Best bagels in the county says this Ex-NYer. Be Muad (forwarned) - cash only !!!!!! But a great price. read more

I've been coming here for decades. It's cash only, which in 2026 is a whole separate conversation. I called at 7:30 a.m. and was told, "Your order will be ready soon." I arrived at 8:00, waited 15 minutes in line, and somehow my order STILL hadn't been made. When I asked how that was possible after 45 minutes, the girl told me walk-ins have priority. Then why the hell are you taking phone orders and telling people they'll be ready soon? And her response? "Next time, don't call in." Seriously? Next time, try apologizing for being terrible at your job instead of giving me attitude. Don't tell me my order will "be ready soon" and then act like I'm unreasonable for expecting it to be ready 45 minutes later. But I guess basic customer service isn't a thing anymore. read more

Came here as I was in the area (at the pet food shop next door) and I remember having bagels from here (at least I had thought it was here) and enjoying them so stopped in. Checked to make sure I had cash and that it was enough to cover what I wanted. There was indoor seating and there is plenty of it. I was here outside of traditional breakfast hours and on a day when it was very hot. My order was taken, the bagel was prepared and I received it in a short amount of time. Grabbed an everything bagel with cream cheese and had it toasted. The bagel seemed pretty small, the toppings did not really adhere to the bagel and there were not a lot of them to begin with, let alone every time I touched it, it shedded even more. It was just ok. Nothing amazing, nothing terrible. It was $3 for a bagel with cream cheese. I am not a bagel connoisseur. I enjoy them and eat them from time to time but don't know what makes a good vs bad bagel. I just know some I like and some I don't. This was just ok. That is honestly all I can say about it. I came here when it was super hot outside and it was super hot inside as well so I got my bagel and went to the car to eat it as I drove to my next destination. read more

P. L. Bagels - Everything bagel with cream cheese $3 - Bagels Near Me - San Diego, California

*CASH ONLY Located in a small parking lot plaza, P.L. Bagels is your quintessential local/mom&pop/no-frills bagel shop. I came on a Saturday morning around 11am and was able to order and get my food within 15 minutes. There's some tables inside but many people took their food to-go. Prices are reasonable (~$4.50 for a bagel with cream cheese) as well. I got the garlic bagel with the Salmon Spread (~$6.50). The salmon spread was really nice and the added tomato and red onion were nice additions. Our friends also enjoyed their bagels with their respective cream cheeses. The texture was good and solid overall. Nothing overly aesthetic, nothing that click baits you, PL Bagels is a good reminder of what food was and still currently can be in this world of hyperbole, influencers, and maximalist food. read more

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If you crave real Bagels like they have back East in New York or Baltimore, this is the place to go. They are without a doubt the best bagels I've had since moving to California. read more

Awesome bagels! Service? Not so hot, from the owners at least. I gave them a $20 bill this morning but when I only got change for a 10, I thought I must've been wrong. But since I rarely have cash, I knew exactly what was in my wallet. When I went back a two to three minutes later, she was insistent that I got the right change. She wouldn't even entertain the idea that she was wrong, offer me store credit, or anything. I'm just out 10 bucks and try not to be grumpy about it. No, I don't think she's an unethical person, I just think she needs to consider she might be human and prone to error. read more

It seems that many of my friends had tried this bagel shop in Point Loma over the years so I made a recent visit near their closing time. P.L. Bagels has a much smaller footprint than I had anticipated as the suite couldn't compare to the bigger national chains. About a half dozen small tables were available for inside seating, but most customers were taking their food to go. The business does have a cash only policy. They even installed a small ATM in a corner of the room if you're in a pinch for greenbacks. A menu board was posted on the wall behind the service counter. I counted 14 types of bagels on display in the cases to the right of the register. Seven bagel sandwiches were offered. I selected a Hot Pastrami on an egg bagel which came with a choice of cheese (provolone was my pick). The sandwich was dressed with lettuce, tomato, red onion, yellow mustard, mayo, and pickle. I declined the onion and mayo for mine. Even though there were just two people ahead of me with small orders, it took a long time for my sandwich to be assembled. It didn't seem like they were short staffed, but rather the processes were inefficient. I can only imagine the wait time when there are more customers in the queue. As for the product, the bagel itself was dense and soft. I would give that four stars by itself, however what downgraded my experience was the slow service and lack of attention to detail. I was told the mustard would be provided on the side, but it didn't occur as both that and the pickle were missing when I received a takeout container. read more

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As many of noted before, make sure to pack cash, as it's a CASH ONLY spot! It is a classic, no-frills bagels joint with classic pairings. I was very pleased with my everything bagel with garlic cream cheese. read more

