Big Apple Bakery & Restaurant in Columbia — Fresh Bagels and Deli Classics

What Big Apple Bakery & Restaurant offers

Big Apple Bakery & Restaurant, located in Columbia, is a full-service bagel shop and deli that makes bagels fresh daily and serves them alongside traditional deli sandwiches, soups, and breakfast items. The bakery side produces its own bagels in-house rather than buying pre-made stock, which means the texture and flavor change throughout the day as batches come out of the oven. You can order bagels plain, toasted, or built into sandwiches with cream cheese, lox, egg, or deli meats.

The restaurant operates as both a walk-in counter service spot and a casual dining space where you can sit down with your order. The menu reflects both Jewish deli tradition and American breakfast and lunch standards — you'll find lox and cream cheese bagels alongside turkey clubs, matzo ball soup, and egg sandwiches on various breads. The space itself has the feel of a neighborhood gathering place rather than a chain, with regulars who come in for the same order most mornings.

Key Takeaways

• Big Apple makes bagels fresh daily in-house, so arriving early gives you the widest selection and the warmest product.
• The menu includes both traditional Jewish deli items (lox, matzo ball soup, pastrami) and American breakfast and lunch fare.
• You can order at the counter for takeout or sit down in the dining area, making it flexible for a quick breakfast or a longer meal.
• The bakery also sells whole bagels by the dozen if you want to take them home and toast them yourself.

Bagel varieties and daily rotation

The bagel selection rotates based on what the bakery has made that morning. Standard offerings typically include plain, everything, sesame, poppy seed, and cinnamon raisin, but the full lineup depends on the day and how many customers have ordered ahead. If you have a preference for a specific variety, calling ahead can help you know whether it's available or reserve a batch before they sell out.

Bagels are priced individually or by the half-dozen and full-dozen, with discounts for larger quantities. The price point is moderate for a fresh-baked bagel in a full-service restaurant setting — comparable to other independent bagel shops in the Midlands rather than chain bagel franchises. Whole bagels freeze well if you buy more than you'll eat fresh, so buying a dozen and storing them at home is a practical option for regular customers.

Sandwich and topping options

Beyond plain bagels, Big Apple builds sandwiches to order. The classic combinations include cream cheese and lox, egg and cheese, and various deli meats like turkey, roast beef, and pastrami. You can also order bagels with butter, jam, peanut butter, or any combination of toppings the kitchen has on hand. The cream cheese comes in regular and flavored varieties, and the lox is sliced fresh rather than pre-packaged.

Breakfast sandwiches are available all day, and the kitchen will customize portions and toppings if you ask. If you're ordering a bagel sandwich to take with you, let the staff know so they can wrap it appropriately — a toasted bagel with hot fillings stays warmer longer in foil than in a paper bag.

Soups, sides, and additional menu items

The restaurant side of Big Apple serves soups that change seasonally, with matzo ball soup as a regular fixture. Sides include items like potato salad, coleslaw, and pickles that pair with sandwiches or can be ordered on their own. The beverage selection includes coffee, tea, juice, and soft drinks — the coffee is brewed fresh throughout the day and refills are typically available for dine-in customers.

Pastries and other baked goods beyond bagels are sometimes available, depending on what the bakery has made that day. The display case near the counter shows what's currently in stock, so you can see options as you order.

Hours, location, and parking

Big Apple Bakery & Restaurant is located in Columbia and operates during typical breakfast and lunch hours — most days opening in the early morning and closing in the early afternoon. Hours can vary by day of the week, so calling ahead or checking their current schedule is wise if you're planning a specific visit. The restaurant is closed on certain holidays and may have adjusted hours during holidays or special events.

Parking is available on-site or on the street near the location. The space is accessible and designed for walk-in traffic, so you don't need to plan a long visit if you're just grabbing a bagel and coffee to go.

Who this spot works for

Big Apple is a good choice if you want a fresh bagel made that morning rather than a frozen or pre-baked one, or if you're looking for traditional Jewish deli items like lox, pastrami, or matzo ball soup in a casual setting. It's also a reliable breakfast and lunch spot for people in the neighborhood who want something more substantial than a chain bagel franchise but less formal than a full-service restaurant.

If you're new to bagels or deli food, the staff can recommend combinations and explain the difference between varieties — they're accustomed to customers asking questions and will help you navigate the menu. If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, asking about ingredients or requesting modifications is standard practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order bagels ahead for a specific time?

Yes. Calling ahead to reserve a batch of a specific variety ensures they'll be fresh and available when you arrive. This is especially useful if you want a less common flavor or if you're ordering for a group and need multiple bagels at once.

Do you sell whole bagels by the dozen to take home?

Yes, whole bagels are sold by the individual, half-dozen, or full dozen. You can take them home and toast them as needed. They freeze well if you want to store them for later.

What's the difference between a bagel and a roll?

A bagel is boiled before baking, which gives it a denser crumb, chewier texture, and a slight shine on the outside. A roll is baked without boiling, so it's lighter and airier inside. Bagels hold up better to toppings and spreads because of their density.

Are there vegetarian or vegan bagel options?

Plain bagels and many flavored varieties (everything, sesame, poppy seed, cinnamon raisin) are vegan if made without eggs or dairy. Vegetarian toppings include cream cheese, jam, peanut butter, and vegetables. Ask the staff about ingredients if you have specific dietary needs.

What time should I arrive to get the best bagel selection?

Early morning, within the first hour or two after opening, gives you the widest variety and the warmest bagels fresh from the oven. Later in the day, popular varieties may sell out, though the bakery usually has some options available until closing.