Marx Bagels brings back the flavor (and the history) with a taste of NYC in Columbus
If you’ve been craving a proper bagel on the East Side of Columbus, good news: there’s a new spot in town — and it’s bringing serious East Coast energy with it.
Marx Bagels, a Cincinnati-based bagel shop with deep Jewish deli roots, just opened in the former Block’s Bagels location. And while the space may be familiar, the vibe is refreshingly new. Think fresh paint, fresh bagels, and a fresh start for one of Columbus’ most iconic bagel addresses.
Even better? Marx isn’t just some random out-of-towner jumping into the Columbus bagel game. Their original shop was actually purchased from Block’s Bagels back in 1969, and they still use many of the same recipes that helped make Block’s a Central Ohio staple.
They soft launched late last week, and after checking it out myself, I can confidently say this: it feels like a rejuvenated version of Block’s in its prime. The layout’s still getting tweaked, staffing is still ramping up, but the food?
Absolutely dialed in.
The Backstory
Back in 1969, the original Marx Bagels in Cincinnati was literally purchased from Block’s Bagels. Yep. Same recipes, same doughy DNA, different zip code. Now, over 50 years later, the bagel has come full… circle? (Sorry. Bagel pun.)
They soft launched late last week in the same East Side location as Block’s, and while they’re still working out the flow of the shop and building up their crew, what they are pumping out is the kind of bagel magic that made Block’s so beloved.
So… How Are The Bagels?
In short: FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC.
I ordered the Nova Lox with cream cheese, tomato, lettuce, and onions — aka the classic deli power move — and it absolutely delivered. The bagel had that perfect hard crust on the outside, fluffy and dense on the inside. Honestly? It felt like eating a New York City bagel without having to deal with LaGuardia (which is actually a phenomenal airport now). The lox was fresh, the cream cheese was delicious, and the whole thing just worked.
And I’ll admit it — I walked in planning to only try a single sandwich. I walked out with an extra half dozen bagels in tow, because self-control is no match for the almighty carbs.
What You’ll Find on the Menu
While they’ve gone 100% Kosher — so you won’t find any bacon or sausage here — they’ve kept the flavor creativity strong. There are vegan options so no one’s left out of the bagel party.
Here’s a taste of what’s on the menu (literally and figuratively):
Bagel Flavors: Apple Cinnamon, Bialy, Banana, Blueberry, Caraway, Cheddar Jalapeño*, Chocolate Chip, Combo, Egg, French Toast, Garlic, Jalapeño, Plain, Poppy, Pumpernickel, Raisin, Raisin Cinnamon, Salt, Sourdough Rye, Combo Pumpernickel, Orange Cranberry, Strawberry, Keto*, Sesame, and Honey Grain. (*Some flavors may not be available yet — be nice, they’re getting settled!)
Spreads & Schmears:
- Plain or flavored cream cheese (Vegetable, Jalapeño, Horseradish & Black Olive, Chive, Honey Walnut, Strawberry, Raisin Cinnamon, Apple Cinnamon, Blueberry)
- Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese
- Tuna Salad, Egg Salad, White Fish Salad, Hummus, Tabouli — classic deli faves with legit flavor.
More Than Just Bagels:
Pancakes. Breakfast Burritos. Paninis. This ain’t a one-trick pony.
Final Thoughts
Marx Bagels might be new to Columbus, but it’s carrying on a legacy that locals know and love. It’s not just filling the shoes of Block’s — it’s wearing them proudly, with a fresh coat of polish and a little Cincinnati flair.
So if you’ve been mourning the loss of Block’s, consider this your sign: Get yourself to Marx.
📍Marx Bagels
6115 McNaughten Centre, Columbus, OH 43232