The 24 Best Bagels In New York City

Nathan Jahnke

2 min read

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31-12-2024

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New York City. The city that never sleeps, the city of dreams, and, arguably, the city of the perfect bagel. Finding the best bagel is a deeply personal quest, a holy grail for many a New Yorker. This list, compiled after extensive research and many, many bagels consumed, aims to guide you towards bagel bliss. It's a diverse selection, acknowledging that "best" depends on individual preferences – everything from classic to creative toppings is represented.

This list isn't ranked, as taste is subjective. Instead, we present 24 exceptional bagel establishments, categorized for easier navigation.

Classic New York Bagels

These are the spots that uphold tradition, serving up bagels that are chewy, dense, and perfectly boiled and baked.

• Ess-a-Bagel: A longstanding institution, Ess-a-Bagel consistently delivers on quality. Their everything bagels are legendary.
• Murray's Bagels: A New York institution known for its simple perfection. Expect a classic bagel experience.
• Absolute Bagels: A strong contender in the classic bagel arena, known for its consistent quality and fresh ingredients.
• H&H Bagels: A classic choice that's been serving New Yorkers for decades, offering a reliable and satisfying bagel.
• Black Seed Bagels: While known for their wood-fired bagels, their classic offerings are also exemplary.

Unique and Creative Bagel Experiences

These places push the boundaries of the traditional bagel, offering innovative toppings and flavor combinations.

• Russ & Daughters Cafe: A modern twist on a classic Jewish deli, known for their creative bagel sandwiches and inventive toppings.
• Sadelle's: This upscale spot offers a sophisticated take on the bagel, with high-quality ingredients and inventive combinations.
• Bagel Pub: This establishment marries the beloved bagel with pub fare, creating unique and satisfying combinations.
• Pick-A-Bagel: This isn't your average bagel shop—expect unique flavors and artistic combinations.
• The Bagel Nook: Prepare for outrageous combinations and sweet, almost dessert-like bagel creations.

Beyond the Classic: Specialty Bagel Shops

These spots specialize in particular aspects of the bagel experience, making them worthy additions to any bagel lover's itinerary.

• Seed + Mill: Known for their creative toppings and unique flavor combinations, Seed + Mill offers something a bit different.
• Tompkins Square Bagels: Located in the heart of the East Village, these bagels offer a unique taste experience.
• Orwashers Bakery: While not solely a bagel shop, their bagels are remarkably good and worth seeking out.
• Mighty Quinn's Barbeque: While known for their barbecue, their bagels are often touted as some of the best in the city.
• Zabar's: This iconic Upper West Side institution offers quality bagels alongside a wide selection of other delicacies.

Brooklyn's Best Bagel Battles

Brooklyn deserves its own category, as it's home to many bagel titans.

• Bagel Hole: This unassuming shop consistently churns out high-quality bagels.
• She Wolf Bakery: This Brooklyn staple has earned a loyal following for its delicious bagels and creative toppings.
• Olde Brooklyn Bagels: A classic choice in Brooklyn, offering a reliable and satisfying bagel experience.
• Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop: This shop also makes exceptional bagels, a welcome addition to their donut selections.
• Wise Sons Deli: While technically a deli, their bagels are exceptionally well-made and worthy of mention.

Finding Your Perfect Bagel

This list offers a starting point on your journey to discover the perfect NYC bagel. Remember to factor in your personal preferences – do you prefer a dense, chewy bagel, or one that's a little lighter? What about your preferred toppings? Happy bagel hunting!

Disclaimer: This list reflects opinions based on available information and reviews. The quality of bagels can vary based on individual experiences.