There’s a particular magic to a good bagel on the Jersey Shore—crispy shell, chewy inside, sharp aroma of yeast and malt drifting from a brown paper bag. Lavallette, NJ has quietly become a playground for bagel purists and creative eaters alike. As someone who has strolled these sandy streets in search of the “perfect roll with a hole,” I’ve crunched through poppy seeds and pondered if there’s something in that ocean air making these bagels a cut above.
If you’re uncertain about where to land your morning appetite or which spot kneads their dough best, you’re in the right place. I’ve tasted, toasted, and tested my way through Lavallette and the neighboring towns. This guide is designed to point you to the bagel that’s right for you—whether you love a traditional sesame, an inventive everything, or a fluffy plain slathered in cream cheese. Each bakery or deli has its own style, and by the end, you’ll know exactly where to get your next bagel fix.
1. Colonial Bakery
Colonial Bakery sits at the heart of Route 35, serving locals and vacationers sunrise bites with a side of nostalgia. The bagels here are plush and golden—firm enough for a proper sandwich, but soft enough to break with your hands. One weekend morning, I picked up a hot sesame bagel and noticed it steamed when torn open, still warm from the oven.
What sets Colonial apart? Each bagel offers a satisfying chew and a subtle, fresh-from-the-oven aroma that’s hard to forget. Service is swift (important for a beach day start), and the options range from classic plain to crisp poppy and everything bagels.
If you’re stopping by, order the egg everything bagel. It’s the bakery’s unsung hero—pillowy, a little sweet, and piled high with seeds. A swipe of veggie cream cheese is all you need to understand why locals return.
2. Bakin Bagels
(732) 793-8122Call
Bakin Bagels is an unassuming spot but has a loyal following that proves it’s a local favorite. The minute you walk in, you’ll catch the smell of bagels finishing up in the oven—hot, golden, and perfectly dense. I remember biting into their signature salt bagel one hot July morning; it was crisp, chewy, and had just the right hit of salt to wake up my palate.
What sets Bakin Bagels apart is their old-school technique—no shortcuts here, just hand-shaped dough and a solid crust. Service is simple and quick, with a cash-only policy that keeps the line moving.
If you’re going for breakfast, try a poppy or onion bagel with a generous spread of scallion cream cheese. It captures everything reliable about Bakin Bagels: straightforward, satisfying, and distinctly Lavallette.
3. Beach Bagel and Deli
(732) 793-0911Call
Beach Bagel and Deli does more than just bagels—it’s where Lavallette mornings begin. The bagels have a pleasant bite, with not too much crust and a light, airy inside. On busy summer days, I’ve dropped in for a quick breakfast and left with a bag that kept everyone on the beach satisfied.
Beach Bagel stands out for its consistency and wide range of fresh options. The menu caters to both traditionalists and those who love a creative sandwich made to order.
If you’re passing through, try their whole wheat bagel with a schmear of vegetable cream cheese or a classic sesame with plain cream cheese. Each bite is a good reminder of why locals add this spot to their morning routine.
4. Dunkin’
Dunkin’ is the reliable stop in Lavallette for those who crave routine as much as caffeine. If you’re looking for a bagel that’s uniformly toasted and a coffee that never surprises, Dunkin’ won’t let you down. I’ve grabbed my share of their plain bagels on hectic mornings, knowing exactly what to expect every single time.
What makes Dunkin’ stand out is its sheer convenience—online ordering, plenty of parking, and that familiar orange and pink branding. It’s the choice for speed and predictability, which is invaluable on a rushed beach day.
The cinnamon raisin bagel with a classic schmear is my go-to here. It’s simple and comforting, pairing well with any of their signature coffees. If consistency is your morning mantra, Dunkin’ will fit right in.
5. Manhattan Bagel
Manhattan Bagel, just over the Lavallette border, is where you’ll find true New York-style bagels without the city chaos. The bagels here are dense, glossy, and always boiled before they’re baked, locking in that signature chew. On rainy mornings, I’ve sat by the window with a hot sesame bagel, savoring every hearty bite and watching the world shuffle past.
This shop stands out for its dedication to tradition and variety, offering every style from classic plain to richly seeded everything bagels. Their quick service and warm staff make even busy weekend lines manageable.
If you want a real taste of what Manhattan Bagel does best, order the whole wheat everything with chive cream cheese. It’s a reliable pick that highlights their fresh, springy crumb and honest flavors.
