Looking for the best bagels in NYC? If so then I’ve got you covered. As someone born and raised in the city, bagels are practically in my DNA.
So, I know exactly where to go when that craving hits and you need a massive carb bomb of epic proportions. Whether you’re here for a quick weekend or just passing through, you don’t have time to waste on anything less than the real deal.
So, start strong with a classic lox sandwich from Russ & Daughters and don’t miss the iconic sesame at Murray’s Bagels.
But, there are tons of other bagel shops in New York City that are NYC bagel royalty. So, use this epic list to guide you and I promise that your taste buds will thank you.
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Table of Contents
1. Russ & Daughters
This one’s a classic! The classic lox with cream cheese, tomato, red onion, and capers is salty, creamy, bright, and just the right amount of indulgent.
The bagels are baked fresh, and the toppings are top-tier (they even have European salmon, which feels a bit fancy but totally worth trying).
I didn’t know pastrami-cured salmon was a thing but they have it here with goat cheese cream cheese, and honestly, it was incredible.
It does get crowded, especially on weekends, so going early helps. But trust me, it’s worth the wait. Start with the classic combo, and if you’re in the mood to experiment, there are some great surprises on the menu.
You can also head to their location inside the Jewish Museum (on the Upper East Side) if you’re looking for a more formal, sit-down experience.
2. Ess-a-Bagel
If you’re in the mood for something generous, this is a great place to start. The bagels are big, soft, and chewy with just the right amount of crust. And don’t even get my started on the smear of cream cheese which is basically heaven on Earth.
There are so many options it’s a little overwhelming at first (garlic, scallion, avocado, even tofu spreads), but you really can’t go wrong with anything.
My personal fave is the everything bagel with scallion cream cheese and tomato. Also, expect a wait during peak hours ( youmight stand in line for about 25 minutes), but it moves quickly and is absolutely worth it for some of the best bagels in NYC.
There’s some seating, but most people just grab and go. I like to grab mine and then eat in Grand Central since this bagel shop is nearby. You could also visit their awesome outpost at Time Out Market in DUMBO, Brooklyn.
3. Bagel Oasis
If you’re anywhere near Queens, make time for this one. Bagel Oasis is open 24 hours. So, you can get a great bagel whenever you want.
The bagels are fresh, with a nice golden crust and a soft, chewy middle. Their bacon, egg, and cheese on a plain bagel is a local favorite since it’s warm, satisfying, and a total NYC classic.
It’s not fancy, but that’s part of what makes it so good. Everything is also fresh, the service is quick, and the vibe is low-key. Worth the trip if you’re nearby or even if you’re not.
4. Terrace Bagels
This is the kind of place that locals quietly depend on and visitors wish they lived closer to. The bagels here are big, soft on the inside, and have just the right amount of chew.
It’s also a full deli, so you’ll find sandwiches, flat bagels, and lots of spread options. Try the cinnamon raisin bagel with walnut raisin cream cheese since it’s sweet, creamy, and surprisingly filling.
The bagels are usually displayed in large baskets behind the counter, giving the place a cozy, old-school feel.
There’s usually a line, especially on weekends, but it moves fast. There’s also a good amount of indoor seating if you want to eat there, though many people just grab and go. Everything is made fresh, and the place has a friendly, neighborhood feel.
5. Black Seed
Black Seed is home to Montreal-style bagels that are smaller, slightly sweet, and baked in a wood-fired oven.
The dough is hand-rolled and boiled in honey water, giving the crust a golden finish and the inside a nice, dense bite.
It’s a different texture than your typical New York bagel, but it holds up really well to flavorful toppings. Try their pastrami-spiced salmon on a sesame bagel with horseradish cream cheese. It’s bold, smoky, and delicious.
There was a bit of a wait after ordering, and yes, it’s a little pricey but worth it. They also offer gluten-free options, which is a nice bonus if you need it.
If you want to get a good deal, you can use the Too Good to Go app to order bagels. We like to go to their Chelsea Market location at off-peak times to avoid a wait.
6. Tompkins Square Bagels
If you’re looking for variety, this is the place. Tompkins Square Bagels has some of the most creative cream cheese flavors in the city, including birthday cake, bacon scallion, and even sun-dried tomato.
You can stick with something classic or try something completely unexpected, and both are solid choices. The bagels aren’t as dense or chewy as some others (like Ess-a-Bagel), but they’re still hearty and good for sandwiches.
