In this weekly feature, we’re celebrating the best of Colorado Springs’ food and drink scene ー as determined by voters in the 2026 Best of the Springs (thebestofthesprings.com). We’ll throw in our own recommendation, too.

Up this week: bagels. 

Gold: Bella’s Bagels 

Bella’s recently made headlines for the Pueblo green chile cream cheese winning Schmear of the Year at BagelFest West. The word is out beyond the Springs, where the word has been out since 2022. That’s when a New Jersey transplant and his wife opened the shop to honor the bagels of his childhood. A common alert is posted on the website: “We are sold out!” 3582 Blue Horizon View

Silver: Olde World Bagels & Deli 

Take it from The Gazette’s food review not long ago: It’s “a bagel paradise,” where our food critic counted 20 different flavors. Or take it from Best of the Springs voters, who have been loving this New York-inspired deli for decades. They go for breakfast and lunch, ordering their go-to sandwich. 1670 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd. 

Bronze: Einstein Bros. Bagels 

Best of voters can’t resist the chain that keeps people coming back for favorites like cinnamon sugar, asiago cheese and everything. Regulars know their favorite schmear combination. Along with the old favorites, it seems Einstein is always rolling out something new. How about that Bagelrito? Multiple locations

Our recommendation: The Loft 

It’s a hit in Manitou Springs, largely because the bagel sandwiches are so dang good. Young owners Justin and Katie Snyder have a big heart for their fellow Manitoids, and they show it with thoughtfully sourced food. And, of course, they show it with the bagels, each of which is the result of a loving, multi-day process. 110 Cañon Ave.