I've been to P. L. Bagels well over a handful of times, and I've left with a full belly every single visit. Their everything bagel with chive and onion cream cheese is absolutely to die for. The bagel is perfectly seasoned, and the cream cheese is hands down the best I've ever had easily better than anything store-bought. Another honorable mention goes to their bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich. Even though it looks small, it's incredibly hearty and filling. The prices are very affordable, especially considering the effort that goes into making their handmade bagels. A few things to keep in mind: this is a cash-only establishment, but they do have an ATM on-site for a small fee. The shop is located in a small corner strip mall within a residential neighborhood, so parking can be tight between customers and nearby residents. That said, the cooks work fast. I've never waited more than 10-15 minutes for my order. I definitely enjoy coming here whenever I'm in the mood for a classic mom-and-pop bagel shop. A solid go-to that never disappoints. read more

Really good bagels. Very fresh. The cream cheese was delicious as well. The texture of the bagel was spot on. I highly recommend and will be back. Yum! read more

Visiting a friend in the Point Loma, thus suggested to stop at this establishment for some bagels! Other options in area included Einstein bagels, but I wanted to support a local business! Parking can sometimes be challenging when visiting this establishment! There is a small parking lot that is shared with other businesses. There is also some street parking in the area. My golden spot is next to the library where I can grab a fifteen parking spot to run in and grab some bagels! Unfortunately, this morning I was concerned that I would exceed my 15 minutes as the bagel ordering process was taking awhile! There was only two people in front of me, but on a Saturday everybody was getting a bundle or a speciality sandwich! By the time I ordered there was at least 6 people behind me. I think it took me over 20 minutes to get my three bagel spread sandwiches! On a Saturday morning the bagels were fresh! For three bagel spread sandwiches the bill was about 15 dollars! The salmon spread bagel is over $6.50. A bit pricey but did come with tomatoes and onions. The tomato was not really red! And note the onions are strong! Sandwich was good but not great! Get there early for choice bagels! There is some seating inside! The ambiance is not great so best to take your food to go! The staff is not super friendly! They are busy taking and making orders! The friendliest person was the lady taking orders! read more

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Best thing was the strawberry cream cheese. I came here few years ago and it was amazing. It didn't taste as good this time. The bagels aren't flavorful, they are dry. Nothing special Not sure if they are freshly made or store bought. read more

I don't know that I would swear to it, but I'm going to go way out on a limb and guess that the "P. L." in the name stands for "Point Loma." It took me far longer than it should have to figure this out, even assuming I'm right. CASH ONLY. CASH ONLY. CASH ONLY. Why Yelp won't post a dollar sign or some symbol at the top of cash only businesses will keep me up nights the rest of my life. I've only provided free content to Yelp for a third of my life but whatever. It seems to be a family-run business and the line was well out the door on a Sunday morning. They do not necessarily have a zillion different types or styles of bagels but they have all the standards. The bagels are on the larger side and are very fresh. They also offer some bagel sandwiches and you can buy cream cheese by the tub. Parking is horrific in the little lot but there is a ton of parking in the Stumpy's parking lot next door, although parking there probably violates some rules. You do you. Very fresh bagels here and the prices are reasonable. Just bring cash and I hope you are not in a hurry. read more

P. L. Bagels - Long line on a Sunday morning but the bagels are very fresh. Some seating inside. - Bagels Near Me - San Diego, California

Dropped in on a Friday morning around 9am. Probably 3.5 stars, but I'm giving 4 because the price is only $3 for a fresh bagel with ample cream cheese! The staff is friendly, service is quick, and did I mention they don't short you on the cream cheese? No frills experience with affordable prices, plenty of seating, and a nightmarish parking lot. My bagel was soft but not under toasted, chewy but not doughy, and perfectly seasoned. Cash only. Great lil shop! read more

P. L. Bagels - Everything bagel with cream cheese - Bagels Near Me - San Diego, California

First time here and it did not disappoint. The staff were great. Bagels and the cream cheeses were event better. The new go to is the everything bagel with half veggie and half jalapeño cream cheese spread. read more

P. L. Bagels - My favorite everything bagels and 1 onion bagel - Bagels Near Me - San Diego, California

This is a nice little bagel shop to stop in. They only accept cash and their breakfast bagel sandwiches don't come with cream cheese so I recommend bringing cash and ask to add cream cheese. The service was nice. They could use an update on their interior, menu, and processes. read more

P. L. Bagels - Bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich on an everything bagel - Bagels Near Me - San Diego, California

This bagel shop is a hidden gem in San Diego. It's a small family owned business. They have fresh bagels. They close at 1:00 PM. They ran out of their bagels very fast. The place is located in a tiny plaza. There are limited parking spaces shared with other businesses in the same plaza, but it was very easy for us to find a spot. The place itself is very clean and simple. They have indoor seating.All the employees were very nice and friendly. The service was fast. We chose: -Half a dozen of Bagel - Salmon Spread with red onion and tomato in a plain bagel. The salmon spread Bagel was flavorful and delicious. The bagels had perfect chewy texture and was fresh. They accept cash only. For sure I will be back in my next visit to San Diego read more