The shop has a casual, colorful feel, with handwritten chalkboard menus and plenty of seating. If the weather’s nice, grab your bagel and head to the park across the street.
It’s a lovely way to start the day. Try their everything bagel with sun-dried tomato cream cheese if you want to make the most of one of the best bagels in New York City.
7. Liberty Bagel
Liberty Bagels is a great choice if you’re in Midtown and craving something freshly made and satisfying. The texture is just right, soft on the inside with a slight crisp on the outside and the selection of cream cheeses is creative but not overwhelming.
One great option is the jalapeño cheddar bagel with veggie cream cheese. It’s got just enough heat to keep things interesting without being too much.
The shop gets busy around lunch, and there’s often a line out the door. But, it moves quickly and orders come out fast.
Seating inside is limited, so if you see an empty table, grab it. Otherwise, take your bagel to go and enjoy it while walking through the city. It’s a nice little break from the chaos of Midtown.
8. Apollo Bagels
Apollo keeps things refreshingly simple, and that’s what makes it so good. There are no over-the-top toppings or complicated combos, just really well-made bagels with excellent texture and flavor.
They’re toasted just right, never too crunchy or dry, and have a soft, chewy center that holds up beautifully. The seasoning is also well-balanced. Not too salty and the bagels have a nice thickness that feels filling but not too heavy.
Try the smoked salmon with lemon-dill cream cheese on a plain or sesame bagel. It’s fresh, flavorful, and doesn’t need anything extra. There’s usually a line, especially during busy hours, but it moves quickly.
9. Knickerbocker Bagel
If you’re in Bushwick and want a good bagel, this place is the place to go. The bagels are hearty but not too heavy, with a nice crust on the outside and a soft, chewy center.
They keep things simple, but you’ll also find a few fun twists on the menu. One must-try is the pumpernickel bagel with tofu scallion cream cheese. It’s flavorful and surprisingly creamy, even if you’re not usually into tofu.
On weekdays, it’s usually easy to walk in and order without a wait. On weekends, you’ll likely wait around 30 minutes in line, plus another 5 to 10 minutes for your food, depending on what you get. But if you have the time, it’s definitely worth the wait.
10. Bo’s Bagels
Bo’s was born out of bagel frustration, thank goodness. The owners couldn’t find a great bagel in Harlem, so they made their own, and you can tell.
The Everything bagel is exceptional, with a generous layer of seasoning that adds flavor without overdoing it. The texture is exactly what you’d hope since it has a good chew, but not too dense.
One great option is the everything bagel with pastrami, egg, and cheese. It’s hearty, well-balanced, and makes a satisfying breakfast or lunch.
The shop has a friendly, neighborhood feel, and everything is made fresh. It’s a place that keeps people coming back, and once you try it, you’ll probably want to do the same.
11. Popup Bagels
PopUp Bagels has a unique approach to bagels in NYC. You pre-order three, six, or a dozen bagels and pick them up during a scheduled time frame.
No walk-ins, no cream cheese, and no seating, but somehow, none of that matters once you try them. The bagels have a crisp, golden crust and a soft, almost steamy interior that makes them feel fresh out of the oven.
Instead of cream cheese, they serve rotating flavored butter, and the sesame bagel with chimichurri butter is especially good. It’s herby, garlicky, and full of flavor.
Pickup is quick and easy, and with several locations across NYC, including the Upper East Side, Midtown, and Williamsburg, it’s pretty convenient too. If you like trying something a little different, this one’s worth planning ahead for.
12. David’s Bagels
David’s is a neighborhood classic with a surprisingly strong lineup. The bagels are fresh, the sandwiches are filling, and the pace is quick but never rushed.
If you’re not sure what to get, the sesame bagel with egg salad is a great place to start. It’s one of those quiet favorites. Nothing fancy, just a good, satisfying combo.
After all, the egg salad is creamy and nicely seasoned, and the bagel has that ideal chew without being too heavy. If you’re nearby and want something that tastes like a regular’s favorite, this is the perfect stop.
13. Bagels and Co.
Bagels and Co. is a great choice if you’re on the Upper East Side and want something fresh without the rush. The bagels are soft and fluffy with just the right crisp on the edges.
