What About a Bagel

A great bagel is a New Jersey staple, a local treasure that requires a perfect balance of a thin, crisp crust and a soft, pillowy interior. Finding the ideal bagel shop can be a journey, but for those in Monmouth County and the Ocean Township area, the search often ends at What About a Bagel. This establishment has cemented its place as a cherished local gem, known not just for its exceptional namesake product, but for a full menu that caters to every craving from a quick breakfast to a hearty lunch.

What About a Bagel stands out as a vibrant and inviting destination for bagel enthusiasts. Renowned for its fresh and flavorful offerings, this establishment captures the essence of a traditional bagel shop with a modern twist. Customers consistently rave about the perfect balance of chewiness and moisture in every bagel, making each bite a delightful experience. Many loyal patrons consider it their absolute favorite bagel place, a go-to spot for both an amazing bagel and a more substantial, satisfying meal.

More than just a quick stop, What About a Bagel embodies a commitment to culinary excellence and customer care. The warm and welcoming atmosphere, amplified by the friendly and capable staff, ensures a pleasant dining experience every time. Whether you are grabbing a quick morning treat or settling in for lunch, the dedication to quality and customer satisfaction is palpable. Families and individuals alike are drawn to this local haven, where the sense of community is as fresh as the bagels baked daily on-site.

The menu is expansive, moving well beyond the traditional bagel and schmear to encompass a full range of breakfast and lunch specialties. From signature breakfast sandwiches loaded with your choice of meat and cheese, to freshly prepared deli sandwiches, wraps, and salads, there is an option for every taste and diet. The generous portions and careful food preparation are often highlighted in local reviews, ensuring you leave feeling satisfied and ready for your day.

What About a Bagel in Ocean Township is not just a place to eat; it is an institution in the Monmouth County food scene. The commitment to maintaining the ideal bagel texture—crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside—is the cornerstone of its popularity. This dedication to craft is what turns first-time visitors into long-term regulars who wouldn't dream of starting their day anywhere else.

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Location and Accessibility

What About a Bagel is conveniently situated in the heart of Ocean Township, NJ, making it highly accessible for local residents and those passing through Monmouth County. You can find this popular spot nestled in the Cobblestone Village area, providing easy access and ample space for customers. It is important to note the specifics of the location for your next visit:

The physical address is 885 W Park Ave, Ocean Township, NJ 07712, USA. This central location helps ensure it is an ideal spot for a quick morning stop before work, a relaxed mid-morning coffee break, or a fulfilling lunch.

Accessibility is a key priority for the business. The premises offer a Wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring that all customers can comfortably enter the shop. Furthermore, a Wheelchair accessible parking lot is provided, offering convenient parking immediately near the entrance.

For parking, customers can utilize the Free parking lot available at the location, which is a major convenience, especially during busy morning hours. While the shop is known for its quick service, a large seating area with tables is available for customers who wish to Dine-in and enjoy their meal on-site. The establishment is also well-suited for a Quick visit if you need to grab your order and go.

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Services Offered

What About a Bagel provides a wide array of services and menu options designed for the utmost convenience and satisfaction of its customers. These services ensure that whether you are planning a large order or just need a single bagel and coffee, your needs are met quickly and professionally.

• In-Store Pickup: Customers can place their orders ahead of time and pick them up directly from the counter. This is highly recommended, particularly during the busy morning rush, to minimize wait times.
• Takeout: All menu items are available for takeout, perfect for those on the go, whether you're heading to the office or enjoying a beach day nearby.
• Delivery: For ultimate convenience, the shop offers delivery services, bringing their freshly made bagels and full breakfast/lunch menu right to your door. This is an excellent option for busy workdays or relaxing weekends at home.
• Dine-in Seating: There is a spacious area with tables available for customers who prefer to enjoy their meal and coffee right in the shop's welcoming atmosphere.
• Full Breakfast and Lunch Menu: The extensive menu goes far beyond simple bagels, offering omelettes, platters, hot breakfast sandwiches, deli sandwiches, wraps, and fresh salads.
• Diverse Beverage Selection: A range of drinks is offered, including self-serve coffee, various sodas, bottled juices like Tropicana Orange Juice, Snapple, Gatorade, and Nesquik, to perfectly complement your meal.
• Flexible Payment Options: The business accepts multiple methods of payment, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions seamless.