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P.L. Bagel remains best bagel shop in San Diego. For the past 13 years, I have been coming here and every time I do I remember why. Try the salt bagel with cream cheese ... best outside or NYC read more

Look better than they taste. Taste and density of bagel way off. Doubt they were boiled, maybe not proofed. What am I getting at? Having lived in NY for 6 years, I know what a proper bagel is - you want to tear it off with your teeth. It has some weight to it. Some salt in the dough. Something to bite into. In San Diego, BCB is better than PL but still falls short. The quest for a proper bagel in San Diego continues. read more

(FYI cash only) Simple shop with a simple purpose. Feed the people what they want: bagels. I went on a weekday morning. There was a steady flow of customers but the wait was minimal. My everything bagel with cream cheese came out to $3 and was in my hands within 5 min. Small parking lot but there's plenty of neighborhood street parking close by. read more

P. L. Bagels - Bagels Near Me - San Diego, California

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$10 for sesame bagel with chive cream cheese on 1/2 the bagel, 1 egg, and 2 slices of ham. Not a bad bagel sandwich...but not worth the price for me read more

P. L. Bagels - Bagels Near Me - San Diego, California

I used to love this place, but the bagels have gotten so small and they are ridiculously expensive. That's what happens when they get popular on social media read more

They have amazing bagels and actually put salt on the everything which is amazing. They usually have 5 people working but only 1 person actually doing anything. I waited 25 mins with only 3 people in front of me and not ordering anything complicated. I wanted one bagel in a bag and the 4 people behind the counter just watched the one girl work. I won't be going there because of the complete waste of time. read more

Heard about this place from Reddit. This place is cash only, but they have an ATM if you don't carry cash. Ordering is very quick and the selection varies depending on what time you get there. I always get the East Coast Special, which is the Nova Lox bagel. The standard bagel and cream cheese combo is good because they give a healthy amount of cream cheese. It's also usually quiet here with plenty of places to sit. I'll usually pop in here if I'm in the area and if they're still open (I believe they close at noon everyday). read more

P. L. Bagels - Inside and some of the selections - Bagels Near Me - San Diego, California

We just got back from NYC so I was craving a bagel. The East Coast Special was good but the bagel was a little chewy and not quiet the right texture. If I lived in the area I would definitely support the shop. It's cash only! read more

Went there on a pleasant weekend morning and had a yummy bagel. Staff was very nice, would go back.

Still the best bagel in town. I don't how they do it. I love the sesame and the everything-but even the plain are mighty nice! Ultimate go to combo is the lox and cream cheese with tomato etc. (capers and onions optional depending on if I have a meeting). I appreciate both sides have tons of seeds etc. I've brought these to die hard Native New Yorkers and snobby East and West coast bagel lovers. Everyone always loves loves them. Cash only folx! Don't miss it! read more

I love this place so much. I usually get a cinnamon raisin bagel with cream cheese and some mini bagels since i can get a cream cheese bagel and 2 minis with $5. Never had a bad experience here although sometimes it takes a bit long to make the bagel, but if you're just getting some to go (you can also get a tub of cream cheese to go) then it's super fast. It is cash only so keep that in mind. read more

Was mildly bamboozled into coming here with reviews that the bagels here were similar to NYC bagels. While decent bagels, they are certainly not similar to NYC bagels. The shmears are probably 1/3-1/2 of what is normally in an nyc bagel and much smaller. Ordered a cinnamon raisin bagel with cream cheese and bacon but they left out the bacon. Because an NYC bagel was already in my mind, I was expecting double the amount of cream cheese so that was a big disappointing but overall ok. The BEC on everything was a good, no complaints. Cash only. The service was friendly but pretty slow. I ordered ahead via phone and sandwiches were ready but still had to wait a while since people were ordering with a minute or two break in between each customer for staff to do other things. Might come back if I was in the area again and had a strong bagel craving. read more

P. L. Bagels - Cream cheese on cinnamon raisin (was supposed to have bacon but it was missing) - Bagels Near Me - San Diego, California

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We have been around this area so many times and finally made our way to trying out these bagels. There was a line out the door, so we knew we had to give them a try. P. L. Bagels has a small parking lot shared with other businesses, but there is plenty of street parking, as well. The staff was nice and worked as quickly as they could. And, we could see them making fresh bagels in the back. They only accept cash payment, so be ready for that. They have a variety of bagels, different types of spread, and can order bagel sandwiches, as well. We ordered an Everything Bagel with Garlic, Bacon, and Basil cream cheese. First of all, the bagel was nice, warm, and soft. The Everything Bagel seasoning was on both sides and not just the top. The bagel came with a generous amount of cream cheese which was tasty. The combination was very flavorful! We would definitely come back for more! read more

