New York City’s bagel scene is as vast and diverse as the city itself. With a reputation for having the best bagels in the country, locals and visitors alike take their bagel choices seriously, whether their favorites are found in a hole in the wall or a long standing franchise. Here’s a look at some of the best bagel spots in the city and what makes them stand out.
Ess-a-Bagel is a household name when it comes to New York City bagels, and for a good reason. Since opening in 1976, the restaurant has been serving generously sized, perfectly chewy bagels with a crisp exterior. With a number of unique locations throughout Manhattan, Ess-a-Bagel always has room for more customers. The long lines outside its Midtown and Gramercy locations are a testament to its enduring popularity. Their classic everything bagel with scallion cream cheese is a standout, offering the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The dough is slightly sweet, dense without being too heavy, and ideal for both purists and those who are looking to load up on toppings.
Beyond the bagels themselves, Ess-a-Bagel is also known for its vast selection of toppings and spreads. Their house-made lox spread is among the best in the city, offering a smooth, rich consistency with just the right amount of smokiness. Customers can also opt for heartier sandwiches, including their famous smoked salmon sandwich, stacked high with fresh ingredients.
Furthermore, Ess-a-Bagel also offers a wide selection of baked goods and drinks for their customers to indulge in. They have a variety of muffins, cookies, and cakes (by the slice)—one of their most popular items being the black and white cookies, a staple in many New Yorkers’ childhoods. Along with that, their drink selection offers both hot and cold, with their iced coffee being the perfect drink to go with any bagel to start your morning. The shop’s old-school charm and unwavering commitment to quality makes it a go-to for both locals and tourists.
Bagel Hole (Park Slope, Brooklyn)
While some bagel spots emphasize size, Bagel Hole in Park Slope takes a different approach. Their bagels are smaller, denser, and have a crispier crust than the pillowy varieties found elsewhere in the city. This old-school style is often compared to the bagels of decades past, with some purists arguing that Bagel Hole serves one of the most traditional New York bagels still available. Their plain and poppy seed bagels are especially popular, best enjoyed with a simple schmear of cream cheese to let the texture shine.
The key to Bagel Hole’s success lies in its commitment to quality ingredients. The bagels have a malty depth of flavor that comes from using high-quality flour and a carefully controlled fermentation process. The shop does not pre-slice bagels unless requested, preserving the freshness of each one. While the menu is limited compared to some of the more elaborate bagel spots in the city, Bagel Hole proves that sometimes, less is more.
Tompkins Square Bagels (East Village and Union Square)
Tompkins Square Bagels is known for its hand-rolled bagels and inventive cream cheese flavors, drawing in a younger crowd eager for Instagram-worthy eats. With three locations in lower Manhattan, they take a more modern approach, the welcoming interior adorned with local artwork to make it a favorite spot for both morning commuters and the weekend brunch crowds.
The bagels are large and slightly chewy, making them ideal for hearty sandwiches. One of their most popular offerings is the bacon, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel, but they also have unique cream cheese options like birthday cake and espresso. The shop’s vibrant, bustling atmosphere and creative flavors make it a standout among the city’s many bagel options.
Furthermore, their menu expands far beyond traditional bagels, as they offer a variety of TSB sandwiches, a fan favorite being The Jersey, a classic ham, egg, and American cheese sandwich. Their iced coffee is also a popular grab, pairing perfectly with their fresh bagels or baked goods.
What sets Tompkins Square Bagels apart is its balance between tradition and innovation. The bagels are still made using time-honored techniques, but the shop isn’t afraid to experiment with modern flavors. Their extensive menu includes not only classic bagels but also unique combinations like pastrami salmon and hot honey bacon.
Russ & Daughters (Manhattan and Brooklyn)
A New York institution since 1914, Russ & Daughters is best known for its high-quality smoked fish, but their bagels hold their own. The original location was on Orchard Street before Russ moved the shop a few blocks down to East Houston Street, where it is still standing today. After 100 years, the fourth generation to run Russ & Daughters opened Russ & Daughters Cafe back on Orchard Street as an homage to where it all started. Today, there are four locations throughout the city, one of which resides in Downtown Brooklyn. It’s safe to say that there is a lot of history behind this establishment, and their bagels live up to the name.
The bagels here serve as the perfect vehicle for their silky lox and house-made cream cheeses. Their classic bagel and lox sandwich, featuring Gaspe Nova smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomato, onion, and capers on a perfectly chewy bagel, is among the best in the city. While Russ & Daughters leans more towards the upscale side, it remains an essential stop for anyone looking to experience a truly iconic New York bagel.
Russ & Daughters is a destination for those who appreciate tradition. Their meticulous attention to sourcing and preparing ingredients ensures that every bite is a celebration of classic Jewish deli flavors. The bagels themselves are slightly smaller and denser than some of the fluffier options available elsewhere, making them an excellent match for the richness of their signature toppings.
Tucked away in the Financial District, Leo’s Bagels offers a traditional New York bagel with a slight modern twist. Their bagels are hand-rolled and boiled, ensuring the ideal chewiness, while their vast selection of spreads and toppings sets them apart. The whole wheat everything bagel with tofu scallion spread is a standout for those looking for a healthier alternative, while the classic smoked salmon sandwich remains a top seller, a classic amongst bagel enjoyers. The location makes it a convenient stop for downtown workers looking for a quick but satisfying breakfast.
Leo’s also prides itself on offering options for a range of dietary preferences. From gluten-free bagels to tofu-based cream cheeses, the shop ensures that everyone can enjoy a true New York bagel experience. Their freshly brewed coffee and welcoming atmosphere make it a popular choice for both quick morning stops and leisurely weekend breakfasts.
For those willing to venture outside of Manhattan, Utopia Bagels in Whitestone, Queens, is well worth the trip. Often regarded as one of the best bagel shops in the outer boroughs, Utopia Bagels has been making bagels the traditional way since 1981. Their bagels have the perfect balance of chewiness and crispness, with a slightly smoky flavor from the oven. The bacon, egg, and cheese on a freshly made everything bagel is a fan favorite, and their house-made scallion cream cheese is often regarded as one of the best in the city.
Unlike many other bagel shops, Utopia Bagels takes pride in baking throughout the day, ensuring that customers are never too far from a fresh batch. The large, airy shop has ample seating, making it a great place to enjoy a leisurely meal. The friendly staff and old-school New York vibe only add to its appeal.
The Quest for the Best Bagel
The perfect bagel is a deeply personal choice, but New York City offers a range of options that cater to every preference. Whether you’re looking for a traditional, no-frills experience or an indulgent, over-the-top creation, the city’s bagel shops have something to offer. While debates over the best bagel spot will always be part of New York City’s food culture, one thing remains clear: no other city does bagels quite like New York. The choice is yours –venture out to these top spots based on your preferences, and put the ratings to the test to find which bagel spot suits you best.
With a reputation for having the best bagels in the country, locals and visitors alike take their bagel choices seriously, whether their favorites are found in a hole in the wall or a long standing franchise.