Bo’s Bagels came to Ann Arbor claiming to bring an authentic New York City-style bagel experience. While I cannot comment on how authentic these bagels are to the Big Apple, Bo’s Bagels nonetheless provides great options to the broader Ann Arbor community.
The Ann Arbor location, which opened March 2024, is one of three Bo’s Bagels. The other two are in New York — Washington Heights and Harlem. It is owned by husband and wife Andrew Martinez and Ashley Dikos. Dikos is originally from Walled Lake and went to University of Michigan.
Bo’s is located in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, just a few minutes’ walking distance from the University of Michigan’s central campus diag. It is the perfect place to grab a quick breakfast or lunch, especially as the service I experienced was incredibly speedy, even for a larger multi-item order.
For a lighter meal, I would recommend just getting a bagel + cream cheese combo but the sandwiches are great for a filling eating experience or as an opportunity to have some leftovers for later! Although there are many bagel flavors, sandwich combinations and other side items offered at Bo’s, here are my opinions on some of the offerings as a self-proclaimed bagel person.
Blueberry Muffin
This muffin was gigantic and delicious. The flavors served at Bo’s changes everyday, giving the perfect excuse to check-in often! This treat featured a crumble coating, topped with almonds. The cake was dense without being overpowering or overly sweet. I would definitely stop in to get this muffin again or try others as well.
Lox Bagel Sandwich
This is the bagel for all of the smoked salmon lovers. A lox bagel is often my go to breakfast and this one did not disappoint. All of their bagels are thick, acting as the perfect base for any sandwich. There was not too much salmon on this bagel, definitely a good balance with the cream cheese as well. I personally would prefer a bit more and like when there is cream cheese on both bagel pieces, but this ate very well. I got an everything bagel with plain cream cheese which provided some great flavors when paired with the lox. I would say this is the best lox bagel I’ve tried so far in downtown Ann Arbor.
Tuna Salad Bagel Sandwich
I am a tuna salad lover, and I have to say this is absolutely one of the best tuna salads I have ever had. I could have been happy without the bagel, but this as a sandwich, was definitely hearty and a great purchase. I added sundried tomato cream cheese to the bagel, which was a great combo as I wanted something more fresh to balance out the heavy tuna salad. The salad tasted incredibly fresh and stayed delicious even after a few hours in the fridge.
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Za’atar Bagel
Although I was not expecting it, this bagel was surprisingly the highlight of my Bo’s purchase. Although it was a simple toasted bagel with veggie cream cheese, this was a perfect combination. The bagel was very savory and without being spicy, was clearly a unique flavor. I had never had anything with Za’atar, an herb blend traditionally native to the Levant, previously but would definitely want to again. The cream cheese was slathered on and oozing out of the bagel. I would highly recommend this bagel and cream cheese combination and would also try both of these flavors with other Bo’s offerings.
Beverages
When I walked into Bo’s, it was over 90 degrees outside, which meant I needed a refreshing drink alongside my bagels. I went for the fresh lemonade, which was perfectly tart and not too sweet. It absolutely did taste fresh so I would get this again and prefer it to getting a bottled beverage. Highly recommend getting a lemonade to beat the Michigan summer heat. Bo’s also serves coffee and other drinks as well, making great pairings with your bagel.
The bottom line
Overall, Bo’s is the place to go for a great bagel. Bo’s also has options for those who may have specific dietary needs and preferences. For example, the shop offers a variety of vegan cream cheese options and gluten-free treats. They also have unique items that I have not seen previously, such as cookie dough spread. In the future, I will definitely be going back to Bo’s to try the other bagel and cream cheese combinations or getting another sandwich! I highly recommend trying Bo’s Bagels as there is something for everyone.
Visit Bo’s in person at 1116 S University Ave, Suite D in Ann Arbor or learn more here.
