Naval Bagels

If you're a Maryland resident in search of a truly authentic and award-winning bagel experience, you've likely heard of Naval Bagels. A true local staple, this family-owned bagel shop has been a fixture in the Annapolis community since opening its doors on February 20th, 2000. It's more than just a place to grab a quick bite; it's a dedicated institution that takes the art of bagel-making seriously, distinguishing itself in the highly competitive Maryland food scene.

Naval Bagels has consistently earned the coveted "Best Bagel" award from local publications like What's Up? Magazine and the Capital Gazette Newspaper, cementing its reputation as a go-to spot for both locals and visitors alike. The secret to their success lies in their commitment to tradition: every bagel is crafted the old-fashioned way, first boiled and then baked. This time-honored "water bagel" technique is what gives their product the signature fluffy and chewy texture that many Marylanders crave. As the shop's owners humorously suggest, some believe it's "the good Severn River water" that makes the difference!

Beyond the accolades, the shop prides itself on being a full-service breakfast and lunch destination. While the freshly baked bagels are the star, the menu is extensive, featuring everything from a simple bagel with a "smear" of cream cheese to their number one selling lunchtime creation. For Marylanders looking for quality, speed, and a friendly atmosphere, Naval Bagels provides an efficient and satisfying culinary stop.

The original Annapolis location has seen growth over the years, expanding from its initial size to better accommodate its burgeoning customer base, including growing wholesale and corporate catering needs. This expansion is a testament to the loyalty of their patrons across Anne Arundel County and the broader Maryland region.

Maryland's capital city, Annapolis, is a town rich in nautical culture, history, and a passion for great food—and Naval Bagels perfectly embodies this local spirit. They are also highly involved in the community, sponsoring numerous charity events, local school auctions, cancer benefits, and proudly supporting Naval Academy Athletics and the Chesapeake Bayhawks. It’s a local business with deep roots and a commitment to giving back.

Naval Bagels is not only a fantastic spot for a meal but also a true community hub. Patrons can often find themselves enjoying their morning coffee and bagel while catching up on the local news or checking out the famous whiteboard, which is updated daily with trivia, inspirational quotes, tides, and even local artwork. This welcoming, community-focused ambiance, combined with the quick service they promise—often allowing customers to get in and out in just about three minutes—makes it a perfect choice for Marylanders on the move.

This bagel shop serves as a perfect pit stop whether you are heading to a Navy football game, exploring the historic streets of Annapolis, or simply needing a reliable and delicious start to your day.

Location and Accessibility

The primary, flagship location of Naval Bagels is conveniently situated in Annapolis, MD, making it highly accessible for those working in the area, visiting the Naval Academy, or running errands in Anne Arundel County. The shop’s specific address places it near key local landmarks, making it an ideal destination for a quick and satisfying meal.

The location is well-equipped to serve all customers, offering practical amenities for ease of access and convenience:

• Free parking lot available for patrons.
• Free street parking options are often available nearby.
• The facility includes a wheelchair-accessible parking lot.
• Wheelchair accessible restroom available on site.

Contact Information

For quick inquiries, call-ahead orders, or general information, you can reach Naval Bagels at their main location:

Address: 609 Taylor Ave, Annapolis, MD 21401, USA

Phone: (410) 263-1344

Services Offered

As a full-service establishment, Naval Bagels provides a comprehensive range of dining and service options tailored to a busy Maryland community:

• Dine-in service is available with an inviting atmosphere.
• Takeout options for customers on the go.
• In-store pickup for easy collection of pre-ordered items.
• Bulk Bagel Sales, including the 'Half Dozen' and the '1 Dozen (13 Bagels)' options.
• A wide array of house-made cream cheeses, including Plain, Lox Spread, Old Bay, Jalapeno, and Vegetable.
• Full breakfast menu featuring signature Egg Based Breakfast Sandwiches.
• Full lunch menu featuring a diverse selection of deli-style and specialty sandwiches.
• Beverages include a full coffee service and an assortment of bottled drinks like Tropicana Juices, Dr. Brown's Sodas, and various other cold beverages.
• Bakery items, including Muffins, Cookies, Croissants, and Choc. Tops.
• Specialty Bagel Sandwiches like The Naval Bagel, The Annapolitan, and The Bayhawk.
• Catering and bulk ordering options to accommodate corporate customers and events.

Features / Highlights

Naval Bagels stands out in the Maryland food landscape due to its unique offerings, quality focus, and local community presence:

• Award-Winning Quality: Recognized as "Best Bagel" multiple times by respected local media outlets like What's Up? Magazine and the Capital Gazette.
• Authentic Water Bagels: Every bagel is made using the traditional process of boiling and then baking, resulting in a distinctively chewy and flavorful product.
• Signature Sandwich - The Naval Bagel: By far their best-seller, this sandwich is a nod to the classic Jewish Deli bagel, piled high with fresh NOVA Lox, Cream Cheese, Tomato, Onion, and Capers.
• Popular Lunchtime Favorite - The Avocado Delight: A top-selling lunch sandwich featuring Turkey, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Avocado, and Honey Mustard Dressing.
• The Annapolitan Sandwich: A truly regional breakfast option that incorporates local Chesapeake flavors, featuring Jumbo Lump Crab, Scrambled Egg, Melted Cheddar, and a dash of Old Bay Seasoning.
• Quick and Efficient Service: Known for a highly efficient operation that allows customers to get their order quickly, making it ideal for a quick visit.
• Community Engagement: A proud sponsor of Naval Academy Athletics, the Chesapeake Bayhawks, and various local charitable events.
• Local Favorites: The menu includes creative and memorable sandwiches named for local themes, such as 'The Annapolitan,' 'The Bayhawk,' and 'El Jefe,' a nod to the owner's Southern California culinary background.

What is Worth Choosing

For Marylanders looking for a quintessential local bagel experience, Naval Bagels offers a few can’t-miss items that showcase their culinary expertise. The cornerstone of the shop is undoubtedly the Naval Bagel sandwich. This masterpiece is their take on the classic Nova Lox bagel, delivering fresh Nova Lox, cream cheese, tomato, onion, and capers on your choice of their famous water bagels. It's an essential choice for any seafood or deli enthusiast.

For a unique Chesapeake flavor, the Annapolitan breakfast sandwich is a must-try. This signature item incorporates the region's beloved jumbo lump crab meat with scrambled egg, melted cheddar, and Old Bay seasoning—a Maryland classic in sandwich form.

For lunch, the Avocado Delight stands out as the number one selling lunchtime sandwich. This fresh, satisfying sandwich with turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, and honey mustard dressing is a fantastic, filling option that showcases the versatility of their bagels beyond the breakfast rush.

Finally, any visit should begin with an appreciation for the plain bagel itself—chewy, fluffy, and crafted by a team dedicated to using the traditional boil-and-bake technique. Whether paired with a classic plain cream cheese or one of their house-made flavored spreads like Old Bay cream cheese, the quality of the bread is why Naval Bagels has consistently been voted the 'Best Bagel' in the Annapolis area.

Naval Bagels offers more than just a meal; it provides a piece of Annapolis culinary tradition, prepared with care and served with local pride, making it an indispensable part of the Anne Arundel County dining landscape.