The Jersey Shore is home to top-tier bagel shops. New Jersey’s proximity to New York — often considered the bagel capital of the world — has fostered a strong bagel-making tradition that emphasizes the perfect combination of a crispy exterior and a soft, doughy interior texture. Many attribute the superior taste of tri-state area bagels to the mineral content in our local waters, which is said to enhance the dough’s texture. New Jersey bagel shops often follow traditional methods, including hand-rolling, boiling, and baking, which result in a bagel that is authentic, flavorful, and delicious. The variety and creativity found in New Jersey’s bagel shops are hard to beat. Whether you’re looking for a classic bagel with cream cheese, a hearty pork roll egg and cheese sandwich, or something more unique — like an overloaded rainbow bagel, more on that below — we’ve rounded up the top spots to grab a bagel along the Jersey Shore. Read on to learn more about our favorite bagel shops at the Jersey Shore.
Barnegat
Dolce Bagel | 830 West Bay Avenue
Dolce Bagel is a family-owned bagel shop in Barnegat, New Jersey, that serves up soft and fluffy freshly baked bagels made with love every morning. Dolce is known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere which makes it a community favorite. Locals rave about the variety of bagels, spreads, and sandwiches, as well as its high-quality and delicious deli and dessert selections. Dolce Bagel is open 6AM to 2PM daily.
Belmar
Corner Bagelry of Belmar | 1014 Main Street
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Corner Bagelry has been serving the highest quality homemade bagels, muffins, crumb cakes, and more to the Jersey Shore since 2003. The first Corner Bagelry was in Manasquan but it has since expanded to Wall Township and Belmar. The family-owned and operated shop serves bagels, omelets, avocado toast, breakfast platters, deli wraps, and sandwiches 365 days a year.
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Bradley Beach
Bagel International + Deli | 48 Main Street
Bagel International + Deli is an old-school, cash-only New Jersey bagel shop and deli. No nonsense — just delicious bagels, cream cheeses, wraps and sandwich options. A serve-yourself coffee bar is also available inside the bagel shop. Bagel International is conveniently located a few blocks from the beach and is open 6AM to 3PM seven days a week.
Brick
Joe’s Bagel + Grill | 950 Cedar Bridge Avenue
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Joe’s Bagel and Grill is a Jersey-born franchise with locations in Brick, Belmar, Sea Girt, Manasquan, and Point Pleasant. Joe’s menu includes hand-rolled and boiled bagels, breakfast sandwiches, omelets, a wide variety of lunch items, coffee, catering options, and much more. The breakfast quesadilla and Belgian waffle sandwiches are truly to die for.
Brielle
Brielle Bagels | 204 Union Avenue
Brielle Bagels is a woman-owned, family-run bagel shop that opens at 6AM seven days a week. The bagels are rolled, kettle-boiled, and baked fresh daily. Its menu includes bagels, breakfast sandwiches, omelets, and lunch sandwiches. Brielle Bagels’ blueberry french toast bagel is a local favorite.
Forked River
JT’s Bagel Hut | 918 Lacey Road Unit 4
JT’s Bagel Hut has been a staple in the Forked River area since 2003. The family owned and operated eatery makes its bagels and cream cheese from scratch every morning. JT’s also provides fresh, locally roasted coffee. The bagel shop is open daily from 5:30AM to 1PM. JSG pro tip: the Swiss and cheddar bagels are a must-try.
Freehold
The Bagel Nook | 4345 US Highway 9
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The Bagel Nook is the home of the original “overload bagels” which, for those who don’t know, is an insane bagel creation that includes various flavors, toppings, and add-ons. For example, the Sugar Cookie Overload is a tie-dye, rainbow bagel with sugar cookie cream cheese, sugar cookies, and sprinkles in the middle. The Bagel Nook also has other mind-blowing bagel flavors such as Oreo, Captain Crunch, Fruity Pebbles, Coco Puff, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Dorito, and Flaming Hot Cheeto. Traditional bagel flavors like plain, everything, salt, poppy, onion, and pumpernickel, to name a few, are also available.
