If you want a bagel in Manhattan, you aren’t just after a round piece of bread. You’re chasing a local ritual shaped by crust, crumb, and the hypnotic whirr of a dough hook at dawn. The city’s best bagels don’t hide under thick toppings or fancy tricks. Their real flavor lives in that first bold bite—the snap, the chew, the trace of malt in the dough.
I’ve had mornings spent balancing a still-warm bagel on a city sidewalk, cream cheese tucked between sesame seeds and city noise. There’s nothing quite like tracing Manhattan’s avenues in search of a bagel that gets everything right. You’ll find no shortage of places making claims, but I’ve walked, sampled, and asked locals what keeps them coming back. Here’s the guide you need to discover the finest bagels in Manhattan, where skill and tradition make every bite count.
Where to find the best bagels in Manhattan, NY
Here are some of the top spots to find the best bagels in Manhattan, NY:
- Best Bagel and Coffee
- Ess-a-Bagel
- Liberty Bagels Midtown
- Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company
- Pick A Bagel
- Bagels & Schmear
- Ess-a-Bagel, Inc.
- Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish
- Leo’s Bagels
- Russ & Daughters
1. Best Bagel and Coffee
It’s hard to miss the line curling out onto West 35th in the morning—the kind of queue that only happens for something worth eating. Best Bagel and Coffee delivers exactly what it advertises: hand-rolled bagels with a golden crust and tender center, made right on the premises. There’s nothing rushed or pre-packed about them; you taste it from the first bite.
One foggy morning, I grabbed a sesame bagel with scallion cream cheese, the warmth of the bread still clouding the air. The texture—crispy, then chewy—sets this spot apart in a city filled with pretenders. If you’re feeling ambitious, try the classic egg and cheese or a smoked salmon sandwich. They don’t skimp on fillings, and the flavors ring true.
Order ahead to avoid the crowd, but don’t skip the fresh bagel options. At Best Bagel and Coffee, quality never takes a back seat, no matter how busy they get.
2. Ess-a-Bagel
Ess-a-Bagel doesn’t just make bagels—they set the standard. Step through their door on 3rd Avenue and you’re hit by the scent of freshly baked dough, bold and unmistakable. The bagels here are thick, hand-rolled, and always generous, with a pillowy inside and a crackling crust that New Yorkers know to expect.
My go-to order is a whole wheat bagel piled high with chive cream cheese and fresh tomatoes. The balance is spot on: a perfect chew and an honest, full flavor that never feels overdone. Their smoked salmon option is a city classic—the fish silky, the bagel sturdy enough to hold it all together.
Ess-a-Bagel’s sheer variety and old-school charm keep people coming back. This is the place for anyone seeking a true New York bagel experience.
3. Liberty Bagels Midtown
Liberty Bagels Midtown isn’t trying to reinvent the bagel—they’re perfecting it. Hand-rolled, kettle boiled, and baked fresh each day, their bagels capture everything you want from a classic New York bite. The aroma alone pulls you in before you even spot the glass cases stacked with options.
I once grabbed a rainbow bagel with plain cream cheese on a gray Manhattan morning, and it made the whole city seem lighter. That first bite, soft but dense, with a satisfying crust, set the tone for the day. Their everything bagel with veggie cream cheese is another strong bet—balanced flavors without being overdone.
Pair a bagel with one of their breakfast sandwiches if you’re really hungry. Quality, consistency, and a bit of Midtown buzz are what keep locals coming back.
4. Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company
Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company brings a neighborhood feel to Manhattan’s bagel scene. Each bagel here is hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, and given a slow bake, yielding an amazing crunch that gives way to a chewy, flavorful core. You’ll notice the difference before you even finish your first bite.
Weekend mornings here start with a coffee brewed from their own single-origin Colombian beans and a classic everything bagel. The bagels are oversized, sporting a glossy finish, generous seeds, and that signature tug you expect from a real New York bagel. The scallion cream cheese is a personal favorite—fresh, bright, and slathered on thick.
Try smoked salmon or a veggie-packed egg sandwich if you want to see how well their bagels stand up to hearty fillings. Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company gets all the basics right—and somehow manages to make them just a bit better.
5. Pick A Bagel
Pick A Bagel makes decisions easy for anyone craving a genuine New York bagel. The first time I wandered in, the fresh bagel aroma turned my detour into a daily ritual. They roll their bagels thick, soft inside with just the right glossy crust—you’ll spot them stacked high behind the counter.
Choose an onion or salt bagel paired with a sharp scallion or veggie cream cheese. The customization is a highlight here; every bagel gets made to order and generously filled, so you never have to compromise.
