BAKERY PROFILE

Gem's House of Bagels

★ 4.022 recorded reviews$10–20

208 Bay Ave, Highlands, NJ 07732, USA

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Gem's House of Bagels
PLAN THE VISIT

Essential details

Address
208 Bay Ave, Highlands, NJ 07732, USA
Phone
(732) 204-2058
Website
Visit official site
Rating signal
4.0 from 22 recorded reviews
HOURS

Listed operating hours

  • Monday6:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Tuesday6:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Wednesday6:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Thursday6:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Friday6:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Saturday6:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Sunday6:00 AM – 3:00 PM
About and visit notes

## Gem's House of Bagels in Highlands, NJ: Your Shore Stop for the Perfect Jersey Bagel

In New Jersey, a great day starts with a great bagel. For those located near the beautiful Monmouth County coastline, Gem's House of Bagels in Highlands has quickly become the essential stop for this morning ritual and much more. More than just a simple bagel shop, Gem's is a full-service local deli and bakery known for its fresh-baked, authentic bagels, generously portioned breakfast creations, and robust specialty lunch sandwiches. Situated conveniently near Sandy Hook, it serves as the perfect fuel-up spot before a beach day, a quick visit for commuters, or a cozy place for a satisfying meal.

The atmosphere at the Highlands location is often described by local users as open, sunny, and cheerful, making it an inviting space to grab your morning coffee or enjoy a substantial lunch. Gem’s prides itself on delivering not only delicious bagels but also a genuinely friendly customer experience, cementing its reputation as a true neighborhood gem along Bay Avenue. They understand the New Jersey palate, offering classic spreads, quality deli meats, and those signature over-the-top breakfast sandwiches that define our local food culture.

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## Location and Accessibility

The Gem's House of Bagels location is perfectly positioned in the heart of the community at 208 Bay Ave, Highlands, NJ 07732, USA. This prime spot is "near the middle of town," making it a central and easy-to-reach destination for Highlands residents and visitors heading to the Jersey Shore.

Accessibility is a strong point for this bagel shop. Customers benefit from both a free parking lot and free street parking, eliminating the common hassle of finding a spot in a busy shore town. For all patrons, the store provides a wheelchair accessible parking lot. As a designated spot for a Quick visit, the focus is on efficient, high-quality service, prioritizing options like Takeout to get you on your way quickly. However, the cheerful space also provides places to sit for those who wish to dine in.

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## Extensive Services and Offerings

Gem's House of Bagels goes far beyond a plain bagel with cream cheese. Their menu is comprehensive, covering all three major dining options—breakfast, lunch, and catering—with high-quality ingredients and creative flair.

UL

  • Fresh Bagels and Spreads: Available individually, by the Half Dozen Bagels ($13.00), or a Dozen Bagels ($25.00). Customers can choose from a huge variety of spreads, including gourmet flavors available in Gourmet Spreads 1/2 Lb ($5.95) and full 8oz or 16oz containers of Gems Cream Cheese.
  • Signature Breakfast Sandwiches: Creative and popular choices are their specialty, such as The Rocket (Pork roll, bacon, egg, cheese, and a hashbrown on a roll, $12.50) and the spicy Angry Smurf ($9.15). Healthier options like the Hazlet's Finest (Turkey, egg whites, cheese, and hot sauce on a wrap, $10.95) are also available, alongside a standard Breakfast Sandwiches option ($7.50).
  • Specialty Lunch Sandwiches: A full deli menu featuring hefty creations like The Titan (Chicken cutlet with Muenster, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onions, ranch, and BBQ, $14.95), The Italian ($13.95), and The Brooklyn ($14.95). They also offer a Create Your Own option ($13.95).
  • Fresh Salads: A variety of large, healthy lunch options are available, including the Gem Salad ($18.00) with honey turkey, walnuts, and raisins, or classic options like the Chicken Caesar ($16.50).
  • In-House Bakery Items: Beyond bagels, the bakery features sweet treats like Crumb Cake ($4.15), Muffins ($4.25), Croissants ($3.15), and the Black & White Cookies ($3.15).
  • Grocery & Deli Items: Selling products like 1LB PORK ROLL ($12.99), Dozen Eggs ($6.99), and 1LB AMERICAN CHEESE ($8.99), allowing customers to stock their home pantry with high-quality ingredients.
  • Beverages: A full selection of drinks, including fresh Coffee & Tea ($4.00), Iced Coffee ($4.75), Pure Leaf ($4.75), and 1/2 Gallon Milk ($5.00).
  • UL

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    ## Key Features and Highlights

    What truly sets Gem's House of Bagels apart for local New Jersey customers is the combination of its quality food and dedicated service, making it an ideal choice for both quick trips and weekend indulgence.

