If there’s any city that knows how to make a good bagel, it’s New York City. From the dough quality to the smoked salmon to the schmear flavor, a lot goes into making that ideal New York bagel. Since city folk basically live off of this stuff, and since you can’t go to the Big Apple and not get yourself a bagel or two, we’ve rounded up the best bagel shops in all of New York. You’re so very welcome.
Ess-A-Bagel (Midtown East)
When you think of a New York bagel, you’re probably thinking of an Ess-A-Bagel bagel. These monsters are enormous, and their puffed up dough has that perfectly crispy outside. As far as what to stuff your bagel with? They’ve got it all, from Banana Nut cream cheese to Oreo to Lox — the cream cheese flavors are endless. 831 3rd Ave., 212-980-1010, ess-a-bagel.com
Zabar’s (Upper West Side)
There are two routes to go at Zabar’s. The first being to order a freshly baked bagel (Asiago Cheese!), your choice of schmear (Scallion!), and some hand-sliced smoked fish (Gravlox with Dill Sauce!). The second being to grab an already-made Nova Sandwich from these guys. Whether you’ve got time or are in a rush, Zabar’s has your back. 2245 Broadway, 212-787-2000, zabars.com
Sadelle’s (SoHo)
Sadelle’s isn’t your typical New York bagel shop. In fact, it’s actually a full-service restaurant. And as you can probably imagine, a full-service restaurant that specializes in bagels knows how to make a good one. Sadelle’s gets artsy with its bagels, using ingredients like caraway, fennel, black seed, and barley-malt syrup to make up the doughy menu favorites. Patrons can enjoy their bagels with all the fixings (tomatoes, cucumbers, capers, onions, and an assortment of fish). 463 W. Broadway, 212-776-4926, sadelles.com
Tompkins Square Bagels (East Village)
The bagels here hold their own, but its Tompkins Square Bagels’ cream cheese game that really seals the deal. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chipotle Avocado, Pumpkin, Pear, Berry Berry… trust us… we could keep going. The Birthday Cake schmear is worth mentioning outside of that cream cheese list because it’s that darn good. Want something simple, like a cinnamon raisin bagel? That's also no problem at Tompkins Square Bagels. 156 Ave. A, 646-351-6520, tompkinssquarebagels.com
Russ & Daughters (Lower East Side)
If you’re a lover of lox, or really, any baked fish, then Russ & Daughters is the place to go. With 15 types of smoked salmon and whitefish, sturgeon, and sable galore, there’s never been a better place to get a fishy bagel… and we mean that in the best way possible. Caviar cream cheese is also a Russ & Daughters’ speciality you’ll want to try. 179 E Houston St., 212-475-4880, russanddaughters.com
The Bagel Store (Williamsburg)
The Bagel Store is the home of New York City’s famous Rainbow Bagel (you know, the one you saw take over your Instagram feed last year). There’s no need for toasting these colorful creations, so they’re served up cold, sliced, and packed with Funfetti Cream Cheese. It’s basically like eating cake for breakfast. Craving a bacon egg and cheese? They've got it here too. 754 Metropolitan Ave, 718-782-5856, thebagelstoreonline.com
Bagels on the Square (West Village)
Bagels on the Square is not skimpy on the fillings. Their shiny, hand rolled bagels are the perfect base for any of their loaded cream cheese options. We’re not exaggerating, be it their Strawberry Cream Cheese that’s topped with actual strawberries or their Bacon & Cheddar Cream Cheese that’s sprinkled with shredded cheese and crumbled bacon, these bagels are pure bliss. 7 Carmine St., 212-691-3041, bagelsonthesquarewestvillage.com
