Shirley's Bagels

Shirley’s Bagels in Costa Mesa is far more than just a place to grab a quick breakfast; it's a cornerstone of Orange County's culinary scene and a true testament to the art of authentic bagel making. With a history stretching back to 1986, when founder Shirley Merrifield (affectionately known as “The Bagel Lady”) brought her New York-style, boiled and baked recipe to East 17th Street, this establishment has consistently delivered on its promise of quality and tradition. For locals seeking a taste of genuine, chewy, and flavorful bagels, Shirley’s Bagels is often cited as the top choice.

Today, the business continues to thrive under the dedicated leadership of its current owners, Carlos Perez, Emily Dikmak, and Albert Dikmak, who honor Shirley’s original recipes while continuously evolving the menu to meet the contemporary Californian palate. The shop operates as a classic Bagel Shop, a welcoming Bakery, and a reliable Breakfast Restaurant, ensuring that whether you are in a rush to grab a dozen bagels for the office or settling in for a hearty morning meal, your needs are met with fresh ingredients and friendly service.

The commitment to the 'boil and bake' method is what sets the bagels apart. This traditional process is essential for creating the perfect texture—a soft, tender inside contrasted with a sturdy, slightly glossy crust. This is the quality that Southern Californians have come to expect and love, and it’s why Shirley's Bagels has earned the reputation of being among Orange County's best. Their product's quality has even led to wider distribution, with their bagels now enjoyed in local school districts, hospitals, resorts, and other bakeries across the region.

The extensive menu offers something for every time of the day. In the morning, you can start with a simple but perfect Bagel & Cream Cheese or delve into one of their signature Egg Sandwiches. Mid-day brings a selection of fresh Deli Sandwiches, Open Face options, and healthy Salads. Beyond the food, Shirley’s Bagels is also a complete coffee destination, featuring a full Espresso Bar to complement your meal.

For those planning an event or meeting, the availability of Party Boxes and catering options—like the Bagel Box or the Breakfast Box—makes Shirley’s an ideal partner for local businesses and families alike, reinforcing its role as a supportive local institution in the Costa Mesa community.

Location and Accessibility

Shirley's Bagels is conveniently situated in the heart of Costa Mesa, making it a highly accessible location for residents and commuters throughout Orange County.

The address is:

270 E 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA

To ensure a smooth visit, the facility offers excellent accessibility features:

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

Parking is made easy with both a dedicated Free parking lot and Free street parking available nearby, which is a major convenience in this bustling part of Costa Mesa. The location caters to customers who need a quick visit but also provides a comfortable environment for those who choose to dine-in, with available restrooms and a generally welcoming atmosphere.

Services Offered

Shirley's Bagels provides a comprehensive range of service options designed for maximum convenience, whether you are planning a meal, a party, or just your daily coffee run.

• Dining options include both Takeout and Dine-in services for breakfast.
• For maximum convenience, they offer In-store pickup and Delivery services.
• In-store shopping is available for grabbing a dozen to-go or stocking up on spreads.
• The shop is equipped to handle modern payment methods, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
• They offer a full Catering and Party Box menu for large orders, perfect for office meetings, parties, or weekend brunches.

Features / Highlights

Shirley's Bagels distinguishes itself through a strong dedication to quality ingredients, traditional preparation methods, and a menu that balances classic comfort food with modern Californian favorites.

• Authentic Boil and Bake Method: The bagels are prepared using the traditional process of boiling before baking, which guarantees a superior, chewy texture and flavor that Orange County locals rave about.
• Extensive Bagel Varieties: The menu features a wide selection of bagels, including classics (Plain, Sesame, Everything) and sweet options (Blueberry, Cinnamon Raisin), as well as more savory, wholesome choices (9-Grain, Oat Bran).
• Signature Lox Sandwiches: The Nova Lox open-face sandwich is a highly praised item, featuring a generous portion of lox, capers, tomatoes, and red onions on a perfectly toasted bagel with cream cheese. The Lox & Egg sandwich is another popular choice.
• California-Inspired Offerings: Menu items like the 'Californian' (Egg, avocado, tomato, red onion, cheddar, and choice of meat), 'ABC' (Avocado, Bacon, and Cream Cheese), and 'CTA' (Cream Cheese, Tomato, Avocado) cater directly to California's love for fresh, local ingredients.
• Full Espresso Bar: Beyond fresh-brewed Coffee, the shop offers a complete selection of specialty drinks, including Lattes, Cappuccinos, Mocha, Chai, and even unique options like Horchata Cold Brew and various Smoothies.
• Deli Quality: Deli sandwiches, such as the Shirley’s Club and Turkey Avocado, feature Boar’s Head Meats, ensuring a high-quality, flavorful lunch experience, often served with a complimentary pickle and bagel chips.
• Fresh Start Menu: For lighter or healthier options, the menu includes Fresh Start items like 100% OJ, Organic Oatmeal, Parfaits, Protein Bowls, and Overnight Oats.
• Locally Owned and Community Focused: The business is a proud family, veteran, woman, and immigrant-owned establishment that actively supports the local community, including donations to local high schools and the Costa Mesa Police Department.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or place an order, please use the following contact details for the Costa Mesa location:

Address: 270 E 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA

Phone: (949) 645-7877

What is worth choosing

When visiting Shirley’s Bagels, the choice comes down to personal taste, but several items stand out as customer favorites and must-tries, representing the best of the menu’s offerings.

For a classic, authentic experience, the simple Bagel & Cream Cheese is the most-liked item for a reason—it allows the quality of the freshly baked bagel and the rich spread to shine. However, many customers highly recommend upgrading to a Bagel & Specialty Cream Cheese, such as the chives cream cheese often paired with the Lox & Egg.

Based on customer feedback, the Nova Lox open-face sandwich is an absolute standout. Patrons have described it as "amazing" and potentially one of the "best nova lox bagel sandwiches" they've ever had, praising the freshness of the lox and the perfect contrast between the warm bagel and the cool cream cheese.

In the realm of Egg Sandwiches, the Pesto Florentine (Egg, spinach, mushrooms, Swiss, and pesto aioli) is frequently enjoyed for its robust and savory flavor profile. While the Californian sandwich is a great option for those who love all the typical California fixings (egg, avocado, tomato, onion, and cheddar), the Pesto Florentine often receives higher marks for its balanced and distinctive taste. The Egg White Veggie is a reliable, fresh, and health-conscious choice, celebrated for its thinly sliced, fresh vegetables and creamy spread.

Beyond the savory options, the commitment to fresh, healthy choices extends to their beverages and sides. Items like the 100% OJ, which is juiced in-house, and the various Smoothies (such as Strawberry Banana or Very Berry Bliss) are perfect for a refreshing complement to your meal.

Finally, for an easy crowd-pleaser or office treat, the Half Dozen or ONE DOZEN BAGELS remain top sellers, often purchased alongside an 8oz Tub of Cream Cheese or Specialty Cream Cheese for a simple, high-quality sharing experience. Whether you’re a long-time local or just passing through Costa Mesa, a stop at Shirley’s Bagels offers a taste of authentic New York tradition fused with fresh California ingredients—a genuinely worthwhile choice for any meal.