Big Dave’s Bagels: A Gluten-Free Treasure from DDD

Featured on ‘Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives’
Episode Title: Season 36, Episode 4 “Rolled and Holed”
Original Air Date: October 7, 2022
What Was Featured: Jalapeno Parmesan Bagel, Kweenie
Is It Safe for Gluten-Free?
The featured items on the show were not gluten-free, but gluten-free options are available at Big Dave’s for those of us who need them!

Website: www.bigdavesbagels.com
Gluten-Free Information Available?
Yes! Although the menu leans heavily on traditional bagels, sandwiches, and pastries, Big Dave’s offers gluten-free bagels and buns made locally by Peace of Mind Bakery. You can easily substitute gluten-free options on most of their sandwiches. We even reached out to Big Dave himself before our visit, and he reassured us that they’re more than prepared to cater to gluten-free diners.

Date of Visit: October 6, 2024
Location: 1130 Eastman Road, North Conway, New Hampshire
Parking/Accessibility: Easy and ample parking right outside, which is always a relief, especially when you’re visiting on a crisp, busy fall morning.

Big Dave’s Bagels had been on our radar for a while, especially since it was featured on ‘Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.’ On a perfect fall morning, we decided it was time to check it out. As we pulled into the parking lot, we noticed a steady stream of hikers fueling up before hitting the trails. The modest shop has an unassuming charm, with local snacks and drinks filling the shelves and a menu that tempts you to order one of everything.

Hawaiian Burrito (gluten-free, no wrap):
I’m a big fan of anything with pineapple, so the Hawaiian Burrito was calling my name. I opted to skip the wrap, turning it into a bowl, and it still managed to deliver a burst of flavors. Scrambled eggs, savory ham, melted provolone, crispy potatoes, and pineapple salsa all combined into one hearty dish. The pineapple salsa stole the show, adding just the right amount of sweetness and tanginess to balance out the richness of the eggs and ham. I didn’t miss the wrap at all—this bowl was satisfying on its own.

Jalapeno Parmesan Bagel with Chive Cream Cheese (not gluten-free):
Layla decided to dive into the bagel featured on ‘Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives’—the Jalapeno Parmesan Bagel with chive cream cheese. First off, they don’t skimp on the cream cheese here. The bagel itself had a satisfying crunch, which is a little different from the chewy New York-style bagels she usually prefers. But what made it stand out was the perfect amount of heat in every bite, balanced with the savory bite of baked parmesan on top. It was a flavorful experience from start to finish!

Onion Bagel (not gluten-free):
Since Big Dave’s is known for its bagels, Layla couldn’t resist bringing an onion bagel home for a snack later. The rich aroma alone was enough to make her excited for this simple yet classic flavor.

Kweenie (not gluten-free):
As a special treat, we picked up a Kweenie, Big Dave’s version of the French pastry Kouign-Amann, for Miles. It’s layers of croissant-like dough, folded with butter and sugar until it forms a sweet, caramelized delight. We saved it for him, and the verdict? Miles described it as rich and buttery, and very sweet.

Ease of Finding Gluten-Free Options:
Though you wouldn’t expect a bagel shop to offer gluten-free choices, Big Dave’s surprised us in the best way. The gluten-free bagels and buns aren’t prominently listed on the menu board, but they’re mentioned on the website, so I recommend asking about them when you arrive. The staff was more than happy to accommodate my dietary restrictions and customize my order.

Staff Knowledge:
The staff was not only friendly but also knowledgeable about gluten-free options, which put me at ease.

Cross-Contamination Safety:
I was impressed with the measures they take to ensure safety for gluten-free diners. They use dedicated cutting boards, knives, and even a separate toaster for gluten-free items. This level of care makes all the difference, and it allowed me to enjoy my meal without worry.

Big Dave’s Bagels is the kind of place you might drive past without noticing, but once you’ve been inside, it’s hard to forget. The unassuming little shop was bustling with locals and visitors alike, drawn in by the hearty breakfast options and fresh bagels. It’s no surprise this place has become a favorite with hikers heading into the White Mountains—the food is delicious, and it gives you just the fuel you need for a day of adventure.

One thing that did surprise me is that they don’t have a dine-in space. Everything is strictly to-go, and there are signs posted asking that you not eat in the parking lot, which felt a little uninviting. I’m sure it’s due to local regulations, but I do wish they had a small seating area where we could have enjoyed our food before getting back on the road.

Big Dave’s also stands out for its connection to the local community. Their shelves are stocked with snacks and drinks from nearby businesses, and there’s a strong sense of supporting local. It’s the kind of place where you feel good about spending your money.

We rate each restaurant we visit based on four key categories, and here’s how Big Dave’s stacked up:

Gluten-Free Friendliness: ★★★★★
Big Dave’s goes above and beyond with gluten-free options, offering dedicated equipment like a separate toaster and cutting board. The Peace of Mind Bakery gluten-free bagels and buns are a real highlight.

Taste and Quality of Food: ★★★★★
Everything we tried was flavorful and satisfying. From the delicious Hawaiian Burrito to Layla’s perfectly spicy Jalapeno Parmesan Bagel, the quality of ingredients and balance of flavors were top-notch.

Service: ★★★★★
The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and made sure we felt comfortable with the gluten-free choices. They even reassured us about their safety practices, which added to the positive experience.

Overall Experience: ★★★★☆
The only downside was the lack of a dining area and the “no eating in the parking lot” rule. Otherwise, Big Dave’s is a must-visit, especially for gluten-free travelers.

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Would I return to Big Dave’s Bagels? Absolutely! The food was excellent, and the gluten-free options were better than I expected for a traditional bagel spot. The only thing I’d change is the ability to sit down and enjoy a meal on-site, but that’s a minor inconvenience when the food is this good.

Stay tuned as we continue our journey exploring gluten-free gems from ‘Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives!’