Cresskill Hot Bagels: Classic NJ Bagel Shop with Big Flavor
Store Overview
Cresskill Hot Bagels has been serving Northern New Jersey since the mid-1980s, located at 23 Union Ave, Cresskill, NJ 07626 (☎ 201-569-3909). Open bright and early at 5:00 AM daily, this bagel shop is a morning ritual for locals heading to work, school, or the gym. The storefront is modest and classic—a neighborhood café style with warm signage, a glass display case of fresh bagels, and a steady stream of regulars.
Inside, the vibe is casual, bustling, and familiar. It’s the kind of place where you’ll overhear neighbors chatting over coffee. Customers range from families grabbing weekend dozens, commuters ordering egg sandwiches, and retirees reading the paper with their morning brew. The shop takes online orders through its website and apps like Grubhub and Seamless, making it convenient for takeout and delivery.
Menu & Services
Cresskill Hot Bagels offers a wide-ranging menu that goes beyond bagels:
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Bagels & Spreads: Plain, pumpernickel swirl, cinnamon raisin, rainbow bagels, plus cream cheeses (plain, scallion, veggie).
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Breakfast Favorites:
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Egg Sandwiches (with bacon, sausage, or turkey bacon) – typically $5–8.
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Omelets & Platters – with sides of potatoes.
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Egg White Turkey Bacon Flatbread – $9.99.
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Deli & Sandwiches:
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Lox & Cream Cheese on a Bagel – $12–14 depending on toppings.
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Roast Beef Sandwich – around $13.99.
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Everyday Lunch Specials: Reuben, Philly Cheesesteak, Italian Heroes – $13.99 each.
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Wraps, Salads & Paninis: Chopped salad ($11.99+), Chicken Caesar Salad ($13.99), and chicken wraps.
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Baked Goods & Drinks: Muffins ($3.49), coffee, cappuccinos, iced coffee ($2.50+), and fresh-squeezed juices.
Price range: $10–20 per person.
📌 Source: Google Maps Customer Review
Review Summary
Positives:
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Bagels praised for flavor and texture.
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Big menu with options beyond the basics (salads, wraps, paninis, smoked fish).
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Friendly service and reliable neighborhood vibe.
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Fair pricing compared to NY/NJ bagel shops.
Negatives:
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Some reviews note extra charges for basic toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion).
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Yelp reviewers gave mixed ratings—solid bagels, but not always consistent on sandwiches.
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Busy weekend mornings mean wait times.
Human Commentary: Cresskill Hot Bagels has the DNA of a true Jersey bagel shop—straightforward, hearty, and part of community routine. It’s not trying to reinvent the bagel, but to deliver dependability and comfort. The extra charge complaints may rub some the wrong way, but regulars stay loyal for the taste and familiarity.
Location & Accessibility
Set in Cresskill’s small-town center, the shop benefits from both local foot traffic and commuters driving through Union Ave. Free parking is available nearby.
Nearby landmarks driving customer flow:
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Tenafly Nature Center – Families often stop for bagels and coffee before a hike.
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Overpeck County Park – Perfect for picnics; bagel platters make easy to-go meals.
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Dwight-Englewood School – Students and parents frequent for morning grab-and-go.
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New York City proximity – Just minutes from the George Washington Bridge, commuters heading into Manhattan stock up here.
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Holy Name Medical Center (Teaneck) – Healthcare workers often grab meals before or after shifts.
Genius Marketing Analysis
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GI (Genius Insight): Customers see Cresskill Hot Bagels as a dependable small-town anchor—part of their daily rhythm.
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MDA (Marketing Action): Strengthen its role as a community staple with loyalty perks, weekend catering packs, and Instagram-worthy rainbow bagel promos.
Genius Ideas (10)
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“Morning Dozen Club” – Buy 10 dozen bagels over time, get 1 dozen free.
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Weekend Brunch Packs – Family platters (bagels, spreads, juice) for $29.99.
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Rainbow Bagel Instagram Contest – Post a photo with #CresskillHotBagels to win a free dozen.
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Student Discount Monday–Friday (6–9 AM) – Capture school and college traffic.
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Hospital Heroes Deal – 10% off with ID for healthcare workers.
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Bagel & Hike Special – Promote “Hike + Bagels” tie-in with Tenafly Nature Center.
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Catering for Local Offices – Sandwich trays and salad platters delivered to nearby businesses.
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Holiday Bagel Platters – Seasonal bagels (pumpkin, pumpernickel swirl) sold in themed boxes.
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Bagel of the Month Club – Subscription for locals; each month features a unique specialty flavor.
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Coffee + Bagel Combo Loyalty Card – Buy 9 combos, get the 10th free.
Conclusion
Cresskill Hot Bagels isn’t just about bagels—it’s about community, convenience, and comfort food. For four decades, it has been a morning staple of Bergen County life, and its adaptability (expanding into salads, wraps, paninis, and juices) shows it’s more than a bagel shop. With a few smart marketing moves, it could further cement its role as a beloved local hub, keeping bagel culture alive and well in suburban New Jersey.
Q & A
Q1: What are the hours?
A: Opens daily at 5 AM.
Q2: What’s the price range?
A: Around $10–20 per person.
Q3: Do they deliver?
A: Yes, through Seamless, Grubhub, and direct online ordering.
Q4: What’s the most popular item?
A: Classic bagels with cream cheese, lox bagels, and egg sandwiches.
Q5: Is there seating?
A: Limited casual seating, mainly designed for quick meals and takeout.
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