For three of the past four years, Proper Bagel has won Best Bagel in the Scene’s Best of Nashville Readers’ Poll. (Strangely, there wasn’t a Best Bagel category in 2017, or they probably would’ve won then, too.) And they’re great bagels! But one mustn’t overlook the other treasure in Proper Bagel’s kitchen: their house-made cream cheese. I’m a sucker for the seasonal flavors — Peach Pie, Strawberry Shortcake, Roasted Garlic and Rosemary, Jalapeño Bacon and more — but if you’re a purist, Proper Bagel’s plain cream cheese is worth the trip too. It’s tangy and creamy without any of that gluiness that plagues so many grocery store brands. MEGAN SELING

                
                
            