Bagels in Highland, NY hit differently. Maybe it’s the crisp Hudson Valley air, or maybe locals just know how to do a bake right. I remember the first time I strolled into a Highland bagel shop. There was a hum of early-morning conversation, the scent of fresh dough, and the quiet confidence of a place that lets its food do the talking. Whether you love a classic plain, a poppy-seed ring, or a loaded everything bagel, you’ll find something worth seeking out here.
Finding the best bagel in Highland isn’t a matter of luck but of knowing where to go. Over time, I’ve tasted piping hot sesame bagels eaten right on the sidewalk, tried inventive schmears, and heard locals argue over which spot reigns supreme. If you’re after a chewy, golden-crusted bagel, you’re in the right place. This list unpacks the top picks—some right in Highland, others a scenic drive away. Get ready to explore your next favorite breakfast spot.
Where to find the best bagels in Highland, NY
Here are some of the top spots to find the best bagels in Highland, NY:
- Bagels & Bites
- Bagel Bites
- Dunkin’
- New Paltz Bagel Cafe
- Eastdale Ave Bagels
- Rudy S Bagels Inc
- Bagel Brothers of Plattekill
- Bodacious Bagels
- Sisters
- Hopewell Hot Bagels
1. Bagels & Bites
Tucked right on US Highway 9W, Bagels & Bites is one of those places you stumble into and soon find yourself telling friends about. I remember biting into a warm, chewy sesame bagel here and realizing why locals keep coming back. The dough is dense, fresh, and has a slight snap with each bite.
Bagels & Bites stands out for its range of vegetarian and vegan options. The selection goes beyond the classic plain and everything bagels—try their sun-dried tomato bagel with veggie cream cheese for an extra punch. You’ll spot regulars grabbing takeout before work and families enjoying brunch at their tables.
If you’re new, start with their egg bagel paired with a house-made spread, or ask for a classic bagel sandwich. This spot is all about bold flavors and a friendly vibe.
2. Bagel Bites
Bagel Bites at 3497 US Highway 9W is proof that great bagels don’t need a fancy setting. I remember stopping here for a quick breakfast—just a basic plain bagel—and being surprised by how satisfying it was. The crust was golden, the interior just dense enough, and paired perfectly with their whipped cream cheese.
Prices hover below average, but you’d never know it from the quality. Bagel Bites keeps things simple and lets the bagels shine. You’ll find no-nonsense, generously-sized bagels and a relaxed, local crowd.
I highly recommend the everything bagel. For a little adventure, try it with scallion cream cheese or stacked up as a breakfast sandwich. It’s a Highland staple for good reason.
3. Dunkin’
Dunkin’ in Bridgeview Plaza is where Highland mornings often begin. I’ve dropped in here more times than I can count, whether I was headed to work or just craving a quick breakfast. The service is always brisk, and the place buzzes with caffeine-driven energy.
This Dunkin’ location is known for consistency. The bagels here are soft, lightly toasted, and perfect for on-the-go eating. If you’re not a morning person, their bagel sandwiches are a lifesaver—think egg and cheese on a classic plain bagel.
I usually grab a cinnamon raisin bagel with cream cheese. It’s familiar, comforting, and hits the spot every time. For quick service and reliable flavor, Dunkin’ delivers.
4. New Paltz Bagel Cafe
Just a quick drive from Highland, New Paltz Bagel Cafe is that spot you visit and immediately plan to return to. I remember picking up a bagel here after a hike—the bagel was still warm, its crust crisp and the inside soft and chewy.
The magic here is in the bagels’ freshness and the sheer variety of spreads. There’s something indulgent about enjoying an onion bagel with chive cream cheese while watching college students pass by. The atmosphere is always relaxed, which makes savoring your meal easy.
If you want a full meal, try a bagel with their veggie omelet filling. For purists, a simple sesame bagel is hard to beat. New Paltz Bagel Cafe knows how to make breakfast memorable.
5. Eastdale Ave Bagels
(845) 595-8711Call
Eastdale Ave Bagels in Poughkeepsie is worth the quick drive from Highland if you crave bagels that are as loyal to texture as they are to taste. My first bite of their poppy seed bagel was pure satisfaction—crisp on the outside, springy within, and never dry.
This place stands out for its small-batch approach and steady crowd of early risers. There’s a welcoming, bustling energy, whether you’re grabbing a dozen to go or settling in with a coffee.
