Bagel lovers, there’s a new star in town! PopUp Bagels – “not famous, but known” – has arrived, bringing the buzz that made it a sensation in New York. And if a bagel shop can make it big in NYC, you know it’s good.
PopUp Bagels in La Jolla
San Diego just got a serious carb upgrade. PopUp Bagels, the award-winning shop that turned a backyard pandemic project into a massive East Coast trend, opened its very first California location right here in La Jolla on Pearl Street.
What’s unique about these bagels?
Forget everything you know about bagel shops. PopUp doesn’t do sandwiches or toasted slices. They focus entirely on the texture: crispy crusts and soft centers. They’re served steaming hot and whole. Oh, and they keep it simple: get plain, everything, sesame, poppy seed, or salt.
The concept is simple: you grab a hot bagel, rip off a piece, and dip it into their artisan schmears (hence the “rip, grip, and dip”). You can go with a classic, such as scallion, plain, or butter. Or, enjoy some limited-edition fun collabs. Last week, they had Grillo’s Pickles, TRUFF Hot Sauce, and Ocean Spray Cranberry – but these pretty much change weekly.
Welcome to La Jolla!
The expansion is led by new franchise partners Paul Goodman and Griffin Thall. After visiting New York and seeing the community vibe- – and the massive lines – they decided it was time to bring that same excitement to the West Coast. And if you’ve seen the Pearl Street line on opening day, you can tell they were 100% correct.
“It’s not just about the food; it’s about that neighborhood spirit,” the duo said. They have big plans to open 10 spots across San Diego County, so you’ll be seeing a lot more of them soon.
- Where: 637 Pearl Street, La Jolla, CA 92037
- When: November 2025