Where to eat the best bagels in New York?

January 20, 2025 New York Info Comments Off

The bagels in New York are extremely popular and are among the best bagels in the world. And no breakfast or lunch in New York is complete without bagels. There is a bagel shop on every street, but not every freshly baked bagel tastes the same. And with so many great bagel shops in one city, it can be difficult to find the best and tastiest bagel. That is why we have put together a list of the best bagel shops in New York in this blog.

Bagels in New York

Bagels in New York are associated with Jewish-American cuisine and are one of the city’s most iconic dishes. New York is also one of the cities where the most bagels are eaten every year. An average New Yorker eats about 111 bagels per year.

Why are bagels better in New York?

There is a myth that New York’s bagels are the best bagels because of the quality of the city’s local tap water. Because the bagels in New York are first boiled in water and then baked. This way of making bagels gives the bagels a crispy outside and is therefore also softer on the inside.

How do New Yorkers eat their bagels?

In New York you can choose from many different types of bagels with different types of toppings, but the New Yorker prefers to eat his or her bagel with smoked salmon and a layer of cream cheese.

Where can you eat the best bagels in New York?

In New York everything is the best of the best. And the bagels in most bagel shops are of very good quality and very tasty, but not every bagel tastes the same and every bagel shop has its own specialty. And if you are really looking for the tastiest bagels in New York, then you should definitely eat a bagel at one of the bagel shops below during your city trip to New York.

1. Russ & Daughters

Russ & Daughters is a beloved Jewish deli that has been around since 1914. And Russ & Daughters are some of the best and tastiest bagels in New York. And almost every day there is a long line in front of the door with New Yorkers and tourists coming to get a bagel. It is especially busy during lunch time. Fortunately, Russ & Daughters has expanded considerably over the years and has several locations in New York. But the original store on the Lower East Side at 179 E Houston Street is highly recommended.

2. Absolute Bagels

Absolute Bagels on the Upper West Side is a bagels shop where you can also buy very tasty bagels. And according to residents of the Upper West Side, the bagels are even the tastiest bagels in New York. The bagels are a bit on the small side, but they are always super fresh and usually come straight from the oven. The bagels from Absolute Bagels are so popular that there is almost always a long queue in front of the door every day, but it is really worth the wait. You can find the Absolute Bagels bagel shop on the Upper West Side at 2788 Broadway.

3. Ess-a-Bagel

Ess-a-Bagel first opened in Midtown Manhattan in 1976, and from then on the popularity of their bagels in New York skyrocketed. They even won several awards, including the title of “Best Bagel in the Tri State Area.” Unfortunately, you have to be patient to taste a deliciously light and generously filled bagel from Ess-a-Bagel, because there is almost always a long queue in front of the door, but Ess-a-Bagel is a must-do for anyone who the real New York bagel experience. Ess-A-Bagel has several locations in New York, but the bagel shop in Midtown at 831 3rd Ave is highly recommended and worth a visit.

4. Bo's Bagels

Harlem in New York used to be one of the least safe neighborhoods in New York, but this part of New York is now a lot safer and definitely worth a visit. And if you’re taking a walk through Harlem, grab a bagel at Bo’s Bagels. This bagel shop opened in 2017 and with their proven baking methods they produce some of the best bagels in New York City. The bagels are slightly smaller than standard bagels in New York, and they are not baked immediately, but kept in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, the bagels are boiled for two minutes before baking, resulting in a crispy outside and a chewy inside. You can find Bo’s Bagels in Harlem at 35 W 116th St.

5. Tompkins Square Bagels

New York’s Tompkins Square Park is virtually unknown to tourists, but definitely worth a visit. And just steps from the park you will find Tompkins Square Bagels. This bagel shop is the place to go if you’re craving bagel sandwiches at lunch. The bagels are large, fluffy and downright irresistible and they are freshly baked until 1 p.m. You can find Tompkins Square Bagels in the East Village and Union Square at 165 Avenue A, 184 2nd Avenue and at 23 East 17th St.

6. Black Seed Bagels

Black Seed Bagels opened its first bagel shop in New York in 2014. But they now have several branches in the city and their bagels are very popular with tourists in New York, but many locals also like to get a bagel there during their lunch . Black Seed Bagels’ bagels are made with baking techniques from Montreal and are thinner than traditional New York bagels. You can find Black Seed Bagels in various neighborhoods of New York, but the Bagel shop in the Chelsea Market at 425 West 15th Street is highly recommended and worth a visit.

How expensive is a bagel in New York?

Most bagels in New York are larger and thicker than in other parts of the world. And the most popular bagels in New York with cream cheese and smoked salmon cost about $4. And for that price you really have a delicious New York Bagel that you will really enjoy.

What is the oldest bagel shop in New York?

There are many Bagel shops in New York and most of them have been around for a long time, but the oldest bagel shop in New York is Russ & Daughters on the Lower East Side at 179 E Houston Street. The family business was founded in 1914 and has been baking more than 5,000 Bagels every day in New York for more than 100 years.

Special offers for a city trip to New York

Are you going on a city trip to New York and would you like to visit a number of sights and attractions, then take advantage of the offers below!