Bethesda Bagels is a beloved local institution known for its authentic New York-style bagels and wide variety of delicious offerings. Located in the heart of Bethesda, Maryland, this bakery has earned a loyal following thanks to its commitment to quality, freshness, and traditional methods.
The menu features an extensive range of bagels, spreads, sandwiches, salads, and beverages, making it a go-to spot for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack. Whether you’re a fan of classic plain bagels or crave something more adventurous, Bethesda Bagels has something to satisfy every palate.
Bagels
The foundation of Bethesda Bagels’ menu is their bagels, which are boiled and baked daily to achieve the perfect balance of chewy texture and crisp crust. Their bagels are hand-rolled with a recipe that honors the New York Jewish bagel tradition.
They offer a wide selection of bagel varieties, ranging from classic to flavored options. These bagels can be enjoyed plain, with cream cheese, or made into hearty sandwiches.
| Bagel Type | Description | Price (Each) |
|---|---|---|
| Plain | Classic bagel with a golden crust and soft, chewy interior | $1.60 |
| Everything | Covered with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt | $1.85 |
| Sesame | Coated with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty flavor | $1.85 |
| Poppy Seed | Sprinkled with crunchy poppy seeds | $1.85 |
| Cinnamon Raisin | Sweet bagel with cinnamon and plump raisins | $1.95 |
| Onion | Topped with dried onion flakes for a savory taste | $1.85 |
| Salt | Lightly sprinkled with kosher salt for extra flavor | $1.60 |
| Whole Wheat | Made with whole wheat flour for a hearty texture | $1.85 |
| Blueberry | Sweet bagel studded with fresh blueberries | $1.95 |
| French Toast | Infused with cinnamon and sugar for a breakfast twist | $1.95 |
Cream Cheeses & Spreads
One of the highlights of Bethesda Bagels is their selection of rich and creamy spreads. Made fresh daily, these cream cheeses complement the bagels perfectly, offering flavors that range from simple and classic to bold and unique.
| Cream Cheese Flavor | Description | Price (Per Order) |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Cream Cheese | Classic smooth and tangy cream cheese | $2.25 |
| Vegetable | Mixed vegetables blended into cream cheese | $2.50 |
| Scallion | Fresh scallions folded in for a savory bite | $2.50 |
| Chive | Delicate chives mixed into creamy base | $2.50 |
| Smoked Salmon | Rich smoked salmon blended into cream cheese | $4.75 |
| Jalapeño | Spicy jalapeño pieces for a kick of heat | $2.75 |
| Olive | Chopped black olives for a briny flavor | $2.75 |
| Strawberry | Sweet strawberry cream cheese for a fruity twist | $2.75 |
In addition to cream cheeses, Bethesda Bagels offers other spreads such as butter, jelly, and hummus. These options provide a simple yet delicious way to enjoy your bagel.
Breakfast Sandwiches
Bethesda Bagels is famous for its breakfast sandwiches, which combine fresh bagels with eggs, cheese, and a variety of meats or vegetarian options. These sandwiches are hearty and perfect for starting your day with energy and flavor.
| Sandwich | Ingredients | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Egg & Cheese | Freshly scrambled eggs with melted American cheese on a toasted bagel | $4.25 |
| Bacon, Egg & Cheese | Crispy bacon, eggs, and cheese on your choice of bagel | $5.75 |
| Sausage, Egg & Cheese | Savory sausage patty with eggs and cheese | $5.75 |
| Ham, Egg & Cheese | Classic ham slices paired with eggs and cheese | $5.75 |
| Western Omelet Bagel | Omelet with peppers, onions, and cheese on a toasted bagel | $5.95 |
| Vegetarian Egg & Cheese | Eggs and cheese with tomato, lettuce, and cucumber | $5.25 |
“The breakfast sandwiches at Bethesda Bagels are a perfect blend of fresh ingredients and bold flavors, making mornings something to look forward to.” – Local Food Enthusiast
Lunch Sandwiches
For lunch, Bethesda Bagels serves a variety of sandwiches, made with their signature bagels and piled high with meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables. Their sandwiches are made to order and can be customized with your choice of bagel and spreads.
| Sandwich | Ingredients | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Nova Scotia Lox | Smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomato, onion, and capers | $10.50 |
| Roast Beef | Thinly sliced roast beef, lettuce, tomato, and mustard | $8.95 |
| Turkey & Swiss | Turkey breast with Swiss cheese, lettuce, and mayo | $8.50 |
| Ham & Cheese | Ham, cheddar cheese, lettuce, and mustard | $8.25 |
| Tuna Salad | Homemade tuna salad with lettuce and tomato | $7.95 |
| Egg Salad | Classic egg salad with mayo and seasoning | $7.50 |
| Vegetarian Delight | Fresh cucumber, tomato, sprouts, lettuce & cream cheese | $7.95 |
All sandwiches come with the option of adding extra toppings such as avocado, extra cheese, or pickles for a small additional charge. Bethesda Bagels prides itself on using fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure every sandwich is satisfying and flavorful.
