Garden State Bagels

San Diego, CA (The Joy of Food) — The bagels at Garden State are fresh in the mornings, sometimes still hot from the oven, fragrantly sweet, soft without being bready, ready to ripen into the moist, day-old chewiness most people associate with their morning bagel.

The allure of the bagel has as much to do with the taste as it does with the texture, one that’s simultaneously soft, chewy, and crunchy the way that god and all of New York intends. The basic problem is that most places in town sell the same bagel, usually from a chain, usually glossy and tasteless, and usually not up to the contrasting textural standards that would be expected in a place where they understand bagels. 

As a purveyor of fine east coast-inspired bagels, Garden State goes way above and beyond typical San Diego standards. I’m usually partial to the weird stuff, or at least the semi-offensive odor-emitting stuff, like the highly antisocial garlic bagel that could clear a room on sight alone. When I’m not looking to reek of garlic for two days, I like the jalapeño bagel, where jalapeño chunks baked into the bread get topped off with a whole jalapeño centerpiece, a nice little package that brings some heat in every bite. Oddly the everything bagel, usually a favorite of mine, is disappointing, missing most of the everything and tasting more like a plain bagel.

They don’t skimp on the cream cheese here (sometimes there is too much), and there are all the usual kinds for all sorts of tastes and diets, and all of the other toppings, fillings, and spreads that can turn your breakfast bagel into your sandwich lunch. If there is a better version of lox and bagels in San Diego, I have yet to taste it.

If you’ve witnessed legit bagel shops in action, particularly during the morning rush when there’s a mob of hungry bagel seekers in their midst, you’ll get the quick, no-nonsense vibe. When I stopped by recently there was a new employee working — Johnny — who was cheery, helpful, and not yet beaten down by life. All in good time, Johnny, all in good time.

There are three locations to serve you in Carlsbad, Encinitas, and Paseo del Norte, all with surfboard tables and very limited seating. If you live in north county, lucky you. This will be a trek for those coming from south of the 56.

Written by Joy

Thanks for reading. The Joy of Food blog celebrates eating well, traveling often, and living la dolce vita. San Diego, California is home base, but thoughts are from all over. Reviews and photos help to highlight wonderful (or not) food experiences from around the world.

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