Flooding? Traffic? High cost of living? Forget it. Charleston’s biggest hot-button topic is bagels.

Earlier this year, we shared this quote from CHStoday reader Chrystine Z. about the apparent lack of real, New York-style bagels in the Lowcountry.

We quickly learned that Chrystine Z. is by no means alone in feeling passionately about the issue. Two sides emerged: those that believe that there are good bagels to be had in Charleston, and those that don’t.

The following spots were cited by some of our readers as proof that there are authentic bagels out there:

Blondies Bagels & Cafe | 245 Seven Farms Dr., Daniel Island | “Best smoked salmon and bagels in the area.” –Chris W.
Charleston Bakery & Delicatessen | 10597 Dorchester Rd., Summerville
492 | 492 King St. | “Serving lox bagels + Matzo ball soup on Sundays. Plus more options!” –Frances T.
North Central Delicatessen | 396 Huger St.
Bagel Nation | 520 Folly Rd., James Island + 1975 Magwood Dr, West Ashley
Eastside Bagels | 8-D Line St. | "Personal fave is the jam session - bacon jam, what?!?!" –Eileen B.
Coming Soon: Sully’s Steamers | Named the best bagel shop in the state by Delish

Which side are you on? Is there a local deli you consider to be your bae[gel]? Or do you agree that the Lowcountry is at a lox?

Keep your opinions strong + your bagels fresh, CHS.