Finding the best bagels in New York City isn’t just a quest—it’s a rite of passage. Stand at any busy corner at sunrise and you’ll spot neighbors cradling warm paper bags, each holding out hope for the ideal combination of crisp crust and chewy center. I still remember the first time I took on the city’s bagel circuit, aiming to decipher the difference between legendary places and hyped-up imitations. What I discovered: no two NYC bagels are the same, and the hunt is half the fun.
This guide leads you straight past the hit-or-miss, right to the good stuff. You’ll find classic names, cult favorites, and maybe a neighborhood spot you haven’t heard about yet. Every bagel shop listed here has earned its spot—some with secrets handed down for generations, others with a modern twist that somehow just works. Ready for the real New York bagel experience? Let’s dig in and see which spot will become your new favorite.
Where to find the best bagels in New York City, NY
Here are some of the top spots to find the best bagels in New York City, NY:
- Best Bagel and Coffee
- Liberty Bagels Midtown
- Ess-a-Bagel
- Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company
- Pick A Bagel
- Bagels & Schmear
- Ess-a-Bagel, Inc.
- Leo’s Bagels
- Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish
- Russ & Daughters
1. Best Bagel and Coffee
When you walk into Best Bagel and Coffee, it’s the aroma—fresh dough, toasted sesame, sharp scallion cream cheese—that grabs you. This spot feels like the upbeat, bustling heart of Midtown. Grab a seat by the window and watch the city wake up, bagel in hand.
What sets this place apart? Each bagel gets its chewy center and slightly blistered crust from slow, careful hand-rolling. Options range from classic plain to everything bagels that pack real flavor. The veggie cream cheese is a must-try; it’s smooth and loaded with crisp, fresh bites.
For a real taste of their style, go for the smoked salmon bagel. The bright layers of fish, tangy capers, and thick-cut tomato turn a simple breakfast into something memorable. Lunch, breakfast, or just a pick-me-up—it always hits the mark.
2. Liberty Bagels Midtown
Stepping into Liberty Bagels Midtown is like walking into a celebration of classic New York flavor. There’s a bustle here—lines move fast, and the staff has perfected efficiency while still serving up bagels with personality. I once stopped in during a rainy morning commute and left convinced I’d found Midtown’s best-kept secret.
What makes Liberty Bagels stand out? Every bagel is hand rolled, kettle boiled, and baked fresh daily—no shortcuts, just serious skill. Try their rainbow bagel for fun, or stick with onion for a deeper bite. Their unique cream cheese flavors, especially the scallion, add an undeniable twist.
Order the egg and cheese bagel sandwich if you want something hearty. The balance of chewy, golden crust with melty, savory goodness sums up what Liberty does so well: authentic taste that fills you up and keeps you coming back.
3. Ess-a-Bagel
+1 212-980-1010
Ess-a-Bagel has a kind of old-school charm that’s hard to forget. Walking in on a busy morning, you’ll see regulars who swear by its oversized bagels and thickly slathered spreads. I still remember my first encounter—standing wide-eyed at the counter, hit by the warm, yeasty aroma and faced with rows of golden bagels.
Ess-a-Bagel stands out for its size and texture. These bagels are hefty, chewy, and always fresh. The team behind the counter gives each order real attention, turning basic breakfast into a bit of an event.
If you’re curious about the essentials, order the classic lox and cream cheese on an everything bagel. The briny lox, silky cheese, and crunchy topping perfectly show off Ess-a-Bagel’s signature style—bold, generous, and authentically New York.
4. Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company
Walking into Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company, the scent of warm bagels and rich coffee hits you right away. This spot feels like a pillar in the neighborhood, drawing locals and newcomers into its cheerful buzz. On my first visit, the staff guided me through their mountain of options with a friendliness that’s hard to find elsewhere.
What puts this company in a league of its own? The perfect texture. Each bagel is hand rolled and kettle boiled, giving a signature crunch followed by a soft, satisfying chew. The homemade cream cheese varieties are thick, creamy, and interesting—from scallion to sun-dried tomato.
For a snapshot of their ethos, try the everything bagel with vegetable cream cheese. It’s fresh, flavorful, and gives you that Brooklyn bite with every mouthful. Pair it with their Colombian coffee for an experience that feels both classic and comforting.
5. Pick A Bagel
Pick A Bagel is the place I turn to when I need a quick fix and refuse to compromise on quality. The spread of bagels always seems endless, and the counter staff move like a well-oiled machine, even during the lunch rush. You’ll spot regulars here—proof that this isn’t just a tourist pit stop.
What truly makes it shine is the variety. Choices span from classic sesame to more playful options, all with that perfect New York consistency: a crisp bite followed by tender chew. The range of spreads and toppings gives you the freedom to customize each visit.
