Summary:
PopUp Bagels is a popular spot with three locations in Manhattan, offering fresh, flavorful bagels with a unique experience.
BO’s Bagels in Harlem are small and chewy, perfect for a traditional New York bagel experience.
Apollo Bagels are known for their sourdough starter and tangy flavor, offering simple options like plain, sesame, and everything bagels.
Russ & Daughters, a New York institution for over a century, offers their own baked bagels, known for their high quality and perfect texture.
Shelsky’s of Brooklyn is a modern appetizing shop with unique flavors, including cracked peppercorn and salt, and an excellent fish selection.
The Ultimate Guide to NYC's Best Bagels
Finding the best bagel in New York City can be a contentious issue, with strong opinions and dedicated followings for each local bakery. But whether you prefer the classic chewy, small-sized bagel or a more modern, pillowy round, there's a spot on this list for you.
Here's a guide to some of the most beloved bagel shops in NYC, spanning from the Lower East Side to Greenpoint, offering a range of flavors and styles to satisfy any craving:
PopUp Bagels
This popular spot offers a unique experience, with a strict three-bagel minimum and a self-assembly sandwich policy. But the fresh, flavorful bagels and wide selection of schmears make it worth the effort.
BO’s Bagels
BO’s bagels are small and chewy, offering a traditional New York style experience. Head to Harlem to enjoy these petite gems, perfect for a Central Park picnic.
Apollo Bagels
Known for their sourdough starter and tangy flavor, Apollo Bagels are a popular choice in the East Village. Enjoy simple options like plain, sesame, and everything bagels, with a few classic sandwich choices.
Russ & Daughters
A New York institution for over a century, Russ & Daughters offers their own baked bagels, known for their high quality and perfect texture. Pair your bagel with their legendary lox or Nova for a classic New York experience.
Bagel Hole
This old-school shop in Park Slope is a neighborhood favorite, known for its small, chewy bagels. Be warned, it's cash only, and there's no seating, but Prospect Park is just a few blocks away.
Terrace Bagels
Terrace Bagels offers a contrasting experience to Bagel Hole, with larger, doughier bagels and a wider variety of flavors, including unconventional options like strawberry chocolate chip cream cheese.
Shelsky’s of Brooklyn
This modern appetizing shop offers high-quality bagels, with unique flavors like cracked peppercorn and salt. Pair your bagel with their excellent fish selection for a truly memorable experience.
Barney Greengrass
Step back in time at Barney Greengrass, a classic Upper West Side spot known for its legendary fish and bagels. Enjoy a traditional Jewish deli experience with classic dishes like latkes and blintzes.
Ess-A-Bagel
Ess-A-Bagel is a New York institution, with four locations throughout the city. They are known for their flavorful, puffy bagels and classic schmears. Watch the team bake the bagels behind the glass wall as you wait for your order.
Utopia
Utopia, a Queens staple, now has a sprawling location in Murray Hill. They offer a perfect balance of crispy crust and chewy interior.
Tal Bagels
Don't be fooled by the chain status of Tal Bagels, these bagels are known for their crispy crusts and classic flavors.
Absolute Bagels
This Upper West Side spot is a local favorite, known for their large, slightly doughy bagels.
Tompkins Square Bagels
Tompkins Square Bagels are known for their oversized, puffy bagels, with unique flavors like French toast. They also offer a wide selection of house-whipped cream cheeses, both savory and sweet.
The Verdict?
The best bagel in NYC is a matter of personal preference, but with so many great options to choose from, you're sure to find your perfect bagel no matter where you are in the city.
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