Goldberg's Old Time Water Bagels

- 391 Piaget Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011

Introduction / Overview

For many in the Garden State, the quest for the perfect bagel is a lifelong pursuit, a serious culinary undertaking that sets New Jersey apart. The secret, as any local knows, is in the "old-time" method—a process involving boiling the dough before baking, often attributed to the region's famed water quality, which yields that signature crispy crust and chewy interior. Goldberg's Old Time Water Bagels in Clifton, NJ, taps directly into this rich tradition, promising a truly authentic New Jersey bagel experience right in Passaic County.

Located on Piaget Avenue, this establishment—which appears to operate under the names Goldberg's Old Time Water Bagels and Dean's Hot Bagels, according to customer observations—is a dedicated bagel shop focused on providing the cornerstone of a great breakfast. While the identity of the brand can be a point of confusion for new visitors, the core product remains the focus: fresh-made bagels and the classic sandwiches built upon them.

Local patrons often praise the bagels for being "big and tasty" compared to offerings at other shops in town, emphasizing a commitment to size and flavor that satisfies the hearty New Jersey appetite. Beyond the bagels themselves, the shop offers a full menu of breakfast and lunch options, making it a reliable stop for a quick morning run or a midday meal. Though new residents may experience initial hiccups with service and operational clarity, the fact remains that for a certain segment of the local community, this shop delivers a bagel that is considered among the best in Clifton.

Location and Accessibility

Goldberg's Old Time Water Bagels is situated in a convenient, easily accessible spot within the Clifton community. Finding a dependable breakfast spot quickly and efficiently is essential for busy New Jersey commuters and locals, and this location is well-positioned for both.

The address is 391 Piaget Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011, USA. Piaget Avenue provides a straightforward route for those driving through the area, making a quick stop seamless. The primary focus of the business is high-speed service, catering perfectly to the "quick visit" model that morning routines demand. While specific details on parking are not provided, its nature as a local storefront typically means street parking or local lot access is available for quick in-and-out visits, ideal for those grabbing a morning coffee and a dozen fresh bagels.

Services Offered

As a traditional, dedicated bagel shop and deli, Goldberg's offers a straightforward suite of services designed for speed and convenience, centering on breakfast and light fare. The focus is on providing fresh food fast, whether you are walking in or ordering from home.

• Bagels and Spreads: Offering a wide array of authentic water-boiled and baked bagels in classic flavors, often available as minis or flagels (flat bagels).
• Cream Cheeses: A variety of house-made cream cheeses, including plain, low-fat, and specialty flavors such as vegetable, scallion, lox spread, walnut raisin, and sun-dried tomato cream cheese.
• Breakfast Sandwiches: Serving classic New Jersey favorites like the sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich, Taylor Ham, egg, and cheese, as well as customizable egg and meat options on your choice of bagel, roll, or bread.
• Specialty Breakfast Options: Including omelette sandwiches and various breakfast wraps, such as the 'Protein Wrap' (featuring turkey bacon, egg whites, spinach, and Swiss cheese) and the 'Bulldog Wrap' (with eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, cheese, and hash browns).
• Deli Sandwiches and Wraps: Offering cold cut sandwiches (turkey, roast beef, pastrami, ham, salami), specialty sandwiches (like the Reuben, Philly Cheesesteak, and various chicken options), and wraps.
• Coffee and Beverages: Serving fresh coffee, which is a key offering to complete the classic bagel breakfast experience, along with other popular bottled beverages.
• Takeout and Delivery: Providing options for in-store pickup and local delivery services, ensuring customers can enjoy their food easily at home or the office.
• Other Offerings: Including salads, soups, and various side items like Empanadas, as indicated by certain menu sources, offering diverse meal choices beyond the bagel core.

Features and Highlights

The appeal of Goldberg's Old Time Water Bagels to the local New Jersey market is built on its traditional approach to baking and its generous portion sizes, which are highly valued by its satisfied customers.

• Authentic Water Bagel Method: The name 'Old Time Water Bagels' suggests adherence to the traditional New York/New Jersey method of boiling the bagel dough before baking, which is crucial for achieving the sought-after texture: a slightly crisp exterior and a dense, chewy interior.
• Generous Bagel Size: Customers often highlight that the bagels here are "big and tasty," a competitive edge in a market where size and satisfying density matter to the consumer.
• Extensive Breakfast Sandwich Menu: The shop goes beyond the basic bagel and schmear, offering a deep selection of egg and meat combinations, including New Jersey staples like Taylor Ham, egg, and cheese, on a variety of breads, rolls, or even wraps.
• Comprehensive Deli and Lunch Offerings: The menu extends well into lunch territory, providing deli sandwiches, hot pastrami, grilled chicken options, and specialty sandwiches, ensuring it serves as a full-day meal solution, not just a morning stop.
• Dedicated to Speed: The service model is geared toward a "quick visit," making it an efficient option for daily routines and busy schedules.
• Locally Loved Quality: Despite some mixed reviews regarding service, the quality of the bagels themselves and the "great sandwiches" keep a loyal contingent of customers returning, cementing its local reputation for good food.

Contact Information

For orders, quick inquiries, or to confirm operational hours, you can reach the shop using the contact details below. It is advisable to call ahead for larger orders during peak morning hours.

Address: 391 Piaget Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011, USA

Phone: (973) 246-9067

Mobile Phone: +1 973-246-9067

What is Worth Choosing

For any New Jersey resident seeking an authentic bagel experience in the Clifton area, Goldberg's Old Time Water Bagels is worth choosing specifically for its commitment to the essential qualities of a great bagel. The paramount draw here is the product itself: the large, freshly made bagels that stand up to the local competition. When a customer says, "I personally think these guys make the best bagels in Clifton," it's a powerful endorsement in a state where bagels are serious business.

While the shop's operational consistency, particularly regarding customer service and the brand name clarity (Goldberg's vs. Dean's), has received mixed feedback, the quality of the food and the generous portions of their hearty sandwiches remain the main attraction. For new residents or long-time locals, the recommendation is to focus on the core offerings: a fresh, perfectly boiled and baked bagel, slathered with a specialty cream cheese, or as the foundation for a classic Taylor Ham, egg, and cheese. Its accessibility for takeout and delivery, coupled with an extensive menu that covers everything from a simple buttered bagel to a complex specialty wrap, makes it a convenient and flavorful option for starting any day in North Jersey.

Goldberg's Old Time Water Bagels

391 Piaget Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011, USA