Calic Bagel

Bagel traditionalists, look away: This fusion-style Koreatown bagel maker offers yeasted rounds so fluffy and bread-like, we'd hesitate to group them into the same category as the dense, old-school boiled creations beloved by East Coast transplants. But the viral cheesy garlic bagel created by married owners Alex and Sun Sohn, as well as the Korean-inspired schmears (including one made with Jeju tangerines!) and sandwiches carry an appeal all of their own. Unlike most bagel joints, Calic Bagel encourages you to rip-and-dip loosies, so bring a friend or two and order a range of schmears for an only-in-L.A. breakfast experience that just might convert the bagel purists in your life into bagel progressives. For a decadent lunch, order one of the sandwiches, which run the gamut from classic to creative—think a cheesesteak-like riff with beef bulgogi and an egg-and-cheese with a galbi-style beef patty, garlic aioli and kimchi.