Let’s talk bagels. Everyone has their go-to local spot for a classic breakfast sandwich or a bagel piled high with a fun cream cheese. Here are some of the most popular local spots, as chosen by you, our readers.

Chewish Deli | Alexandria

This spot serves all the classics, from a lox sandwich to a BEC (bacon, egg, and cheese) — my personal favorite. And don't skip the schmears: The lineup includes everything from the traditional to the unexpected, like their dill pickle cream cheese. Yes, you read that correctly.

Main Street Bagel Deli | Fairfax

From bagels with cream cheese to gourmet sandwiches, this shop offers a wide range of options. It also happens to be the top choice for reader Michael S.

Chesapeake Bagel Bakery | Burke, McLean, Arlington

Readers Julie H., Mitch L., and Marlene P. all chose this bagel spot as their favorite in NOVA. Consider our interest piqued. Julie says they have the best veggie cream cheese, and the bagel knots are their go-to.

Time 4 Bagels Cafe | Gainesville

If you’re looking for a New York-style bagel, this might be the spot for you. But don’t take our word for it; hear what reader Doreen G. said:

“I grew up on Long Island, and have tried many bagel shops in NOVA. The absolute best bagel shop is Time 4 Bagels Cafe in Gainesville. They are the closest thing to NY bagels I’ve found.”

Tysons Bagel Market | Tysons

This pillar in the NOVA bagel scene is not to be missed. Maybe you want a bagel with sundried tomato cream cheese, or your classic egg, cheese, and choice of meat sandwich. I’ll personally be ordering a side of home fries with my BEC.

bkd Bagels | Leesburg, Ashburn, Purcellville

This spot offers an assortment of bagel sandwich options, along with a monthly special. The bagel named “The Hangover” sounds up my alley, made with sausage, a fried egg, American cheese, cream cheese, and a hash brown.

The outside of Brooklyn Bagel Bakery in Arlington. — Have you been to this bagel shop? | Photo by NOVAtoday

Brooklyn Bagel Bakery | Arlington

One of my go-to spots is this bagel shop. I always get bacon, egg, and cheese with avocado and hot sauce on a sesame bagel. Note: If your order is less than $10, you will need to pay in cash.

Bagel Uprising | Arlington + Alexandria

Started in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood, this bagel hotspot recently opened its second location in Arlington’s Ballston neighborhood. I’m eyeing the Etelbina’s Avocado BLT, made with sliced avocado, bacon, tomato, arugula, and mayo.

Bagel Station 523 | Vienna

If you’re craving some fun cream cheeses, this is the spot for you. While they offer the classics, you can also get ube, guava, mala chili crisp cream cheeses, and many other fun options. Plus, they have some tasty-looking sandwiches to try out.

The Bagel Cafe | Herndon

The menu at this location is extensive. If you order eggs or an omelet, you can choose a buttered bagel and home fries to accompany your meal.

Bobby’s Bagel Cafe | Oakton, Herndon, Sterling

Along with all of the classic bagel favorites we know and love, this spot also offers a variety of specialty options, including gluten-free and vegan bagels, as well as customizable letter-shaped bagels for any occasion.

Other popular bagels businesses

Special shoutout to Crumb to Mama, the local microbakery based in Arlington, which offers sourdough bagels. There are four different options you can choose from, including jalapeno cheddar bagels.

And, of course, we’d be remiss not to mention Call Your Mother Deli, Bethesda Bagels, and Manhattan Bagel — three beloved bagel spots with locations throughout NOVA. Reader Kristin K. said the Call Your Mother location in McLean is their favorite and their order is the Royal Palm on a cheddar cheese bagel. I’ll have to give it a try.