bala Singh

not a bagel review only bc their kettle was down the morning i went. but i must share, they made me the best vanilla latte i've maybe ever had. and i make a mean latte at home, as an espresso aficionado and former barista. theirs was hearty, hot & well flecked with real vanilla. afterwards i walked at the silver lake reservoir, which is nearby. i recommend both.

very cute bagel shop! their bagel is toward a thinner and crunchier texture unlike the doughy chewy kind. personally i like it very much! they have tables by the walkway, not the most comfortable but do it for me. it’s a viral bagel shop but i also see a lot of local visiting as well. i’ll say this is a must visit if you are looking to try so LA bagels.

Levent Erhamza

As NJ/NY I guy have accepted “nothing like east coast bread. Our water different”. No longer. The hype is real. Spent a week in LA eating various “best places” and this was by far the best thing I put in mouth. Besides the food the vibe is crave worthy. Yes there is a line. But with heavy staffing moves quickly. Don’t miss it.

We came on a Saturday around noon and the line really wasn’t bad at all. I was expecting way worse. You order at the window, super easy. There’s no indoor seating, just some tables off to the side. I can already tell it probably gets pretty warm out there in the summer. I ordered the Hottie, it comes with butter, and I added honey on a sesame bagel. When I tell you it was so good… fresh out of the oven, warm, soft, perfect. If I had even a little more room left, I’d be back in line for another one. But I’m officially full. My friend got a fully loaded bagel, I believe it’s called Run it to the Garden, she loved it but she wanted a little more olive oil. Any time I’m close, I want to be sure I stop by.

Courage Bagels is one of those places that quietly ruins other bagels for you, and I mean that as the highest compliment. I usually order the salmon bagel, and it is consistently excellent. The bagel itself has real character. Dense but not heavy, chewy in the right way, with that subtle sweetness and crackle you get from a Montreal style bagel that has been boiled in honeyed water and baked in a wood fired oven. You can taste the process. This is not a bagel that comes out of a machine and disappears two minutes later. The recipes are thoughtful and confident. Nothing feels fussy or over engineered. The salmon is high quality, the balance of cream cheese, capers, onion, and herbs is dialed in, and every bite feels intentional. It eats like someone obsessed over it and then stopped at exactly the right moment. The coffee is also excellent, which matters more than people admit. It stands on its own and pairs well with the richness of the bagels rather than trying to compete. Service has always been friendly and efficient, even when they are clearly slammed. I went early this time and for the first time there was not a massive line, which felt almost surreal. That said, this is the exception, not the rule. The line moves quickly, but if you go on a weekend, plan on waiting. One caveat, and it is worth saying out loud. This place is pricey. My salmon bagel rang in at $23. That is not nothing. You are paying for quality ingredients, craft, and a very specific point of view. For me, it is still worth it, but it is not an everyday stop unless your bagel budget is generous. Courage Bagels delivers a focused, distinctive experience that feels both grounded and special. Five stars, even with the sticker shock.

+6

This is one of the best bagels I've ever had; very fresh and tasty!! Crispy and chewy!! I had the mini Everything bagel with cream cheese ($3.50) and mexican hot cocoa with cinnamon & spices (they have 2 sizes; 4oz for $4 and 8oz for $8) w/whipped cream topping!! Line moved quick today!! I was very lucky to find street parking today nearby!! Highly recommended!! 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟stars for delicious bagel and good service!!

Emma Yuko CALIFORNIA WAX STUDIO

My first visit to Courage Bagels and I finally understand the hype! Came on a busy Sunday afternoon, waited about 20 minutes in line and another 20 minutes for the food, but it was absolutely worth it. I had the hand-sliced salmon bagel and it was so delicious—fresh, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. Yes, it’s a bit pricy, but the quality makes it worthwhile. The shop itself is small, more of a corner spot, but you can tell it’s truly everyone’s favorite in the neighborhood. The staff are friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. Definitely coming back!

I've had many excellent bagels in Toronto, Montreal, and New York, so I feel very qualified to comment on this popular LA bagel joint. Some of the other reviewers on Google describe this as a Montreal-style bagel, but they've definitely never been to St-Viateur or Fairmont. It's not typical New York style. But it isn't Montreal style either, which tends to be denser and sweeter. This bagel is almost akin to the texture of laffa or a croissant, as strange as that sounds: it has a chewiness to it. It's interesting but not my preferred style. Still a very good bagel though.

The bagels I had here we're so good and so fresh. I was pleasantly surprised, especially with the roe bagel. I couldn't eat this fast enough. I love that their menu is in Spanish as well. Parking can be a bit of a pain, but you can find a spot within a few minutes. The staff was so friendly. You can tell they were stressed from being busy. But they took their time and smiled and were very pleasant. Not a fan of their seating situation. But, they are a small spot so I understand. Be prepared to spend. I do think it's expensive, but the flavors were so fresh so I can understand why.