Long Branch
FaNagle the Bagel | 444 Ocean Boulevard
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FaNagle the Bagel is a family-owned bagel establishment in Long Branch run by the Bonforte and Attaway Families. FaNagle has bagels, sweet goods, sides, spreads, breakfast specials, and New York deli-style sandwiches. FaNagle the Bagel is located adjacent to Amy’s Omelette House and is open 6AM to 2PM.
Middletown
Hole Lot of Bagels | 1171 NJ-35
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Hole Lot of Bagels in Middletown, New Jersey has a large variety of delicious bagels, a friendly staff, and speedy service. The shop sells flavored cream cheeses to-go. Locals rave about the scallion cream cheese, in particular. Hole Lot of Bagels is open Wednesday to Sunday from 6AM to 2PM.
Neptune
Bagel Talk | 55 South Main Street
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According to locals, Bagel Talk in Neptune has the best bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and subs in the Asbury Park area. Customers can count on friendly and timely service. Be sure to try the cinnamon raisin bagel with walnut cream cheese.
Oakhurst
Hot Bagel Bakery | 65 Monmouth Road
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Hot Bagel Bakery serves up old-fashioned bagels, freshly brewed coffee, baked goods, and sandwiches. The bagel shop is open every day from 4AM to 4PM. Every bagel is hand-rolled, boiled, and baked in a revolving oven. Plus, everything at Hot Bagel Bakery is kosher.
Ocean
Pop’s Bagel + Deli | 4765 731 NJ-35
Pop’s Bagel + Deli in Ocean is a traditional bagel shop with a variety of breakfast and lunch options. While Pop’s has top-tier hand-rolled bagels, its menu also includes soup, sandwiches, salads, wraps, paninis, burgers, baked goods, and breakfast foods. The bagel shop is open daily from 5:30AM to 3PM.
Point Pleasant
Baron’s Bagels | 3003 NJ-88
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Baron’s Bagels — located on Route 88 in Point Pleasant Borough — provides the highest quality hand-rolled bagels, fresh homemade blended cream cheeses, as well as hot and cold sandwiches for both breakfast and lunch. Gluten-free bagels and vegan cream cheese options are available. Locals go crazy for its Mueller’s crumb bun cream cheese. TikTok star Alix Earle frequents Baron’s for a bagel anytime she is visiting her home at the Jersey Shore.
Delicious Bagels | 2259 Bridge Avenue
Delicious Bagels is a casual, family-run Point Boro fixture with bagels, assorted spreads, sandwiches, and breakfast bites. The take-out establishment has a few tables for indoor seating but is located across the street from the Community Park — which is ideal for a picnic if the weather allows. Delicious Bagels is open daily from 5:30PM to 1:30PM.
Round Dough With A Hole — Bagels + Deli | 400 Richmond Avenue
Round Dough With A Hole is where “saltpepperketchup” is one word. The family-owned shop hand rolls their bagels daily, inspired by New York-style bagels. Its menu has a variety of homemade bagels, cream cheeses, spreads, sandwiches, wraps, salads, baked goods, and more. Round Dough With A Hole serves breakfast and lunch every day from 6AM to 2PM.
Shrewsbury
Bagel Masters | 661 Broad Street
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Bagel Masters’ bagels are hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, and baked fresh daily. The spot is famous for having bagels that are perfectly soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter — and Jersey Shore local — Charlie Puth cites Bagel Masters as his favorite local bagel place. Bagel Masters is open seven days a week. Its hours on weekdays are 6AM to 3PM, and 6AM to 1:30PM on weekends.
Seaside
Bakin Bagels | 1906 NJ-35
Though its legal address is Seaside, Bakin Bagels is actually located in the Ortley Beach section of Route 35. Bakin Bagels serves up bagels, flavored cream cheese, breakfast sandwiches, subs, wraps, pizza, baked goods, hot coffee, eggs, deli meats, prepared foods, Italian specialties, and SO much more. The family-owned business is conveniently located just steps away from the beach. Bakin Bagels is open 6:30AM to 4PM every day.
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Spring Lake
Dune Donuts + Bagels | 408 3rd Avenue
Dune Donuts and Bagels is a local bagel deli with a complete breakfast and lunch menu. Dune Bagels are traditional and old-school kettle-boiled and baked fresh every day. Dune’s specialty bagel — the “inside out everything” — is a must-try. The unique bagel is an everything bagel turned inside out with cream cheese. Dune Donuts and Bagels off-season hours are Wednesday to Monday 7AM to 2PM.
