The 11 Best NYC Bagels in New York: A Local's Guide

This blog post is all about where to find the best NYC bagels.

There’s something special about a New York bagel. If you’ve ever had one, you know what I’m talking about.

It’s got the perfect balance of chewiness, fluffiness, and that slight crunch when toasted.

Living in New York, I quickly realised that bagels weren’t just breakfast. They were an institution.

Now, every time I go back, I make it my mission to grab a bagel (or several) from my favourite spots.

Whether it’s a classic bacon, egg, and cheese (BEC) from the corner bodega, the iconic lox and schmear, or even a super-budget PB&J bagel.

This is a list of the best NYC bagels and where to find them.

RELATED best NYC bagels blog posts to read:

If you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!

This blog post is all about the best NYC bagels.

A Brief History of the New York Bagel

Bagels have been a staple in New York since the late 19th century when Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe brought their traditional bread-making techniques to the city.

What started as a humble food sold by street vendors quickly became an essential part of New York’s food culture.

Today, the best NYC bagels are a daily ritual for many New Yorkers, whether grabbed on the go or enjoyed leisurely with a coffee.

One of the biggest debates? The theory that New York’s tap water gives its best NYC bagels that unique texture and flavour.

The low levels of calcium and magnesium supposedly contribute to the perfect dough consistency. Whether it’s science or just a good marketing trick, one thing is certain, bagels taste better in NYC.

RELATED blog post to read: 48 Hours in New York City: A Local’s Epic Itinerary

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What is a Lox and Schmear? What About a BEC?

If you’re unfamiliar with classic best NYC bagels terminology, here’s a quick breakdown:

Lox and Schmear

Lox refers to thinly sliced, cured salmon, while schmear is simply a generous spread of cream cheese.

Together, they create the most iconic best NYC bagels combination. You’ll often find it topped with capers, red onion, and tomato.

BEC (Bacon, Egg, and Cheese)

The ultimate grab-and-go breakfast, usually served hot on a toasted bagel and wrapped up in foil.

This is a staple New York breakfast, particularly from corner bodegas.

RELATED blog post to read: 30 of the Best Cheap Eats in New York City for Under $10

Best NYC Bagels Flavours and Why I Recommend Everything Seasoning

The best NYC bagels come in a variety of flavours, and while you can’t go wrong with a plain or sesame bagel, my go-to recommendation is always everything seasoning.

This mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, onion, and coarse salt adds the perfect crunch and flavour to any bagel.

Other popular best NYC bagels flavours include:

Plain: Classic and perfect for any topping
Sesame: Subtle flavour with a great crunch
Poppy Seed: Similar to sesame but with a nuttier taste
Cinnamon Raisin: A sweeter option, great with plain cream cheese
Garlic or Onion: For those who love savoury flavours
Whole Wheat: A slightly healthier alternative

Best NYC Bagels vs. Montreal Bagels: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve heard of Black Seed Bagels, you may have seen that they specialise in Montreal-style bagels. But how do they compare?

New York bagels are bigger, chewier, and boiled in water before being baked, giving them that classic dense texture.

Montreal bagels, on the other hand, are smaller, thinner, sweeter, and baked in wood-fired ovens. They’re also boiled in honey water, which adds to their slightly sweet taste.

If you prefer a crispier, less doughy bagel, you might enjoy Montreal-style.

But in my opinion, nothing beats the proper best NYC bagels.

RELATED blog post to read: The 9 Best Pizza Slices in New York City

The Best NYC Bagels Spots in New York

Much like pizza slices, bagel shops are everywhere in New York. But ask a local where to get the best one, and you’ll likely get a very passionate response.

Here are 11 of the best NYC bagels spots to check out:

The Best NYC Bagels in Manhattan:

1. Russ & Daughters (Lower East Side, Manhattan)

A true New York institution, Russ & Daughters has been serving top-quality bagels and smoked fish since 1914.

If you’re looking for the best lox and schmear in the city, this is the place to go.

The bagels are soft, chewy, and pair perfectly with their expertly cured salmon. The shop itself is an old-school experience, and while the lines can be long, the wait is always worth it.

2. Tompkins Square Bagels (East Village, Manhattan)

One of the most beloved bagel spots in NYC, Tompkins Square Bagels is known for its hand-rolled bagels and an incredible selection of flavoured cream cheeses.

Their everything bagel with scallion cream cheese is a must-try, but the real standout is the sheer variety of spreads available. From birthday cake cream cheese to a spicy sriracha bacon option, they’ve got everything.

The shop has a cosy, local feel, making it a favourite among both residents and visitors.

If you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!

3. Leo’s Bagels (Financial District, Manhattan)

If you find yourself downtown, Leo’s Bagels is a great spot for a classic New York bagel.

The bagels here are hand-rolled and kettle-boiled for that authentic chewiness.

Their lox selection is one of the best in the city, and they offer a wide variety of toppings.

4. Murray’s Bagels (Midtown, Manhattan)

A classic New York bagel shop that consistently ranks among the best. If you Google “Best bagels in NYC,” Murray’s is always near the top of the list.

