Arguing between where to get the best bagel in NYC is a never-ending feud responsible for ending friendships, cutting off family members, and yes, different plans for Sunday mornings.
And similar to their favorite pizza joint, New Yorkers are very passionate about where to get the best bagel in NYC. From their local bodega to the iconic Tompkins Square Bagel, there are some places in the city that withstand the test of time!
Whether you’re craving a B.E.C or looking for a little Sunday hangover cure, look no further! We’ve put together a list of some of the best bagel shops around NYC serving deliciousness. Check them out below:
1. Ess-a-Bagel, Multiple Locations
Coming in at first is none other than Ess-a-Bagel. Serving up fluffy and delicious bagels, this fan favorite was first established in 1976. Since then, the chain has multiple locations across Manhattan so if you haven’t tried it, go check them out!
Where:
Midtown – 831 3rd Ave
Herald Square – 108 W 32nd St
StuyTown – 324 1st Ave
2. Brooklyn Bagel, Multiple Locations
This shop guarantees that glutenous chew every NYer is looking for in their bagel. Whether you’re ordering a schmear or one of their signature sandwiches, you honestly can’t go wrong with any choice. We highly recommend one of their rainbow bagels pictured above that are perfect for a cute Instagram flick!
Where: Various Locations
3. Absolute Bagels, Upper West Side
From endless cream cheese options to homemade bagels hand-rolled to perfection, this UWS spot is definitely worth the trip. As you can probably tell from above, their “Everything Bagels” are literally everything and are easily our biggest recommendation. Feel free to add fix-ins too to make it complete, but nothing beats a simple order either!
Where: 2788 Broadway
4. Tompkins Square Bagels, East Village
With an everlasting menu of house sandwiches and specials, you could walk into Tompkins Square Bagels everyday and order something new each time. And although it’s becoming one of the East Village’s most popular spots thanks to TikTok, this neighborhood shop is truly a cult favorite and serves some of the best bagels around!
Where: 165 Avenue A, New York
5. Tal Bagels, Multiple Locations (mainly UES)
From ooey-gooey cheese to piled high lox, Tal Bagels has been a common NY name since ’88. Most of the Tal Bagels locations reside in the Upper East Side but they do boast a Midtown and Downtown location too!
Where:
Upper East Side – 333 E 86th St/ 1228 Lexington Ave (two locations)
Lower East Side: 357 1st Ave
Midtown: 977 1st Ave
6. Zucker’s, Multiple Locations
Originally founded in Tribeca, Zucker’s has been hand-rolling and kettle boiling their bagels since the very beginning. Partnered with Acme Smoked Fish, La Colombe Coffee, Guss’ Pickles and more, Zucker’s works each day to provide top notch quality made with the best ingredients.
Where: Find your nearest location here
7. Leo’s Bagels, FiDi
Whether you’re looking for a bialy, cinnamon raisin, everything bagel or more, you can find them all at Leo’s—even health grain and gluten free options!
Where: 3 Hanover Square, New York
8. Bagel Pub, Brooklyn
This Brooklyn favorite can be found at different locations across the borough. Beyond their mouthwatering bagels, they also serve paninis, wraps, salads and more!
Where: Various Locations
9. Russ & Daughters, LES
Renowned throughout New York as an iconic city staple, this family-run Jewish deli is known for it’s incredible bagels and lox.
Where: 179 E Houston St, New York
10. Murray’s Bagels, Greenwich Village
Murrays Bagels has been operating under a process that has been passed on for generations focused on bringing spectacular bagels to New Yorkers year after year. Go and try them for yourself!
Where: 500 6th Ave, New York
11. Utopia Bagels, Whitestone
Order their Action Bronson Dolphin Sandwich with thick beef salami, melted American cheese, pickled jalepeños, mayo, and roasted chili pepper hot sauce on a sesame bagel.
Where: 1909 Utopia Pkwy, Queens
12. H & H Bagels, Multiple Locations
For nearly 50 years H & H Bagels has been using the same methods consisting of proofing, kettle-boiling, a cold water bath, and baking on a burlap covered wood board on vintage revolving trays ovens. Hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! You might even recognize it from Seinfeld, The Office, Sex and the City, How I Met Your Mother, Entourage, Boy Meets Girl, or many others.
Where: 1551 2nd Ave (main location), more locations here
13. Pick-A-Bagel, Multiple Locations
With plenty of locations to choose from, you’re sure to have one near you to try!
Where: Find your nearest location here
14. Kossar’s, LES
Kossar’s on the LES has been around for almost a century. Set on tradition, this spot is the oldest Bialy bakery in the country!
Where: 367 Grand St, New York
15. Bo’s Bagels, Harlem
Bo’s Bagels began as a small stand and has since turned into a booming bagel and bialy business.
Where: 235 W 116th St, New York
16. Liberty Bagels, Midtown & Jackson Heights
It’s no surprise why Liberty Bagels is one bagel spot that earned our Secret NYC stamp of approval, and it’s because the bagels are top-notch! We even love this place so much we’ve done collaborative SNYC bagels with them! But for now, we suggest stopping by to see what the talk is all about. The rolls are some of the freshest around and the options are plentiful.
Where:
Midtown – 260 W 35th St
Midtown – 5th Avenue, 16 E 58th St
Jackson Heights – 82-10 Roosevelt Ave, Queens