Sincerely Bagel Is Setting Up Shop in Portland

While over at Providore last weekend (they have finger limes!), I noticed a new sign up on the old Tails & Trotters space: Sincerely, Bagel. My first thought was, “Whoa, something new here!” And then it was, “Awww, so cute!” The logo is adorable. Note 12/28/24: we have updated this post significantly since it was originally published.

First, Tails & Trotters

This butcher shop known for its hazelnut-finished pork products, sandwiches, kabobs, and meats opened in this space in 2012; they closed in 2022. The pandemic definitely wounded them; they also suffered an electrical fire in 2017; and the increasing costs of running a business also contributed to their shuttering.

It was a real loss to the Portland food scene.

Sincerely, Bagel: Not a Korean Bagel Shop

As I looked into this new bagel shop, I learned that someone named Jin Kim is behind the business. They have established an Instagram account and a Yelp page; there is also a website, presumably associated with the business, at sincerelybagel.com. And since the original publishing, Jin reached out to me to tell me more about the business.

If you read this article originally in mid-December, you know that I was under the impression that Sincerely, Bagel would be “a Korean-inspired bagel shop.” Instead, Jin emphasizes that it is a Korean-owned business, not a “Korean bagel store.”

What You’ll Find at Sincerely, Bagel

At Sincerely, Bagel they will be making are sourdough bagels … with schmears and sandwiches that will have Korean- and Asian-inspired flavors. Think flavor options such as kimchi, fig, za’atar, ube, kelp, etc—all on rotation.

However, Jin also says that it’s important that people know they will offer traditional bagels/schmears, too. Traditional bagels tend toward sesame, everything, and water, though I love a good egg bagel; traditional schmears include flavors like plain, veggie, and scallion; personally I love slightly unorthodox schmears like jalapeño and sun-dried tomato.

Along with bagels and schmears, they will also offer breakfast soufflé egg sandwiches, along with a few tartine (open faced) sandwich options: tomato with cream cheese, lox with cream cheese, etc. Vegan options will be available, too. As for the coffee side of things, they plan to offer a full coffee/espresso menu.

Overall, they are planning on using high quality seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients wherever possible.

Jin added, “We are planning to open early 2025 and will keep everyone posted once we have a better idea on exact timing.”

The Sincerely, Bagel Space on NE 24th Avenue

More sincerely, Bagel signage. — There’s a window-warped selfie in there.

Since Tails & Trotters closed in 2022, I don’t believe anything has really be operating in that space. Here is the listing for it. It is described as “plug and play” with “great street presence.” The neighbors include The Pie Spot just adjacent to their space, plus Han Oak, Tropicale, and Providore just up the street. Plus, the intriguing Collector Bar.

“We are currently are still in the process of building out our space and were trying to keep it hush hush,” said Jin. “But there’s been so much positive interest and feedback after our exterior signage has gone up.” Indeed, their cute signage and color scheme is indeed visually appealing.

Many thanks to Jin for reaching out and filling me in on the plans for Sincerely, Bagel. Best of luck to him and his team as they prepare for their 2025 opening.

Sincerely, Bagel [projected opening early 2025]
525 NE 24th Avenue, Portland
Instagram | Yelp

Updated December 28 2024.