Carlos Bagel Shop

- 438 Lafayette Ave, Hawthorne, NJ 07506

A truly great bagel is a necessity for any New Jersey resident, and in Hawthorne, Bergen County locals know exactly where to find a unique, high-quality twist on this Garden State staple: Carlos Bagel Shop. This highly-rated establishment is quickly becoming a regional favorite by combining the traditional art of hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagels with a warm, spacious, and community-focused atmosphere. It is the result of a lifelong passion for bagel-making, born from a family's dream after immigrating from Colombia in 1997. Father-daughter duo Carlos and Juliana Ospina are dedicated to not just serving delicious food, but providing a welcoming experience that sets them apart from the typical grab-and-go bagel spot.

Carlos Bagel Shop is a destination that reinvents the bagel experience, offering a full breakfast and lunch menu that goes far beyond the basics. From their freshly baked, hand-rolled bagels to their unique spreads and creative breakfast and lunch sandwiches, they have built a reputation for excellence. Their commitment to high quality, a welcoming atmosphere, and a continuously evolving menu has earned them thousands of positive customer ratings, making them a must-visit spot for anyone in the North Jersey area looking for an exceptional start to their day or a satisfying lunch.

The dedication to quality is evident in every bite, from the perfectly chewy texture of their daily-baked bagels to the richness of their specialty coffee. Whether you are craving the comfort of a classic New Jersey breakfast or eager to try an innovative culinary creation, Carlos Bagel Shop delivers with authenticity and passion. It's a true local gem that offers the kind of memorable experience that keeps customers coming back time and time again.

Location and Accessibility

Carlos Bagel Shop is conveniently situated right in the heart of Hawthorne, making it a highly accessible stop for both local residents and those traveling through Bergen County. The location is:

438 Lafayette Ave, Hawthorne, NJ 07506, USA

This address places the shop along a main artery, making it easy to find. For patrons who plan to stop by, the shop has ensured accessibility features are in place for a comfortable visit. This includes a wheelchair accessible entrance, designated wheelchair accessible parking, and seating within the dining area. The entire space is designed to be bright, spacious, and clean, offering comfortable seating areas—a notable amenity that often differentiates it from other smaller, strictly takeout-focused bagel shops in New Jersey.

For quick visits, the shop is a perfect choice, offering in-store pickup and takeout options, and for those who prefer dining in, the environment is intentionally designed to be a welcoming spot to relax and enjoy a meal. Parking is also convenient for local drivers, with both a free parking lot and free street parking available. Finally, in an age where convenience is key, the shop accepts modern payment methods, including major credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Services Offered

• Hand-Rolled Bagels: Freshly baked, hand-rolled, and kettle-boiled daily using a family recipe, upholding the tradition of a true New Jersey bagel.
• Full Breakfast Menu: An extensive selection of breakfast sandwiches featuring local favorites like the classic Taylor Ham, Egg and Cheese, as well as creative originals like the Bryan's Sandwich and El Picante.
• Gourmet Lunch Menu: Beyond bagels, the menu offers a full selection of delicious lunch options, including signature sandwiches and wraps such as the Carlos' Wrap, The Italian, The Club, and fresh salads and hearty burgers.
• Specialty Coffee Bar: A wide variety of expertly prepared coffee and espresso beverages, including classic Hot Coffee, Lattes, Cappuccinos, Americanos, and unique creations like the Coquito Chai Latte and Spanish Latte, available hot or iced.
• Fresh Juice & Smoothie Bar: A healthy selection of freshly squeezed juices and fruit smoothies, such as Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice, the Sunrise Smoothie, and the Berry Banana Smoothie.
• Specialty Bagel Spreads: A broad range of homemade cream cheeses, including classic flavors and unique monthly selections, as well as options like Fresh Lox & Cream Cheese and Bacon & Cream Cheese spreads.
• Omelets and Platters: Hot breakfast options like the Meat Lovers Omelet, Muscle Maker Omelet, and the classic Egg Platter, served with a bagel or toast and home fries.
• Catering: Bagel Bundles and pastry boxes are available, such as the Spread for 6 or Spread for 12, perfect for meetings, parties, or family gatherings.
• Grab N' Go Items: Convenient, healthy selections for busy mornings, including Chia Pudding, Overnight Oats, Yogurt Parfaits, and Mixed Fruit Cups.
• Takeout, Dine-in, and Delivery: Offering multiple ways for customers to enjoy their food, including in-store dining in their comfortable seating areas and convenient delivery/pickup services.
• Bakery and Pastries: Freshly baked goods like Croissants, Buñuelos (Colombian cheese fritters), and a variety of Homemade Muffins and Turnovers.