Salads & Sides
To complement the bagels and sandwiches, Bethesda Bagels offers a selection of salads and side dishes. These are perfect for those looking for a lighter meal or a refreshing accompaniment.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Garden Salad | Mixed greens with tomato, cucumber, and carrots | $5.50 |
| Tuna Salad Plate | Homemade tuna salad served with fresh veggies | $7.95 |
| Egg Salad Plate | Classic egg salad served with sliced vegetables | $7.50 |
| Potato Salad | Creamy potato salad with hints of mustard and herbs | $3.25 |
| Coleslaw | Crisp cabbage slaw with a tangy dressing | $3.25 |
| Pickles | Crunchy kosher dill pickles | $1.50 |
Beverages
Bethesda Bagels offers a variety of beverages to accompany your meal. From classic coffee to refreshing soft drinks, the beverage menu helps round out the dining experience.
| Beverage | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Brewed Coffee | Hot, rich coffee brewed fresh daily | $2.00 (Small) / $2.50 (Large) |
| Espresso | Strong, concentrated coffee shot | $3.00 |
| Latte | Espresso with steamed milk and light foam | $4.25 |
| Tea | Selection of hot teas | $2.00 |
| Soft Drinks | Assorted sodas and bottled water | $1.75 – $2.25 |
| Fresh Orange Juice | Cold-pressed orange juice | $3.50 |
Specialty Items & Seasonal Offerings
Bethesda Bagels occasionally offers specialty items and seasonal flavors that reflect holidays, local events, or culinary trends. These limited-time offerings give customers a chance to try unique bagel flavors, spreads, and sandwiches beyond the regular menu.
Past seasonal specials have included pumpkin spice cream cheese in the fall, matzah ball soup in winter, and fresh fruit cream cheeses in spring and summer. These rotating specials are often announced via Bethesda Bagels’ social media channels and in-store postings.
“Trying the seasonal cream cheeses is always something I look forward to. They add a fun twist to the classic bagel experience.” – Regular Customer
Customization Options
One of the great advantages of dining at Bethesda Bagels is the ability to customize your order. Whether you want to build your own sandwich, choose your preferred bagel flavor, or mix and match spreads, the staff is happy to accommodate.
Customers can request toasted or untoasted bagels, specify the amount of spread, and add extras such as tomatoes, onions, lettuce, cucumbers, or hot peppers. This flexibility ensures everyone can tailor their meal to their tastes.
Note: Some add-ons may incur a small additional fee.
Ordering & Delivery
Bethesda Bagels offers several ways to enjoy their menu. You can visit the shop in person to pick up your order, call ahead for quick service, or use their online ordering platform for convenience.
Delivery options may vary based on location and time of day, but local delivery services often include Bethesda Bagels in their coverage. This makes it easy to enjoy fresh bagels and sandwiches even when you’re at home or the office.
For large orders or catering, Bethesda Bagels can prepare platters featuring an assortment of bagels, spreads, sandwiches, and sides. This service is popular for meetings, parties, and special events.
About Bethesda Bagels
Bethesda Bagels was founded with the goal of bringing authentic New York bagel culture to the Maryland suburbs. Their dedication to traditional bagel-making techniques and quality ingredients has made them a staple in the community.
The bakery emphasizes freshness, with bagels made daily from scratch, and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Many customers appreciate the nostalgic, old-school feel, combined with modern menu options and excellent customer service.
“Bethesda Bagels reminds me of the bagel shops I grew up with in New York. The attention to detail and quality is unmatched.” – Founder & Owner
Summary
The Bethesda Bagels menu offers something for everyone — from classic plain bagels to inventive cream cheese flavors, from hearty breakfast sandwiches to fresh salads. Their commitment to quality and tradition shines through every item.
Whether you’re a longtime local or a first-time visitor, Bethesda Bagels provides an authentic and satisfying bagel experience. Their diverse offerings, customization options, and welcoming vibe make them a must-try destination for bagel lovers.
Explore the menu, find your favorite combination, and enjoy a true taste of New York right in Bethesda.
