I Love Bagels Mission Viejo: Orange County’s Home for Fresh, Authentic Bagels

I Love Bagels Introduce

Introduction / Overview

For Californians, the start to a perfect day often involves a great cup of coffee and a fresh, authentic bagel. In Mission Viejo, Orange County, that authentic experience is found at

I Love Bagels

. This is far more than a simple grab-and-go spot; it is a beloved neighborhood institution dedicated to providing a high-quality, made-from-scratch breakfast experience. Unlike many commercial bakeries, I Love Bagels prides itself on its traditional preparation methods—boiling and hearth-baking its bagels daily to achieve that perfect chewy interior and crisp, golden crust that sets a true bagel apart. The commitment here is to

freshness

, ensuring that no frozen dough, par-baking, or steaming is involved in the process.

This family-owned business has cultivated a loyal following not just for the quality of its namesake product, but for the extensive menu built around it. Customers can choose from an impressive variety of bagel flavors, complemented by cream cheeses crafted in-house with fresh-cut vegetables and other top-shelf ingredients. From simple spread sandwiches to hearty, loaded hot breakfast sandwiches, I Love Bagels caters to every taste, whether you are looking for a quick, "somewhat healthy breakfast" or a substantial start to your morning.

The overall atmosphere is described by patrons as having a pleasant "old school ambiance," where the focus is clearly on the food and the customer experience. Reviewers consistently praise the great service, noting that the staff is often quick to remember regulars' orders—a testament to the strong community relationships this local business cultivates. For the busy residents of South Orange County, I Love Bagels provides an essential, reliable, and delicious routine stop, offering a fast and friendly service that keeps the lines moving, even during peak morning hours.

The consistent quality of the bagels and the warmth of the family-run operation are what truly distinguish I Love Bagels as a staple in the Mission Viejo food scene. It’s a place where tradition meets convenience, perfectly suited for the dynamic Southern California lifestyle.

Location and Accessibility

I Love Bagels is conveniently located at

24172 Alicia Pkwy, Mission Viejo, CA 92691, USA

. Positioned on a major local parkway, the shop is easily accessible for residents and commuters throughout Mission Viejo and surrounding Orange County communities. Its strategic location makes it an ideal stop for a morning coffee run or breakfast before heading to work or school.

The shop is designed to prioritize visitor convenience and accessibility, ensuring a smooth experience for all patrons.

Key accessibility and convenience features include:

Free parking lot for quick, hassle-free access.
Wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring an inclusive environment.
Wheelchair accessible parking lot, providing dedicated spots close to the entrance.
Wheelchair accessible restroom, completing the commitment to full accessibility.
Service options are streamlined for efficiency, offering both
In-store pickup
and
Takeout
.

The consistent early morning hours—operating generally from 6:00 AM daily, closing at 2:00 PM on weekdays and 1:00 PM on weekends—make it an easy and dependable option for the Southern California breakfast crowd.

Services Offered

I Love Bagels offers a comprehensive menu focused on fresh bagels and a variety of quick, substantial meals, catering primarily to the

Breakfast

dining option. The service model is geared towards efficiency and quality, making it an excellent choice for a

Quick visit

Menu and Service Highlights:

Hot Bagel Sandwiches: A robust selection of breakfast sandwiches featuring eggs, cheese, and various meats, including
Egg, Bacon, Sausage & American Cheese
($8.49) and the simpler
Egg & American Cheese
($4.99). All are served hot on your choice of freshly baked bagel.
Deli Salad Sandwiches: Fresh, homemade deli salads are a lunch-worthy option, including
Tuna Salad
($9.99),
Chicken Salad
($9.99), and
Egg Salad
($8.99), served on a bagel.
Cream Cheese & Spreads: A wide range of spreads from
Cream Cheese
(Regular or Light) and specialty flavors like Lox Spread, Vegetable, Scallion, Jalapeno, and Honey Walnut are available. Customers appreciate that the cream cheese is prepared in-house with fresh ingredients.
Specialty Bagel Melts: Unique, savory offerings include the
Pizza Bagel
,
Tuna Melt Or Chicken Melt
, and a simple
Cheese Melt
.
Beverages: Offerings include high-quality
Coffee
,
Fresh Squeezed OJ
($3.25), and
Fountain Drinks
($2.50).
Payments: Modern convenience is offered by accepting
Credit cards
,
Debit cards
, and
NFC mobile payments
.

Features / Highlights

I Love Bagels has earned its high regard in the Orange County community by focusing on product quality, consistent service, and a friendly atmosphere. These are the key features that draw customers back day after day.

Distinctive Highlights:

Authentic Bagel Preparation: The commitment to making bagels
from scratch
, using the traditional
boiled and hearth-baked
method, ensures a superior, authentic texture and taste—a significant draw for bagel enthusiasts in California.
Homemade Cream Cheese: The in-house preparation of cream cheese with
fresh-cut veggies
ensures a quality and flavor that surpasses pre-packaged options. Flavors like Scallion, Vegetable, and Lox Spread are customer favorites.
Exceptional Customer Service: The family-run nature of the business translates to a friendly, welcoming environment where staff often build relationships with customers and remember regular orders, a highlight frequently praised in customer reviews.
Value and Variety: The menu offers an excellent combination of affordable spreads (e.g.,
Butter Or Jelly
at $3.25) and premium, hearty sandwiches (like the
Fresh Slice Nova and Cream Cheese Bagel
). Bagels can be purchased individually ($2.00) or in groups like the
Baker's Dozen (13)
($16.99).
Commitment to Cleanliness: Despite the "old school ambiance," the shop is noted by reviewers for always being
clean
, ensuring a comfortable and hygienic visit.

