Baked & Boiled is serving well-executed water bagels in Soulard

Soulard is the latest beneficiary of the recent bagel boom with Baked & Boiled. Helmed by owner Alex Pifer, the shop boasts well-executed water bagels, which are distinguished by a satisfyingly chewy crust. On a Sunday morning visit, the shop was crammed with customers. 

The selection includes traditional flavors like everything, poppy seed and pumpernickel rye, as well as specials like ghost pepper-cheddar and rosemary-sea salt. Sweeter options are also available, including chocolate chip and cinnamon-raisin bagels, as well as a seasonal white chocolate-pumpkin. Add a cream cheese schmear (we liked the smoked salmon cream cheese), or upgrade to the cold-smoked Atlantic salmon and cream cheese bagel sandwich. Many take their orders to go; we snagged a table by the window and enjoyed our bagels with coffee from Kuva Coffee Roasters.

1801 S. Ninth St., St. Louis, 314.571.9017, bakedboiled.com