Toms River
Silver Bay Bagels | 1831 Hooper Avenue
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There is nothing like getting delicious Taylor ham and egg on an everything bagel with SPK (salt, pepper, and ketchup) on a Sunday morning at the Jersey Shore. The bagel-centric deli also serves breakfast plates, sandwiches, and coffee. Silver Bay Bagels hours at 5AM to 2PM every day.
New Restaurant Opens in Asbury Park’s St. Laurent Hotel
In recent years, Asbury Park has become a hub for great cuisine. Heirloom, a restaurant at The St. Laurent (a boutique hotel in Asbury Park), became a part of this scene when it opened in 2022. The partners in business and life, James Beard-nominated David Viana and Neilly Robinson, recently rebranded Heirloom into Judy + Harry's, located at 408A 7th Avenue in Asbury Park. The two-part concept includes a main restaurant (Judy's) and a companion cocktail lounge (Harry's). JSG was lucky to grab a seat at both during its opening weekend. Keep reading to learn more about Judy + Harry's — a Jersey-style Italian restaurant and bar with a Jewish culinary lens.
The Backstory / Concept
The backstory behind Judy + Harry's is one that everyone needs to know. Neilly told JSG, "The restaurant and bar are named for my parents, Judy and Harry. They've acted as my muses for my entire life and inspired the menu and design elements in both spaces. Married for over 50 years, Judy and Harry are always the life of the party - bringing a joie de vivre to everything they do. The bar & restaurant are a reflection of this!"
FYI: When opening the menu, the slogan 'A Jewish Woman (who thinks she's Italian)' is a nod to Robinson's mother (and is a relatable sentiment for many native New Jerseyans.
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Heirloom to Judy + Harry's
When JSG inquired about the transition from Heirloom to Judy + Harry's, Neilly shared , "Change and evolution are a natural part of the hospitality industry, and creative folks like ourselves are constantly looking to try out new ideas and evolve into something anew." From there, the partners spent about a year developing their new concept that eventually evolved into Judy + Harry's.
For those wondering how the experience will differ from Heirloom, the owner told JSG, "The cuisines are slightly different, with Judy + Harry's offering Italian with an international flair. However, guests can expect the same level of hospitality, and delicious food and drink."
The Experience
Neilly described the experience at Judy + Harry's as "...choose your own adventure, and you can't go wrong." The adventure in question being the original set-up of two locations customers can visit: Judy's is the main restaurant, and Harry's, its companion cocktail bar, just steps away.
Where to go first is entirely up to the guest, but remember that "When you first walk into the St. Laurent, you're entering Harry's. So, you could have a pre-dinner cocktail at Harry's before making your way to Judy's for dinner. Or the reverse — enjoy dinner in Judy's before and dessert + cocktails afterward," Neilly told JSG.
A Look Inside Harry's
JSG decided (we had to) grab a cocktail before heading into dinner. It's clear from the start that Harry's warm aesthetic has all the makings of a go-to location for a date or a girls' night out. It has a sophisticated but fun aesthetic. Plenty of cozy corners and lounge seating make it a good setting for a catch-up session with a friend or a get-to-know-you conversation for a first date.
Beverage Director Ricardo Rodriguez and Bar Manager Dean Hakim curates the cocktail menu with Italian touches like the Garibaldi Campari. The menu includes fun twists on classics like the Bellini, and Harry's Manhattan pays homage to Robinson's father.
The JSG team ordered the Pina Colada (imagine an upscale take on this festive vacation-vibe cocktail) and (of course) the Espresso Martini; we recommend grabbing both and trying one of Harry's ‘Aperitivos’ — the options are good for sharing, like mozzarella in carrozza, fried olives, and crab arancini.
For a demure pre or post-dinner experience, caviar service will be available.FYI: Customers of Harry's can also look out for reverse happy hour from 10:00PM until midnight.
Judy's: The Vibe
For those who want to start the night with dinner, the entrance to Judy's is on the side of St. Laurent. The cutest signs directing the public to the restaurant hang on the hotel's massive porch, and dimly lit lanterns lead to the entrance.
