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Layla Bagels and Coffee
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Layla Bagels and Coffee
8.7
Hand-rolled sourdough bagels blend Montreal and New York styles with a West Coast twist, served open-faced and piled high with seasonal farmers market produce. Founded by Tartine and Gjusta alum Sergio Espana, this counter-service spot draws lines for its crusty-outside, pillowy-inside bagels featuring creative toppings like seasonal fruit with honey.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Pre-Jam (seasonal fruit with cream cheese and honey), The Laika (smoked salmon with herb cream cheese), The Scarlett (heirloom tomato with lemon zest and chili flakes)
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Sourdough bagels with levain for easier digestion and seasonal farmers market toppings
Who should go: Brunch enthusiasts and bagel purists seeking California creativity
When to visit: Weekday mornings before 10am to avoid long lines
What to order: Pre-Jam with seasonal fruit, Laika smoked salmon, Scarlett tomato
Insider tip: Order half-and-half to try two different toppings on one bagel
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - metered spots on Main St and side streets, usually available but can fill up weekend mornings 9am-12pm
Dress code: Ultra casual - workout clothes, beach attire, anything goes in this laid-back counter-service spot
Noise level: Moderate buzz - counter-service cafe atmosphere with music and espresso machine sounds, comfortable for casual conversation
Weekend wait: Closed for dinner - breakfast/lunch only until 3pm
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min line typical 11am-1pm, order-ahead available to skip wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - most bagels are vegetarian, multiple seasonal veggie-focused options like tomato and avocado toast variations
Vegan options: Limited - bagels contain dairy, but can modify some options by removing cream cheese/spreads
Gluten-free options: No - this is a bagel-focused shop with no GF alternatives available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early dates or 2nd/3rd hangouts - counter-service ordering and communal seating create a relaxed vibe without formal pressure, but not ideal if you want intimate conversation
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's counter-service with first-come seating. Arrive before 10am on weekends to avoid 20+ minute waits, or use order-ahead and grab seats while you wait
Is it kid-friendly? Very - casual counter service with high chairs available, simple bagel options kids love, and a relaxed atmosphere where noise isn't an issue. Great for families doing weekend brunch
How long does a meal take here? Quick turnaround - order at counter, food comes in 10-15 minutes, most people finish in 30-45 minutes total. Perfect for efficient weekend brunch
Is it worth the hype and lines? Yes if you're a bagel enthusiast who appreciates craft technique - the sourdough process and seasonal produce justify the wait. Skip if you just want a quick basic bagel
Best For
Better for: Creative California-style bagel innovation with seasonal ingredients, sourdough purists, Instagram-worthy presentations, and supporting Tartine/Gjusta alumni craftsmanship
Skip if: You want traditional New York water bagels, need gluten-free options, prefer sit-down table service, or are in a rush on weekend mornings
Layla Bagels and Coffee
8.1
Sourdough bagel shop making hand-rolled bagels fresh every morning with inventive open-face presentations that go beyond traditional toppings. Seasonal fruit with cream cheese and honey or savory options with lemon zest and chili flakes showcase produce-forward California sensibility applied to East Coast staples.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal Fruit Bagel, Smoked Salmon Open-Face, Sammi's Egg Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Sourdough bagels with California-inspired open-face presentations featuring seasonal produce
Who should go: Brunch crowds and bagel enthusiasts seeking fresh takes
When to visit: Weekday mornings to avoid 35-45 minute weekend waits
What to order: Pre-jam bagel, seasonal open-face options, egg sandwiches
Insider tip: Order online during weekdays for fastest service
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main St. and side streets - typically available weekday mornings, competitive on weekends. Paid lot at Ocean Park Blvd.
Dress code: Ultra casual - athleisure, beachwear, workout gear all standard
Noise level: Moderate to high - bustling counter-service energy, better for casual catch-ups than intimate conversations
Weekend wait: Not applicable - closes at 3pm
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min counter wait during 12-1pm peak, minimal wait before 11:30am
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - most menu items are vegetarian or easily modified, including seasonal veggie spreads
Vegan options: Limited - plain bagels available, but most signature toppings feature cream cheese or dairy
Gluten-free options: No - sourdough bagels are the foundation of every dish
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual third or fourth date coffee situation. The counter-service format and weekend crowds don't create intimate vibes, but weekday mornings offer relaxed charm if you're both bagel people.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's counter-service only with limited communal seating. Weekday mornings you'll find spots easily; weekend waits can hit 35-45 minutes just to order.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - casual counter service, shareable bagels, and the beachy Ocean Park vibe works for families. Just manage expectations on weekend waits with young ones in tow.
Best For
Better for: Sourdough purists wanting California creativity on bagels, Instagram-worthy brunch that doesn't require sitting through full service, grabbing something special before beach days
Skip if: You want traditional New York-style bagels with classic schmears, need a sit-down meal with table service, can't handle weekend crowds, or require gluten-free options