Contact Information

For residents and visitors in the Mission Viejo area, you can easily reach I Love Bagels using the following contact details:

Address: 24172 Alicia Pkwy, Mission Viejo, CA 92691, USA
Phone: (949) 770-7100
Mobile Phone: +1 949-770-7100

Hours of Operation (Mission Viejo Location):

Monday - Friday: 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Sunday: 6:30 AM - 1:00 PM

What is Worth Choosing

For anyone seeking the best bagel experience in South Orange County,

I Love Bagels

in Mission Viejo is an essential choice. What is truly worth choosing here is the combination of authentic product quality and genuine, personalized service—a rare find in today's fast-paced environment.

The foundation of the experience is, of course, the bagel itself. Customers should prioritize trying one of their signature

Hot Bagel Sandwiches

—a popular choice being the

Egg, Bacon, Sausage & American Cheese

on a favorite flavor like Everything or Asiago. These sandwiches are built on a fresh, soft, hearth-baked bagel that provides the perfect, non-soggy structure for a hearty breakfast. The affordability of these options, paired with the quality, provides an unmatched value proposition for a homemade meal.

Furthermore, a visit is incomplete without trying one of their

Homemade Cream Cheese

flavors. Whether it's the savory

Scallion

Vegetable

cream cheese (made with fresh veggies cut on-site), or the rich

Lox Spread

, the quality of the spread elevates the entire experience. It is a key differentiator that highlights the shop’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients over shortcuts.

In a market saturated with options, I Love Bagels stands out by being consistently

predictable

in its quality and exceptionally

friendly

in its service. It’s the ideal local spot for the California resident who appreciates traditional baking methods, values supporting a dedicated family-run business, and wants a delicious, quick, and reliable start to their day. Choosing I Love Bagels means choosing a fresh, authentic taste that has kept the community coming back for decades.

I Love Bagels Bagel

Hot Sandwiches
Egg, Turkey Ham & American Cheese $5.99
Egg & American Cheese $4.99
Egg, Bacon & American Cheese $6.99
Egg, Sausage & American Cheese $6.99
Egg, Bacon, Sausage & American Cheese $8.49
Egg, Salami & American Cheese $6.99

Cream Cheese & Spread Sandwiches
Butter Or Jelly $3.25
Butter&Honey
Butter & Jelly $4.50
Peanut Butter
Cream Cheese
Cream Cheese Butter $4.99
Cream Cheese & Honey
Pb & Honey

Homemade Deli Salad Sandwiches
Egg Salad $8.99
Tuna Salad $9.99
Chicken Salad $9.99

Deli & Combo Sandwiches
Turkey Breast $10.49

Extras & Add On's
Egg

Beverages
Fountain Drinks $2.50
Fresh Squeezed Oj $3.25

Others
Grilled Cheese Bagel
Cheese Melt
Pizza Bagel
Tuna Melt Or Chicken Melt
Bagel Dog

I Love Bagels Details

Service options
In-store pickup
Takeout
Delivery

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom

Offerings
Coffee

Dining options
Breakfast

Amenities
Restroom

Planning
Quick visit

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Parking
Free parking lot

I Love Bagels Photos

I Love Bagels Location

I Love Bagels

California Orange County Mission Viejo Alicia Parkway

24172 Alicia Pkwy, Mission Viejo, CA 92691, USA

I Love Bagels Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 236 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

This bagel spot is the good place to start the day if you’re looking for a somewhat healthy breakfast with plenty of options. They have a great selection of fresh, wholesome choices, and the bagels are always spot on. The coffee is good as well.
August 12 · Zeynep K.
Great bagel shop, definitely old school ambiance but they’re putting money in to the food instead of the decor. The place is always clean, service is great, they remember my son’s order every time. Excellent service and people make this our go to bagel shop!
August 06 · Jesse H
Bagels are alright.Main complaint, one of the employees kept harassing me about a water cup making sure I was actually putting water into it. I clearly was because I had already purchased an energy drink and specifically needed water lol.But even if a customer wasn’t, that was poor treatment.Probably won’t come back.
August 30 · Alexander Paradiang
They didn’t let us eat in store since we bought cream cheese separately, what!! It makes no sense , we end up going to a close by park to eat breakfast
April 27 · Numan Dağdeviren
This place must be owned by New Yorkers because this is as close to a New York bagel as I have found in S. OC. The service is also very New York aloof, if you catch my drift. I like this because it is a departure from the fake SoCal niceties, but sensitive Gen-Z souls may find this off-putting. The breakfast bagel sandwiches are the best. I can't eat cheese, so I get the sausage egg bagel without cheese, but I add butter. What makes this sandwich is not only the New York chewy bagel with fresh toppings, but the sausage patty is lean, well-spiced, and finely ground, so it does not have the typical hard chewy pieces you find in most sausage patties. Finally, the egg is whole and not the typical milk-filled scrambled eggs that you get on most breakfast sandwiches. The price is also right on at around $7 all in. Thanks for making my morning a little better.
June 25 · D Klein