Manhattan Bagel

Ask any New Jersey resident about their favorite local food, and chances are, the conversation will quickly turn to the mighty bagel. In the heart of Ocean County, serving Manahawkin and the surrounding communities, the Manhattan Bagel at 297 NJ-72 W continues a long-standing tradition of authentic, New York-style bagel excellence. It’s more than just a bagel shop; it’s a full-service breakfast and lunch destination where fresh ingredients and classic recipes meet local convenience. From the early morning rush to a mid-day meal, this location offers a wide variety of menu items to satisfy every craving, all while maintaining that friendly, neighborhood feel that locals love. For those in Stafford Township, Barnegat, and en route to Long Beach Island (LBI), Manhattan Bagel is a reliable, high-quality stop for starting your day right or grabbing a satisfying lunch.

The cornerstone of a great bagel shop is, naturally, the bagel itself. Manhattan Bagel prides itself on delivering a product that is perfectly chewy on the inside with a crisp exterior—a texture achieved through the traditional process of boiling before baking. Beyond the perfect bagel base, the extensive menu transforms this simple item into an entire day’s worth of delicious, convenient meals. Whether you’re stopping by for a dozen for the office, grabbing a quick breakfast sandwich on your commute, or settling in for a hearty lunch, the quality and variety here stand out in the competitive New Jersey food scene. Locals know that a truly great bagel sets the foundation for any successful day, and Manhattan Bagel consistently delivers that promise.

While the atmosphere is casual and designed for a quick visit, the quality of the food suggests a much higher-end dining experience. The commitment to fresh preparation is evident across the menu, which includes everything from simple spreads to elaborate signature sandwiches. For local families and commuters alike, the combination of speed, quality, and a diverse menu makes it an essential Manahawkin fixture.

Location and Accessibility

The Manhattan Bagel location in Manahawkin is strategically situated to offer maximum convenience for both local residents and travelers. You'll find it at 297 NJ-72 W, Manahawkin, NJ 08050, nestled within the Lowes Shopping Center. This prime spot on Route 72 West makes it easily accessible, whether you’re heading east toward the shore or navigating local errands. Its location off a major thoroughfare ensures quick in-and-out access, perfect for those on a tight schedule.

Accessibility is a key priority for this location, ensuring that all customers can visit comfortably.

The facility offers:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Wheelchair accessible restroom

In addition to these accessibility features, ample free parking is available in the on-site lot, and there is also free street parking for added convenience. This focus on easy access and parking makes the Manahawkin Manhattan Bagel a stress-free choice for a quick stop any day of the week.

Services Offered

Manhattan Bagel offers a robust range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of the local Manahawkin community, from a quick coffee break to full-scale catering for an event.

• Dining Options: Enjoy your meal in a comfortable setting with Dine-in service, or opt for the ultimate convenience with Takeout and In-store pickup options.
• Delivery: For those who can’t make it to the store, Manhattan Bagel partners with delivery services to bring fresh bagels, coffee, and sandwiches right to your home or office.
• Catering Services: A major feature is their comprehensive catering menu, perfect for business meetings, parties, or large group breakfasts. Options include the Broadway Breakfast Box, Breakfast For The Group ($169.99), Bagel Break Boxes, and various sandwich and wrap platters like the 10 Assorted Sandwich Platter ($99.99). They even offer half trays of breakfast meats and eggs for large events.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepted payment methods include Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions quick and seamless.
• Premium Coffee: A wide array of coffee and beverages is available, including Hot Coffee, Iced Lattes, Cold Brew, and their signature Chillerz frozen drinks, ensuring you can always find your perfect caffeine fix.

Features / Highlights

The Manahawkin Manhattan Bagel stands out from other local eateries with several key features that enhance the customer experience and reinforce its commitment to quality.

• Authentic Bagel Preparation: The bagels are prepared in the classic, time-honored New York-style: boiled before they are baked, resulting in the distinctive chewy texture and slightly crispy crust that New Jersey bagel aficionados expect.
• Extensive Spread Selection: The shop offers a generous variety of freshly prepared cream cheeses, including favorites like Lox Cream Cheese ($5.99), Garden Veggie Cream Cheese ($5.99), and unique flavors like Jalapeno Salsa Cream Cheese ($5.99).
• All-Day Menu Variety: The menu extends far beyond just bagels and cream cheese. Customers can choose from a full Breakfast menu (featuring items like the Smokehouse Brisket Egg Sandwich and various omelet wraps), a robust Lunch menu (including the Ellis Island Hot Pastrami and the Manhattan Cheesesteak), and a selection of sweet treats and healthy options.
• Signature Sandwiches and Wraps: Look for specialty items that are perfect for a full meal, such as the Philly Breakfast Cheesesteak ($10.49), the Protein Breakfast Wrap ($10.49), and the Empire State Club ($8.99).
• Dog-Friendly Options: A truly unique feature is the Doggie Bagel offering, with a Single Dogie Bagel available for only $0.99, showing a welcoming spirit for four-legged friends.

What is Worth Choosing

For New Jersey locals seeking the best value and quality, Manhattan Bagel offers compelling reasons to choose them for your next meal. Beyond the perfectly crafted, authentic bagel, the menu’s depth and variety mean you never have to settle for the same old thing. The Dozen Value Pack ($22.99), which typically includes bagels and cream cheese, provides excellent value for families or group gatherings, making it an easy choice for weekend breakfast.

When you’re looking for a satisfying breakfast that goes beyond a simple schmear, the signature Nova Lox & Cream Cheese ($11.49) sandwich or the savory Farmhouse ($9.49) are excellent, hearty choices. For lunch, the New York-inspired items like the Ellis Island Hot Pastrami ($8.99) or a classic Wall Street Roast Beef ($9.99) offer a delicious and filling mid-day break. The availability of Catering options, especially the large platters and half trays, is a game-changer for businesses and event hosts in the Manahawkin area, simplifying the process of feeding a crowd with high-quality food. The dedication to a diverse menu, paired with the speed and convenience of modern service options like in-store pickup and delivery, solidifies Manhattan Bagel as a premier choice in Ocean County for fresh, delicious, and authentic fare.

It is important for customers to note that while the shop strives for excellent service, one customer review did highlight a small charge for slicing a single bagel and an unexplained ten-cent charge per bagel. Customers may want to inquire about any potential ancillary fees when placing an order, especially for bagels not ordered as a full sandwich. However, the overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the freshness, flavor, and welcoming staff suggests these are isolated incidents in an otherwise great local establishment, known for its truly authentic New York bagel experience.

Contact Information

To place an order, inquire about catering, or find directions, you can use the following information for the Manhattan Bagel Manahawkin location:

• Address: 297 NJ-72 W, Manahawkin, NJ 08050, USA (Located in the Lowes Shopping Center)
• Phone: (609) 978-1788