    UL

  • Iconic Jersey Breakfast Sandwiches: Items like "The Rocket" and the customer-favorite "Incredible Hulk" (mentioned in reviews) represent the pinnacle of New Jersey breakfast culture: stacked high, flavor-packed, and perfectly satisfying.
  • Fresh Lox Selection: Catering to the classic bagel and lox enthusiast, they offer Fresh Lox & Cream Cheese ($14.50) sandwiches and Lox 3oz ($12.99) for purchase, affirming their commitment to high-quality deli offerings.
  • Ample Parking and Accessibility: The provision of a Free parking lot and Free street parking, alongside accessible features, ensures a smooth and stress-free visit—a significant plus in the busy shore environment.
  • Diverse Menu for All Dayparts: The ability to serve everything from classic bagels with toppings to savory grilled items like The Gem Burger ($11.00) and large deli wraps makes it a one-stop shop for breakfast, lunch, or even an early dinner takeout.
  • Positive and Cheerful Atmosphere: Customer feedback highlights the friendly staff and the open, sunny, and cheerful space, indicating a pleasant environment for both quick takeout and a more relaxed visit.
  • UL

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    ## Contact Information

    To order your dozen bagels, call ahead for a morning sandwich pickup, or inquire about catering options for your next beach gathering, please use the following contact details:

    Address: 208 Bay Ave, Highlands, NJ 07732, USA

    Phone: (732) 204-2058

    Mobile Phone: +1 732-204-2058

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    ## What is Worth Choosing Gem's House of Bagels

    For New Jersey residents, especially those traveling to or living near the Highlands/Sandy Hook area, Gem's House of Bagels offers a superior choice for several compelling reasons. Firstly, their commitment to providing authentic, freshly baked bagels—a fundamental requirement in the Garden State—is constantly praised. Customers note the deliciousness of their bagels, including specialty varieties like the French Toast bagel, which speaks to their quality and creativity.

    Secondly, the quality and generosity of their prepared food, specifically the Breakfast Sandwiches and Lunch Sandwiches, is a major draw. Signature items like “The Rocket” are widely beloved for their substantial size and perfect blend of classic Jersey flavors (Pork Roll, egg, cheese, and a hashbrown). These sandwiches offer excellent value and satisfaction, perfect before a long day on the sand or a busy commute.

    While the menu prices are reflective of the premium quality and generous portions, the ability to also purchase essential items like 1LB PORK ROLL and large tubs of their homemade Gourmet Cream Cheese makes it a convenient, all-in-one deli experience. Choosing Gem's House of Bagels means choosing a friendly, efficient local business that is dedicated to upholding the high standards of New Jersey bagel and deli fare. It’s the perfect place to start your day or satisfy a midday craving with food that is always fresh, flavorful, and made with a local touch.

    VISIT FEATURES

    Services and accessibility

    These attributes come from the directory record and should be confirmed when essential.

    Service options

    • Takeout

    Accessibility

    • Wheelchair accessible parking lot

    Offerings

    • Coffee

    Dining options

    • Breakfast

    Planning

    • Quick visit

    Payments

    • Credit cards
    • Debit cards

    Parking

    • Free parking lot
    • Free street parking
    PHOTOS

    See the bakery

    VISITOR FEEDBACK

    Reviews and recurring themes

    Read individual comments as personal experiences, not verified guarantees.

    sandwiches 5menu 4italian sub 2spreads 2bagel with cream cheese 2price 2
    ★ 5.0

    Very pleased with this new bagel shop in the highlands! Great selections of bagels, spreads, sandwiches, and pastries. The staff was friendly and the space was very open, sunny, and cheerful with places to sit. I got an egg everything bagel with cream cheese and a French toast bagel and it was delish. Ill be back :) I have one suggestion, maybe to add some fresh squeezed orange juice to the menu 😊

    May 26 · Emily Miller
    ★ 5.0

    We stopped by Gems bagels on a day headed for a sunrise at Sandy hook.our two favorites are the incredible Hulk and The rocket sandwiches. This place never disappoints and love the staff at Gems. Thank you for a great breakfast!!

    Sep 9 · Art Fernandez
    ★ 5.0

    A fantastic deli with a ton of breakfast and lunch options. The staff is friendly and helpful and the owner was a pleasure to speak with. We will definitely be trying their other locations!

    Aug 15 · Tony Malda
    ★ 4.0

    We got two bagels with cream cheese and a muffin. Bagels were great. Muffin - meh. Spent $12Friendly service and welcoming space. Open layout, ample seating, nice and clean.The only thing that made me feel uncomfortable- not one price listed ANYWHERE. Transparency keeps us honest and accountable. If you don’t want to list them because it’s a hassle to update signage and printed menus - we live in a time where you can scan a QR code. Easy peasy.What’s to stop them from arbitrarily charging what they want from person to person.I tried placing an online order prior to our visit to get an idea of pricing - same order was $5 more than our in store order.Not sure what’s what.Good bagels though! If you have money coming out of your ears and don’t care what you pay - go to town 😜

    Aug 17 · Carol Vanessa
    ★ 5.0

    Gems is absolutely amazing! Our production crew made a stop there only to be met with the kindest staff! Even the owner, Donna, was amazing! We loved the atmosphere. Can’t help but feel like family.They have the best Italian sandwich and we’d recommend trying the bagel with the scallion cream cheese. This was such a great spot — especially with us not being from around here.

    Apr 1 · Rachel
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    About this listing

    This page combines directory records, available business details, submitted photos, and visitor feedback. Information may be incomplete or change without notice. For corrections, contact server@heavenlydelightsbakery.com.

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