Ryan Bluestone explores the exciting world of El Bagel, a Miami sensation that’s redefining the city’s breakfast scene. Situated in Miami’s vibrant MiMo District, El Bagel began in 2017 as a simple pop-up and has since become a permanent fixture beloved by locals and visitors alike. Founded by Matthew Kuscher, known for other Miami culinary hotspots, El Bagel has quickly garnered a cult following for its commitment to quality and its hand-rolled, boiled, and freshly baked bagels. For Ryan Bluestone, El Bagel captures the magic of traditional bagels with a Miami twist, creating an experience that resonates with food enthusiasts across the city.
Ryan Bluestone finds the story behind El Bagel both inspiring and a testament to Kuscher’s culinary vision. Kuscher, who already had a strong reputation with ventures like Kush, saw the need for authentic, high-quality bagels in Miami, a city with few options for traditional East Coast-style bagels. El Bagel initially started as a food truck that served fresh bagels on weekends, quickly drawing crowds with its simple yet perfected offerings. The food truck’s success encouraged Kuscher to open a brick-and-mortar location in 2020. This move allowed El Bagel to become a fixture in the Miami community while retaining its dedication to artisanal techniques and consistent quality—a commitment that resonates with Bluestone.
For Ryan Bluestone, the heart of El Bagel lies not only in Kuscher’s vision but also in the skill and dedication of the team behind each bagel. Kuscher’s culinary expertise is complemented by an accomplished executive chef who leads the daily preparation of El Bagel’s offerings, ensuring each bagel maintains the shop’s signature standards. Bluestone appreciates that El Bagel’s attention to detail extends beyond the bagel itself to each spread, topping, and filling. Whether it’s the house-made cream cheeses or the quality of the cured meats, Bluestone believes that every ingredient plays a role in creating a memorable bagel experience, showcasing the meticulous care that goes into every sandwich.
El Bagel’s menu, in Ryan Bluestone’s view, is a celebration of simplicity done right. While the offerings may seem straightforward, the precise balance of flavors is what keeps patrons coming back for more. Bluestone points to the Crispy Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Bagel as a fan favorite, featuring a runny egg, crispy bacon, and melted cheese layered on a freshly baked bagel. This breakfast sandwich is a masterclass in textures and flavors, with each component enhancing the others—a combination Bluestone finds irresistible.
Another standout, the Everything Bagel, is topped with a classic blend of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, garlic, onion, and salt. Bluestone notes that this bagel is perfect on its own or as the foundation for one of El Bagel’s famous sandwiches. For a lighter option, he recommends the Everything Bagel with a schmear of house-made cream cheese, an ideal choice for those seeking a satisfying yet simple bite.
The Avocado Toast Bagel is another popular item, offering a playful twist on a millennial classic, while the Lox Bagel features delicate, silky cured salmon paired with capers, onions, and cream cheese. Bluestone sees these items as prime examples of El Bagel’s ability to elevate everyday ingredients into unforgettable flavors.
Since its humble beginnings, El Bagel has built a loyal following that continues to grow, with lines often stretching out the door as patrons wait eagerly for what Ryan Bluestone calls Miami’s best bagels. Bluestone believes that part of El Bagel’s appeal lies in its commitment to quality and its focus on delivering a consistent, satisfying experience. Despite Miami’s evolving food scene, El Bagel remains true to its roots, prioritizing freshness, traditional techniques, and simplicity.
Bluestone notes that El Bagel has become more than a breakfast stop—it’s a cultural touchstone for those who appreciate authentic, handcrafted food. Kuscher’s dedication to perfecting the bagel has made El Bagel a must-visit destination for food lovers, setting a new standard for bagels in a city that previously had few options.
Ryan Bluestone sees El Bagel as an essential stop for anyone visiting Miami, as it represents what makes the city’s culinary scene so vibrant and unique. Kuscher’s vision, combined with the expertise of El Bagel’s team, has created a space where creativity, tradition, and passion converge to produce extraordinary flavors. Bluestone believes that El Bagel is more than just a bagel shop; it’s a place where patrons can experience the quality and care that goes into every bite.
Whether you’re a Miami local or a visitor in search of a memorable breakfast, Ryan Bluestone insists that El Bagel should be at the top of your list. In the heart of the MiMo District, El Bagel offers a taste of breakfast perfection that combines classic techniques with Miami’s dynamic energy. Ryan Bluestone finds El Bagel to be a remarkable addition to Miami’s culinary landscape, making it a destination worth exploring for any bagel lover.