If you’re feeling classic, try a freshly baked plain bagel with lox and tomato. The staff keeps things moving fast, but nobody rushes the details. Pick A Bagel is where you get exactly what you came for: a classic, satisfying start at any hour.
6. Bagels & Schmear
Bagels & Schmear is a hidden gem where the bagels taste homemade and the vibe feels friendly. Many spots in Manhattan are all about speed, but here you can take a beat, watch bakers work, and breathe in the aroma of dough on the rise. Each bagel is boiled, baked, and served fresh throughout the day, so you’ll never get one that’s been sitting around.
I dropped by on a drizzly afternoon and tried a cinnamon raisin bagel with walnut raisin cream cheese. The flavors were bold without being sugary, while the bagel itself had that ideal chew you don’t forget. Their sunrise egg sandwich is another standout: rich, flavorful, and generous with filling.
If you like your bagel traditional but crave something extra, this is the spot. Bagels & Schmear delivers comfort without shortcuts.
7. Ess-a-Bagel, Inc.
Ess-a-Bagel, Inc. in Gramercy isn’t just a bakery—it’s an institution built on decades of tradition. Every hand-rolled bagel carries a bit of history, and each bite feels like you’re tasting the city itself. The texture is faultless: dense, chewy, and perfectly baked every time.
The first time I visited, the classic sesame bagel with vegetable cream cheese was my pick. It was fresh, loaded with flavor, and held together from first to last bite. Their menu features a generous spread of cream cheeses, salads, and smoked fish, so there’s always something new to try.
If you’re after something classic but want top-tier quality, order the egg bagel with scallion cream cheese or opt for the lox spread. Ess-a-Bagel, Inc. makes the kind of bagel that justifies every bit of its reputation.
8. Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish
Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish excels at mixing old New York charm with sharp attention to detail. Every bagel here is hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, and baked daily, and it’s that daily ritual that brings regulars back. The shop’s commitment to quality goes beyond the bagels, too—they team up with names like Acme Smoked Fish and La Colombe Coffee for consistently great ingredients.
I stopped in for a poppy seed bagel with hand-sliced smoked salmon, a smear of whipped cream cheese, and a sprinkle of red onion. The balance between salty, creamy, and chewy was just right; you can tell every element is chosen with care.
Try their classic smoked salmon sandwich or go for a bagel with veggie cream cheese if you want something simple. Zucker’s brings thoughtful touches to every classic and delivers a bite of true Manhattan every time.
9. Leo’s Bagels
Leo’s Bagels has become a Lower Manhattan mainstay for good reason. Their bagels come out hot and glossy, with a wonderfully chewy interior and a flavor that doesn’t need dressing up. The shop itself feels like a nod to old-school New York, but the energy is pure downtown.
The first time I visited, I went for a classic—plain bagel with scallion cream cheese and lots of fresh vegetables layered on top. It was hearty, full of fresh flavor, and kept its structure until the last bite. Leo’s piles on toppings, never skimping on freshness or quality.
If you want to lean into tradition, try the pumpernickel bagel with lox spread. No fuss, just a perfect bagel that reflects what Leo’s does best.
10. Russ & Daughters
Russ & Daughters is the kind of Manhattan landmark that inspires loyalty across generations. Every visit is grounded in tradition, with counters full of hand-rolled bagels and glistening smoked fish ready to be piled high. There’s nothing flashy here—the place feels both classic and welcoming, holding tight to the city’s culinary roots.
The first time I stepped in, I had a bagel with their famous smoked salmon and a scoop of horseradish-dill cream cheese. The flavors are layered and nuanced, blending the sharp and the creamy in one memorable bite. Each bagel is made to order and their textures hold up remarkably, even under the lushest toppings.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try their everything bagel with whitefish salad, or go simple with a poppy seed and scallion cream cheese. Russ & Daughters continues to define what makes a New York bagel experience unforgettable.
More Things to Try in Manhattan, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a New York bagel different?
A real New York bagel is hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, and baked, which gives it a crisp exterior and a dense, chewy inside. The unique texture and taste come from the method and the city’s water.
Can I find vegan or gluten-free bagels in Manhattan?
Yes. Many bagel shops now offer vegan spreads and gluten-free bagel options. Just ask or check the menu—most have a separate section.
When is the best time to buy bagels in Manhattan?
Early mornings are prime. Bagels are freshest right out of the oven, but most popular spots keep baking throughout the day.
Is it common to get a bagel with smoked fish in NYC?
Absolutely. Bagels with smoked salmon (often called lox), whitefish salad, or other smoked fish are Manhattan staples, especially at longtime institutions.
What’s the classic way to order a bagel in Manhattan?
The classic order? An everything or plain bagel with cream cheese. For something more filling, add tomato, onion, and, if you like, smoked salmon.