Family-owned and operated, the O’Bagel franchise recently opened their fourth location and lucky for us, it’s right in Hoboken on Washington Street. Now, this place isn’t just another bagel joint that opened up in Hudson County, because when it comes to O’Bagel, think beyond cream cheese and butter. They’re creating sweet and savory combinations that take the bagel game to a whole new level.
Since 1995, O’Bagel has specialized in hand rolled bagels that are made and filled with fresh, quality ingredients. From the bread, to all the components that go inbetween, all of their products are made daily, with the customer in mind.
Every bagel comes with a story, co-owner Stephen Elhassan explained. For him, it’s more about creating something unique, something that you won’t find anywhere else, and that includes incorporating different layers of flavor and using ingredients you might not consider when you think of bagels. Some of their most notable creations like the “Ridge Diablo” (taylor ham, bacon, egg, pepper jack cheese, hashbrowns, pickled jalapenos and chipotle aioli) are inspired by places like their hometown of Basking Ridge. And then there’s the more playful approach, the “Jim Halpert” (tuna salad, dressed arugula, cucumber and swiss cheese), inspired by the character from “The Office,” who is often times referred to as Big Tuna.
Other stand out favorites we tried were the “Lox n Loaded” with smoked lox, scallion cream cheese, capers, dill, cucumber, and tomato.“The Boken” which had grilled chicken, prosciutto, dressed arugula, and homemade tuscan spread. The “Caroleo” with roasted red peppers, prosciutto, olives and cream cheese, and “The Riverwalk”, with homemade chicken salad, vermont cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and chipotle aioli.
Taking a truly unique approach, O’Bagel acknowledges the versatility of a well-known East Coast classic and for that, we are grateful.
Abby is The Digest's Managing Editor. She spends her time looking at dogs on Instagram and eating her way around Jersey City.
