Manhattan Bread & Bagel

Introduction / Overview

When Southern California residents talk about authentic, boiled-and-baked bagels and exceptional artisan breads, the conversation often turns to Manhattan Bread & Bagel. Established in 1993 by Michael Keegan and Lynn Olson, this beloved establishment has grown to be a true pillar of the Manhattan Beach and greater Los Angeles South Bay community. Having served millions of customers over three decades, the bakery prides itself on delivering high-quality, fresh-made goods for any meal of the day. It’s more than just a bagel shop; it's a full-service café and bakery that offers a robust menu of over 100 different baked goods daily, including pastries, breakfast sandwiches, soups, and a wide array of gourmet lunch sandwiches. Patrons consistently praise the lively atmosphere, friendly service, and the phenomenal New York-style bagels, which are celebrated for their perfect balance of a crispy crust and a soft, chewy interior—a challenging feat to achieve on the West Coast.

The commitment of Manhattan Bread & Bagel goes well beyond the delicious products. They are widely recognized as a certified California Green Business, demonstrating an extraordinary dedication to environmental sustainability and community involvement. Their efforts in waste reduction, energy conservation, and local partnerships have earned them significant recognition, including a SoCal Environmental Excellence Development (SEED) Award. This deep commitment to quality, community, and the environment makes Manhattan Bread & Bagel a must-visit destination for anyone in the Manhattan Beach area looking for a reliable, high-quality local eatery.

Location and Accessibility

Manhattan Bread & Bagel is conveniently situated at 1812 N Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, USA. Its location in a strip mall offers straightforward access for South Bay commuters and local residents alike, positioned on a main thoroughfare that connects many coastal cities. This makes it an easy stop for grabbing a quick breakfast or lunch whether you are heading to work or enjoying a day near the beach.

The establishment aims to be accommodating for all guests. The location offers both open seating inside and comfortable outdoor seating on the front patio, providing a pleasant environment to enjoy a coffee and a fresh bagel in the pleasant California weather. For those on a tight schedule or planning an event, the shop is accessible with service options that include in-store pickup, in-store shopping, and local delivery. Additionally, the venue features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, striving to ensure a welcoming experience for everyone. While the atmosphere is often described as lively and bustling, especially during peak morning hours—which can sometimes lead to a line out the door—the quality of the fresh ingredients and the welcoming staff make the experience well worth the wait.

Services Offered

Manhattan Bread & Bagel provides a comprehensive range of services for individuals and groups in the California community, focusing on both in-store dining and off-site convenience.

• Retail Bakery Sales: Offering over 100 different freshly baked goods daily, including bagels, breads, muffins, scones, and pastries.
• Breakfast and Lunch Menu: Serving a full menu of New York-style bagels with various spreads, made-to-order breakfast sandwiches, hot and cold deli sandwiches, salads, and soups.
• Catering Services: Comprehensive catering options are available for groups, businesses, and events, featuring continental platters, bagel assortments, gourmet lunch sandwich platters, hearty entrée salads, and boxed lunches.
• Online Ordering and Mobile App: Customers can place orders for pickup or delivery through various online platforms and the bakery’s dedicated mobile application, allowing for a quick and convenient ordering process.
• Takeout and Delivery: In-store pickup, curb-side pickup (where applicable), and delivery services are offered to accommodate customers' preferences.
• Dine-In and Outdoor Seating: Providing ample seating inside and on the outdoor patio for those who wish to enjoy their meal on-site, complete with free refills on fountain drinks.
• Community and Charitable Involvement: Actively works with local schools and charitable organizations, including donating unsold baked goods to local charities.
• Corporate Sustainability Practices: Engages in exceptional environmental practices, including a rigorous recycling program, waste reduction initiatives, and energy efficiency upgrades, as a certified California Green Business.

Features / Highlights

Several key features distinguish Manhattan Bread & Bagel as a prominent and unique destination in the Southern California food scene.

• Authentic New York-Style Bagels: The core offering, with a full selection of traditional boiled and baked bagels daily, including popular flavors like Garlic and Poppy, Egg, Sourdough, Pumpernickel, and Whole Wheat.
• Artisan Bread Program: In addition to bagels, the bakery crafts a wide variety of all-natural, hand-shaped Artisan breads daily, such as Sourdough, Multigrain, Rye, Black Pepper Parmesan Sourdough, and specialty loaves like Challah (available on Fridays).
• Gourmet Lunch Sandwiches: The menu features creative and fresh sandwiches served on the bakery’s own artisan breads, with popular options including the #1 Southwest Chicken on Ciabatta, the #2 Pesto Chicken on Sourdough, and the #14 Roast Beef & Havarti on Black Pepper Parmesan Sourdough.
• Commitment to Freshness: All bagels and breads are made from scratch and baked fresh on-site every day, ensuring the highest quality and taste.
• Vast Experience and Local Heritage: Operating since 1993, the bakery has a deep-rooted history in the South Bay, retaining many original personnel with over 20 years of experience, contributing to consistent quality and a familiar, welcoming service.
• Certified Green Business: Recognized with the prestigious SoCal Environmental Excellence Development (SEED) Award for their outstanding conservation and waste reduction efforts, which include converting leftover bakery by-products into feed for local dairy cows.
• Customer-Favorite Breakfast Sandwiches: Well-known for customizable breakfast options, such as the classic Egg on a Bagel (with Canadian Bacon and American Cheese) and the Lox Bagel Special, offering a hearty start to the day.

Contact Information

For more information, ordering, or inquiries about catering services, you can reach Manhattan Bread & Bagel using the details below.

Address: 1812 N Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, USA

Phone: (310) 545-7553

What is Worth Choosing

For a first-time visitor or a returning local to Manhattan Bread & Bagel, the choice can be delightful but overwhelming, given the sheer volume of fresh options. The quintessential "worth choosing" item is, without a doubt, a classic New York Style Bagel. Customers consistently rave about the "phenomenal" texture—crispy on the outside, perfectly soft and chewy in the middle. Trying a popular variety like Garlic, Poppy, or Sourdough, with your choice of a house-made cream cheese spread, is the perfect way to experience their baking mastery. A particularly satisfying choice is the classic breakfast option, an Egg with Cheese bagel sandwich, with the added protein of your choice, which has been cited by customers as a helpful, excellent, and cost-effective recommendation from the staff.

For lunch, the gourmet sandwiches are a major highlight. For a fresh, lighter option, the Chicken Salad Sandwich Lunch Plate, often mentioned in customer reviews, is an excellent pick and comes with a satisfying side of pasta salad and tomato slices. Alternatively, if you are seeking a quick, satisfying, and budget-friendly bite, consider a mini sandwich. Patrons have noted that these mini sandwiches are "pretty decent sized" and an ideal option for a quick meal. Beyond the daily menu, be sure to inquire about their artisan bread loaves, such as the Sourdough or Black Pepper Parmesan Bread, which are excellent for taking home to elevate any family meal. For a weekend treat, keep an eye out for their special offerings like the Crème Brûlée French Toast and Daily Egg Frittata, often available Friday through Sunday, which demonstrate the bakery’s diverse culinary skills. In any case, go early to avoid the rush and ensure the availability of your favorite flavors, and you're sure to enjoy a great meal and a lively atmosphere at this local California favorite.

Manhattan Bread & Bagel

1812 N Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, USA