Discover old salt fish and bagel Fremont. Get the lowdown on the menu, prices, and how to beat the crowds at this hidden spot.
Key Takeaways
- Old Salt hand-rolls bagels daily and smokes local fish for bold, unforgettable flavours.
- Tucked at 3621 Stone Way N, it’s open Wednesday–Sunday with a PNW courtyard vibe.
- Bagels start at $3, sandwiches hit $16, with a stellar vegan cashew spread.
- Weekends get wild—order online or visit weekdays to skip the chaos.
- Old Salt leads Seattle’s bagel scene with artisanal flair, outshining the classics.
The Unmistakable Pull of Oold salt fish and Bagel Fremont
You’re weaving through Fremont’s funky streets, maybe eyeing the Troll under the bridge, when a waft of wood smoke and warm dough stops you dead. It’s not just hunger talking, it’s Old Salt Fish and Bagel, calling you to a tucked-away courtyard at 3621 Stone Way N. Here, bagels aren’t just breakfast, they’re a Seattle love story, with crusts that crackle and salmon so smoky it feels like the Pacific Northwest itself is on your plate. Ready to dig into the best bagels in Seattle? Let’s uncover what makes this spot so damn special.
From Pop-Up to Fremont Phenom
Old Salt’s origin reads like a scrappy underdog tale. In 2020, with Seattle’s dining scene on its knees, the Manolin crew—Joe Sundberg, Rachel Johnson, Patrick Thalasinos, and Chef Liz Kenyon—rolled up their sleeves and started slinging bagels. What began as a pandemic lifeline became a citywide obsession. By 2021, they’d carved out a permanent home in Fremont, and a Ballard spot (6309 24th Ave NW) followed in December 2023. Here’s a brag-worthy nugget: they spent two months tweaking their recipe in a vintage Blodgett deck oven to nail that perfect, chewy bite.
The Menu: Short, Mighty, Unforgettable
Old Salt doesn’t mess around with a mile-long menu. Every item is a heavy hitter, crafted with care. Here’s what you’re working with:
- Bagels ($3–$5): Hand-rolled beauties like poppy seed, sesame, or the black sesame-aleppo, which brings a spicy zing that wakes up your taste buds.
- Smoked Fish: Locally sourced from Northwest Bounty, think Nooksack Tribe salmon or Neah Bay black cod, smoked in-house for a rich, briny depth.
- Sandwiches (~$16): The lox sandwich, stacked with salmon roe and pea shoots, or the black cod with tobiko, is pure indulgence.
- Spreads ($4–$5): Herb, veggie, chilli cream cheese, or a vegan cashew spread so creamy it’ll convert sceptics.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm everything bagel, its crust shattering under your bite, paired with a fiery chilli schmear. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes a rainy Seattle day feel like a gift.
The Vibe: PNW Fishing Shack Chic
Finding Old Salt is half the fun. You’ll slip into Manolin’s courtyard, where weathered wood and a crackling fire pit conjure a coastal fishing shack, minus the seagulls. The outdoor seating, warmed by heaters, hums with morning chatter and the clink of coffee mugs. Staff are all smiles, but weekends turn into a zoo. Expect a wait unless you’re strategic. Open Wednesday to Friday 8 AM–1 PM and Saturday to Sunday 8 AM–2 PM, it’s a spot that begs you to linger. Pro tip: if your bagel’s cold (a Ballard location grumble), ask for a quick warm-up, and use ToastTab online ordering to dodge the line.
How They Craft Bagel Perfection
What’s the secret to a bagel that haunts your dreams? It’s in the details. Old Salt starts with Shepherd’s Grain flour, grown by PNW farmers, then hand-rolls, boils, and bakes each bagel in that legendary Blodgett oven for a glossy, crackly crust and chewy core. The fish is just as obsessive—local catches like Nooksack Tribe salmon are cured and smoked low and slow, layering smoky, oceanic notes that supermarket lox can’t touch. This isn’t just food, it’s a craft that elevates Seattle’s bagel game.
