PopUp Bagels Opens in Portland, Maine, With Its Signature Soft-Centered Bagels

Portland woke up to something special this morning: PopUp Bagels officially opened its doors, and the city showed up big time. From the moment they opened, a line stretched out the door and down the sidewalk, proof that word travels fast when great bagels are involved.

And these aren’t just any bagels. PopUp Bagels has a huge following elsewhere for good reason, and now Portlanders get to see what the buzz is all about. Their bagels have a perfectly crispy outside and a warm, soft inside. Every bite feels like the bagel you always hoped existed.

But the real star-stealing conversations today? The schmears.

PopUp is known for its inventive spreads, but the one that had people talking this morning was the Stonewall Kitchen Maine Blueberry schmear, a local twist that feels like it was destined to be part of the menu. It was the runaway favorite among first-day visitors.

What makes PopUp Bagels so beloved is its story. According to their website, it all began as a simple backyard pickup window, created just to share a new bagel recipe with friends. What started as a neighborly weekend experiment blossomed into a wildly popular bagel phenomenon with pop-ups and permanent shops sprouting across the country. Now, Portland gets to join the fun.

The morning was full of amazing energy, tons of smiles, and a little disbelief that Portland finally scored this incredibly popular bagel spot. And after one bite, it’s easy to see why people rave about them.

What an exciting new addition to Portland’s food scene.

READ MORE: This Portland Bar Mixes Holiday Cocktails With Homemade Ice Cream

If you haven’t gone yet, make plans. Set your alarm, grab a friend, stand in that line, and treat yourself to the freshest bagel you’ve probably had in years. Portland just got something special, let’s enjoy it, one schmear-covered bagel at a time.