Some mornings, the search for the perfect bagel feels as vital as your first cup of coffee. In Tarrytown, NY, the bagel landscape is both classic and quirky, where old-school delis compete with new favorites for your attention—and your appetite. If you’ve ever wandered down Main Street with a craving for a chewy, golden bagel, you know that choice is everywhere, but not every bagel is created equal.
Finding the best bagels in Tarrytown isn’t just a matter of following the crowds. Over the years, I’ve made it a point to taste-test my way across the local shops, comparing texture, freshness, and that slight crackle you get from a good bake. This list is the result of real curiosity and more than a few mornings spent with flour-dusted hands. If you want the inside scoop on where to find the most satisfying bagels—without the guesswork—keep reading. Every option on this list is spot-checked, tried, and worth finding.
1. The Bagel Emporium – Tarrytown
The Bagel Emporium – Tarrytown has a reputation that’s hard to ignore. Winning “Best Bagel of Westchester” seven times doesn’t just happen by accident. Every bagel here strikes that rare balance: chewy center, glossy crust, and an aroma that pulls you in before you even walk through the door.
My go-to order is their classic sesame bagel, toasted to just the right shade, topped with a generous schmear. Their veggie cream cheese is a statement all its own—sharp, fresh, and loaded with flavor. For a real meal, try their lox and bagel combo. Everything is made fresh daily, and the difference shows in each bite.
What sets them apart is their consistency and their willingness to offer options for everyone, from vegan to classic deli lovers. The Bagel Emporium makes it hard to stick to just one order.
2. Bagel Emporium of Tarrytown
Bagel Emporium of Tarrytown is a cornerstone for anyone serious about their breakfast. This spot boasts seven “Best Bagel of Westchester” titles, and each bite proves why. The aroma inside promises a fresh bagel, and they deliver every single time.
I’m partial to their whole wheat bagel with plain cream cheese—impossibly light, yet satisfyingly dense. If you want to make it a meal, their egg and cheese on an everything bagel is a classic move that never lets you down. The Menu has plenty for vegetarians and those who prefer plant-based options too.
Consistency is the secret here. Whether you’re taking bagels to a brunch or grabbing a solo breakfast, the quality always gives you more than you expect. Their catering and delivery makes life easier, too.
3. Dunkin’
Dunkin’ at 137 Wildey St brings a sense of dependable comfort to Tarrytown’s breakfast scene. Known for quick service and consistent quality, this spot is a go-to when you’re short on time but don’t want to skip a warm bite to start your day. Nothing quite matches the familiarity of their classic coffee aroma filling the car on a busy morning.
Their bagels are soft, lightly toasted, and come in all the essential varieties. I like to keep it simple with an everything bagel and a cup of their signature coffee—perfect if you’re on the move or need breakfast that’s predictably solid. Dunkin’ stands out for reliability and speed, no matter the rush.
If you’re craving a bit more, their bagel sandwiches offer a filling start without fuss. This place is made for convenience, but never at the expense of taste.
4. Einstein Bros Bagels
Einstein Bros Bagels has a knack for turning a basic breakfast into something memorable. This spot is all about fresh bagels with a dash of creativity—ideal if you crave variety in the morning. Step inside and you’re hit with the scent of bagels just out of the oven, a promise in the form of aroma.
On my last visit, I went for their classic asiago bagel with garden veggie shmear—warm, cheesy, and not afraid of a bold flavor. Their menu is full of playful twists, including bagel sandwiches and a spread selection that invites mixing things up.
Einstein Bros stands out for its modern take on tradition and friendly service. If you’re looking for a break from the ordinary, their selection will keep you coming back.
5. Neftali Inc
(845) 727-7257Call
Neftali Inc is a quiet gem for bagel fans who find themselves in Nyack. This spot isn’t busy with hype, but the quality speaks for itself every visit. The staff serves with a steady hand and friendly nod; you feel like a regular within minutes.
My favorite here is the poppy seed bagel, sliced warm with a heaping scoop of scallion cream cheese. Their bagels are pleasingly dense and have just the right amount of chew, making simple flavors shine.
For those after a heartier bite, try a bagel piled with egg and cheese—a morning staple done right. The atmosphere is relaxed, the food is honest, and Neftali Inc gives you a reason to take your breakfast slow.