If you want a safe bet, order a pumpernickel bagel with scallion cream cheese. The deep, nutty flavor and fresh, zesty spread capture why Pick A Bagel remains a local staple, day or night.
6. Bagels & Schmear
There’s a warmth to Bagels & Schmear that hits you before you even step inside. The glass cases are packed with fresh bagels and colorful schmears, and the staff has a knack for keeping lines moving without ever acting rushed. My first order felt almost custom-made, thanks to their friendly guidance.
This spot stands out for the sheer freshness of everything—bagels still warm, cream cheese whipped to perfection, and toppings that taste like they were prepped that morning. It all gives the impression of a small-batch bakery, even though the place is always busy.
Curious where to begin? Try a sesame bagel with their fresh vegetable schmear. The result is a crunchy, creamy blend that highlights exactly why Bagels & Schmear has a devoted following among true New Yorkers.
7. Ess-a-Bagel, Inc.
Ess-a-Bagel, Inc. isn’t just a shop—it’s practically a New York institution, with a loyal crowd that’s returned since the ’70s. The Gramercy location has a sense of nostalgia woven into the fabric of its busy mornings. The memory of my first visit—standing in line among lifelong fans, anticipation building—always makes me crave a return trip.
The bagels themselves are why the legend endures: hand-rolled, substantial in weight, chewy yet soft. There’s pride in every batch, and the array of spreads and toppings adds to the allure.
Try an everything bagel with their scallion cream cheese and tomato for a classic Ess-a-Bagel experience. The balance of flavors and textures showcases exactly why this spot has remained a top choice among bagel aficionados for decades.
8. Leo’s Bagels
Leo’s Bagels has the steady hum of a local favorite, especially during the Financial District’s early morning rush. The staff are brisk yet friendly, making sure you get exactly what you want while keeping the line snappy. My first visit, tucked into a booth, was a lesson in how a quick bite can brighten your whole day.
What makes Leo’s unique is the balance—bagels that are neither too doughy nor too tough, with a perfect outer crunch. The menu covers the classics, but it’s the attention to detail that keeps people coming back for repeat orders.
If you’re aiming for the essential Leo’s experience, order a bialy with scallion cream cheese. The combination is simple but quietly exceptional, and it reflects Leo’s commitment to doing the basics, and doing them well.
9. Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish
Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish has the rare mix of classic and creative you only find in the best New York bagel shops. The glass case always seems to show off trays of hand-rolled bagels and glistening smoked fish, making every visit feel like a treat. On a cold Midtown morning, their bright, bustling shop was just the kind of reprieve I needed.
What elevates Zucker’s is the quality of its ingredients. Their bagels are satisfyingly chewy, while everything from the smoked fish to the coffee feels carefully selected and fresh. It’s this attention to detail that keeps regulars loyal.
Go for the classic smoked salmon on a pumpernickel bagel. The balance of salty, smoky, and nutty flavors showcases Zucker’s talent for turning a simple meal into something unmistakably New York.
10. Russ & Daughters
Russ & Daughters is a Lower East Side mainstay where tradition meets pure taste. This is the sort of place where every bite tells a story. The first time I stood in line here, the crowd seemed just as diverse as the spread behind the counter—a true New York gathering over bagels, lox, and laughter.
The shop stands out for its smoked fish and bagels, honed over generations. Their offerings feel almost ceremonial in their freshness and presentation—each item is chosen carefully and assembled with skill. There’s a sense that you’re tasting history with every order.
If you want the Russ & Daughters moment, try their classic bagel with Gaspe Nova smoked salmon and scallion cream cheese. It’s a balance of lush, smoky, and bright flavors that explains why this spot remains a city icon.
More Things to Try in New York City, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes New York City bagels different from others?
NYC bagels are famous for their unique texture—a chewy interior with a crisp outside. It’s all about the hand-rolling, kettle-boiling, and baking methods used by most classic shops around the city.
What should I order at a New York bagel shop?
Go for an everything, sesame, or pumpernickel bagel. Pair it with scallion or veggie cream cheese for the classic experience. Many locals love a smoked salmon bagel with tomato and capers.
Are there vegan or gluten-free options at New York City bagel shops?
Yes. Most top shops now offer vegan spreads and gluten-free bagels. Always ask the staff—they’re usually happy to help customize your order.
Can I find kosher bagels in NYC?
Absolutely. Many legendary shops, like Ess-a-Bagel and Russ & Daughters, offer kosher options. Just check with the specific location to confirm.
Is it possible to get bagels delivered in NYC?
Most major bagel shops offer delivery and even catering, either through their websites or popular apps. Fresh bagels can reach you anywhere in the city.