Riverside Bagels & Deli in Columbia: Fresh Bagels, Sandwiches, and Local Favorites

What Riverside Bagels & Deli offers

Riverside Bagels & Deli is a neighborhood spot in Columbia that makes bagels fresh daily and builds sandwiches to order. The menu centers on hand-rolled bagels in varieties like plain, everything, sesame, and poppy seed, paired with cream cheese spreads, lox, and deli meats. Beyond bagels, the deli serves sandwiches built on their own bread or bagels, salads, and breakfast items that draw a steady morning crowd.

The space itself is casual and compact—the kind of place where regulars know the staff by name and the line moves quickly even during peak hours. You order at the counter, watch them prepare your food, and either eat at one of the small tables inside or take it with you. The bagels have the density and chew of a proper New York–style bagel rather than the puffy bread-like versions found at chain bakeries, which matters if you care about that distinction.

Key Takeaways

• Bagels are made fresh daily in-house, with classic varieties and seasonal options available most days.
• The deli builds sandwiches to order using quality meats, cheeses, and their own bagels or bread.
• Breakfast service runs early, making it a reliable stop before work or weekend plans.
• The space is small and counter-service only, so expect to order and eat quickly or take food with you.

Bagel varieties and toppings

The bagel selection rotates slightly but always includes the standards: plain, everything seasoning, sesame, poppy seed, and usually a few others like cinnamon raisin or pumpernickel depending on the day. You can ask what came out of the oven most recently—the staff will tell you honestly if something is still warm or if you should wait five minutes.

Cream cheese comes in multiple flavors beyond plain: scallion, lox, herb, and others that change seasonally. You can also order a bagel with lox and capers, smoked salmon and dill, or classic combinations like egg and cheese. The portions are generous, and they do not skimp on the filling.

Sandwiches and lunch options

The sandwich menu includes deli classics—roast beef, turkey, pastrami, corned beef—built on bagels, their house bread, or rye. You can customize with your choice of cheese, vegetables, and spreads. Many regulars order the same thing every time, but the staff is patient with people who want to build something specific.

Salads and sides round out the lunch menu. Prices are moderate for a made-to-order deli in Columbia, and portions are substantial enough that many people split a sandwich or save half for later.

When to go and what to expect

Breakfast and early lunch—roughly 7 a.m. to noon on weekdays—is when Riverside is busiest. If you want to sit and linger, go mid-afternoon. Weekends bring a different crowd, often families or people running errands in the neighborhood.

Parking is street parking along Riverside Avenue or in nearby lots; it is rarely a problem except during peak morning hours. The deli is closed Sundays and has limited hours on Saturdays, so check before making a special trip on the weekend.

Why locals choose Riverside

In a city with chain bagel shops and fast-casual sandwich places, Riverside stands out because the bagels are actually made there, not shipped in frozen. The staff knows regular customers by name and remembers their usual orders. The prices do not feel inflated for what you get, which matters in a neighborhood deli.

It is also one of the few places in Columbia where you can get a proper bagel sandwich at 7 a.m. on a weekday morning without waiting in a long line or dealing with a corporate menu. That simplicity—good bagels, made fresh, served quickly—is what keeps people coming back.

Location and hours

Riverside Bagels & Deli is located on Riverside Avenue in the Five Points area of Columbia, a neighborhood known for independent shops and restaurants. The exact address and current hours are best confirmed by calling ahead or checking their social media, as deli hours can shift seasonally or for special events.

The neighborhood itself is walkable if you live or work nearby, and the deli fits naturally into a morning routine or a lunch break. If you are visiting Five Points for other reasons—browsing the bookstore, shopping, or eating at nearby restaurants—Riverside is an easy stop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do they make bagels fresh every day?

Yes. Bagels are made in-house daily, and the staff will tell you which varieties came out of the oven most recently. If you arrive late in the day, some varieties may be sold out, but the core options are usually available through lunch.

Can I order a bagel sandwich with specific toppings?

Absolutely. You order at the counter and can customize your bagel with any combination of cream cheese flavors, meats, cheeses, and vegetables they have available. The staff is used to special requests.

Is there seating inside?

Yes, but it is limited. There are a few small tables inside, enough for a quick breakfast or lunch. If you prefer to sit and stay longer, go during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon) when tables are more likely to be free.

What are the hours on weekends?

Hours vary, and the deli is closed Sundays. Saturday hours are typically shorter than weekday hours. Call ahead or check their social media to confirm weekend times before you visit.

Is parking available?

Street parking along Riverside Avenue and nearby lots are the main options. It is rarely difficult to find a spot except during the busiest morning hours on weekdays.