6. Bagel Lover
(914) 674-4828Call
There’s something welcoming about Bagel Lover on Cedar Street, a place where the bagels are always fresh and the pace is never rushed. This shop has earned its steady following by focusing on quality and friendly service with every order. Each visit feels cozy, almost like stopping into a neighbor’s kitchen for breakfast.
I’m particularly drawn to their cinnamon raisin bagel, toasted just enough for the edges to crisp. Spread with plain cream cheese, it’s a simple treat that captures why people keep coming back. Their plain and everything bagels are also solid, with a nicely balanced chew and flavor.
If variety is your thing, you’ll find plenty here. Bagel Lover isn’t showy—it’s reliable, warm, and just what a good bagel shop should be.
7. The Bagel Oven Inc
The Bagel Oven Inc in White Plains caters to anyone who appreciates a classic New York bagel without fuss or frills. What sets this shop apart is its straightforward dedication to making fresh, affordable bagels in a friendly, no-nonsense deli atmosphere. It’s a place that feels old-school in all the right ways.
I have a soft spot for their pumpernickel bagel, which packs a subtle depth and is perfect paired with a vegetable cream cheese. The bagels here lean thicker and chewier, echoing classic deli roots.
The Bagel Oven Inc makes breakfast uncomplicated and dependable, whether you’re grabbing a dozen for the office or just your usual. This is where you go when you want a traditional bagel done right.
8. David’s Bagels
David’s Bagels in Valley Cottage delivers on the essentials: bagels with personality, fresh spreads, and warm service. This place understands that a great bagel starts with a genuine bake, not a shortcut. From the moment you step in, you feel the buzz of locals who know good bread when they taste it.
I can’t resist their everything bagel, generously coated in seasoning with the right crunch on the outside and a satisfying softness in the middle. Paired with their whipped cream cheese, it’s a textbook example of what a New York bagel should be.
David’s Bagels is a reliable stop for anyone seeking tradition with every bite. Their style is straightforward: quality first and always.
9. Bruegger’s
(914) 948-5344Call
Bruegger’s has carved out a place as a dependable stop for bagel aficionados looking for a blend of comfort and variety. This spot knows how to make a bagel breakfast feel like a small morning event, with a menu that covers both the basics and a few inspired house specials.
On my last visit, the salt bagel with light garden veggie cream cheese was a standout—crisp edges and just enough tang from the schmear. The staff is friendly and works with a steady pace, so the lines move quickly even at rush hours.
If you want a change from classic plain, Bruegger’s rotating specialty bagels are always worth a try. The shop delivers consistency, warmth, and a reason to look forward to breakfast.
10. Briar Bagel & More
Briar Bagel & More isn’t just a bagel stop—it’s a gathering place for breakfast regulars and newcomers alike. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it’s easy to settle in and enjoy a relaxed start to your day. The deli menu also makes it a versatile spot, whether you’re craving something simple or a full plate.
I’m partial to their multi-grain bagel, which arrives fresh and has the earthy flavor you want in a hearty breakfast. For a satisfying lunch, the bagel with egg and cheese is a local favorite for a reason.
Briar Bagel & More stands out thanks to its welcoming atmosphere, attentive service, and bagels that hit the sweet spot between dense and chewy. This is where you come for bagels—and stay for everything else.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a great bagel in Tarrytown?
A great bagel in Tarrytown starts with a crisp crust and a chewy, flavorful center. Freshness matters—many local shops bake new batches throughout the morning, so you rarely get anything less than peak quality.
Which shops offer vegan or vegetarian bagel options?
Several Tarrytown favorites, like The Bagel Emporium and Bagel Emporium of Tarrytown, provide vegan and vegetarian spreads and toppings, so plant-based bagel lovers have plenty of choices.
Are there gluten-free bagel options in Tarrytown?
Some bakeries and cafes offer gluten-free selections, but availability can vary. It’s best to call ahead to find out if your shop of choice has gluten-free bagels ready.
Can I get bagels delivered in Tarrytown?
Most popular bagel shops in the area, including The Bagel Emporium, work with delivery platforms like Uber Eats and Grubhub. Perfect for an easy breakfast at home.
What are the most popular bagel flavors in Tarrytown?
Everything, sesame, plain, and cinnamon raisin top the list of local favorites. Specialty bagels rotate often, so regulars find something new to try next time.