Most famously known for its New York City locations, PopUp bagels brings its charm to Jacksonville.

One of only four locations in Florida, PopUp Bagels opened at the St. John’s Town Center, near Mission BBQ and DOMU, in the former Planet Smoothie location on Dec. 12.

They serve hot, crispy bagels that are designed to rip apart and be dipped in their “schmears,” namely cream cheese or butter.

They only serve five different varieties of bagels: everything, salt, sesame, poppy and plain. They serve different types of specialty schmears and butters, such as scallion cream cheese and honey chipotle cream cheese. They also offer salted butter and garlic rosemary butter. You have the option to add smoked salmon, also known as lox, to your order as well. 

I prefer this smaller menu because it was simple and easy to order from.

Upon entering the store, I was greeted immediately and felt welcome. It was refreshing to see the food was freshly made because you can see it from the ordering counter. I thought it was nice to see the enthusiasm the employees have in the workplace. 

I tried the Everything, Salt and Sesame bagels. I also ordered the garlic rosemary butter and regular cream cheese for my schmears. I chose to add smoked salmon to my bagels. 

My personal favorite was the Everything bagel, which paired nicely with the garlic rosemary butter. The bagel was especially great when ripped apart and dipped into the butter too. 

The Salt bagel exceeded my expectations as the salt flavor wasn’t overwhelming and the bagel itself had its own unique flavor.It also went well with the cream cheese and smoked salmon.

The Sesame bagel was my least favorite, but it was still enjoyable. You could definitely taste the freshness of the bagels.

Although a fairly new company, they have been awarded Brooklyn Bagelfest “Best Bagel” two years in a row. 

The bagels are quite pricey, but you definitely get what you pay for. For a dozen bagels and two schmears it was $44. The smoked salmon was $24 for eight ounces. 

The only negative aspect that I found about the shop is that it is quite small. You’re only there to order and then leave with your food. I would’ve preferred to eat them there while they were hot and fresh. 

At PopUp Bagels, you truly pay for “the bagel as it should be.”