The Lox Bagel Shop

With pale wood tables and muted blue wallpaper depicting the sea, this contemporary Short North cafe is a bagel shop that combines New York and Montreal styles: their options are boiled and then baked over a live fire for a crispy exterior. You can get flavors like plain, everything, sea salt and herb, and sesame, and while there are plenty of sandwiches to choose from, the housemade pastrami, egg, and cheese sandwich paired with crispy fried potato wedges is a sure bet. For something lighter, opt for The Lox’s namesake sandwich with capers, onion, cucumber, and cream cheese. We also love stopping by for lunch when they serve Cubans, egg salad sandos, and weekly specials such as a spiced Moroccan lamb sandwich. Another plus: they have dedicated parking, a rare thing in the Short North.