13 Best Bagel Shops In New York That’ll Change How You Think About Bagels

New York City is the bagel capital of the world, and once you taste what these shops have to offer, you’ll understand why.

From century-old delis to modern bakeries pushing creative boundaries, the city’s bagel scene is unmatched.

I’m taking you on a delicious journey through fifteen incredible spots that will forever change your relationship with this iconic breakfast staple.

1. Russ & Daughters

Walking into this place feels like stepping back in time to when bagels were an art form passed down through generations.

Located at 179 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002, this Lower East Side legend has been serving customers since 1914.

Their everything bagel topped with Nova lox and scallion cream cheese is a combination that will make your taste buds sing.

What sets them apart is the quality of their smoked fish, which pairs perfectly with their hand-rolled bagels.

The texture is spot-on, with a golden crust that cracks when you bite into it.

You’ll find yourself coming back for their classic New York experience that honors tradition while maintaining incredible freshness.

2. Tompkins Square Bagels

Creativity meets tradition at this East Village favorite that’s not afraid to experiment with flavors you never imagined on a bagel.

You’ll find them at 165 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, where the aroma of freshly baked bagels fills the air every morning.

Their French toast bagel with maple bacon schmear sounds wild, but trust me, it works beautifully.

The variety here is incredible, with house-made spreads that go way beyond plain cream cheese.

Each bagel is perfectly chewy on the inside with that essential crispy exterior.

I love how they balance innovation with respect for the classic bagel-making process that New Yorkers hold sacred.

3. Ess-a-Bagel

Prepare yourself for bagels so enormous they could double as a full meal, crafted with techniques that have made this spot legendary.

With locations at 831 3rd Ave and 359 1st Ave in Manhattan, they’ve been satisfying hungry New Yorkers for decades.

Their bagels are dense and doughy in the best possible way, with toppings piled high.

The cream cheese application here is generous, which means every bite delivers maximum flavor.

Their lox spread is particularly outstanding, with chunks of salmon mixed throughout.

You might need both hands to hold these beauties, but that’s part of the authentic New York bagel experience I love.

4. Absolute Bagels

Upper West Siders know this gem on Broadway is worth any wait, especially on weekend mornings when the line stretches out the door.

Located at 2788 Broadway, New York, NY 10025, this no-frills shop focuses on what matters most: perfectly executed bagels.

Their pumpernickel and everything bagels are particularly popular, with seeds that actually stick to the surface.

The cream cheese here is whipped to perfection, spreading easily without tearing the bagel.

I’m always impressed by how fresh everything tastes, no matter what time of day you visit.

Their prices remain reasonable despite their popularity, making quality bagels accessible to everyone in the neighborhood.

5. Black Seed Bagels

A modern take on the classic bagel emerged here, blending Montreal-style techniques with New York sensibilities to create something truly unique.

You can find them at multiple locations including 170 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012, where their wood-fired oven gives bagels a distinctive smoky flavor.

These are smaller and denser than traditional New York bagels, with a chewy texture that’s addictive.

Their toppings lean gourmet, featuring items like whitefish salad and beet-cured gravlax.

The sesame seeds are toasted, adding an extra layer of nutty flavor.

I appreciate how they’ve carved out their own niche while respecting the bagel traditions that came before them.

6. Essa Bagel

Midtown workers and tourists alike flock here for bagels that deliver on the promise of authentic New York flavor and substance.

At 831 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022, they produce bagels with a perfect balance of chew and crust that makes every sandwich satisfying.

Their bacon, egg, and cheese on a toasted bagel is a breakfast masterpiece.

The staff works quickly despite constant crowds, getting your order ready without sacrificing quality.

Their spreads are made fresh daily, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.

I find myself craving their salt bagel with vegetable cream cheese whenever I’m in the Midtown area for meetings or exploring.

7. Zucker’s Bagels

Tribeca residents discovered their neighborhood bagel haven when this shop opened, bringing hand-rolled perfection to downtown Manhattan.

