Best Bagels in New York: Where to Get Your Fix
New York City is as synonymous with bagels as it is with the Statue of Liberty. For New Yorkers and tourists alike, a morning without a bagel is like Central Park without squirrels. Let’s embark on a culinary journey across the city to discover where you can find the best bagels that are worth spreading the news about.
Key Information
In New York, bagels aren’t just food; they’re a culture. The perfect NYC bagel has a crispy exterior with a dense, chewy interior and is often enjoyed with a schmear of cream cheese or piled high with lox and onions. Traditionally, these doughy delights are kettle-boiled and then baked, creating the signature texture that bagel lovers crave.
A Whole Lot of Flavor: New York City’s Bagel Scene
Ess-a-Bagel
- Location: 831 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022
- Cuisine: Bagels, Bakery
- Highlights: Hand-rolled bagels, variety of cream cheeses, smoked fish
- Google Reviews: Generally praised for its thick, chewy bagels and extensive selection of spreads.
- Website: Ess-a-Bagel
Bagel Hole

- Location: 400 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
- Cuisine: Bagels, Bakery
- Highlights: Classic New York-style hand-rolled and boiled bagels
- Google Reviews: Known for its authentic, no-frills traditional bagels.
Tompkins Square Bagels
- Location: 165 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
- Cuisine: Bagels, Bakery
- Highlights: Creative cream cheese flavors and bagel sandwiches
- Google Reviews: Celebrated for innovative flavors and custom cream cheeses
- Website: Tompkins Square Bagels
Bo’s Bagels
- Location: 235 W 116th St, New York, NY 10026
- Cuisine: Bagels, American
- Highlights: Apple cinnamon bagels, homemade spreads
- Google Reviews: Loved for its fresh, flavorful bagels and friendly service.
- Website: Bo’s Bagels
Sadelle’s

- Location: 463 West Broadway, New York, NY 10012
- Cuisine: Bagels, American, Delicatessen
- Highlights: Bagel towers, smoked salmon, fancy brunch items
- Google Reviews: Highly rated for its upscale dining experience and quality bagels.
- Website: Sadelle’s
From the hand-rolled perfection at Ess-a-Bagel to the innovative creations at Tompkins Square Bagels, New York City’s bagel scene is as varied as its boroughs. Each shop has its own story, contributing to the city’s dynamic culinary landscape. So next time you’re in the Big Apple, skip the apple and get a real taste of New York with a bagel from one of these top spots.
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