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Delicious come back for years simple and delicious! I buy more than one because of the tasty options. Cash only and support local always thanks! read more

Their bagels were good. I would say it's more of a 3.5. The whole wheat everything bagel with the bacon garlic cream cheese was good. The sourdough bagel was good also. Small little bagel shop but limited seating inside but it was good. Bagels tasted fresh. Service was good. I'm gonna round up to 4 stars. read more

P. L. Bagels - Whole wheat everything bagel with garlic bacon basil cream cheese - Bagels Near Me - San Diego, California

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It's bagel time! I'm no bagel aficionado but let me tell you, P.L. is serving up the best bagels I've EVER sunk my teeth into. The one I absolutely recommend is the Everything bagel...my GAWD! This bagel is covered from top to bottom with all of those delicious bits of onion, garlic, poppy seeds etc. It's a can't miss! However, I highly recommend only buying the number of bagels you'll allow yourself to eat because once you get these bad boys in the car, forget about it. I usually eat one bagel and I'm good, but when it comes to these bagels, it's like that Lays commercial-"Bet you can't eat just one"! I also recommend getting some cream cheese (s) to go with your bagel as they have a delicious assortment of flavors for your choosing. Like it spicy- the jalapeno cream cheese is perfect. Not into the spicy-try the pepper or the chive. If I do manage to snag a few bagels of the sweet variety, I always get the cinnamon raisin cream cheese. Plus hey, I'm pretty sure it's a family owned and operated shop, and if you're anything like me- that's an excellent reason to support this business. Your stomach will thank you later. Come get yourself a baker's dozen (~$13.95) and message me to let me know what you think. Thanks to P.L. Bagels for making some awesome awesome bagels! read more

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Great bagels, great service. Amazing fresh bagels with great flavor. There in house made flavored cream cheese are quite tasty. The staff bends over backwards to provide service. read more

Salmon spread bagel is the best! Very busy but the line moves fast and service is great

Good bagels. It is a distance to get to; friendly staff; coffee is good. Would stop by if in the area read more

P. L. Bagels - Parking lot - Bagels Near Me - San Diego, California

So sad I found out about this spot on my last day in Sd. This cozy small bagel spot is just perfect. I learned it's family owned and friendly staff. The bagels are small but with a huge flavor. Never tasted such a delicious with full of flavor bagel ever. The onion and garlic bagels are a must .Next time I'm in town I will for sure be my stop for a nice bagel but also their lunch bagel sandwiches look amazing. Great find! read more

P. L. Bagels - The best bagel spot in Sd. Period - Bagels Near Me - San Diego, California

As a New Jersey native, we are bagel snobs which is why I don't really eat them out here. Tried this place due to good reviews and close location to my apt. I don't like to leave negative reviews but I really was hoping for more outside of the amazing jalapeño cream cheese which is highly recommended The bagels are okay I guess, not great. Asked for toasted, but they were more like warmed. A toasted bagel should have a crisp outside that gives a little crunch when you bite it and shouldn't be bendable The bacon egg and cheese was really a disappointment. Do not order. First of all, a bacon egg and cheese comes with American cheese, not cheddar. Blasphemy! The bacon was super thin and I think precooked microwaved bacon. Not good. Eggs also tasted pre made or something. If you served this in NJ you would be laughed at and probably not be in business long The 3 stars is mostly saved due to the 5 star jalapeño cream cheese which was unbelievable and worth coming for. I might come back for some and bagels and bring it home and toast it myself. A real toast with that cream cheese would be top notch read more

If you're looking for one of the best bagels outside of NYC..the. Look no further than P.L Bagels. No nonsense, cash only delicious bagel,

I have been coming here for over 15 years, so it pains me to leave a new review that is not very good. Ever since this place became TikTok famous, everything has been going downhill. We walked in today and it wasn't super busy. However, it took forever to order. There was only one person at the counter. The woman whom is normally super friendly and helpful was just lallygagging in the back. When we finally got to order, the kid behind the counter gave a look as if he hated being there and reluctantly took the order. The toaster never worked well, so we always ask for extra toasted. The bagels were barely toasted. The garlic bacon basil cream cheese had very chewy bacon and little to no basil or garlic flavor. I don't know about you, but eating gummy fatty bacon is not very tasty. I will give props for the amount of cream cheese though. They did not skimp on that... this time. I am happy that they're busy and successful. I have interacted with the family over the years and they deserve it. However, they really need to make sure their service and food quality improves and doesn't continue to suffer because they can't handle the increase in business. You can't just raise your prices and let everything else slip. And I hope the owner read this and know that many of us are only concerned for the business and don't want to see them lose business. This place is a staple of Point Loma and is locals would hate to see it go because of something that can easily be remedied. read more