Finding a good bagel isn’t just about catching a quick breakfast. It’s about that first bite—the glossy chew, the subtle yeasty aroma, the slightly crisp edge that gives way to a soft center. Orange, CA hides a surprising variety of spots where bagels aren’t just an afterthought. Dive into this list and you’ll skip the frozen stuff forever.
I’ll be honest: my love affair with bagels runs deep. Some call it dedication; others would call it obsession (my freezer may have more bagels than ice cream). I’ve tasted my way across Orange and left no dough unturned, all out of respect for the humble bagel and the serious joy it brings. This guide is for anyone who thinks a perfect bagel should stand on its own before you ever touch the cream cheese. Read on—your future carb cravings will thank you.
1. Einstein Bros. Bagels
Einstein Bros. Bagels sits right on the edge of campus life, buzzing with early morning energy. Freshly baked daily, their bagels greet you with a golden crust and unmistakably warm aroma. You’ll spot locals grabbing their go-to dozens and students fueling up before class. The fast service never feels rushed; orders always come out hot and right.
My top pick: the classic Asiago Cheese Bagel. It’s soft, pillowy, and loaded with baked-on cheese—great solo or with their signature plain shmear. For a hearty breakfast, try a cage-free egg sandwich on a Green Chile or Everything Bagel.
Einstein Bros. Bagels keeps it simple and reliable. There’s a reason the line starts early and rarely slows down.
2. Bagel Me
Bagel Me has a quirky, playful vibe that you won’t forget. It feels less like a chain and more like a beloved local hangout. The staff is friendly, and the menu covers much more than bagels—though bagels are clearly the main event here.
Their Sun-Dried Tomato Bagel caught my attention first. The tangy flavor, paired with a herb cream cheese, pulls you back in for another bite. If you want something filling, grab a veggie sandwich on an Onion Bagel. It’s crisp, fresh, and balanced—never soggy.
Bagel Me brings creative options and a small-town feel that keeps regulars loyal and first-timers curious. I always walk out with something new to crave.
3. The Sugar Me Bakery
The Sugar Me Bakery is one of those rare spots where bagels come with a bakery twist. The shelves are stacked with pastries, but don’t let that distract you: their bagels are pleasantly chewy, with a clean, honest flavor. Each bite is soft on the inside, crisp on the outside—the kind of texture that feels homemade, not mass-produced.
I once claimed their Sesame Bagel with veggie cream cheese was the highlight of my week. The balance of seeds and fragrant bread sets it apart. Order the plain bagel toasted if you want to taste their technique in the purest form.
The Sugar Me Bakery proves that simple ingredients in capable hands always win the day.
4. Rutabegorz Restaurant
Rutabegorz Restaurant feels like stepping into a friendly, historic hideaway. Housed in a charming building just north of the Orange Circle, it blends the nostalgia of Old Towne with a menu that’s anything but outdated. The patio setting makes lingering over breakfast perfectly natural.
The first time I tried their whole wheat bagel with herbed cream cheese, I understood why locals swear by it. The bagel is chewy, hearty, and never bland, making it a standout in their vast menu. Here, you’ll find inventive touches—think California-style fresh toppings or a classic bagel paired with sliced avocado and tomato.
Rutabegorz delivers more than nostalgia—it pairs personality with quality, making breakfast or brunch unforgettable.
5. French’s Bakery
French’s Bakery brings old-school bakery charm to the north side of Orange. It’s a spot where regulars order by first name, and the smell of warm pastries trails out the door. While most folks come here for cakes, their bagels are a quiet triumph—plump, golden, and baked with patience.
My favorite pick? The everything bagel, lightly toasted. It’s crisp, with just enough salt and seed. No need for heavy-handed toppings, though their whipped cream cheese is reliably rich. Pair a bagel with a black coffee for a real treat.
French’s Bakery stands out because the bagels feel handcrafted rather than rushed. It’s a quick stop that delivers comfort, bite after bite.
