So, it’s been a while since my last bagel expedition. Had to be up early here in Santa Monica so it was a good time to try a place I’ve had recommended before. Sams. They have a location on Main here in SM. I assume they’re related.I once had a decent bagel at Sams in Larchmont. But that was 10 years ago so my memories may not be that accurate.
I did my usual photograph against the tiles so you can compare sizes in my photos above. The bagels were very large, however they were not very heavy.
VERY soft, kinda spongy. But not doughy.
No crisp. Very much in the vein of Noah’s. Even Western’s bagels are more dense. Not much chew, good flavor.
Eating the side without the toppings and I was transported back in time to when I was in a town with no bagel shop and was forced to eat a Thomas’s.
The toasted was better, but obviously did not help these chew-challenged objects.
This “bagel” is probably well-suited for “bagel” sandwiches. But this was my least favorite of all bagel places, except Noah’s and Einstein. Bummed I wasted probably 500 calories.
The 4 hole-y breads cost a tad over $5.
Btw, sign said they were moving to Montana. I was thinking I’d probably consider them a good bagel for the State of Montana, but I think they meant Montana Ave in SM.
So in my pecking order, these fit the category of “Not Bagels that call themselves bagels.”
So ranking those:
Gjusta
Western
Sam’s (Santa Monica)
Noah’s*
Einstein*
*these should not be on anyone’s list … for anything. Lender’s, Sara Lee, Thomas’s, any store brand from the market are ALL better.
like me, if you ask for lox, they assume you mean nova. 
