Community battles over bagel value

Sioux Fallsians pick a side and stick with it. The East Side vs. West Side rivalry proves the tenacious dedication to a somewhat arbitrary cause that city residents possess.

Another contention between locals, Battle of the Bagels: Panera Bread vs. Bagel Boy, must be decided. In the end, only one can be victorious. And only by examining the elements of location, ambiance, appearance, taste and originality can a winner be determined.

Panera Bread is located 3.78 miles from Augustana's campus, compared to the mere 0.94 miles between campus and the local Bagel Boy. Driving fifteen minutes across town – and through the dreaded 41st St. construction – to Panera Bread becomes totally unnecessary when one can take a leisurely stroll or energizing bike ride down the block to Bagel Boy.

The victor in the location round? Obviously, Bagel Boy.

Location isn't all that matters, however. Atmosphere, mood, ambiance: these factors all can make or break a restaurant.

Bagel Boy features movie posters and a hand-painted Greek bagel mural on their walls. Panera Bread displays geometric art. Both restaurants offer outdoor seating, which is often marred by busy traffic.

Neither location lacks in atmosphere, but Panera's ambiance shines just a bit more. The armchairs and cozy booths defeat Bagel Boy's wooden chairs as far as comfort goes.

Round 2 victor: Panera by a narrow margin.

One might question why bagel appearance matters at all – bagels are round, with a hole in the middle. But this description becomes vital in the struggle because Panera Bread's bagels barely have a hole. A bagel without a hole fits closer to a scone or a breakfast cookie on the baked goods spectrum.

Panera's bagels are barely even bagels, therefore securing Bagel Boy's victory in this round.

The final two categories, taste and originality, are the most important. If an establishment had excellent bagels, but creepy décor or rude management, I would probably still buy their product. Fortunately, Panera and Bagel Boy each have a great atmosphere and generally pleasant staff.

Panera Bread's bagels come in 11 different varieties, with the option of six different cream cheeses. They carry the basics for 99 cents, such as blueberry, everything and plain, and a few unique flavors that they call signatures: French toast, jalapeno and cheddar and chocolate chip – all $1.25. An extra $0.40 adds cream cheese to any order.

The competition, however, offers at least 12 different varieties of bagel, with a few selections changing daily. In addition, they have 12 varieties of cream cheese. All of Bagel Boy's bagels are $0.69 each and $1.88 for a bagel with a heaping helping of cream cheese.

In addition to the basic bagel staples, such as blueberry, whole wheat and everything, Bagel Boy offers banana bread, pesto and Powerbar bagels. The entire selection costs the same, unlike their contenders, who charge more for the specialty bagels. And for those who are looking for more substance, Bagel Boy offers bagel sandwiches. A salmon sandwich, the Smokin' Fish, at $5.35 and the Pizza bagel at $3.25 are two of the best on the menu.

Although the competition was evenly matched, the clear victor in my eyes is Bagel Boy. In proximity to campus, college-friendly costs and creative menu, Bagel Boy conquered Panera Bread.