A really gorgeous bagel sandwich with spot-on flavor and texture in every bite! The bagel is perfectly toasted - crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, with just the right amount of bite. Then the toppings hit - thick cream cheese paired with fatty smoked salmon, and crisp cucumbers to balance it all out. Every bite feels just right! That said, I’m not convinced it’s worth waiting over an hour for!

I hate coming here because of the wait but I saw nobody wants this and I really really craved it so I stood in line for an hour and it was worth it. Got the white fish and the California crunch for the first time. I’d skip the California crunch bc it’s just almond butter and jelly. You can do that yourself.

Bagels were delicious. That’s coming from a native New Yorker who sharply judges out-of-state bagels. Crispy outside, soft inside. A little lighter than the traditional Polish-style NY bagel. Pricey for what it is. Atmosphere… it’s fend for yourself child-size seats and tables on the sidewalk. I struggle to credit what’s supposed to be and is the public walkway as a restaurant’s “atmosphere,” but when that’s the only seating, I suppose it’s part of the deal. Bagels are definitely tasty enough to go back, best I’ve had in LA. Staff at the counter were very friendly.

Visited on a Monday morning with some friends and had a wonderful experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the bagel — the ingredients were fresh and flavorful. I also really appreciate the rotating menu; it’s a nice touch that highlights seasonal and fresh ingredients. Also, really enjoyed the option to order just a half bagel, this allowed for me to try more menu options without having to order too much and be wasteful The service was great, and although the shop was busy, the line moved quickly, so we didn’t have to wait long. We couldn’t find a seat since it was packed, but sitting on a nearby bench worked just fine. Definitely recommend Courage Bagels for anyone looking for quality bagels and a welcoming vibe!

I bought smoked salmon bagels. Was Great for presentation wise however the Salmon slice was very thin covering the bagel however the food was quite tasty. Waited for like 15 minutes in the line to order in plus 45 minutes for the order to be ready. Trust me, be prepared to wait. The line gets massive.

The bagels were good. I got a Smoked Salmon bagel half, Salmon Roe bagel half, and Crunchy California half. The biggest question though is is it good enough to justify the price tag….I don’t think so, again, good bagels, so definitely not knocking them for that, but the price is just a bit too steep to fully enjoy these. Updated pricing attached since this is hard to find.

About a 15-minute wait the Saturday morning we went. The star for me was the burnt everything bagels. The different sandwiches (we had two different halves) were flavorsome with clearly fresh produce. Taking a star off for the wait and the wait and the price point… it doesn’t represent good value.

You can taste and see where the money is going but it’s a pretty penny for an equally pretty bagel. Parking is kind of tough to find. I lucked out and got a meter on the same block as the restaurant but most of the parking will be found in the adjacent neighborhood with really tight alleys. The service is fast and friendly and since this place does get crowded, have pass out umbrellas and line the sidewalk with misters to keep customers cool as they wait — a nice touch. For the drinks, the Iced Americano was surprisingly cold and kept its refreshing, bitter flavor without getting watered down. Bagel wise, the texture of them is incredible! Every square inch is coated in seasoning which not only heightens the flavor is the bread itself, but contributes to the amazing texture of the shatteringly crisp shell. The Tomato Bagel was a perfectly balanced and light way to start the day. These vegetables were salted just enough to enhance their flavor and their freshness makes their juicy acidity notably better. The Salmon Bagel on Everything is the most beautiful bagel I’ve ever seen — and I’m Jewish, so I’ve seen a lot. While I prefer a thicker cut of lox, I roundly deny that they were sliced impressively thin which allows the fish to melt on your tongue. The bring fish and pungent dill are the promote flavors and that’s exactly how it should be. I loved the inclusion of the French pickles because of their sweet acid and snappy crunch. My one complaint about the bagel is that because the red onions are sliced so finely, they do not impart any flavor or texture to the sandwich. Overall, while I loved the flavors of Courage Bagel’s offerings, $30 for a bagel and a coffee makes this place a one and done for me personally — though I am happy I tried it.

I got the Simply Delicious with the Everything bagel. The capers and small pickle made it very savory. The coffee was not good but my bagel made up for it. Our server was really chill and friendly. He greeted us as we walked up.

It is a restaurant that overwhelms others with its atmosphere and food taste. I was able to eat mackerel bagels with a clean taste without the fishy smell. The food taste is excellent. Since there are many customers, I recommend you to visit in the morning on weekdays. It is an excellent bagel restaurant with many customers who visit again. I recommend it.

