First look: Roland Park Bagel Co.

Roland Park Bagel Co. makes mouths happy. (Credit: Molly V. Strzelecki)

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With its cache of restaurants like Miss Shirley's and Loco Hombre, Crazy Man Restaurant Group has added another notch to its restaurant belt with Roland Park Bagel Co. The new bagel shop (which took over the Sam's Bagels location Jan. 5) is open for breakfast and lunch, and is ready and willing to feed the Roland Park masses. And anybody else who stops by, too.

Crowd: You won't be surprised to find locals and Loyola College students seeking refuge in this carbohydrate wonderland. It's a neighborhood joint with a good mix of people popping in for a quick bite on the go, and others who would rather linger over their sunflower with scallion cream cheese doughy circle of delight.

Food: The focus here is on bagels (shocker). And not just one variety! Cranberry, chocolate chip, jalapeno, onion, sun-dried tomato, marble—there's a bagel for everyone and, at $0.99 each, everyone can have a few! Choice is good. And what goes best with bagels? Various cream cheeses, duh, which are also available in takeout containers if you need a schmear at home.

RPB offers more than just bagels. Breakfast (like Texas French toast) and lunch bagel sandwiches (like pizza melts), paninis (we want to try the roast veggie), pastries, muffins, brownies and other tasty treats round out the menu—which means most of your daily carb needs are covered. For the healthy, there are yogurt parfaits and fruit cups.

Drinks: What's your wake-up beverage of choice? Coffee, sodas, juices and milk are all available to wash down the bagely goodness.

Digs: A wall of windows overlooks Cold Spring Lane and lets in oodles of light that gives the bagel joint a very bright and airy feel. There's also window seating that allows patrons to enjoy their meal while watching the congested traffic go by. The décor is neat and not overdone, the scent of freshly baked dough fills in the open spaces. In warm weather, outdoor seating is available. Bagels are even better outside, right? Everyone knows that.

Bottom line: Whether it's a quick brekkie on the run, or you're going for a leisurely, ultra-casual lunch, Roland Park Bagel Co. is a welcome—and satisfying—addition to the neighborhood.