If you have ever chased the perfect bagel, locals will point you straight to Bagels by Jarrett in West Orange. These hand-rolled beauties sell out early, and for good reason: the crust snaps, the crumb sighs, and the schmear game goes big. You will want to set an alarm, plan your order, and bring an appetite. Here is exactly what to try, when to go, and how to make the most of every bite.
The Hand-Rolled Classic Plain Bagel
Walk into Bagels by Jarrett and the plain bagel is your baseline for greatness. The hand-rolled shape is slightly imperfect in the best way, with a glossy, well-fired crust that crackles when torn. Inside, the crumb is chewy and warm, with that malty aroma you only get from patience and craft.
Order it hot and you will understand why people line up early. A smear of salted butter melts through the nooks, but it also stands tall on its own. The balance of salt and sweetness tastes clean, making it the ideal canvas for anything.
You can snag one as early as opening, but they move fast, especially on weekends. Pair it with black coffee and take a seat by the window. There is a quiet joy in starting simple and knowing you picked the winner.
Everything Bagel With Scallion Cream Cheese
When locals say worth getting early, they are talking about the everything bagel. Bagels by Jarrett goes heavy on the seeds, so every bite hits with sesame, poppy, garlic, and onion. It is crunchy, aromatic, and perfectly salty without overpowering the dough.
Ask for scallion cream cheese and watch the green flecks fold into the warm surface. The spread is whipped and tangy, giving lightness to the savory bagel. Together, they create that loaded, snacky flavor you crave after a long week.
This is the bagel to grab if you want maximum texture and serious aroma. It makes the car ride home smell incredible, too. You will think about this combo the next time you are stuck in traffic and wish you had grabbed two.
Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich
This breakfast sandwich is simple and wildly satisfying. You pick the bagel, they stack it with fluffy eggs and just-melted American cheese, and suddenly your morning has focus. The sesame bagel adds a toasty nuttiness that plays perfectly with creamy, oozy layers.
Order it right at open on a Sunday and let the warmth hit your hands through the paper. You will want a napkin because the cheese drips in the best possible way. It is comfort food dialed into a neat, portable package.
Add bacon if you want a smoky crunch, or keep it classic and let the eggs shine. Either way, it boosts your mood fast. One bite and you will understand why regulars talk about this sandwich like a non-negotiable ritual.
Smoked Salmon and Capers on Plain
If lox is your love language, this one is for you. Bagels by Jarrett serves silky smoked salmon layered over thick cream cheese, with capers and red onion for briny lift. The plain bagel keeps the focus on texture and that buttery fish finish.
Squeeze a bit of lemon if you like brightness, then take a slow bite and let everything mingle. The balance is elegant, not heavy, so you can finish the whole thing without feeling weighed down. Dill adds fragrance without shouting.
This is the order that turns breakfast into an occasion. It is great for sharing, but you probably will not want to. Get there early, because the best salmon goes fast and you will not forgive yourself for missing it.
Cinnamon Raisin With Honey Walnut Schmear
Sweet breakfast moods deserve the cinnamon raisin bagel. It is fragrant the moment it hits the counter, with raisins peeking through a burnished crust. Toasted lightly, it develops a caramelized edge that makes the dough taste almost pastry-like.
Ask for honey walnut cream cheese and prepare for a dessert-level upgrade. The spread is crunchy, floral, and just sweet enough to match the bagel without tipping into candy territory. It is the kind of treat that makes you pause between bites and smile.
Pair it with hot tea or a latte on a chilly morning. You will leave warmer and probably texting someone that they need this combo today. Little luxuries like this are why Bagels by Jarrett becomes a weekend habit.
Sesame Bagel With Avocado and Tomato
Consider this your fresh, crunchy, feel-good order. The sesame bagel arrives warm, and the smashed avocado spreads into every seed-studded bite. Thin tomato slices add juicy sweetness, while a pinch of flaky salt and black pepper ties it together.
Ask for a drizzle of olive oil for a clean finish. The result is satisfying without feeling heavy, perfect for a midday pick-me-up or a post-workout snack. It is simple, generous, and exactly what you want when you are craving bright flavors.
You can add a squeeze of lemon if you like extra zip. Grab napkins because the tomatoes like to slide when the bagel is toasted. You will probably finish it faster than planned and debate ordering a second for later.
Salt Bagel With Whitefish Salad
Whitefish salad fans, rejoice. On a salt bagel, the creamy, smoky spread gets the punchy partner it deserves. Each bite hits with a briny crunch from the salt crystals followed by velvety fish richness that lingers in the best way.
This is a classic New Jersey deli vibe done with polish. The bagel holds its structure, resisting sogginess while still giving that satisfying chew. Chives on top bring a gentle bite and a little color pop.
Order this when you are craving something savory and deeply comforting. It travels well, too, so it is smart for takeout. Just be ready to guard it carefully, because anyone who sees it will want a taste before you do.
Garlic Bagel With Herbed Tofu Spread
This order proves plant-based can still be indulgent. The garlic bagel brings a fragrant, toasty bite, while the herbed tofu spread adds creamy body without dairy. Fresh herbs keep everything bright and layered, not flat.
You get that satisfying richness of a traditional schmear with a lighter, cleaner finish. It is a great option if you are sharing a table with mixed diets or just want something different. The garlic perfume makes it feel like a treat even before the first bite.
Enjoy it with iced coffee and a sunny seat near the window. The combo tastes like a weekend reset. You will walk out feeling full but not weighed down, and probably plan to repeat it next time.
Poppy Seed Bagel Pizza Melt
Call it nostalgia with a twist. The poppy seed bagel pizza melt brings marinara and gooey mozzarella to a toasty, seedy base. Oregano and a little garlic give pizzeria vibes, while the bagel chew keeps it fun and comforting.
It is a smart order for afternoons when you want something heartier without going full slice. The poppy seeds add a faint nuttiness that plays nicely with the sauce. Ask for a well-done toast if you like extra crisp edges.
Grab napkins and embrace the cheese pull moment. This is great for sharing, though you might regret splitting it. It tastes even better when paired with a cold drink and a little quiet at the counter.
House Cold Brew and Plain Bagel Combo
Sometimes the best move is clean and focused. A plain bagel and house cold brew let the shop’s craft speak loudly. The coffee is bold and smooth, cutting through the bagel’s malty warmth.
This combo is quick, affordable, and dependable, ideal for weekday mornings. Grab it to go and you will be out the door in minutes, yet fully set for the day. Toast or not, the bagel’s texture still shines.
Add butter if you want a little richness. Otherwise, keep it bare and appreciate the crust-to-crumb contrast. You will understand why regulars treat this as their default order when they just need great food without fuss.
Weekend Strategy: Beat the Rush
If you want the best selection, timing matters. Bagels by Jarrett opens early on weekends and popular flavors can vanish by mid morning. Aim for open or shortly after, place your order decisively, and consider grabbing an extra for later.
Weekday hours vary, so double check before you head over. The shop is closed on Tuesdays and opens later on Mondays, so plan accordingly. Parking nearby is usually manageable, but lines move quickly regardless.
Call ahead if you are ordering for a group, or use the website for updates. Keep your choices flexible and you will win every time. Leaving with a warm bag in hand feels like a small victory you will want to repeat weekly.