If the Taylor ham versus pork roll debate splits the Garden State, another breakfast item is sure to unite it. Everyone can agree that bagels are a New Jersey staple, no matter the flavors or condiments of choice. Carlos’ Bagel Shop, located at 438 Lafayette Avenue in Hawthorne, is another go-to bagel spot for locals who serve every kind of classic bagel sandwich combo and new delicacies to try. Keep reading to find out about its comfy atmosphere and its original “bagel flight” creation.
About Carlos’ Bagel Shop
Father-daughter duo Carlos and Juliana Ospina opened the business in 2022 after being presented with the opportunity to open their bagel store. Their family immigrated to New Jersey from Colombia in 1997 where Carlos immediately fell in love with the art of making bagels — therefore, the shop’s bagels are hand-rolled and baked daily.
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Carlos and Juliana pride their business on not just its good quality food but on its experience as a whole. “Unlike most bagel shops where seating is limited or non-existent, we’ve designed our space to be a welcoming shop where customers can enjoy their meal in comfort,” Juliana said. “Bright, spacious, and clean, our atmosphere invites guests to visit us in the first place. Every detail was carefully considered to create a welcoming space, with community at the core of everything we do.” The store even reminds customers that every bagel sandwich and handcrafted drink is made with love from its two LED lit-up signs on the walls.
What to Expect
Upon walking into Carlos’ Bagel Shop, it’s clear that the store is more spacious than the average Jersey bagel spot. There are not one but two comfortable seating areas for patrons, a self-serving coffee station as well as an impressive-looking barista setup behind the counter, and a classic see-through counter to check out the day’s bagel choices and cream cheese selections. A Valentine’s Day flower cart was displayed next to the register when MG visited last month, which featured its festive “latte + bouquet” promotion alongside a display of its seasonal pink rainbow bagels; the shop even carries seasonal drink creations like the rose latte for February.
“My passion and vision for creativity inspire me every day to create new and seasonal items in the shop,” Juliana said. She came up with the “bagel flight” idea in fall 2023, which the store has gone viral for, and is a fun and affordable way to sample different flavors — especially if one can’t decide between a sweet or savory item.
^ Seasonal Rose Latte. Photo Credit: David Pelle
It features four mini bagels (a combination of either plain, sesame seed, everything, or French toast) paired with a choice of four of its homemade cream cheeses. From classics like vegetable and scallion to one-of-a-kind flavors such as walnut raisin and strawberry, the spreads are good enough to take home. Its extensive menu also has grab-n-go items such as parfaits and overnight oats, lunch selections including salads and burgers, and fresh smoothie and juice options to pair well with any customer’s food of choice.
From left to right: veggie, chocolate chip, strawberry, + walnut raisin cream cheeses
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Juliana and Carlos believe this is just the beginning of their bagel empire, as they are trying to open another bagel shop soon. If there is one certainty in the small state of New Jersey, it’s that there can never be enough delicious bagel spots. Carlos’ Bagel Shop is open every day, Monday – Friday from 6AM-3PM and Saturday and Sunday from 7AM-2PM.
