Garden State Bagels — Restaurant in Encinitas

Garden State Bagels is the only bagel shop in San Diego County I've been to so far that wouldn't close down in the tri-state area in a week. They know what's up here.

This Encinitas strip-mall bagel shop is worth the 50 minute round-trip drive for me from my home -- they have tons of bagel and cream cheese choices, just like the bagel shops of the northeast that I miss dearly. Garden State's bagels are fresh and they've mastered achieving the right density and texture: insides are chewy in the way they should be, outsides are crunchy.

My go-to breakfast here is the toasted Jalapeño Bagel with Jalapeño Cream Cheese, featuring freshly chopped jalapeño pepper chunks in the cream cheese. I've switched it up a few times and gotten Onion Bagels, Garlic Bagels, and Combination Bagels (i.e. "Everything" Bagels), which are also all good, but I always go back to that same cream cheese here.

Drip coffee at Garden State Bagels isn't bad and selections include, among others, a Hawaiian Hazelnut Coffee and Kona Coffee that I alternate between.

If you've lived in an urban area in the northeast, like me, I believe this is as close as you're going to get to that kind of a bagel shop experience in San...

If you're on the hunt for the perfect bagel in Southern California, look no further—this place nails it. And that says a lot because I was born and raised in NYC. I went with the classic sesame bagel with scallion cream cheese with the east coast classic nova lox. Seriously rivals Zabar's and Barney Greengrass! The vibe as the kids say, is such a bonus. Warm, fast service, and a laid-back space that feels more like a neighborhood hang than a trendy chain. That said, they do have two other locations, and they’re always hopping as well. But here’s what really sets it apart: the owner, Michael. He’s genuinely kind and incredibly generous, always making sure every customer is taken care of. It’s that kind of hospitality that makes a place unforgettable. Whether you're fueling up before hitting the beach or just craving a real-deal New York bagel, this place delivers. Go early—they sell out...

The selection and quality are good (especially their drip coffees), but the service is what puts this place over the top. Steve, the owner, is an East Coast transplant. Underneath, brash, funny, and opinionated, yet he's somehow developed a laid back California affect. Everyone of the employees has a huge smile and it makes you feel like you're family. It reminds me of Cheers, where everyone knows your name.

The place is small and could have a better seating arrangement, so do what I do and sit at the tables out front.

There's ample parking, so pay attention. The parking lot is one way and if you decide to ignore the flow, you'll block everyone else trying to leave.

This place is already part of local history, so ask questions when you have time to chat with the owner, including the story about the traffic officer who sent away for trying to give tickets, while in the...