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The Bagel Factory II in Columbia: Fresh Bagels and Breakfast Sandwiches

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What to expect at The Bagel Factory II

The Bagel Factory II is a bagel shop in Columbia that makes bagels fresh daily and serves them as sandwiches, with coffee and other breakfast items. The space is small and casual—expect a counter order setup rather than table service. You order at the counter, pay, and either eat at one of a few tables or take your food with you. The bagels come warm, and the sandwich fillings (cream cheese, lox, egg, bacon, sausage) are standard breakfast fare.

The shop opens early, typically around 6 or 7 a.m., which makes it a natural stop before work or on weekend mornings. The menu is straightforward: bagels, bagel sandwiches, coffee, and a small selection of pastries or sides. Prices are moderate for a bagel shop—a bagel sandwich with coffee will run you somewhere in the $8 to $12 range, depending on what you choose. The atmosphere is no-frills, which appeals to people who want breakfast fast and don't need ambiance.

Key Takeaways

  • The Bagel Factory II makes bagels fresh daily and serves them as sandwiches with standard breakfast fillings like cream cheese, lox, egg, and bacon.
  • The shop operates on a counter-order model with a few tables inside, making it suited for quick breakfast stops rather than lingering meals.
  • Hours typically start early (around 6 or 7 a.m.), so it works well for people heading to work or running errands on weekend mornings.
  • A bagel sandwich with coffee costs roughly $8 to $12, making it an affordable breakfast option in Columbia.

The bagel selection and sandwich options

The shop rotates bagel flavors, so what's available depends on the day. You'll typically find plain, everything, sesame, poppy seed, and cinnamon raisin, though the exact lineup can shift. The bagels themselves are boiled and baked in-house, which gives them the chewy interior and crisp crust that distinguishes a real bagel from a bread roll with a hole in it. If you're particular about bagel texture, this matters—many casual breakfast spots use frozen bagels or skip the boiling step entirely.

Sandwich combinations are built to order. A classic is a plain bagel with cream cheese and lox; others go for egg and cheese, bacon and cream cheese, or sausage and egg. You can also order a bagel plain or with just butter and jam if you prefer something simple. The fillings are fresh but not adventurous—this is a straightforward bagel shop, not a place experimenting with truffle cream cheese or smoked salmon variations.

Coffee and other drinks

The coffee is standard diner-style coffee—hot, reliable, and inexpensive. It's not specialty third-wave coffee or cold brew made in-house; it's the kind of coffee you get at a bagel shop, which is to say it's there to wash down your breakfast, not to be the main event. A cup costs a few dollars and refills are usually available if you're eating in.

Beyond coffee, the shop typically offers juice, tea, and sometimes a small selection of bottled drinks. If you're looking for a specialty latte or an elaborate coffee drink, this isn't the place—but if you want a quick cup of coffee with your bagel, you'll be satisfied.

Location and parking in Columbia

The Bagel Factory II is located in Columbia, though the exact address and parking situation depend on which location you're visiting (the shop has operated at different spots over the years). Before you go, it's worth checking the current address online or calling ahead, as bagel shops sometimes relocate or change hours. Parking is typically street parking or a small lot, depending on the location.

Because it's a small shop with limited seating, it can get busy during peak breakfast hours (roughly 7 to 9 a.m. on weekdays). If you're going on a Saturday or Sunday morning, expect a short wait. Going earlier or later in the morning usually means a faster transaction.

Who this spot works for

The Bagel Factory II is ideal if you want a real bagel—boiled and baked, not a bread roll—and don't need a lot of fuss. It's good for people grabbing breakfast before work, families on weekend mornings, or anyone who appreciates a straightforward bagel sandwich. It's not the place for a leisurely brunch with friends or a meal that requires a lot of customization.

If you're new to Columbia or looking for a reliable breakfast spot that doesn't require a reservation or a long sit-down, this is a solid choice. The food is consistent, the prices are fair, and the bagels are made fresh. It's the kind of place locals know about and return to regularly.

What to bring and how to order

Bring cash or a card—most bagel shops take both, though it's worth confirming when you arrive. You order at the counter by pointing to what you want or telling the person behind the counter your bagel choice and fillings. There's no menu board with prices listed for every combination, so if you're unsure about cost, ask before you order. The transaction is quick, usually under five minutes even during busy times.

If you're eating in, grab a table if one is free. If you're taking it to go, they'll wrap your bagel in paper and put your coffee in a cup. The whole experience is designed to be fast, so don't expect table service or a lot of time to linger.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the bagels made fresh every day?

Yes. The Bagel Factory II boils and bakes bagels in-house daily, which is why they have that chewy inside and crisp outside. The exact flavors available rotate, so what's fresh today might not be available tomorrow.

Can I order bagels in bulk or for an event?

Many bagel shops will prepare bulk orders if you call ahead. Contact the shop directly to ask about ordering a dozen or more bagels for a meeting, party, or gathering. Advance notice helps them set aside enough dough.

Is there seating inside, or is it takeout only?

There are a few tables inside, so you can eat there if you want. It's not a large dining area, but it's enough for a quick breakfast. Many people take their bagels to go, especially during weekday mornings.

What time does The Bagel Factory II open?

The shop typically opens around 6 or 7 a.m., though hours can vary by location and season. Call ahead or check online to confirm the exact opening time before you go, especially if you're planning to stop by very early.

Do you have vegetarian or vegan bagel options?

Yes. You can order a bagel with just cream cheese, butter and jam, or other plant-based fillings. Ask what options are available when you order, and the staff can build a sandwich to fit your diet.