Backyard Bagel is expanding with plans to open a second location in Laurelhurst.
The shop, owned by Aaron and Emily Emas, will take over the former General Porpoise space at 4520 Union Bay Place NE, joining its original location at 4310 Fremont Ave. N.
In a recent Instagram post, the owners shared permits have been approved and said they plan to spend the next few months hiring and making sure “the magic of Fremont gets replicated to Laurelhurst.” The post continued, “This is wild. We weren’t planning on it but this opportunity was too good to pass up.”
Backyard Bagel began during the pandemic, when the couple discovered a bagel recipe through The New York Times. They started baking and tweaking it, delivering bagels to family and friends. By the summer of 2023, they had expanded into farmers markets, home delivery and wholesale, according to their website.
Their bagels are rolled, boiled and baked in Seattle, using New York–style methods and Pacific Northwest ingredients. The menu features bagels with schmears like capers and dill, spicy scallion, strawberry rhubarb and mashed avocado. Sandwiches include the Ballard Lox, the Brooklyn, Garden Party and Big Tuna—all served fresh, not toasted.
Drink offerings include coffee and “boujee” options such as the EBL (Everything Bagel Latte) and the Gray Sky Cold Brew, made with ginger beer and a cold brew float. Seasonal drinks include a strawberry espresso tonic, strawberry balsamic shrub and the Bees Knees, a lavender honey latte that’s a staff favorite.
What Now Seattle reached out to the owners regarding the expansion, however, they have not yet responded. This article may be updated.
Backyard Bagel is open Wednesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., and on weekends from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
