The traditional holiday season may be over, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t things to celebrate in the Brunswick Islands. For example, did you know National Bagel Day is January 15?

To mark the occasion, we’re highlighting some of the best bagel spots in the Brunswick Islands. From local coffee shops, delis, and dedicated bagel crafters, explore our interactive map below and continue reading for some menu recommendations!

If you’re in search of a classic New York-style bagel in the Brunswick Islands, make Calabash your first stop. Best known for its signature style of seafood and its nickname, the Seafood Capital of the World, this tiny fishing village is also home to some fantastic bagel bakers. Not far from the Calabash riverfront is The Bagel Dock Café, which serves over 35 varieties of freshly baked bagels. From traditional favorites to unique sweet or savory options, including English Toffee and Chesapeake Cheddar, this spot shouldn’t be skipped. Make sure to catch their daily early bird special served on your choice of bagel and with a side of home fries.

A sesame bagel with sausage egg and cheese and a coffee on the side

The Bagel Dock Café: Sesame Bagel with Sausage, Egg, and Cheese

Just up the road and around the corner, timeless and delicious deli fare is the name and game at the Calabash Deli. Pair your choice of bagel with one of their classic or seasonal cream cheese spreads for an oh so delicious deli experience. Or, before leaving town stop by Eric’s Place Coffee Bar, conveniently located on Highway 17. Don’t let the name fool you, this coffee joint serves up some delectable baked goods that include a chewy and warm breakfast bagel.

Visitors to Sunset Beach are in luck too! Sarah’s Kitchen proudly serves Bagel Dock Café bagels as part of their all-day breakfast menu.

A hand holding an everything bagel with lox and cream cheese with a view of a canal in the background

59 Causeway Grill: The Lox & Cream Cheese on an Everything Bagel

From plain to pumpernickel, there are over a dozen bagel options at 59 Causeway Grill in Ocean Isle Beach. “Lighter” toppings include a thick schmear of flavored cream cheese. However, we’d encourage you to treat yourself to a classic lox and cream cheese bagel to match the marvelous views at this waterfront spot. In search of a bagel off the island? Ben & Bean Bakery and Café is just the spot. A French toast bagel paired with their signature honey walnut cream cheese is sure to satisfy a morning sweet tooth. You won’t be able to forget their savory options either. The “Wake n’ Steak” bagel sandwich, which features sirloin, scrambled egg, a combination of sautéed onions and peppers, and melted provolone cheese to bind it all together, is a real highlight.

An open-face bagel covered in pepperoni and cheese in front of a large red chair

The Scoop: Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza Bagel

Heading further up our coast to Holden Beach doesn’t mean missing out on freshly baked rings of dough. Grab a bite of chewy, bready, goodness before you cross the bridge at The Scoop, a local shop that specializes in sweet treats and bagels. You truly can’t go wrong with anything on their extensive sandwich menus, but their best kept secret are the pizza bagels that are sure to satisfy your inner kid. We also recommend keeping an eye on their rotating menu of seasonal and limited-edition bagels. Recent highlights include Italian and Pumpkin varieties. Finally, Café Ahora is a local Brunswick Islands coffee shop chain that knows how to pair an excellent coffee with the perfect bagel. Check out their flagship location in Holden Beach and two others conveniently located in Bolivia off Highways 17 and 211 respectively.

Bagel lovers who find themselves stocking up for their next beach trip in Shallotte should make sure to swing by Bagel Dock Express for a New York-style bagel in the Brunswick Islands. Baskets full of bagels and towering heaps of flavored cream cheese spreads greet you as you enter, but the smell alone will have you ready to return. Visit at lunchtime and try the popular “Honey Combo,” consisting of grilled Boars Head honey maple turkey, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and a spread of honey mustard on your choice of bagel. A second Bagel Dock Express location in Southport means wherever you are in the Brunswick Islands, you don’t have to miss out. For those short on time, both locations feature a drive-thru for quick and easy service!

Don’t take just our word for it, many local shops source Bagel Dock Express bagels for their own menus, including OKI Coffeehouse and Ruby’s Coffeehouse and Eatery on Oak Island. With so many happy customers, you know the bagels are some of the best.

An BLT avocado sandwich on an everything bagel in front of a blue building

Island Jo: Avocado BLT on an Everything Bagel

A true hometown favorite, Island Jo Coffee & Café is a locally owned and operated café on Oak Island that like the other coffee shops on our list delivers quality bagels. We love their breakfast bagel sandwiches, but a standout lunch option is their avocado BLT on an everything bagel.

Mr. Bagel Meister in Leland is so proud of their freshly baked bagels that they hang them on display for all who enter. Pick your favorite from a variety of options ranging from “3 P’s,” which features pesto, provolone, and peppers, to a classic cinnamon raisin. Menu highlights include seasonal cream cheeses and tasty lunch special sandwiches. One option, “The Brunswick,” features a hearty amount of their delicious homemade chicken salad served with a side of your choice.

Now with your bagel order in mind, you’re almost ready for your visit to NC’s Brunswick Islands. Learn more about our islands and towns, find places to stay, and iron out the rest of your itinerary at www.ncbrunswick.com.