Vegan in the Hamptons: Goldberg's Bagels
Address | 111 Main St, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
There’s something timeless about a bagel in the Hamptons. Maybe it’s the way the morning sun filters through the trees along Main Street, or the easy rhythm of locals and visitors drifting in and out of their favorite neighborhood spots. For us, one of those cherished rituals is a breezy morning walk in Sag Harbor Village that ends at Goldberg’s Bagels. Nestled right on Main Street, it’s a Hamptons institution—equal parts bustling, warm, and comforting. Whether the sidewalks are buzzing with summer tourists or filled with familiar faces of year-rounders, there’s always a palpable energy in the air. And once you step inside Goldberg’s, it’s clear why.
The friendly staff and upbeat atmosphere set the tone, no matter the season. In the height of summer, the line often snakes toward the door, filled with sandy beachgoers and families making a pit stop before a day on the water. In quieter months, the vibe shifts into something more intimate, with locals chatting over coffee and catching up on the week. But regardless of when you visit, you’re guaranteed one thing: a perfectly chewy, warm bagel waiting to make your morning.
A Hamptons Staple
While the Sag Harbor shop is our personal favorite, Goldberg’s is much more than a single storefront. They have bagel shops scattered across the Hamptons, making them one of the most beloved and consistent names in the area. Each location carries the same inviting spirit—friendly service, a wide selection of fresh bagels, and plenty of options that make it easy for vegans to feel at home. That kind of reliability is something we’ve come to treasure. Whether we’re staying in Sag Harbor, visiting friends in Bridgehampton, or running errands in East Hampton, we know a Goldberg’s isn’t too far away.
Vegan-Friendly Comfort
Let’s be honest: not every bagel shop makes it easy for plant-based eaters. Sure, bagels themselves are often vegan (though it’s always smart to double-check ingredients when you’re new to a place), but spreads can be tricky. At Goldberg’s, we love that they offer three variations of tofu cream cheese—a thoughtful nod to vegan and dairy-free guests alike.
Vegetable Tofu Cream Cheese: Loaded with crunchy bits of carrot, celery, and other fresh vegetables, this one is bright, flavorful, and adds a little texture to each bite. It’s our go-to when we want something that feels light yet satisfying.
Scallion Tofu Cream Cheese: Classic, fragrant, and brimming with fresh scallions, this spread has just the right amount of sharpness to balance the bagel’s natural chewiness. It’s particularly good on an everything bagel, where the seeds and garlic play off the scallions beautifully.
Plain Tofu Cream Cheese: Simple, creamy, and versatile, this one never lets you down. Perfect for purists or as a base if you like to add your own toppings—think sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
We’ve tried all three, and honestly, they’re all good. The fact that Goldberg’s offers this range makes it feel effortless to order vegan, without needing to make substitutions or feel limited.
Morning Rituals
Our favorite tradition is walking down to Main Street in Sag Harbor on weekend mornings. There’s something about arriving early, when the air is still crisp, and stepping inside to the smell of freshly baked bagels wafting from behind the counter. That first sip of coffee alongside a warm bagel with tofu spread always feels like the perfect start to the day.
In the summer, we often bring our bagels down to the marina, finding a quiet spot to sit and watch the boats drift in and out. In the off-season, when Sag Harbor slows down, we’ll grab a couple of bagels and take them home to enjoy with a longer, lingering breakfast. Goldberg’s fits seamlessly into both moods—whether it’s the quick, on-the-go fuel of summer or the cozy ritual of fall and winter.
Hosting with Goldberg’s
Another way Goldberg’s has become part of our life here in the Hamptons is when we’re hosting. Having friends or family in town is always special, and there’s nothing easier (or more crowd-pleasing) than putting together a bagel spread at home.
A dozen Goldberg’s bagels, sliced and arranged on a board, makes for the perfect centerpiece. We’ll usually grab an assortment—everything, sesame, poppy, plain, and maybe a cinnamon raisin or two for variety. Add in the tofu cream cheese trio, some fresh vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion, plus a sprinkling of capers and fresh herbs, and you’ve got a spread that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s the kind of breakfast that lets everyone linger around the table, building their own bagels and chatting over coffee.
Even guests who aren’t vegan love it. In fact, it’s often one of those meals where people don’t even notice they’re eating something plant-based, because the flavors and textures are so satisfying. For us, that’s the sweet spot—sharing food that feels abundant and inclusive, without needing to call out the differences.
A Community Connection
Part of what makes Goldberg’s so special is how deeply tied it feels to the Hamptons community. It’s not just a bagel shop—it’s a gathering place. We’ve seen everything from old friends bumping into each other in line to parents picking up a dozen bagels before their kid’s soccer game. Tourists discover it once and then make it part of their vacation routine year after year. Locals swear by it. That kind of loyalty doesn’t come easy; it’s earned through consistency, warmth, and a product that speaks for itself.
For vegans, Goldberg’s represents something even more valuable: inclusion. It’s a place where we can order confidently, enjoy the same sense of tradition as everyone else, and feel like part of the larger Hamptons rhythm. That’s a gift, and one we don’t take for granted.
Why We Keep Coming Back
There are a lot of great spots to eat in the Hamptons, and part of the fun of being vegan here is exploring all the creative plant-based menus that pop up. But sometimes, what you really crave is simplicity—a bagel, a good spread, a coffee, and a seat at the table. That’s what Goldberg’s does so well. It’s not flashy or over-the-top; it’s comfort food in its purest form.
And maybe that’s why it endures. Trends come and go, but bagels are forever. Especially when they’re as good as Goldberg’s.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a local looking for your weekend ritual, a visitor hoping to start your Hamptons day the right way, or a host planning the perfect breakfast spread, Goldberg’s Bagels is a must. With locations throughout the Hamptons, friendly service, and vegan-friendly spreads that never disappoint, it’s a spot that makes everyone feel welcome. For us, Sag Harbor’s Main Street location will always hold a special place in our hearts—the place where breezy walks end with a warm bagel in hand, and mornings feel just a little brighter.
Bagels may seem simple, but Goldberg’s has a way of reminding us that simple can be extraordinary—especially when shared with the people we love.