If you want to try the local favorite, go for the egg bagel with vegetable cream cheese. Their cinnamon raisin bagels get high praise too. Every option here feels crafted with care, making it a must on any bagel crawl.
6. Rudy S Bagels Inc
(845) 463-2182Call
Rudy S Bagels Inc on Vassar Road feels like a hidden gem tucked into a busy part of Poughkeepsie. I remember stopping in on a rainy morning and being immediately welcomed by the aroma of bagels fresh from the oven. Parking is easy, and there’s plenty of space to relax if you want to linger over your breakfast.
These bagels are refreshingly old-school—hearty, chewy, and made with obvious care. Rudy S stands out for its generous servings and approachable prices, making it a favorite among regulars in the know.
Try the whole wheat bagel with a classic plain cream cheese or opt for a salt bagel if you crave something a bit different. This spot has all the makings of a true local staple.
7. Bagel Brothers of Plattekill
(845) 728-0460Call
Driving down State Route 32, you might miss Bagel Brothers of Plattekill—but you’d be missing out. My most memorable visit involved a garlic bagel that managed to be both crisp and soft, packed with lots of flavor.
What sets Bagel Brothers apart is their attention to detail and generous sizing. These bagels feel hearty in your hands, never skimpy, and come in a wide variety of classic flavors.
If you’re looking for something satisfying, try the everything bagel with veggie spread. It’s bold, filling, and just the right kind of messy. The friendly staff rounds out the experience, making this spot feel like a small-town secret worth sharing.
8. Bodacious Bagels
Bodacious Bagels in Stone Ridge is the kind of place that turns first-time visitors into regulars. My favorite memory here involves a cinnamon-raisin bagel so soft and fragrant, it barely made it out of the parking lot before being devoured.
Bodacious lives up to its name with bagels that are always fresh, thick, and satisfying. The shop buzzes with locals, and the cases are stacked with just-baked options that make decisions tough but rewarding.
Order the sesame bagel with scallion cream cheese for a classic combo, or ask what’s straight from the oven. Every choice reflects a style that’s generous, unpretentious, and made for true bagel fans.
9. Sisters
(845) 566-1620Call
Sisters on Baltsas Road is a quiet retreat with a reputation spread mostly by word of mouth. The first time I dropped in, the staff treated me as if I’d been coming for years—there’s real warmth to the welcome here.
Bagels at Sisters have a signature homemade touch—always pillowy with just the right chew. The shop itself feels cozy, almost tucked away, but you can sense the loyal following in every steady stream of locals.
Go for the everything bagel with a hefty smear of vegetable cream cheese. It’s satisfying, packed with flavor, and captures what Sisters does best: honest food made with care. Make time for this stop if you love classic, unfussy bagels.
10. Hopewell Hot Bagels
Hopewell Hot Bagels in Hopewell Junction is exactly what you want from a local bagel shop: friendly, efficient, and always filled with the smell of baked dough. I remember swinging by on a chilly morning and being handed a bagel that was still warm from the oven—simple, wholesome, and gone in minutes.
What sets Hopewell Hot Bagels apart is how fresh everything tastes. These bagels have a gently crisp shell and a soft, flavorful interior. You’ll spot regulars picking up orders for their whole family, which pretty much says it all.
Order the plain or poppy seed bagel with scallion cream cheese. It’s pure comfort food, done the way it should be—never overcomplicated, always reliable.
More Things to Try in Highland, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best bagel flavor in Highland, NY?
It depends on your taste, but classics like everything, sesame, and plain are always popular. Many local spots also serve standout egg and poppy seed bagels.
Are there any vegan or vegetarian bagel options in Highland?
Yes, several shops offer vegan bagels and plant-based spreads. Try Bagels & Bites for a great selection of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options.
Which places offer takeout or quick service?
Most bagel shops in and near Highland provide fast takeout. Dunkin’, Bagels & Bites, and New Paltz Bagel Cafe are especially quick for grab-and-go.
Any spots known for unique bagel sandwiches?
Bagel Bites and Eastdale Ave Bagels are praised for their inventive bagel sandwiches. Local favorites include breakfast bagels with egg, cheese, and fresh veggies.
What makes a bagel from Highland, NY different?
Most bagel shops here bake daily and use simple, fresh ingredients. Expect hearty, chewy bagels with a crisp exterior and flavors that let the dough shine.