If you’re into sweeter bagels, the French toast bagel is a good one. Not too sweet, just enough. It pairs nicely with the maple walnut cream cheese, which is creamy, and a little nutty, making it indulgent but breakfast-friendly.
The interior has a clean, modern look, and the vibe is more relaxed than other spots, which makes for a nice, easy start to the day. If you’re really hungry, they also know how to make a proper New York-style sandwich.
14. Bagel Pub
Bagel Pub is known for its HUGE bagels and sandwiches. But it’s not just about portions. The bagels have a great chew and a solid crust, and they hold up well even when stacked with tons of toppings.
One favorite is the everything bagel with smoked salmon BLT, which is a mix of smoky, crisp, and creamy that’s worth sitting down for.
There’s a wide variety of bagels and spreads to choose from, so you’ve got options. Seating is easy to find, including a mezzanine level if you want to eat in, and the service is quick.
It’s also close to Penn Station, so it’s a convenient stop for takeout if you’re on the go and need to catch a train before enjoying one of the best bagels in NYC.
15. Shelsky’s of Brooklyn
Shelsky’s is where you go when you want more than just the best bagel in Brooklyn. It’s a full deli experience with some of the best-smoked fish around!
The whitefish salad, smoked salmon, and horseradish cream cheese are all full of flavor on their own. But, when paired together on a chewy, slightly toasted bialy? That’s something special.
Try the “Member of the Tribe” if you want the full experience. It’s rich, balanced, and feels like something made with real care.
Remember, this isn’t a grab-and-go kind of place. It’s the kind of spot you sit in for a while, take your time, and enjoy every bite. If you appreciate a classic New York deli with a thoughtful twist, this lace is absolutely worth visiting.
16. Utopia Bagels
Way up in Whitestone, Utopia serves bagels that feel like home. The bagels have a perfect crust on the outside, golden, blistered, just the right amount of crunch and a soft, fluffy inside that makes every bite feel like comfort food.
There’s a real warmth to this place. You can never go wrong with a sausage, egg, and cheese on a plain bagel. It’s simple, hot, and satisfying from the first bite. Even their plain bagels feel special here. If you’re in the area, this spot is absolutely worth a visit.
17. Greenberg’s Bagels
Greenberg’s feels like a true neighborhood spot, the kind of place where locals stop by in the morning and read the paper.
The bagels are hand-rolled, baked fresh daily, and have just the right balance of a crisp crust and soft, chewy inside. Everything is made to order, and their breakfast sandwiches come out hot, fresh, and thoughtfully made.
Try the sesame bagel with jalapeño cream cheese and avocado. It’s creamy, spicy, and just a little indulgent in the best way. If you’re in the area, this one’s definitely worth stopping in for.
18. Murray’s
Murray’s Bagels is located in the heart of Greenwich Village and is a beloved New York institution renowned for serving some of the city’s best bagels.
Since 1996, they’ve upheld the art of making raditional hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagels that are crusty on the outside and perfectly chewy inside.
What sets Murray’s apart is their commitment to authenticity. No toasting allowed, just fresh, warm bagels made daily.
Their classic lox and cream cheese on a sesame bagel is a must-try, but the whitefish salad or pastrami-cured salmon is equally unforgettable. Murray’s is where locals and visitors alike come to experience bagel perfection in NYC.
19. Modern Bread and Bagel
Modern Bread and Bagel is completely gluten-free. But, you probably wouldn’t know that unless someone told you. The bagels are light, bouncy, and have a surprisingly satisfying chew.
They don’t fall apart or feel overly dense like many gluten-free breads can. Everything here is made with care, and the flavors are well-balanced, not too sweet, not too salty.
The Everything bagel with classic lox and whipped cream cheese is a great choice since it’s fresh, flavorful, and generously filled.
If you have celiac, follow a gluten-free diet, or just want to try something different, this spot is a must-try. They also sell cookies, cakes, and other baked goods that are just as thoughtful and delicious.
Map of the Best Bagels in NYC
Conclusion
Whether you’re a born-and-bred New Yorker or just have a craving for carbs, one thing’s for sure: NYC knows how to do bagels right.
From the classic lox-and-schmear to bold new twists, the city’s got a bagel for every mood and appetite.
So grab a napkin, loosen your belt, and start taste-testing your way through the boroughs—because the only thing better than one great bagel is the excuse to eat five. Your bagel adventure starts now!