+3

George Toth Jr.

A surprise visit to get some breakfast. Although I am normally a bacon eggs toast coffee kind of guy, I did enjoy the sampling of bagels that were offered. I really like that they offer half slices of bagels.. we tried 4 different offerings... tomato on onion bagels, garden on everything bagel, white fish on burnt everything bagel, and salmon on sea salt bagel. All very good. I brought my concoction of spices as usual to shzooz up the samples...the young folks working were all courteous and attentive to all. Get there early as the line can stretch a bit...hot local spot for sure. Enjoy!

Bagel was super yum and filling, loved the toasted bread and how it was served open with all the fillings on top. A little bit overpriced for what it is, and waiting is quite long. Did not enjoy the coffee as they added sweetened almond milk which tastes artificial. Cute people and nice staff.

Sasha M

A super famous bagel spot! I’d heard for a long time that people wait in line for hours, so I hadn’t been able to try it until now. I even tried going early in the morning a few times, but it always happened to be on a Wednesday — the day they’re closed — so I kept missing out. I finally got to try it this time, and now I understand why it’s worth the wait. I went right when they opened, so there was no line, and I relaxed in my car for a bit before going in. Still, the food took longer than expected, and I ended up running late for work — but honestly, it was totally worth it. I definitely want to come back and try other bagels. Such a feel-good place

+1

M4l2K T4N

Delicious and innovative bagels (little pricey). Great freshness and efficiency in getting your order out to you despite a perpetual queue. Try the ikura bagel - interesting

+6

Dalia S

Came here on a Monday around noon hoping to grab a quick bite before a road trip but it was anything but. The time it took to order and receive the food was about 45 mins. Needless to say the bagels came out both beautiful and delicious. Even the plain bagel with cream cheese was a delight. Would love to have it again and again but probably won’t be back for a while with a wait like that.

I had higher expectations considering all the hype around this place. Luckily I didn’t have to wait in line too long. I enjoyed the wide variety of bagel toppings and flavors, and decided to go with a salmon and PB&J bagel. Both tasted fine and fresh, but where I was really let down was with the bagel dough itself. It’s on the thinner side (which some may enjoy) and not very warm. I hesitate even calling it a bagel. Overall I didn’t find this very flavorful or filling. Not very satisfying. I can’t imagine myself returning especially if the line is very long. I prefer Layla’s Bagels instead.

The menu is small with limited options, but each option is truly delicious. Even though we visited on a weekday, it was very crowded and there was a line. We waited around 30–35 minutes to place our order, and the food took about the same amount of time to be prepared. The taste is definitely excellent, but the long waiting time slightly lowers the overall experience.

As a bagel enthusiast, I was excited to try this trendy spot. I had the salmon bagel on everything bread and it was quite delicious. Things to note however- the seating is not that plentiful, there is a line you have to stand in (even after 9 AM on a weekday, there is no parking (I had to park 1-2 blocks away in a neighborhood), and there didn’t seem to be a bathroom (it seems that only employees go inside). Quite pricey, but would recommend if you want to show a tourist around LA and get him an LA breakfast. One note- personally I like being able customize my bagels by adding egg/avocado but Courage Bagels doesn’t carry either. I also found their bread selection to be limited.

Patrick Han

Leaving an honest review 👍 Got the white fish salad whole bagel~ Food: 7.4/10.0! Really good 👍. I see why people say it’s the best bagel shop in LA. Ingredients are super-duper fresh and the bagel toasted very well. I think all of the flavor, spice, saltiness was v well balanced. Will come back Atmosphere: vibey~~~ Service: they literally have fan that spray water for customers waiting in line. 20.0/10.0. Seriously they know what they do are doing 👏👏👏 But! Jeez $25 for an open face bagel is crazy. Will still come back but not too often (more like can’t with that crazy price point)🥲 You’ll notice that there are like 15 ppl working in the small shop so i see that the operating cost is super high but still $25 :’). One more thing would be that the cup they use for drink are too small Overall: Will come back but not as often as I want to 😿 $25 for a bagel in this economy? P.s. looking for a sugar mommy to take to courage bagel more often 🤝

+1

Overpriced and doing too much. My bagel was 1/4 block of cheddar cheese and two pieces of tomatoes. More like a cracker bagel texture. The bagel itself was fine just overly toasted and pretty lean. individual ingredients are fine but end product is an odd flavor profile. Very pricey for what you get - my said bagel was $20. Probably a fine bagel for LA but overall mediocre and lots of hype.

We ordered three in total and the lox and garden was good. Tomato was underwhelming and for me the vibes were kinda off since you basically sit on the streets packed with people. Not sure if it’s worth the price but definitely get two for a filling lunch.