When walking inside, expect to be greeted by a hostess who can grab jackets (during winter months) and lead guests through the restaurant with an open kitchen, plenty of bar seating, and a ton of tables in a welcoming yet intimate setting. There are also pretty sconces and vintage photos to honor Neilly's parents that make the space feel homey (JSG particularly loves the wall displaying multiple photos of Judy throughout her years).
JSG noticed an instant family-type vibe amongst the staff, and the space feels upscale without being pretentious.
The Cuisine
The menu at Judy's reflects a neighborhood restaurant that is both elevated and comforting; the food options feel nostalgic. There are signature items like Judy's Matzo Ball Soup (which is known to Chef David as one of the best he's ever had) and the Chicken and Broccoli Gnudi (pan-seared ricotta with celery pesto), which are both easy transports to your grandparent's kitchen.
Here's What the JSG Team Ordered:
For Appetizers:
- Polpette: A classic Italian meatball with a twist — it has veal, pork, and mortadella (and the best part is the housemade ricotta).
- Tuna 'Reuben': JSG loves the addition of sauerkraut to this crudo option.
- Homemade Focaccia: No explanation is necessary — don't forget to dip it in olive oil.
- Latke: A fun traditional Jewish plate with sour cream, apple relish, and bagna cauda (imagine an upscale version of a potato pancake).
For Dinner:
JSG picked one of the restaurant’s shareable plates, the Chili Crunch Lobster Arrabiata. The photo speaks for itself. FYI: The chef cuts and prepares the lobster in a way that makes sharing a lobster easy.
Since the lobster is part of the 'Specialita' part of the menu, customers can choose two sides. JSG recommends the ‘Schmaltz’ Potatoes and Escarole + Beans.
For dessert, we got the Chocolate Beigne (chocolate and pistachio lovers — this one is a must-try).
Other signature desserts to expect, available at Judy's or Harry's, include Judy's Carrot Cake and Tiramisu. Plus, there will be rotating sorbetto and gelato flavors every night.
Judy's Cocktail Menu:
The spirit experience isn't limited to Harry's, as the cocktail menu at Judy's has a full martini list featuring classic options like the Gibson and Bloody Martini, and the beer, in celebration of the Jersey Shore, is from local breweries like Wild Air Beerworks and Last Wave Brewing.
The wine list, developed by Wine Director Nicole Garro Castro, feels endless. Besides featuring wines from Italy, customers can also explore the grapes from countries and regions critical to the Jewish diaspora (but don't worry if you aren't sure where to start — Judy's staff supports all customers with recommendations and a taste of the wine before getting a glass or bottle).
FYI: JSG recommends trying a dessert-style cocktail named Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli (IYKYK: The Godfather fans will love this). This frozen cocktail includes vodka, white creme de cacao, and Frangelico. Still, the best part is the topping of ricotta whey, which is sprinkled directly on top of the drink in front of the customer.
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The St. Laurent:
The St. Laurent always was an ideal location for Neilly, as she described the hotel as "A beautiful historic building, founded & run by women since 1886, and we took the baton and ran with it. We were, and still are, delighted to bring our expertise and passion to the space while at the same time honoring this venerated historic establishment."
Because there's nothing more convenient, JSG recommends staying at The St. Laurent after dinner and drinks at Judy and Harry's.
Without even having to leave the building, customers can just head upstairs at this historic building to one of its guest rooms and enjoy its casual + glamour aesthetic that is comfortable after a night spent eating and drinking.
JSG loves that The St. Laurent has a contactless check-in + check-out (all of which is easily completed by guests online), making this a no-brainer way to conclude the experience at Judy + Harry's.
The Takeaway
When asked about Robinson's goals for Judy + Harry's, Neilly said, "We want Judy & Harry's to become a new neighborhood mainstay. We want to welcome our beloved members for first dates, family gatherings, or simply a Wednesday night dinner with friends." JSG saw this reflected in how excited the entire staff was to get to know customers and help with menu selection.
For those who want to return the welcoming gesture, JSG suggests following its Instagram to stay updated on Judy + Harry's, a go-to for all Jersey Shore foodies.
