Gems House of Bagels

When it comes to authentic New Jersey fare, few things are as essential as a perfectly crafted bagel. For residents and visitors of Monmouth County, one name consistently pops up in the conversation for high-quality, freshly baked goods and hearty breakfast—Gems House of Bagels. Strategically located to serve the Red Bank area and beyond, this establishment has made a name for itself by offering a vast menu that goes far beyond a simple bagel and cream cheese, catering to every craving from early morning to afternoon lunch.

A bagel shop is more than just a place to grab a quick bite; it's a neighborhood staple and a key part of the local culinary experience, especially in a region as serious about bagels as New Jersey. Gems House of Bagels embodies this spirit, striving to provide both a great product and outstanding service, positioning itself as a reliable source for a true Jersey-style bagel and a full-service deli experience.

New Jersey locals appreciate quality, and the diverse menu at Gems House of Bagels reflects a commitment to satisfying this high standard. While the core offering is, of course, a wide variety of fresh bagels, the expansive menu includes a full range of breakfast and lunch items, ensuring there's something to please everyone in the family or at the office. This local spot is dedicated to being a go-to destination for daily fuel and for catering special events throughout the Monmouth County area.

The positive buzz around the shop is strong, with many long-time patrons claiming it to be one of the best around, hands down, and praising the food as "amazing" and the staff as "friendly." While every food service business occasionally faces challenges, the consistent high ratings and loyal customer base underscore its role as a well-regarded local favorite for quality, fresh food, and efficient service. It's a place where fresh food and a positive customer experience are key priorities.

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Location and Accessibility

Gems House of Bagels is conveniently situated in a high-traffic, easily accessible location, making it a simple stop for both daily commuters and weekend breakfast seekers. The specific address places it centrally for residents of Red Bank and the surrounding communities, serving as an ideal spot for pickup or quick dining.

The shop is located at: 490 NJ-35, Red Bank, NJ 07701, USA. Being located right on Route 35 provides excellent visibility and ease of access for local New Jersey drivers. Route 35, often a central thoroughfare for Monmouth County, makes it a practical stop regardless of whether you are traveling north or south. Its location is often referred to as the Middletown location, serving the broader Red Bank and Middletown area.

Current operating hours are convenient for both breakfast and early lunch, with the shop generally open from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM every day of the week, ensuring you can start your morning right with a fresh bagel and coffee. Customers also have the flexibility of preordering, pickup, and delivery through popular services, adding a layer of modern convenience to this traditional bagel shop experience.

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Services Offered

Gems House of Bagels provides a comprehensive range of food and convenience services, extending far beyond the counter-service model. Their offerings are structured to accommodate individuals, families, and large-scale catering needs.

• Bagels and Spreads: Offering a wide selection of bagels available individually, by the half dozen, or by the dozen, complemented by an array of specialty spreads like Plain, Scallion, Vegetable, Jalapeno, Strawberry, Walnut Raisin, Lox Spread, and simple Butter and Jelly options.
• Fresh Bakery Items: A tempting selection of freshly baked goods including Muffins, Croissants (plain and filled), Crumb Cake, Apple Turnovers, Brownies, Black and White Cookies, and Chocolate Chip Cookies.
• Breakfast Sandwiches and Platters: Featuring classic Egg Sandwiches (one or two eggs), along with creative, robust specialty items such as 'The Rocket' (Pork roll, bacon, egg, cheese, and a hashbrown on a roll), 'The Angry Smurf' (Sausage, bacon, egg, and cheese with spicy cream cheese and hot sauce on a blueberry crunch bagel), and 'The Texan.' Most sandwiches can also be ordered as full platters.
• Specialty Lunch Sandwiches and Deli: Serving a full deli menu with specialty sandwiches named after local landmarks and favorites, like 'The Gem' (homemade chicken salad and Provolone), 'The Titan' (chicken cutlet, Muenster, bacon, ranch, and BBQ), 'The Italian,' and 'The Irishmen' (Corned beef and Pastrami), plus the option to create your own sandwich with Boar's Head meats and cheeses.
• Salads and Grilled Items: Providing fresh options like the Chef Salad, Caesar Salad, and specialty options such as the 'Gem's Salad' (Honey turkey with chopped walnuts and raisins), in addition to grilled items like the 'Gem Burger' and Grilled Cheese.
• Catering and Platters: Full catering services for events, offering Bagel Platters (dozen or two dozen assorted bagels with spreads), Sandwiches Platters (a minimum of 10 people), and SUBS BY THE FOOT (available in 3, 4, 5, or 6-foot lengths) on a giant sub or bagel wheel.
• Beverages: A selection of fresh Coffee, Decaf Coffee, Tea, and 24oz Iced Coffee, along with cold beverages like Soda, Gatorade, Pure Leaf Tea, Yoo Hoo, and Milk by the pint or half-gallon.
• Delivery and Takeout: Convenient ordering options are available through various third-party delivery services, as well as easy pickup and preordering directly from the shop.

