D'Alessio's Bagel Express

Introduction / Overview: More Than Just a Bagel Shop

For decades, the D'Alessio family has been a staple in the New Jersey food scene, continuing a tradition that began with their first bagel store in 1971. Today, D'Alessio's Bagel Express in Leonardo, NJ, stands as a testament to that legacy. While the name highlights the iconic breakfast staple, this establishment operates as a full-service, family-run deli, breakfast, and lunch restaurant. It is where Monmouth County residents go for that critical morning energy boost and hearty midday meal.

D’Alessio’s Bagel Express has expertly blended the expectation of a quality New Jersey bagel shop—which they strive to fulfill with freshly baked goods—with the indispensable services of a modern deli. They are particularly famous for their award-winning Pork Roll, Egg, and Cheese sandwiches, often referred to as the epitome of a Jersey breakfast. Their commitment to quality extends through their deli counter, which boasts a full selection of premium cold cuts and cheeses, including Boar’s Head products. This local gem ensures quick service, vast menu variety, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a reliable and essential stop on Route 36.

Location and Accessibility

Located conveniently on Route 36 in Leonardo, D'Alessio's Bagel Express is perfectly positioned to serve the communities of Leonardo, Middletown, Atlantic Highlands, and surrounding areas. Its spot along a major thoroughfare makes it a simple and quick stop for commuters and locals alike, fulfilling the promise of 'Express' in its name.

The official address for the shop is 949 NJ-36, Leonardo, NJ 07737, USA.

Accessibility is a key feature of this location, enhancing the convenience for all customers:

• Parking: The venue features a large, free parking lot, offering easy on-site parking for quick visits. Free street parking is also available.
• Hours of Operation: The shop is known to open early, sometimes as early as 5:00 AM and often running until 5:00 PM, providing extensive hours for breakfast, lunch, and grabbing dinner on the way home.
• Accessibility Features: The premises are designed for convenience, including a wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible parking lot, and accessible restrooms and seating.
• Service Options: Customers have flexible options, including curbside pickup, in-store pickup, delivery, takeout, and dine-in service.

Services Offered

D'Alessio's Bagel Express provides an extensive menu that caters to every meal of the day, moving smoothly from a morning rush bagel to a hearty dinner sub or cheesesteak.

• Freshly Baked Goods: Daily offerings include various bagels (available individually or by the dozen), muffins, croissants, cinnamon buns, and apple turnovers.
• Signature Breakfast Menu: Featuring the local favorite Pork Roll, Egg, and Cheese sandwich, with options for bacon, ham, or sausage, served on a bagel or roll. They also offer full 3 Egg Omelet Platters with cheese and meat, served with toast and a hash brown.
• House-Whipped Cream Cheeses: A selection of spreads is available by the pound or on a bagel, including Plain, Veggie, Scallion, Walnut Raisin, and Lox Cream Cheese.
• Premium Deli Counter: A full range of deli meats and cheeses, including over a dozen varieties of Boar’s Head cold cuts and cheeses (such as Roast Beef, Ovengold Turkey, Prosciutto, Swiss, and Monterey Jack), sold by the half-pound and pound.
• Local Specialty Sandwiches: The shop features signature sandwiches named after local towns, such as the Leonardo (Maple Honey Turkey and Ham with American cheese and honey mustard) and the Middletown (Hot Corned Beef or Pastrami, melted Swiss, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye).
• Hot Food from the Grill: A complete hot food menu including Cheesesteaks (Chicken and Beef), Italian Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, and Chicken Sandwiches.
• Extensive Salads and Sides: Options include freshly made deli salads by the pound (Tuna, Chicken, Egg, Macaroni, Potato), as well as sides like French Fries, Onion Rings, Mozzarella Sticks, and Chicken Wings.
• Catering Services: Affordable hot and cold catering options are available for corporate events, parties, and family gatherings.

Features / Highlights

D'Alessio's Bagel Express is distinguished by its long-standing family history, commitment to hearty portions, and its position as a true multi-purpose deli in the community.

• A True Family Business: With roots dating back to 1971, the shop is family-owned and operated by local Middletown brothers, bringing decades of experience and a deep commitment to the community.
• The Breakfast Sandwich Expert: The shop is highly praised for the quality of its breakfast sandwiches, often called "award-winning" and noted for using perfectly fried eggs and quality meats like Taylor Ham (Pork Roll).
• Local Landmark Sandwiches: The specialty sandwiches named after local Monmouth County towns—Leonardo, Middletown, Lincroft, Sandy Hook, etc.—provide a unique, localized flavor to the lunch menu.
• Comprehensive Deli Selection: The full Boar’s Head selection ensures that customers receive premium, high-quality meats and cheeses for their sandwiches and platters.
• Welcoming and Inclusive Environment: The shop takes pride in maintaining an LGBTQ+ friendly and Transgender safespace environment, ensuring a warm and welcoming experience for everyone in the community.
• Full Accessibility: The wide range of accessibility features, including dedicated parking and accessible restrooms, ensures that the venue is truly open to all members of the community.

Contact Information

To place a catering order, call ahead for pickup, or inquire about their menu, please use the contact details below:

• Address: 949 NJ-36, Leonardo, NJ 07737, USA
• Phone (Local): (732) 872-1700
• Mobile Phone: +1 732-872-1700

What is Worth Choosing

If you are traveling through or living in the Middletown or Leonardo area, D'Alessio's Bagel Express is worth choosing because it acts as a comprehensive, high-quality, local food provider that understands the New Jersey palate. While there can be mixed opinions on the bagels themselves, the overall deli experience and the quality of their signature sandwiches are undeniable, making it a critical fixture for locals.

For breakfast, the absolute must-have is the Pork Roll, Fried Eggs, and Cheese with optional Hot Cherry Peppers and SPK (Salt, Pepper, Ketchup)—a perfect example of what many consider to be an AMAZING breakfast sandwich, as confirmed by repeat customers. The option to add a hash brown on the side, or even into a massive sandwich like "The Boss," guarantees a satisfying start to any day.

For lunch, skip the standard and delve into one of their local specialty sandwiches. The Middletown sub, offering hot corned beef or pastrami, Swiss, and sauerkraut, provides a comforting, hot deli experience, while the Leonardo sub is a local favorite for its combination of Maple Honey Turkey and Ham. Given the shop’s full dedication to Boar’s Head products, any custom deli creation will benefit from the highest quality ingredients. Finally, the convenience of the large parking lot and quick service makes D'Alessio's an ideal choice for a busy schedule, ensuring a quick visit doesn't compromise the quality of your authentic New Jersey meal.

D'Alessio's Bagel Express

949 NJ-36, Leonardo, NJ 07737, USA