15 Best Bagel Shops In New York That’ll Change How You Think About Bagels
New York City bagels are legendary for good reason. These doughy circles of perfection have a crisp exterior, chewy inside, and a flavor that can’t be matched anywhere else. Whether you’re a local or visitor, these 15 bagel shops will forever change your standards for what makes a truly outstanding bagel.
1. Ess-a-Bagel: The Quintessential New York Experience
Locals have flocked to this iconic shop since 1976 for hand-rolled, kettle-boiled perfection. Their bagels feature that perfect balance; crackling crust outside, dense chewiness inside.
The spreads deserve equal fame, especially their scallion cream cheese that’s packed with fresh herbs.
2. Russ & Daughters: Heritage In Every Bite
A century of bagel expertise makes this Lower East Side institution magical. Family-owned since 1914, they’ve perfected the art of pairing exceptional bagels with premium smoked fish.
Their classic combo; an everything bagel with Nova lox and scallion cream cheese – creates flavor harmony that’s worth every penny.
3. Absolute Bagels: Upper West Side’s Hidden Gem
Founded by a Thai immigrant who mastered bagel-making at H&H, this unassuming spot consistently draws lines around the block. The secret? Traditional techniques combined with meticulous attention to detail.
Fresh batches emerge throughout the day, ensuring you’re never more than minutes away from bagel nirvana.
4. Bagel Oasis: Queens’ Round-the-Clock Wonder
Since 1961, this 24-hour Fresh Meadows institution has satisfied late-night cravings and early morning hunger alike. Their old-school approach yields slightly smaller, denser bagels with exceptional flavor development.
The salt bagel here achieves perfect crystal distribution – a rare feat even among NYC’s elite bagel makers.
5. Tompkins Square Bagels: East Village Innovation
Rainbow bagels and birthday cake cream cheese might sound gimmicky, but the foundation here is rock-solid bagel craftsmanship. Owner Christopher Pugliese trained with bagel masters before launching his own creative spin.
The French toast bagel paired with their maple bacon schmear creates a breakfast revelation you won’t find elsewhere.
6. Leo’s Bagels: Financial District’s Morning Ritual
A precise approach to bagel-making yields consistently crafted, hand-rolled results. One variety stands out for its rich character and balance.
Their pumpernickel bagel deserves special mention; dark, aromatic, and the ideal canvas for their house-made whitefish salad.
7. Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish: Tradition Meets Modern Tastes
Hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, and board-baked using methods dating back to the 1800s. Yet somehow, Zucker’s manages to feel thoroughly contemporary in its approach to quality.
Their “Zucker’s Special”, nova, scallion cream cheese, tomato and onion on an everything bagel; represents bagel nirvana for many discerning New Yorkers.
8. Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Co.: Queens’ Paradoxical Treasure
Despite the name, you won’t find them in Brooklyn, but Astoria residents aren’t complaining! Their slightly oversized bagels strike the perfect balance between chewy interior and crackly exterior.
The rotating cream cheese flavors (over 30 varieties) keep regulars coming back to try seasonal specials like pumpkin or strawberry.
9. Pick A Bagel: Neighborhood Staple with City-Wide Appeal
With multiple Manhattan locations, this mini-chain delivers remarkably consistent quality across neighborhoods. Their bagels achieve that elusive balance; substantial enough to satisfy yet not overwhelming.
The whole wheat everything bagel deserves special recognition, offering nutty depth without sacrificing the classic bagel texture that makes New York versions superior.
10. Bagels & Schmear: Midtown’s Artisanal Approach
Small-batch production means these bagels receive individual attention rare in midtown’s fast-paced environment. The dough ferments overnight, developing complex flavors that mass-produced bagels can’t match.
Their garlic bagel packs an aromatic punch that garlic lovers dream about, especially when paired with their house-made vegetable cream cheese.
11. Best Bagel & Coffee: Midtown’s Worst-Kept Secret
The name makes a bold claim, but many midtown office workers would agree it’s justified. Despite the constant lines, each bagel receives proper attention during the boiling and baking process.
Their egg bagels deserve special mention; golden-hued with a slightly sweeter profile that pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet toppings.
12. Russ & Daughters Café: Sit-Down Elegance with Bagel Royalty
The sit-down spinoff of the legendary appetizing store elevates the bagel experience to fine dining territory. White-coated servers deliver picture-perfect open-faced bagel creations to marble tables.
The “Lower Sunny Side”, featuring a bagel topped with smoked salmon and a sunny-side-up egg, transforms breakfast into an Instagram-worthy art form.
13. Murray’s Bagels: Greenwich Village Classic
When Murray’s opened in 1996, they made headlines by refusing to toast their perfect bagels. Though they’ve relaxed that rule, their commitment to quality remains unwavering.
The sesame bagel here achieves seed-coverage perfection, completely encrusted with toasted seeds that add nutty depth to the already flavorful dough.
14. Popup Bagels: The New Kid Making Waves
This Connecticut transplant arrived in NYC with serious bagel credentials, having won the Brooklyn BagelFest’s “Best Bagel” award. Their limited production creates scarcity that drives devoted fans to pre-order.
Slightly smaller than traditional NYC bagels, they feature a delicate crust and airy interior that many compare to sourdough artisan bread.
15. Modern Bread and Bagel: Gluten-Free Revolution
Proving that dietary restrictions shouldn’t mean bagel deprivation, this Upper West Side bakery creates gluten-free versions that could fool even lifelong bagel enthusiasts. The secret lies in their proprietary flour blend and traditional bagel-making techniques.
Their everything bagel achieves that distinctive flavor profile without compromising texture – a true breakthrough.
