Brookside Bagels

Brookside Bagels is a neighborhood bagel shop that centers on fresh-baked rounds and morning sandwiches made to order.

Reviews consistently note the bright, friendly staff and a comfortable small‑town dining nook where people linger over coffee and bagels.

Menu highlights range from classic everything and poppy seed bagels to specialty flavors like jalapeño cheddar, blueberry, and seasonal sweets.

Several reviewers call out generous meat portions on breakfast sandwiches and house cream cheese spreads that lift the flavors.

Bagels are the headline: freshly made, soft and chewy, with both classic and seasonal flavors such as Everything, poppy seed, blueberry, apple Dutch, cheddar jalapeño, and cherry chocolate chip.

Regulars praise savory breakfast sandwiches—bacon egg and cheese, ham egg and cheese, turkey sausage options—and bold spreads like lox, jalapeño cream cheese and salsa jalapeño.

Coffee gets positive mentions too, from a strong Colombian to playful iced s'mores choices, and reviewers appreciate that alternative milks aren’t charged extra.

Expect generous meat, thoughtful spreads, and rotating specialty bagels.

Breakfast has come a long way from its humble beginnings. In colonial America, the first meal of the day was often a straightforward affair, featuring porridge and perhaps a beer for energy. This was a time when hearty meals were essential for hard-working farmers. By the 19th century, breakfast evolved considerably, particularly in Connecticut, where the affluent began to embrace more lavish options. Influenced by English traditions, these meals often included eggs, bacon, and even baked beans, reflecting a shift toward indulgence and variety in the morning routine.

Brookside Bagels in Simsbury has built a steady following by sticking to fresh bagels, bold spreads and friendly, small‑town service.

Reviewers repeatedly praise the house‑made rounds and creative seasonal flavors—everything from cheddar jalapeño to cherry chocolate chip—paired with hearty breakfast sandwiches that don’t skimp on meat.

One guest wrote, "Made fresh and with a smile," (Cristina Irene) to describe the welcoming counter routine most patrons encounter.

Another regular called the bacon egg and cheese "absolutely fantastic.

10/10 recommend" (Joe Gigliotti), while a longtime fan exclaimed, "WOW...is all I can say!!" (Ms B) after sampling a variety of flavors and spreads.

The shop also draws praise for its coffee offerings, including a Colombian and playful iced options, and for thoughtful touches like plentiful cream cheese and seasonal bagels.

Lines can form at peak times, but most reviewers say the wait is worth the fresh bagel and well-built sandwich.

The diner culture that blossomed in the mid-20th century transformed breakfast into a communal experience. In Connecticut, diners became beloved spots for locals to gather over comforting meals like bagels slathered in cream cheese and endless cups of coffee. These establishments offered a welcoming atmosphere, where families and friends could share stories and laughter. The rise of the diner marked a significant shift from the solitary breakfasts of the past to a vibrant social ritual, emphasizing the importance of connection over the first meal of the day.