Rosen’s Bagel Co. (American)
Rosen’s Bagel Co. in North Austin started with a craving.
Founder Tom Rosen grew up in a Jewish household, where bagels weren’t just breakfast, they were a ritual. He has fond memories of his grandfather treating himself to bagels and lox like a small luxury.
When Tom moved to Austin, he found plenty of great food, but nothing that quite tasted like home. So he started making his own bagels, first in small weekend pop-ups and eventually in a little shop that quickly became a neighborhood favorite.
Located on Burnet Road with a second location in Republic Square and a third opening soon in Windsor Park, Rosen’s menu is rooted in New York tradition with Austin personality woven through.
The Rose’n Shine breakfast sandwich is the shop’s biggest hit, stacked with egg, cheese, protein, and a spicy citrus Sunrise Sauce that regulars swear by. The classic lox spread tastes like something Tom’s grandpa would have approved of, and the everything and sesame bagels—simple as they are—remain the heart of the bakery. Other offerings include latkes, babkas, coffee, and more.
Every bagel takes 48 hours to make, from hand-rolling to boiling to baking, and the team fusses over details most people will never notice—like adjusting the boiling water to match the pH of New York bagels. But what people do notice is how it feels. Rosen’s is unpretentious, a little cheeky, and full of Austin energy, Tom says.
While Tom isn’t originally from Austin (he came from Kansas), he says city’s creative, community-driven spirit is what made him stay. He credits the neighbors who showed up to those early pop-ups, the families who pick up a dozen every weekend, and the regulars who order the same sandwich every morning. “Austin built us,” he says. “They’re the reason we get to do this.”
Tom says they’re working on new seasonal schmears, more creative sandwiches, and expanded catering, with an exciting announcement planned for 2026. But at its core, Rosen’s will always be about about handmade quality, consistency, and connection, he says.
“I love how Austin embraces creativity and community—it’s a city that roots for and supports the little guys,” Tom says. “That energy is a big part of why Rosen’s could grow.”