Their bagels are chewy, dense, and absolutely delicious.

One thing to note is that Murray’s refuses to toast their bagels, believing they should be eaten fresh.

Purists will love it, but if you prefer a toasted bagel, be prepared to eat it as-is.

5. Zabar’s (Upper West Side, Manhattan)

A true New York classic, Zabar’s has been serving some of the best NYC bagels since 1934.

This Upper West Side institution is famous for its chewy bagels and incredible smoked fish counter. Think silky lox, whitefish salad, and rich cream cheese spreads.

Grab a bagel and coffee to go, then wander over to Central Park for a real local New York breakfast moment.

It’s busy, it’s iconic, and it’s one of the most authentic bagel spots in New York City you can visit.

6. Popup Bagels (Greenwich Village, Manhattan)

One of the trendiest new spots, Popup Bagels has taken NYC by storm.

They serve their bagels in packs with tubs of schmear, encouraging you to “rip and dip.”

It’s a fun and different way to enjoy a classic NYC staple. They often sell out quickly, so get there early.

7. Absolute Bagels (Upper West Side, Manhattan)

A hidden gem on the Upper West Side, Absolute Bagels is known for its incredibly fresh, generously sized bagels.

A favourite among Columbia University students and locals alike, this no-frills shop focuses purely on high-quality bagels with a soft interior and a slightly crisp crust.

8. Ess-a-Bagel (Midtown & Gramercy, Manhattan)

Another legendary name in the New York bagel scene, Ess-a-Bagel is known for its huge, chewy bagels and generous portions of cream cheese.

The bagels here are bigger than most, making them perfect for a fully loaded sandwich.

Expect long queues, especially on weekends, but the payoff is a classic New York bagel experience.

If you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!

The Best NYC Bagels in Queens

9. Utopia Bagels (Whitestone, Queens)

If you’re willing to venture to Queens, Utopia Bagels is where you’ll find some of the freshest, hand-rolled bagels in the city.

These bagels have a devoted following, and once you taste one, you’ll understand why.

Their bacon, egg, and cheese is a game-changer, perfectly balancing crispy bacon, a fluffy egg, and melted cheese inside a perfectly baked bagel.

The Best NYC Bagels in Brooklyn

10. Shelsky’s Bagels (Brooklyn)

Specialising in hand-rolled bagels and a variety of smoked fish, Shelsky’s offers a Brooklyn take on the NYC bagel experience.

Their whitefish salad bagel is a standout, but they also have a creative menu featuring modern twists on traditional bagel sandwiches.

11. Frankel’s Deli (Greenpoint)

Frankel’s Delicatessen in Greenpoint gives the old-school Jewish deli a cool Brooklyn twist.

Their bagels are fresh, golden, and piled high with fillings. The Frankel’s Classic (lox, scallion cream cheese, tomato, onion) is a must-try.

Everything here feels nostalgic yet modern, from the cozy interior to the quality ingredients.

If you’re exploring Brooklyn, make this your go-to bagel stop. It’s easily one of the best bagels in New York City.

RELATED blog post to read: The Best 30 Coffee Shops to Work From in Brooklyn

Best NYC Bagels for Different Fillings

If you’re looking for the perfect spot based on your preferred bagel order, here are my recommendations:

Best for Lox and Schmear: Russ & Daughters
Best for BEC: Utopia Bagels or your local bodega
Best for Unique Flavours: Tompkins Square Bagels
Best for Huge Portions: Ess-a-Bagel
Best for Quick Grab-and-Go: Murray’s Bagels
Best for a Cheap Option: Bodega Bagels (PB&J)

If you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!

Bagel Etiquette & Local Tips

Below is some bagel etiquette to follow and local advice for when you go hunting for the best NYC bagels.

To Toast or Not to Toast?

In NYC, most top bagel shops will refuse to toast a fresh bagel as it’s considered an insult to the craftsmanship.

However, if you get a bagel later in the day or from a grocery store, toasting is fair game.

Cash or Card?

While most bagel spots now take cards, some classic spots are still cash-only.

Always have a few dollars on hand just in case.

Be Ready for a Queue

The best bagel spots will have long lines, especially on weekends.

Arrive early or be prepared to wait.

No Scooped Bagels – This Isn’t Los Angeles

In New York, ordering a scooped-out bagel (removing the soft inside) is frowned upon.

If you want fewer carbs, maybe just eat half.

Keep it Simple

Some bagel shops are fast-paced, and you’ll hold up the line if you take too long to order.

Have your choice ready.

The Best NYC Bagels in New York

New York and bagels go hand in hand.

Whether you’re after a classic BEC, an indulgent lox and schmear, or something simple like a toasted bagel with butter, NYC has the best NYC bagels spot for you.

The queues may be long, but the reward is always worth it.

Just remember, once you’ve had a real New York bagel, nothing else will compare.

RELATED best NYC bagels blog posts to read:

If you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!

By Orlagh Shanks

Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and moved to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.

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This blog post is all about the best NYC bagels.

A Brief History of the New York Bagel

Useful Links & Resources