I have driven across Indiana for a lot of reasons, but few things have ever made me more excited than the journey to Gables Bagels in Bloomington. This place has become legendary among Hoosiers who know good food when they taste it, and honestly, I get why people make the pilgrimage from Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, and beyond.
The matzo ball soup alone is worth every mile, but that is just the beginning of what makes this bagel shop so special.
Owner Ed Schwartzman has created something truly magical; a spot where New York bagel tradition meets Midwestern hospitality in the best possible way.
From the moment you walk through the door, you can smell the fresh bagels coming out of the oven, and you will probably hear Ed greeting customers like old friends. I have watched lines stretch out the door on weekends, yet somehow the energy stays positive and the service stays fast.
If you have never been, let me tell you why this Bloomington gem should be at the top of your must-visit list.
The Legendary Matzo Ball Soup That Started It All
Matzo ball soup might not be the first thing you expect to find in southern Indiana, but Gables Bagels has turned this traditional Jewish comfort food into a regional phenomenon. The soup features generous, pillowy matzo balls floating in rich, golden chicken broth that tastes like it simmered for hours.
People drive from all corners of the state specifically for this soup, and many customers grab frozen containers to take home. The broth has that deep, soul-warming flavor that only comes from quality ingredients and careful preparation.
Each matzo ball is light yet substantial, with the perfect texture that is neither too dense nor too fluffy.
What makes this soup even more special is how Ed and his team have made it accessible to everyone. You can order it fresh during your visit or take home frozen portions that reheat beautifully.
On cold Indiana days, there is nothing quite like this soup to warm you up from the inside out.
The soup has become so popular that regulars plan their visits around making sure they can stock up. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh bagel on the side, creating a meal that feels both nostalgic and completely satisfying.
Ed Schwartzman’s Infectious Energy and Genuine Hospitality
Walking into Gables Bagels means meeting Ed Schwartzman, and that experience alone is worth the trip. This man does not just run a bagel shop, he creates an atmosphere where every customer feels like they matter.
Ed works the counter regularly, taking orders while cracking jokes and making genuine connections with everyone who walks through the door.
Reviews consistently mention how Ed makes even the longest wait times fly by with his entertaining personality and authentic enthusiasm. He remembers faces, asks where people are visiting from, and offers recommendations based on what he thinks you will love.
This is not scripted customer service, it is real human warmth.
Ed brings New York energy to Bloomington in the best possible way. He educates customers about proper bagel etiquette, like never toasting a fresh bagel, and shares stories about his ingredients and suppliers.
When he talks about the Mendoza Brothers Cubano or any menu item, you can hear the pride and passion in his voice.
His team reflects this same spirit of hospitality. Staff members like Kristine, Chris, Bryce, and Gabby all get mentioned by name in glowing reviews for their exceptional service and friendly attitudes.
Authentic New York Style Bagels Made Fresh Daily
Gables Bagels brings genuine New York bagel tradition to the heart of Indiana. These are not the grocery store variety, these are authentic, hand-rolled bagels with that perfect combination of crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior that bagel lovers crave.
The bagels come out of the oven hot throughout the day, filling the shop with an irresistible aroma.
The variety is impressive, with options like sesame, everything, salt, ancient grain, asiago, blueberry, jalapeno, and plain. Each bagel has its own character and flavor profile.
The salt bagel has become a particular favorite among regulars, while the everything bagel delivers that classic savory punch.
What sets these bagels apart is the technique and quality ingredients. Ed follows traditional methods that create the distinctive texture and taste that New Yorkers demand.
When you ask for schmear, they truly spare no expense, loading up your bagel with generous amounts of cream cheese.
Fresh bagels should never be toasted, and Ed will tell you this himself. Grab one straight from the oven if you can.
The texture and warmth make it absolutely perfect as is.
You can also take home a baker’s dozen of frozen bagels to enjoy later.
Creative Specialty Sandwiches That Go Beyond Basic
The Big Bob sandwich has achieved legendary status at Gables Bagels. This monster features house-smoked brisket, egg, cheese, and schmear all piled onto a fresh bagel.