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Features / Highlights

The reputation of What About a Bagel is built on several key features that local customers consistently praise. These highlights distinguish it as a premier bagel shop in the Monmouth County region:

• The Perfect Bagel Texture: The most frequently celebrated feature is the quality of the bagels themselves. Patrons describe them as having a 'perfect bite and crunch'—crispy on the outside, and 'soft and fluffy like a pillow' or 'pillowy' on the inside. This consistency of having a thin, crisp crust and a chewy interior is a hallmark of a truly great, authentic bagel.
• Generous Cream Cheese Portions: For those who love a fully-loaded bagel, What About a Bagel is known for not skimping on the cream cheese, which is available in a wide variety of fresh, homemade flavors, including Veggie, Scallion, Lox Spread, Honey Walnut Raisin, and Jalapeño Cheddar.
• Hearty, Full-Portion Meals: Beyond bagels, customers consistently point to the generous portions of the breakfast and lunch items. The omelettes, like the popular Western Omelette, are noted as being 'excellent and so filling it couldn't be finished in one sitting,' offering great value for the price.
• Signature Menu Items: Several specific items have gained a dedicated following. The Dr. Doug (Egg whites and mozzarella on a toasted bagel with butter) is a favorite for a lighter option, while the Lox, Cream Cheese, Tomato & Onion sandwich is a classic and delicious choice. For lunch, the Waldorf Chicken Salad is highly recommended, even by customers who typically avoid walnuts!
• Comprehensive Menu Range: The menu is remarkably broad, covering every need from a simple Bagel with Butter ($2.75) to full Omelettes & Platters (starting around $8.25), Breakfast Wraps (such as the Lox, Eggs & Onions for $12.75), and extensive Lunch Sandwiches and Salads (like the Chef’s Salad for $11.40).
• Commitment to Quality: Reviewers often note that the staff is always careful with food preparation and the quality of the final product, indicating a dedication to delivering a consistently great experience.

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Contact Information

To reach What About a Bagel or plan your next visit, use the following contact details:

Address: 885 W Park Ave, Ocean Township, NJ 07712, USA

Phone: (732) 493-3050

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What is Worth Choosing

With such a vast menu, first-time visitors and seasoned locals may appreciate a guide to some of the most popular and highly-rated items at What About a Bagel. The value here is not just in the affordability of the loose bagels, but in the quality and size of the specialty meals.

For a classic New Jersey breakfast, you cannot go wrong with the Egg, Meat & Cheese sandwich ($8.25), which allows you to choose your favorite meat (bacon, pork roll, sausage, ham, or turkey) on their legendary bagel. The use of traditional meats like pork roll is a regional nod that many locals appreciate.

If you are craving a savory, rich experience, the Lox, Cream Cheese, Tomato & Onion sandwich ($10.90) is a consistently delicious and very filling choice, praised for its quality ingredients, including fresh, soft bagels and a generous amount of lox and cream cheese spread.

For a dedicated health-conscious option, try the Dr. Doug breakfast sandwich ($6.75), which features egg whites and mozzarella on a toasted bagel. This item has gained a loyal following for being a satisfying yet lighter way to start the day. Alternatively, the Power Wrap ($8.75) provides a convenient and protein-packed morning meal.

When it comes to the famous spreads, the Homemade Veggie Cream Cheese and the Honey Walnut Raisin Cream Cheese ($4.55 each) are standout options that customers enthusiastically recommend. For those with a bold palate, the Jalapeño Cheddar Cream Cheese ($4.20) offers a flavorful kick.

Beyond breakfast, the lunch menu is equally impressive. The Waldorf Chicken Salad sandwich or platter ($10.15 for the sandwich) is a surprising hit, with reviewers noting it is 'worth every penny.' The wide selection of fresh Wraps, such as the Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken or the hearty Sloppy Joe ($10.50-$11.00), are perfect for a midday meal. Furthermore, if you are planning a lunch for a group, the large variety of Containers of Salads ($4.00 - $7.50), including Tuna, Chicken Salad, and Coleslaw, provides excellent options for sides or light meals.

Finally, for a simple grab-and-go order, the value of a Bagel Specify Type ($1.40) or a Bakers Dozen ($16.40) is unbeatable for feeding a household or preparing for the week ahead. And for a sweet treat to cap off your order, the super chocolate muffin with mousse filling, or a slice of the classic Crumb Cake ($3.15), is a recommended indulgence.