Located at 146 Chambers St, New York, NY 10007, they use traditional methods that result in bagels with a shiny, tight crust.

Their whitefish salad is exceptional, made with quality fish that’s not overly mayo-heavy.

The bagels here have that ideal ratio of crust to interior, with enough chew to satisfy without being tough.

Their everything seasoning blend includes garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seeds in perfect proportion.

I love stopping here before exploring the nearby waterfront, grabbing a bagel that fuels my entire morning adventure.

8. Leo’s Bagels

Financial District professionals have embraced this spot as their go-to for reliable, delicious bagels that never disappoint during hectic workdays.

You’ll find them at 2 Gold St, New York, NY 10038, serving bagels that hit all the right notes of texture and flavor.

Their turkey and avocado combination on a whole wheat bagel is surprisingly light yet filling.

The service is efficient, which matters when you’re grabbing breakfast before an important meeting.

Their iced coffee complements their bagels perfectly, creating a complete breakfast experience.

I respect how they’ve built a loyal following by consistently delivering quality without trying to reinvent what already works beautifully.

9. Tal Bagels

Multiple locations across Manhattan mean you’re never far from their reliable bagels that have satisfied New Yorkers for years.

With spots including 979 1st Ave, New York, NY 10022, they offer consistency that busy city dwellers depend on for their morning routine.

Their sesame bagel toasted with butter is simple perfection that doesn’t need fancy toppings.

The cream cheese flavors range from classic to creative, including scallion, vegetable, and lox spread options.

Their bagels have a nice chew without being too dense or bready.

I appreciate having multiple locations because no matter where I am in the city, quality bagels are within reach.

10. Bo’s Bagels

Harlem found its bagel champion when this shop opened, bringing artisanal quality to a neighborhood that deserved better breakfast options.

At 2409 Broadway, New York, NY 10024, they craft bagels with care and attention that shows in every bite. Their jalapeño cheddar bagel has real kick, with cheese baked right into the dough.

The atmosphere is welcoming and community-focused, making it more than just a place to grab food.

Their sandwiches are creative, featuring combinations you won’t find at traditional bagel shops.

I enjoy how they’ve become a neighborhood gathering spot where people linger over coffee and conversation, not just rush through.

11. H&H Bagels

A name synonymous with New York bagels for decades, this institution has weathered changes while maintaining the quality that made them famous.

Currently at 2239 Broadway, New York, NY 10024, they continue producing bagels with that characteristic glossy exterior and substantial chew.

Their cinnamon raisin bagel with walnut cream cheese is a sweet treat that works for breakfast or snacking.

The bagels here are large and satisfying, with enough heft to keep you full until lunch.

Their plain bagel showcases the quality of their dough without distractions.

I respect their resilience in maintaining standards despite the competitive nature of New York’s bagel scene over the years.

12. Utopia Bagels

Queens claims one of the city’s best-kept secrets, where locals line up early for bagels that rival anything Manhattan has to offer.

Located at 1322 Utopia Pkwy, Whitestone, NY 11357, this shop produces bagels with incredible texture and flavor that justify the trip.

Their garlic bagel is pungent in the best way, with roasted garlic pieces throughout.

The cream cheese selection is extensive, and they’re not stingy with portions when making your sandwich. Their bagels maintain freshness throughout the day, unlike places where quality drops after morning rush.

I make the journey to Queens specifically for these bagels because they represent everything a perfect bagel should be.

13. The Bagel Hole

Park Slope’s beloved bagel spot has earned its reputation through decades of consistent quality and authentic preparation methods that never cut corners.

At 400 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215, they make smaller, denser bagels that pack incredible flavor into every bite. Their poppy seed bagel has seeds that cover the entire surface, ensuring flavor in every mouthful.

The prices here remain surprisingly affordable considering the quality and the neighborhood.

Their nova lox is sliced perfectly, neither too thick nor too thin.

I love how this place has resisted trends and gimmicks, focusing solely on executing traditional bagels with excellence and care.