6. Bella’s Bagels
Bella’s Bagels is the definition of a seaside grab-and-go gem. The bagels here have a rustic, homemade vibe—soft in the middle, slightly crisp at the edges, and never skimping on size. On a windy boardwalk morning, I picked up a hot bagel, and the freshness was undeniable.
What makes Bella’s stand out is its playful menu and laid-back style. Choices come fast, but every bagel holds onto that New York-inspired authenticity.
The plain bagel with a classic cream cheese is always foolproof, but for something unique, try their pumpernickel bagel. The rich, hearty flavor captures what Bella’s does best—quality, speed, and character in every bite.
7. Joe’s Bagel and Grill
Joe’s Bagel and Grill combines the energy of a classic bagel shop with the comfort of a neighborhood grill. Their bagels are always hand-rolled and boiled—the tried-and-true method that produces a perfect crackly crust and springy center. I once grabbed a garlic bagel here just as it left the rack, still steaming and deeply aromatic.
What sets Joe’s apart is its extensive breakfast and lunch menu, making it much more than a morning pit stop. Add in quick service and plenty of options for families or groups, and you’ve got a reliable favorite on Fischer Blvd.
If you’re narrowing it down, try the everything bagel with scallion cream cheese or a toasted whole wheat bagel. Each highlights Joe’s dedication to quality and generosity, both in portion and flavor.
8. Open Sesame Bagel & Deli
Open Sesame Bagel & Deli feels like a neighborhood secret just off the beaten path. The bagels here are substantial, with a nice crust and good chew—no shortcuts, just honest deli tradition. I still remember biting into a soft onion bagel alongside a hot cup of coffee, feeling like I’d discovered my own hidden spot near the shore.
This deli stands out for its friendly vibe and balanced bagel selection. You get both classic and creative choices, suitable for a quick solo trip or a laid-back group breakfast.
If you want a sure bet, grab a sesame bagel layered with their homemade vegetable cream cheese. It sums up what Open Sesame does best—fresh, filling, and always satisfying.
9. Bellas Brooklyn Bage
Bellas Brooklyn Bage captures Old Brooklyn charm right in Seaside Park. The bagels have that familiar crackly exterior and dense, chewy middle that’s built for serious appetites. My favorite memory is grabbing an everything bagel here fresh out of the morning batch—it had just the right mix of seeds and a warm, hearty crumb.
What truly makes Bellas stand out is its authentic flavor and generous size. They’re never shy about piling on cream cheese or packing sandwiches, which always feels like getting a little extra value.
Go for the whole wheat everything bagel with chive spread. It’s a perfect mix of savory and hearty, and a great showcase of how Bellas stays true to its bold Brooklyn roots.
10. New York Water Bagel Company
(732) 279-6846Call
New York Water Bagel Company is as close as Lavallette gets to true New York authenticity, right down to the water. Their bagels boast a shiny, golden crust and a doughy interior—an unmistakable sign they take tradition seriously. I remember my first visit, biting into a warm poppy bagel and realizing I didn’t need to be in Manhattan to get the real deal.
This spot stands out for its dedication to the old-school bagel-making process, using filtered water and a mix that brings out classic flavor and texture in every bite.
The plain bagel with vegetable cream cheese is a must-try. It’s simple, fresh, and highlights everything New York Water Bagel Company gets right about great bagels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a bagel from Lavallette different from others?
Lavallette’s best bagels blend that signature New Jersey chew with local charm. Most spots here use traditional methods—think boiling before baking—which gives the bagels a crisp crust and a soft, satisfying center.
Are there gluten-free or vegan bagel options in Lavallette?
A few bakeries offer gluten-free bagels or vegan spreads, but options are limited. It’s best to call ahead to your chosen shop to ask about specific dietary needs.
Which bagel flavor is most popular at the Shore?
Everything bagels are a consistent favorite, with sesame and plain close behind. They’re sturdy enough for a loaded breakfast sandwich or a classic cream cheese spread.
When are Lavallette’s bagel shops the busiest?
Weekend mornings, especially during the summer, tend to draw crowds. To avoid lines, aim for an early visit right after opening or later in the morning when the rush winds down.
Can I get bagels for a group or catering in Lavallette?
Yes, most bagel shops offer catering trays and bulk orders—just give them some advance notice. This way, you’ll keep your group happy and well fed for a beach day or brunch.