Features / Highlights

• Creative Culinary Fusions: The menu showcases a blend of New Jersey bagel tradition and Colombian-inspired heritage, offering unique items like the Pandebono (Colombian cheese fritter) and the Huevos Pericos Sandwich.
• The Bagel Flight: A signature, viral-worthy menu item consisting of four mini bagels paired with a choice of four homemade cream cheeses, providing a fun and affordable way for customers to sample different flavors.
• Distinctive Atmosphere: Unlike typical small bagel shops, Carlos Bagel Shop offers a bright, spacious, and clean dining environment with comfortable seating areas, designed to be a welcoming spot for friends and family to gather.
• High Customer Satisfaction: The shop consistently receives excellent reviews and ratings (often 4.7-4.8 stars across thousands of ratings) praised for the freshness of the food, the quality of the coffee, and the welcoming nature of the staff.
• Specialty Coffee Program: The coffee bar offers handcrafted drinks, including a rotating Latte of the Month and unique items like the Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso, proving they are serious about their beverages as well as their baked goods.
• Hand-Rolled Bagel Quality: The commitment to quality is rooted in the tradition of hand-rolling and kettle-boiling the bagels daily, ensuring an authentic and superior New Jersey bagel experience.
• Menu Variety: A truly extensive selection that caters to all cravings, from traditional egg sandwiches and lox to healthy options like salads, wraps, fresh juices, and specialty burgers.

Contact Information

To experience the renowned bagels and specialty coffee for yourself, visit Carlos Bagel Shop or contact them directly:

Address: 438 Lafayette Ave, Hawthorne, NJ 07506, USA

Phone: (201) 762-2734

What Is Worth Choosing

For New Jersey bagel enthusiasts seeking a unique experience, Carlos Bagel Shop stands out not only for the quality of its product but for its commitment to customer experience and culinary innovation. The foundation of the shop is undeniably the hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagel, a commitment to tradition that is critical for any serious bagel destination in the state. However, what truly makes it worth choosing is the blending of that traditional base with creative, high-quality offerings.

The Bagel Flight is arguably the most compelling item for a first-time visitor. This clever concept allows you to sample four mini bagels paired with four different homemade cream cheeses—a perfect way to explore their diverse spread selection, which can range from classic scallion to seasonal flavors. It showcases the shop's playful and experimental spirit.

Furthermore, the menu is filled with unique and popular specialty items that go beyond the expected bagel shop fare. For breakfast, the El Picante sandwich is a fan-favorite, loaded with bacon, Taylor Ham, scrambled eggs, American cheese, a hashbrown, and a kick of Mike's Hot Honey. For a lunch option, the Carlos' Wrap or one of their freshly-made salads demonstrates the breadth of their offerings. Their full Specialty Coffee Bar elevates the visit, providing high-end espresso drinks that easily rival dedicated coffee houses, all made with care and often featuring a new Latte of the Month. The welcoming, spacious, and clean atmosphere also provides a true dine-in experience, a rarity for many traditional bagel establishments, making it an ideal gathering place. Choosing Carlos Bagel Shop means choosing a fresh, quality meal served in a comfortable environment with a genuine commitment to the community.

Carlos Bagel Shop

438 Lafayette Ave, Hawthorne, NJ 07506, USA