6. Bruegger’s Bagels
Bruegger’s Bagels delivers classic New York style without the cross-country flight. As soon as you walk in, the scent of fresh-baked bread wraps around you—a promise that the bagels here mean business. You can watch the team pulling racks of hand-rolled bagels straight out of the oven.
My pick is always the Pumpernickel Bagel with garden veggie cream cheese. It’s chewy, earthy, and just right for mornings when you crave something hearty. If you enjoy something lighter, the plain bagel with fresh tomato slices and a dab of cream cheese does the trick.
Bruegger’s balances tradition with speedy, friendly service, making it a solid choice for bagel loyalists and newcomers alike.
7. Dough Exchange
Dough Exchange feels like a bakery for serious bagel fans, hidden just off 4th Street. Their story is one of reinvention—first fueling fine dining kitchens, now serving bagels with real personality. Everything is hand-made, with crisp exteriors and a chewy bite that stands out.
When I visited, the rosemary sea salt bagel was impossible to resist. Aromatic, savory, and surprisingly light, it didn’t even need a spread. Their bagel sandwiches come layered with creative, seasonal ingredients—perfect for a brunch you’ll remember all week.
Dough Exchange is a place to explore new flavors while still getting the comfort of a perfectly baked bagel. Don’t be surprised if you find your new favorite here.
8. Chevitas Chevitas
(714) 852-3650Call
Chevitas Chevitas brings a mix of energy and comfort to downtown Santa Ana. The collision of bagels and fresh juices keeps the menu bright and refreshing, making it an ideal spot for a quick, healthy start.
On my first visit, a plain bagel with a generous spread of avocado became my go-to. It’s simple, fresh, and exactly what you want when you need something light but satisfying. The staff is fast, and the space has a friendly neighborhood buzz.
Chevitas Chevitas is a hidden gem for anyone craving bagels with a twist of health-conscious flair. You’ll find yourself coming back for their clean flavors and the easygoing vibe.
9. Western Bagel
Western Bagel keeps things classic in Tustin, and that steady, no-fuss approach pays off. The space is simple, but their bagels are anything but ordinary. You can smell the fresh bakes before you even step inside, and that’s always a promising sign.
Every time I visit, I order the egg bagel, toasted. It’s subtly sweet and beautifully yellow—a testament to their attention to detail. Top it with their rich cream cheese and you’re set. The texture walks the line between fluffy and chewy.
Western Bagel stands out by doing the basics extremely well, perfect for those who believe a quality bagel doesn’t need to hide behind fancy toppings or trends.
10. East Coast Bagel
(949) 733-3414Call
East Coast Bagel captures the spirit of classic deli-style baking right in Irvine. The shop has a straightforward approach: keep the bagels authentic, keep the service brisk, and let the line speak for itself. It’s the kind of place where regulars stake out their favorites and stick to them.
I gravitate toward their jalapeño bagel with a side of scallion cream cheese. The heat is balanced, not overwhelming, and the bagel has the heft and chew you’d expect from a more seasoned bakery. For a purist experience, go for a poppy seed bagel—it’s fresh, never dry, and always generously coated.
East Coast Bagel stands out by respecting tradition while giving just enough Orange County flair to make every visit memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a good bagel in Orange, CA?
A good bagel here is chewy inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and loaded with fresh flavor. Most top spots boil their dough before baking, keeping things traditional and satisfying.
Are there authentic New York-style bagels in Orange, CA?
Yes, a few local bakeries—like Bruegger’s Bagels—specialize in the classic New York style: crusty, dense, and perfect on their own or with a layer of cream cheese.
Which spots offer the best vegetarian bagel options?
Places like Bagel Me and Chevitas Chevitas offer plenty of vegetarian-friendly choices, including veggie sandwiches, avocado spreads, and house-made herb shmears.
Can I find hand-rolled bagels nearby?
Absolutely. Dough Exchange is known for its hand-crafted bagels with rotating, creative flavors and consistently high quality.
Are there gluten-free bagels in Orange, CA?
Some bakeries offer gluten-free options, but selections can be limited. It’s wise to check menus ahead or call to confirm availability.