42nd Street Bagel Cafe

Introduction / Overview

For Southern California locals and visitors in the Inland Empire region, the search for a truly authentic, chewy, and flavorful bagel often ends in the charming Claremont Village. Nestled in this vibrant community is the 42nd Street Bagel Cafe, a family-owned institution that has earned a devoted following. This establishment is far more than just a typical Bagel Shop; it operates as a full-service Breakfast Restaurant and cafe, specializing in handcrafted, artisanal bagels that are baked fresh throughout the day, every day.

The secret to the café’s popularity lies in its commitment to quality and variety, combined with an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. Customers frequently praise 42nd Street Bagel Cafe for offering a bagel experience often compared favorably to the best found outside of New York City, a high compliment in the competitive California food scene. The menu extends well beyond simple bagels and cream cheese, offering a creative array of breakfast items, hot and cold deli sandwiches, melts, and garden-fresh salads—all of which can, of course, be served on your choice of their star bagels. This dedication to hearty, satisfying food and a welcoming environment makes it a beloved community hub and the ideal spot for a quick bite or a leisurely weekend brunch.

The café has successfully woven itself into the fabric of the Claremont Village lifestyle, providing a friendly, casual setting where people can gather, socialize, and enjoy a delicious meal. It’s a place that caters equally to college students grabbing a quick coffee, families enjoying a morning meal, and solo diners seeking a cozy spot to enjoy their favorite bagel creation.

Location and Accessibility

The 42nd Street Bagel Cafe is centrally located in the heart of the charming and highly walkable Claremont Village. Its precise location is: 225 N Yale Ave, Claremont, CA 91711, USA. This prime spot on Yale Avenue places it in the immediate vicinity of boutique shops, bookstores, and the Claremont Colleges, making it a highly convenient and popular meeting point.

Accessibility is a key focus for this local favorite. The cafe offers a variety of accommodations to ensure a comfortable visit for all patrons.

• Entrance and Mobility: The establishment features a Wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring easy access from the sidewalk into the dining area.
• Parking: Customers benefit from convenient parking options, including both a Free parking lot and ample Free street parking in the surrounding Village area.
• Facilities: The café also provides a Wheelchair accessible restroom and general Restroom amenities for customer comfort.

The café's atmosphere is designed for a Quick visit but encourages patrons to linger, perfectly situated for anyone looking to grab a quick, fresh breakfast before work or settle in for a leisurely meal and coffee break.

Services Offered

As a full-service bagel shop and breakfast restaurant, 42nd Street Bagel Cafe offers a robust range of services to meet the daily dining needs of the Claremont community and beyond.

• Dining Options: Patrons have the choice of enjoying the cozy ambiance with Dine-in service, or opting for quick Takeout or Onsite services for maximum convenience.
• Specialty Menu Items: Beyond simple bagel and cream cheese options, the cafe provides a full Breakfast menu featuring egg-based items like the Bagel Coneggtion (Eggs W/ Cheddar Cheese), as well as daily Lunch Specials that often include soup, a side, a drink, and a cookie.
• Beverage Service: A comprehensive drink menu is available, encompassing a full selection of Coffee offerings such as Espresso, Cappuccino, and Iced Latte, as well as other Hot Beverag choices like Hot Tea and Hot Chocolate, and Cold Beverages including Fruit Spritzers and Chai Tea.
• Catering Prep: They offer convenient options for groups, such as the Joe To Go coffee dispenser for meetings or small gatherings.
• Payment Methods: The business accepts modern and flexible payment types, including all major Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features / Highlights

42nd Street Bagel Cafe distinguishes itself through a unique combination of artisanal products, menu creativity, and its appealing atmosphere.

• Authentic, Artisanal Bagels: The primary highlight is the quality of the bagels themselves, which are handcrafted and baked fresh throughout the day. Customers describe them as having a desirable, chewy texture and a variety of distinct flavors.
• Expansive Cream Cheese Selection: The café offers a wide array of specialized, homemade cream cheeses to accompany their bagels, from simple Plain to gourmet options like Garlic Herb, sweet Honey Nut Raisin, and savory, rich Lots O'lox and Nova Lox. Low-fat options, such as Low-Fat Verry Berry and Low-Fat Vegetable Garden, cater to health-conscious diners.
• Creative Bagel Sandwiches and Melts: The menu is highly dynamic, featuring unique creations like the spicy Jalapeno Melt or Santa Fe Bagel, and classic deli favorites such as the Club Bagel and Reuben Bagel, all built on a fresh bagel base. The Lox, Stock & Bagel is a fan favorite, especially when paired with a jalapeño cheese bagel.
• Savory Sides and Salads: The offerings go beyond typical breakfast fare with homemade soups, a Chinese Chicken Salad praised for its generous dressing, and various deli subs and melts, providing excellent options for a midday meal. They are also known for delicious, crunchy Bagel Chips that are perfect for dipping.
• Welcoming, Intimate Atmosphere: Customer reviews consistently highlight the café’s intimate and relaxed vibe, sometimes described as "dimly lit" with good music, making it a comfortable place to meet or dine alone. The friendly and helpful staff, such as one mentioned by name for being "warm, kind, and helpful," contribute significantly to the positive experience.

Contact Information

The 42nd Street Bagel Cafe is an essential stop in the Claremont Village. You can connect with them using the following details for orders, inquiries, or to plan your next visit.

Address: 225 N Yale Ave, Claremont, CA 91711, USA

Phone: (909) 624-7655

What is Worth Choosing

For California residents seeking the best bagel experience in the region, the 42nd Street Bagel Cafe is a top-tier choice that delivers on quality, variety, and atmosphere. What is truly worth choosing here is the combination of the artisanal bagel and the creative sandwich construction.

The must-try is arguably any of the Lox options, such as the Nova Bagel or the famed Lox, Stock & Bagel. Pair a richly flavored bagel—like the everything or a jalapeño cheese—with the Lots O'lox Cream Cheese for an authentic, premium experience. This classic combination is what many patrons consider "seriously good" and a true test of a quality bagel shop.

For those who prefer a savory, hearty meal, the deli sandwiches are highly recommended. The Everything Bagel Club is a customer favorite, described as "fresh, aesthetically pleasing and also just great flavor." Furthermore, the menu caters to an adventurous palate with items like the Hot Pastrami or the Vegetarian Garden Burger Bagel. For a lighter, yet satisfying choice, the Chinese Chicken Salad is praised for its quality and generous dressing.

Ultimately, choosing 42nd Street Bagel Cafe is choosing a beloved, decades-old local establishment that consistently delivers delicious, fresh food in a genuinely welcoming setting, making it a true Southern California gem.