about us
wise bar to wise bagel
Wise Bagel is the brain-child of owner/operator Tamara Wise. As a long-time resident of Bloorcourt, and a life-long eater of Jewish foods, I've long felt that there was a glaring lack of bagels and smoked fish in our neighbourhood. The idea for a Bagel Shop had been percolating at the back of my mind for a couple of years, but the operation of a daytime business seemed at odds with my lifestyle as a bar owner.
Before there was Wise Bagel, there was Wise Bar; which opened May of 2014. The goal was to be a small, friendly, local spot, with a focus on great beer. During its five and half years, it found its footing and grew into a community space for events big and small. It was the best of times, full of friends and memories.
Wise Bar closed on March 15, 2020 to wait out the COVID19 pandemic. During the lockdown I, like so many others, became ultra-sentimental for the traditional meals I’ve shared with family and friends. (A zoom Seder just doesn’t cut it!) As the city stayed shut, I began to reimagine how I could best use my space to benefit the neighbourhood and community. The idea for Wise Bagel solidified. I’m so excited to share some amazing food with you. I’ve sourced truly delicious products, from smoked fish, to coffee, to cheese and preserves, and of course…bagels! I am also making a few things in house that I hope will make my Mama proud.
We’ll be sticking to take-out for now, but hope to re-open our patio for bagels and beers next season.
Some of our grocery selection and suppliers
A non-exhaustive list of our retail offerings
- Bagels from The Bagel Oven
- Coffee from Birds and Beans
- Cookies and jams from Provisions Food Company
- Cheeses from Monforte Dairy
- Broth and jerky from Whispering Meadows Family Farm
- Cured meats and cream cheese from Farmer’s Pantry Kitchen
- Smoked fish from The Smoke Bloke & Milford Bay Trout
- Eggs and dairy from 100km Foods
- Cold-pressed organic juices from Greenjouse Juice Co
- Back of house produce from Hilite Fine Foods
- Maple syrup from Trillium Ridge Sugar Works
- Sustainable canned seafood from Scout
we are an inclusive space
accessible
LGBTQIA+
woman-owned & operated