Jackson Colo and Helen Wilson
Staff Writer and A&E Editor

The best bagels in town: Bagel Station I brings home the gold

Jackson Colo

We’ve all had those moments: the ones where all you want is a good bite of food. So, you decide to drive down to The Bagel Station. But wait? Bagel Station I or Bagel Station II? The answer couldn’t be clearer.

When comparing Bagel Station I and Bagel Station II, the original Bagel Station takes the cake. Established in 1990, The Bagel Station has brought nothing but smiles and filled stomachs to those in the know. Offering a vast assortment of twenty-plus premium New York-style bagels has certainly made a mark on Winston-Salem. Whether it’s their fast service, close proximity to R. J. Reynolds, or their delicious bagels, Bagel Station I never misses.

Imagine: you walk in and see a long line of people. You think to yourself, ‘Oh, crap. This is gonna take a while,’ as you walk to the back of the line. Little did you know, not even five minutes later, you would be walking out with a delectable plain bagel with bacon, egg, and cheese. There’s no question that Bagel Station I has faster and more reliable service. Between a separate dining area, the ability to order ahead, and the efficiency of the employees, Bagel Station I can get customers in and out, making it the perfect place for breaks during your day. 

“Normally, I don’t wait in line because I order ahead, and so I just go grab it,” RJR Senior Lilly Greene,  said. “It’s really fast and easy. I also like that the seating is separate from the ordering. So if you want to sit down, you can, but it’s not like everybody’s waiting in the same space.”

Not only is Bagel Station I more effective than Bagel Station II, but it is also closer to RJR. The original Bagel Station falls 1.9 miles away from RJR, over a mile closer than its lesser counterpart, allowing students to grab a bite to eat before, during, or after a day of classes. 

“I like to get them [on the go] from Career Center to Reynolds,” Greene said. “My go-to is a sesame bagel with two eggs and cheddar cheese. I order that basically every time, but sometimes I get a jalapeno cheddar bagel. They’re very good.” 

Bagel Station I doesn’t stop there. They make fresh bagels every day, allowing customers to get a real, authentic bagel experience.   

“My cross country team runs Salem Lake every Saturday, and we always go to Bagel Station I after,” RJR Sophomore and runner Anna Claire Wenker said. “The seating, proximity to Reynolds, the people that eat there, how could you not love Bagel Station 1?”

Whether you need an on-the-go snack or a sit-down meal, Bagel Station I has you covered!

Bagel wars: Why Station II takes the crown

Helen Wilson

It’s a Saturday morning, 11:00 AM, and you have just woken up from a refreshing eight-hour sleep. You are sipping your cup of coffee and are ready to start your weekend. The next best thing on your agenda is a bagel from Bagel Station. Instantly, you text your friends and tell them to meet there, and you arrive five minutes later. You’re probably asking, “Which Bagel Station are you talking about?” The short and non-negotiable answer is Bagel Station II, the location on Peace Haven Road.

Bagel Station II surpasses the original location in numerous ways, making it the ultimate choice for bagel enthusiasts. The second location offers a more ample and comfortable seating area, perfect for enjoying your bagel with friends, but it also provides you with a wider variety of bagel flavors and toppings, and other items like smoothies. Additionally, the service at Bagel Station II is friendlier, and they accommodate the chaos of rush hour more effectively—ensuring a pleasant experience every time. The convenient and practical parking further improves its appeal, making Bagel Station II the go-to spot for all.

 “I go to Bagel Station II every Friday and eat inside before school starts,” senior, Maryvan Gardner said. “Charlotte Beilman and I started this tradition last year and kept it going because it gives us something to look forward to at the end of every week.”

Bagel Station II’s environment is cozy and original, the ideal place to enjoy a bagel. But it’s more than the bagel itself. Bagel Station II has a social aspect to it. Without a doubt, every time I go, I recognize or talk to at least one person. For the majority of my trips to Bagel Station II, I am with a group of friends, and we sit and talk for upwards of an hour. The vibes are high and the energy is always there. The last time I went, the kind lady working the register was dancing behind the counter to the music being played on the speakers. When big holidays come around, they completely deck the place out and make seasonal menu options. They never fail at creating a positive atmosphere, no matter how many people are squeezing through their door.

“The workers at Bagel Station II know me and practically know my bagel order to a tee,” Gardner said. “I would for sure make the drive to Bagel Station II even if I was at school considering Bagel Station I is closer.”

While the original Bagel Station holds a nostalgic charm, Bagel Station II outshines it in many aspects. Bagel Station II provides an unmatched experience without compromising on quality. For those seeking the best bagel experience in town, Bagel Station II is undoubtedly the top choice.

“I am never disappointed at Bagel Station II!” Gardner said.