Mark F.
Yelp
As someone who grew up in Jersey and out here since 1997, I have been starving for an extremely close-by GREAT bagel place. Tired of the good ones. Mission now accomplished. But, even if you personally have to drive farther to it, you should. And, finding good, fresh seafood taste in our landlocked state is also hard at more simpler places like Odell's. Mission two accomplished. We went at 845am on a Saturday. Line to the outside door, but it moved very fast. They are efficient behind the counter, and I noticed several people doing multiple, crossover jobs in unity. Every person who came in contact with a customer had a true smile on their face. Line was outside by the time we left, and I hear they eventually run out of bagels every single day. You order and can stand, or they have bar seating that seemed to consistently open up. Hot sauces available, with good variety of types. High energy environment without being annoying. Water station and things to buy while waiting. The owner apparently came from chef training and Michelin brand background, and it showed in the food. Pretty sure he was back there prepping stuff while we were there. Open kitchen, so you see everything that is being done, which is cool. They had a cooler with drinks and cream cheese, and I assume that will expand as time goes by. Limited selection for now, but unique options, I will say. I got the Pastrami Lox on everything bagel, and wife got the tuna and salmon roe, both on furikake. She was smarter than me and split it up. I recommend that you also split it up and get half and half for variety. I already have my pumpernickel bacon egg cheese with Calabrian cream cheese order in my head for next time. And something else, because remember I will be splitting it up. The place is a little pricey (my whole bagel was $17), but once you bite into the order, your taste buds understand the high-level ingredients this place is using. Totally worth the price. I highly recommend Odell's and see you there...