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Features and Highlights

Gems House of Bagels has cultivated a loyal following in Monmouth County by focusing on key features that appeal directly to the New Jersey clientele. Their focus is on fresh, quality ingredients and a menu that respects local tastes while offering unique creations.

• Authentic New Jersey Bagel Experience: Praised by local users for serving great bagels that are often described as being large, fluffy, crispy on the outside, and doughy on the inside—meeting the high-quality expectations of a New Jersey bagel enthusiast.
• The Classic Pork Roll Sandwich: True to its New Jersey roots, the menu heavily features the essential Pork Roll (or Taylor Ham) in popular breakfast sandwiches, including the high-demand 'The Rocket,' satisfying one of the state's most iconic food preferences.
• Expansive Menu Variety: Offering a complete dining experience that transitions seamlessly from a full breakfast—including a variety of omelettes and platters—to a comprehensive lunch menu with specialty deli sandwiches, salads, and burgers.
• Homemade and Specialty Items: Highlights include homemade chicken salad (featured in 'The Gem' sandwich), homemade coleslaw (on 'The Irishmen'), and unique, in-house creations that give the menu a distinctive, local flair.
• Commitment to Service: The staff is frequently mentioned in positive customer feedback as being friendly, sweet, and working quickly to process orders, contributing to an overall positive and welcoming atmosphere.
• Catering for All Occasions: Specializing in large-format food for events, with options like sub sandwiches by the foot and versatile bagel and sandwich platters that are ideal for work functions, family gatherings, or other community events.
• High Customer Ratings: The shop consistently holds a high aggregate rating across major delivery and review platforms, with customers often citing excellent food and service quality as reasons for their loyalty.

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Contact Information

To place an order, inquire about catering, or for general information, you can reach the Red Bank/Middletown location of Gems House of Bagels using the following contact details:

Address: 490 NJ-35, Red Bank, NJ 07701, USA

Phone Number: (732) 747-5104

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What is Worth Choosing at Gems House of Bagels

For New Jersey residents looking for their next favorite spot, Gems House of Bagels offers several compelling reasons to visit. It’s a place that understands the local love for a great bagel and builds a robust menu around that foundation. The sheer size and variety of their menu mean that everyone from the purist to the adventurer can find a satisfying meal. From the massive selection of bagels and homemade cream cheese to the extensive deli offerings, the choices are plentiful.

What truly makes Gems House of Bagels a standout is the blend of local favorites and house specialties. For a quintessentially Jersey experience, you absolutely must try a breakfast sandwich featuring pork roll, egg, and cheese—a combination that patrons consistently rave about. Their unique and popular breakfast creations, like 'The Rocket,' which adds a hashbrown for extra substance, represent the shop’s dedication to a hearty, flavorful start to the day.

Beyond breakfast, the specialty lunch sandwiches offer creative and delicious combinations, like the grilled corned beef and pastrami in 'The Irishmen,' showing that the deli counter is just as serious as the bakery. And for those planning an event, the catering options, including the impressively sized SUBS BY THE FOOT and organized sandwich platters, provide a convenient and crowd-pleasing solution that simplifies event planning.

Ultimately, Gems House of Bagels is a full-service, community-focused establishment where a passion for a quality bagel meets the needs of a busy New Jersey lifestyle, making it a reliable choice for your daily fix or your next big party.

Gems House of Bagels

490 NJ-35, Red Bank, NJ 07701, USA