Bongiorno Bagels

Introduction / Overview

Finding an authentic New York-style bagel in the Arizona desert has long been a quest for many East Valley residents. Look no further than Bongiorno Bagels in Gilbert, an establishment dedicated to bringing the genuine taste and experience of a classic New York bagel shop to our local community. Founded by New York natives, this family-run business—helmed by a Culinary Institute of America graduate and a former FDNY Lieutenant and firehouse chef—is built on a foundation of genuine culinary passion and high standards.

The secret to their success, and what sets them apart in the Arizona landscape, is a commitment to the time-honored New York process. This includes using The New York Watermaker system to replicate the essential mineral content of the water back East, kettle-boiling the dough for a perfect exterior, and finishing them in a 30-year-old revolving-deck oven. This meticulous approach results in a bagel with the ideal crispy exterior and satisfyingly chewy interior that Arizonans have been searching for.

Beyond the bagels, Bongiorno offers a full New York deli atmosphere. They exclusively use premium Boar's Head meats and cheeses and make several deli staples in-house, including lox, cream cheese, and corned beef. Whether you are looking for a simple bagel and cream cheese or a massive, gourmet sandwich, Bongiorno Bagels delivers a slice of authentic New York flavor right here in Gilbert, quickly becoming a popular weekend hot spot, despite the occasionally long but always worthwhile wait. As one delighted customer exclaimed, "It's the best bagel I've had in ages and satisfied my pregnancy craving!"

Location and Accessibility

Bongiorno Bagels is strategically situated to serve the bustling East Valley community, making it a convenient destination for local residents in Gilbert and surrounding areas like Chandler and Mesa.

The address is: 3107 S Gilbert Rd #101, Gilbert, AZ 85295, USA

Located on South Gilbert Road, the shop is easily accessible, and planning for a quick visit is simplified by the available amenities. The shop has thoughtfully provided excellent accessibility features for all patrons:

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: The shop entrance is fully compliant and easy to navigate for all visitors.
• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: Convenient, designated parking spaces are available in the free parking lot, ensuring close access to the building.
• Wheelchair Accessible Restroom: Clean and accessible restroom facilities are provided as an added amenity for customers dining in or visiting the location.
• Free Parking Lot: Ample, complimentary parking is available on-site, removing the stress of finding a spot in a busy retail area.

The business is open Thursday through Sunday, with hours typically running from 6 AM (Thursday - Saturday) or 7 AM (Sunday) until 2 PM. This focused schedule underscores their commitment to freshness, ensuring that every bagel is enjoyed during peak freshness.

Services Offered

Bongiorno Bagels offers a comprehensive menu and range of services focused on quality and convenience for the local Arizona consumer:

• Authentic New York Bagels: A diverse selection of freshly baked bagels, including Everything, Plain, Sesame, Poppyseed, Garlic, Onion, Jalapeño Cheddar, Egg Everything, Asiago, Blueberry, and Cinnamon Raisin. Individual bagels are available for just $1.99.
• Extensive Cream Cheese Selection: A variety of cream cheese flavors, from traditional Plain, Scallion, and Vegetable to sweet options like Chocolate Chip, Walnut Cinnamon Raisin, Blueberry, and Strawberry.
• Vegan and Specialty Options: Inclusion of a dedicated Vegan Cream Cheese option for plant-based diners, available to take home by the half-pound for $6.99.
• Gourmet Breakfast and Lunch Sandwiches: A wide range of specialty sandwiches named with a nod to their New York roots, such as 'The Fireman' and 'The Bongiorno,' alongside custom build-your-own options.
• Takeout and In-Store Pickup: Customers can enjoy efficient service for in-store pickup and takeout, ideal for a quick visit during the morning rush.
• Deli Salads and Spreads by the Half-Pound: Offering a full deli experience with ready-to-go items like Egg Salad, Chicken Salad, Tuna Fish Salad, and Whitefish Salad, along with Plain, Flavored, and Lox Cream Cheeses, and Sliced Lox.
• Freshly Brewed Coffee and Beverages: Serving freshly brewed Coffee and Iced Coffee (starting at $3.50), alongside other refreshing drinks like their popular unsweetened passionfruit tea.
• Convenient Payment Options: Accepting major Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments for a seamless transaction.

Features / Highlights

What makes Bongiorno Bagels stand out as a premier bagel shop in the East Valley and worth the drive for any Arizonan:

• The New York Watermaker Difference: The use of technology to mimic the mineral composition of authentic New York City water is a core differentiator, ensuring the texture and flavor of the bagels are true to their heritage.
• Authentic Baking Process: The bagels are authentically kettle-boiled and baked in a traditional deck oven, resulting in the desired chewy texture that sets genuine New York bagels apart.
• Premium Deli Ingredients: The commitment to quality is evident in the exclusive use of Boar's Head premium deli meats and cheeses, elevating their gourmet sandwiches above standard deli fare.
• Highly Praised Gourmet Sandwiches: Signature creations like The Bongiorno (Chicken cutlet, Prosciutto, Fresh Mozzarella) and The New Yorker (House-made Corned Beef, Provolone) have received rave reviews from locals, with one customer highlighting the impressive 'cheese pull' as a visual testament to quality.
• In-House Specialties: Making their own Lox, Cream Cheese, and House-Made Corned Beef ensures a level of freshness and quality control not found in many local competitors.
• Deli Atmosphere: The friendly staff and bustling environment, especially on weekends, contribute to an authentic, lively deli experience that transports customers straight to the Northeast.
• Dietary Consideration: Offering a dedicated Vegan Cream Cheese provides a delicious option for plant-based customers who crave a traditional bagel experience.

Contact Information

To plan your visit, place an order, or inquire about their daily selection, please use the following information:

• Address: 3107 S Gilbert Rd #101, Gilbert, AZ 85295, USA
• Phone: (480) 588-8222

What is Worth Choosing

For any Arizona resident on the hunt for the best bagel, Bongiorno Bagels is a mandatory stop. What is truly worth choosing here goes beyond the sheer number of options; it is about the quality and the authenticity of the product.

First and foremost, you must try a Fresh Bagel with Cream Cheese. This is the ultimate test, and Bongiorno passes with flying colors. Try the Everything Bagel—a customer favorite—with the Roasted Garlic Cream Cheese for a savory combination that has been described as "the best bagel I've had in ages." The quality of the bagel itself, thanks to the kettle-boiling and NY-emulated water, delivers the ideal crispy-chewy texture that simply cannot be replicated by steam-baked alternatives.

Secondly, don't miss their Gourmet Sandwiches. These are not your average deli subs; they are hearty, flavorful, and use premium ingredients. The Bongiorno sandwich, praised by customers, or The Fireman (Lox, Scallion Cream Cheese, Red Onion, Tomato, Capers) are exceptional choices that highlight their deli expertise and Boar's Head meats.

Finally, embrace the full experience of a New York-style deli counter. The option to take home quality deli salads or the Sliced Lox means you can extend the Bongiorno experience beyond your initial visit. While the wait can be long on peak weekend mornings, this is simply proof of the shop’s overwhelming popularity and is a small price to pay for the only truly authentic New York bagel and deli experience in the East Valley. The freshness, the dedication to process, and the superior ingredients make Bongiorno Bagels an absolutely essential local dining destination.

Bongiorno Bagels

3107 S Gilbert Rd #101, Gilbert, AZ 85295, USA