The Schmear Campaign - Star Bagel

My name is Joshua Rawlings, but my friends know me as the “North American Bagel Expert”. This title did not come out of thin air; after much pleading, it was allowed.

I love bagels and over the years I have been to hundreds of bagel shops across the country. When traveling, I make it a priority to try bagel shops and attempt to learn their backstory. These experiences have cemented a set of criteria for what makes a stand-out establishment. At the highest level, these criteria cover the bagel, shop vibe, and bagel aesthetic (bagel portraits, earth tones, etc.) I won’t trouble you with all of the details of my system but, for example, when reviewing the “bagel”, one explores things like the bite, break, density, chew, flavor, and value. Vibe and aesthetic have their own set of sub-categories, and so on.

That said, it does not take a “North American Bagel Expert” to tell you why Star Bagel is one of the finest shops in town. Something that really brings me joy is fair pricing. Here is a snapshot of the Star Bagel menu: bagel and cream cheese $4.00, lox and the works $10.50, a dozen with a container of cream cheese $1.50 (per bagel). I’m not saying there is anything wrong with spending $15 on a bagel with smoked salmon, but those who do, exited the stock market long before I did. In these days of high inflation, it is nice to treat yourself to a freshly baked bounty for less than the cost of a gallon of gas. What's more, the bagels are sublime.

A couple of years back, I lived in a tiny attic apartment near Sylvan Park, and I would walk to Star for my regular weekend fix, a challah bagel with lox spread. When eaten fresh (or lightly toasted), it has the steamy sweetness of an egg bagel, complete with a crust that has the right crispiness. What's more, the folks who work at Star Bagel (many of whom have been there for years) know the proper schmear ratio to give the bagel its due respect and ensure the product has a near-perfect moisture balance. 

Star Bagel brings more to the table than just bagels. They have an excellent tuna melt ($8.00) - I like mine on asiago muffuletta - and a variety of deli-style salads that will fill your stomach without emptying your wallet. Amongst the backdrop of what feels like a thousand hip and trendy restaurants popping up around Nashville, Star Bagel remains a reliable neighborhood establishment with honest prices and genuine customer service.

The next time you’ve got some change falling through the hole in your pocket, shake your pant leg, put on your shoes, and take a walk through Sylvan Park to the budget-friendly and mighty tasty Star Bagel.

Star Bagel Cafe
4502 Murphy Rd
Nashville, TN 37209
starbagel.com
@starbagelcafe