MEH.. GOOD, BUT A LITTLE DISAPPOINTING. The Sandwiches were somewhat good, with good quality ingredients on them, but they are no New York City bagel sandwich, not by a long shot. The bagels are very lack luster in quality and taste. These are good sandwiches due to the good ingredients on top, but it’s not really much of a bagel. People who think these are great bagels, even people that have lived in New York, just really don’t know bagels then. Not all New York City bagels are created equal, and even NYC has a lot of places with some crappy fake-ish bagels, like this place in LA, and you get a lot of people that move to one of the Burroughs for a while, who still never really know what NYC has to offer as far as some two and authentic good NYC bagels. The lines are very, very long and very, very slow, they need a better system set up, it’s brutal trying to get a So-So Meh-ish bagel from this place. REALLY FRIENDLY STAFF! The staff is extremely friendly and totally fantastic but you wait an inordinate amount of time on line to order and get your food. You can walk in and out if you’re just buying bagels, but if you want a sandwich expect to wait 30 minutes to an hour before you get your sandwich between the line and the wait for them to make it. We bought three sandwiches and two hot chocolates and it was $100. That’s kind of a lot of money for three bagel sandwiches and two hot chocolates. It’s not that much money, even in New York City, you can get the same for about half the price and better. When I get back to New York, I’ll have myself a real bagel. Overall is it worth it? Probably not, you can probably skip this place

Sadly this place did not live up to the hype. It's practically more of a thin crisp cracker/crostini than a bagel. There was minimal cream cheese and a bunch of herbs that looked pretty, but didn't "wow" us. The tomatoes weren't as fresh as we would have hoped and it was extremely overpriced. If you're looking for a good bagel, Jyan Isaac in Santa Monica does it way better!

We waited over an hour just to get through the line, then another 50 minutes for our bagels. The place was extremely crowded, with no space to even stand while waiting for food. As for the bagels themselves, they honestly weren’t anything special. We tried several items on the menu—including the whitefish salad bagel, garden bagel, bagel with cream cheese, and several loose bagel, and none of them stood out. The bagels were very dry and shell-like, not fluffy or bready at all, and lacked flavor overall. We tried multiple options to give it a fair chance, but it just wasn’t good. I wouldn’t recommend this place unless you are curious to see what the hype is about.

Bagels are very good. Order processing, not so much. I waited in line to order loose bagels to go. They seem to make the sandwiches for outdoor dining (which take longer to prep) in the same queue as a loose bagel order. So, I basically waited 30 min for loose bagels in a bag. Not a good service prep model.

Tried this place with mixed feelings from the reviews, but I promised myself I would be objective. It’s pretty hard to find parking and the nearby vicinity has a ton of trash on the sidewalks and it looked like there was a swap meet one block over. There was surprisingly no line the moment I got there so I ordered immediately. I got one half Simply Delicious and one half Garden bagel, in addition to an iced vanilla latte. The seating on the sidewalk is strange. The tables are tiny and the stools are for children. I assume it’s intentional so people don’t stay too long. The vanilla latte was really good, a little bit too sweet for my taste but that’s fine with me. I would say it was worth the splurge. The bagels however were not great. The Simply Delicious: the everything bagel was bitter, kind of like fennel. It also had a drizzle of oil that was bitter and did not mesh well. The cream cheese was slightly sour and warm, which was pretty off-putting. The worst part was the fishy smell and taste of the lox itself. It didn’t resemble lox, but rather canned tuna. The Garden bagel: this one was much better but I dislike the bitterness of the everything bagel. I would recommend going with another type. Overall, it’s not worth the wait (took 30-40min to get my food even though there was no line to order), the hassle with parking, uncomfortable seating, and hefty pricetag.

Eric

This is the definition of hype! An average bagel people wait an hour for. It’s a joke. I got a cream cheese bagel before my friends got their $26 specialty bagel and there bagels came out 15 minutes before mine. You want to eat with you friends especially after already waiting an hour plus for a bagel and ordering before them. There was barely any cream cheese on bagel!! There were several bites with no cream cheese at all! What a joke. Go to Maury’s bagels down the street. Much better. My favorite bagel in LA is Pops Bagels right now. Avoid this overpriced LA trap all cost!! Also the worse matcha we’ve ever had.

Waited about 15 min on a Friday morning. Luckily one of the employees was walking around reminding people to look at the menu before getting to the front of the line to make the line move quickly. Paid $9 plus tip for an everything bagel with cream cheese. For a place specializes in bagels, you would think that they would get it right, correct? But no, my bagel was burnt and hard as rock. I couldn’t even eat it.