Old Salt vs. Seattle’s Bagel Heavyweights
Seattle’s bagel scene is finally flexing, and Old Salt’s is in the ring with the best. Here’s the showdown:
- Old Salt: The artisanal champ, with unique flavours like black sesame-aleppo and top-tier smoked fish. Sandwiches at $16 reflect the premium.
- Bagel Oasis: Classic East Coast vibes, softer chew, and wallet-friendly at $12–$14 per sandwich.
- Loxsmith: Creative with sesame nori bagels, pricing similar to Old Salt.
- Hey Bagel & Sea Wolf: Stellar baking, but fish options take a backseat.
Old Salt’s is for those who crave chef-driven innovation. Want a reliable, classic bagel? Bagel Oasis has you covered. Pick your vibe.
Diets: What You Need to Know
Dietary restrictions? Old Salt’s menu can be tricky, so let’s clear it up:
- Vegan: Although bagels get an egg wash and aren’t plant-based, the vegan cashew spread is a creamy revelation—slather it on a plain bagel.
- Gluten-Free: No dice. This is a gluten lover’s paradise.
- Allergies: Small kitchen, big cross-contamination risk. Chat with staff to be safe.
This straight talk saves you from the confusion some Yelp reviewers ran into, so you can order with confidence.
Is the Price Worth the Hype?
Let’s talk cash. A bagel’s $3, a spread bumps it to $7–$8, and a smoked fish sandwich hits $16. Some folks baulk at the cost, especially for smaller bagels, but hear me out: you’re paying for Northwest Bounty fish, smoked in-house, and bagels made with obsessive care. It’s a splurge, not a daily grab. For value, snag a bagel box (8 bagels, fish, spreads for ~$50+), ideal for brunch with friends. Budget tight? A bagel with herb schmear keeps it affordable and delicious.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Visit
Ready to hit Old Salt? Here’s how to nail it:
- Find It: 3621 Stone Way N, inside Manolin’s courtyard. Look past Seawolf’s sign, or you’ll miss it.
- Parking: Fremont’s a nightmare, try street parking, the Route 62 bus, or biking.
- Timing: Weekdays are chill; weekends after 9:30 AM are a madhouse. Order via ToastTab for pickup to skip the chaos.
- Kids: High-top tables aren’t toddler-friendly, but the fire pit keeps things fun.
Picture this: you’re huddled by the fire pit, steam rising from your coffee, a poppy-seed bagel warm in your hands. It’s a Seattle moment that sticks with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the big deal about Old Salt?
Old Salt’s hand-rolled bagels and in-house smoked fish, like Nooksack Tribe salmon and black cod, deliver bold, briny flavours. The black sesame-aleppo bagel’s spicy kick makes it a Seattle standout.
Where exactly is Old Salt in Fremont?
It’s at 3621 Stone Way N, hidden in Manolin’s courtyard. Walk past Seawolf’s sign to find this cosy, off-the-radar spot in Fremont’s heart.
When is Old Salt Fremont open?
Open Wednesday–Friday, 8 AM–1 PM, and Saturday–Sunday, 8 AM–2 PM. Closed Monday–Tuesday. Check oldsaltseattle.com for updates or holiday hours.
Can I get a vegan bagel at Old Salt?
Bagels have an egg wash, so they’re not vegan, but the cashew spread is a creamy, plant-based win. Pair it with a plain bagel for a tasty fix.
How much are Old Salt’s bagels and sandwiches?
Bagels cost $3–$5, spreads cost $4–$5, and sandwiches cost $16. Bagel boxes (~$50+) are great for groups. Check the menu for current pricing and deals.
Can I order Old Salt bagels online?
Yes, use ToastTab on oldsaltseattle.com for pickup at Fremont or Ballard. It’s a game-changer for dodging weekend crowds and saving time.
Your Perfect Fremont Morning Awaits
Old Salt Fish and Bagel isn’t just a meal, it’s a vibe, a snapshot of Seattle’s foodie soul wrapped in a crackly bagel and smoky fish. The courtyard’s fire pit, the hum of Fremont’s streets, the first bite of a lox sandwich it’s pure magic. So, follow your nose to 3621 Stone Way N, order online to outsmart the weekend rush, or grab a bagel box for your next brunch party. Old Salt’s waiting to make your morning unforgettable.