It is the kind of breakfast that keeps you full until dinner and makes you understand why people drive across state lines.
The Mendoza Brothers Cubano represents Ed’s commitment to authentic flavors and meaningful partnerships. Made with mojo roast pork and traditional Cuban ingredients, this sandwich has earned praise even from customers with Cuban heritage.
Ed partnered with the Mendoza family from Miami, and part of the proceeds supports MS research, adding heart to every bite.
The jalapeno popper breakfast sandwich delivers serious flavor with a kick. It is filling enough that many customers save half for the next day.
The bacon egg and cheese with chive cream cheese has become another go-to order, combining classic breakfast flavors with that signature schmear.
House-smoked pastrami appears in several sandwiches, bringing authentic deli flavor to Bloomington. The chicken salad and egg salad options provide lighter alternatives that still pack plenty of taste.
Ed recommends skipping standard cheese slices in favor of schmear to let the quality ingredients shine through.
Exceptional Gluten-Free and Vegan Options
Finding quality gluten-free bagels can feel impossible in most places, but Gables Bagels has cracked the code. They offer gluten-free options in plain, blueberry, and everything flavors that actually taste delicious.
These are not sad substitutes, they are legitimate bagels that happen to be gluten-free.
Customers with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities have expressed genuine excitement about finally having access to real bagels again. The texture and flavor hold up remarkably well compared to traditional bagels.
You can order them fresh or take frozen ones home to enjoy whenever the craving hits.
The vegan options extend beyond just bagels. Gables Bagels offers plant-based cream cheese spreads and sandwich fillings like veggie sausage that make it easy for vegan customers to enjoy a full breakfast experience.
The veggie sausage breakfast sandwich has developed its own loyal following.
This commitment to inclusive menu options means that groups with different dietary needs can all eat together happily. Nobody has to sit and watch while others enjoy fresh bagels.
Ed and his team have put real effort into making sure these alternative options meet the same high standards as everything else they serve.
The Vibrant Atmosphere That Feels Like Home
Gables Bagels could easily be just another shop in the strip at 421 E 3rd St, but Ed and his team have transformed it into a place that genuinely feels like home. The atmosphere buzzes with positive energy, even when lines stretch out the door during peak hours like parents weekend or after big IU football victories.
Customers describe the vibe as welcoming and comfortable, the kind of place where you do not mind waiting because the experience itself is enjoyable. The cleanliness and attention to detail show that the team takes pride in every aspect of the operation.
Everything from the layout to the service flow is designed to keep things moving efficiently while maintaining that personal touch.
The location on East 3rd Street puts you right in the heart of Bloomington, near Indiana University and surrounded by the energy of a college town. After grabbing your bagels, you can explore nearby spots like the B-Line Trail for a walk or visit WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology at 308 W 4th St.
The happy atmosphere is infectious. People smile when they walk in and leave satisfied.
That kind of consistent positive experience does not happen by accident.
The Unbeatable Value and Quality Combination
While Gables Bagels falls into the moderate price range, the value you receive far exceeds what you pay. When you order a bagel with schmear, you get a genuinely generous portion of cream cheese, not the thin scraping many places try to pass off.
The sandwiches are substantial and filling, often large enough to save half for later.
The quality of ingredients justifies every dollar. House-smoked brisket and pastrami, fresh-baked bagels throughout the day, and specialty items like the authentic Cuban sandwich all demonstrate a commitment to doing things right.
Ed sources ingredients thoughtfully, partnering with local and specialty suppliers to ensure everything meets his standards.
You can call ahead or order online to skip the lines, making the experience even more convenient. The option to purchase frozen bagels and soup means you can stock up and enjoy Gables at home throughout the week.
Many customers from other parts of Indiana load up their coolers before heading back.
The combination of quality food, generous portions, exceptional service, and reasonable prices creates outstanding value. When you factor in the experience of visiting and the joy the food brings, Gables Bagels delivers something truly special that keeps people coming back and driving from across the state.
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