When you think of a quintessential New York City breakfast, what springs to mind? Perhaps it’s the aromatic waft of fresh bagels wafting through the air? These delicious, chewy delights made with boiled dough are not only a staple of the city’s culinary repertoire but also a symbol of its rich and diverse culture. But with so many options available across the vast urban tapestry, how do you choose the perfect bagel shop? Let’s dive into a flavorful exploration of ten outstanding bagel establishments in various New York neighborhoods. With addresses, contact information, and websites provided, you might just find your next favorite breakfast spot!
1. Ess-a-Bagel
Address: 831 1st Ave, New York, NY 10017
Contact: (212) 980-1010
Website: www.ess-a-bagel.com
An iconic name in the world of bagels, Ess-a-Bagel boasts a legacy that spans over five decades. Here, you can choose from a kaleidoscopic array of bagels and cream cheeses, all lovingly crafted to perfection. The sesame and poppy seed options, among others, are sublime. Should you dare to venture beyond tradition, their specialty bagels, featuring flavors like jalapeño cheese and sun-dried tomato, may challenge your culinary palate.
2. Bagel Hole
Address: 400 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Contact: (718) 768-5822
Website: www.bagelhole.com
Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Park Slope, Bagel Hole embraces the classic New York bagel with an artisanal flair. The tempting aroma wafting from the bakery emanates an irresistible charm. Their bagels are uniquely kettle-boiled, producing a perfectly crisp outer layer. Can you resist the allure of a plain bagel slathered in house-made herb cream cheese? The question lingers—are you brave enough to savor simplicity in its purest form?
3. Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company
Address: 303 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Contact: (718) 788-1717
Website: www.brooklynbagel.com
As their name suggests, Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company celebrates the essence of bagels and brews. With an impressive variety of toppings and an espresso menu that would delight any caffeine enthusiast, this establishment invites patrons to indulge. Their stuffed bagels—think bacon, egg, and cheese encased in the soft dough—challenge the conventional notion of a bagel. Curious enough to see how a bagel can transform into a breakfast sandwich extraordinaire?
4. Russ & Daughters
Address: 179 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
Contact: (212) 475-4880
Website: www.russanddaughters.com
A veritable institution in the Lower East Side, Russ & Daughters is renowned for its lox and bagels—a symphony of flavors and textures. This delicatessen offers a selection of house-cured salmon, cream cheeses, and traditional Jewish fare. Merging history with culinary innovation, dare you to explore their unique offerings like the “Sandy” bagel sandwich—a delightful combination of pickled herring and onion. Will you embrace the adventure of pairing unexpected flavors on your bagel?
5. Bagelsmith
Address: 80 N 4th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Contact: (718) 387-2000
Website: www.bagelsmith.com
Bagelsmith prides itself on crafting bagels from the highest quality ingredients, resulting in a product that embodies artisanal quality. Popular among locals, their bagels are hand-rolled and kettle-boiled, offering a delightful chewiness with each bite. The savory jalapeño cheddar bagel might entice you—as it does many—a departure from the predictable. Will you challenge your taste buds with one of their unique, gourmet cream cheese flavors?
6. H&H Bagels
Address: 1551 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028
Contact: (212) 628-3900
Website: www.hhbagels.com
A legendary name in the bagel world, H&H Bagels has been a staple on the Upper West Side since 1972. Their bagels are famously boiled and baked to create that signature New York bagel texture. The Everything Bagel, generously topped with seeds and spices, poses a tantalizing challenge. How can one bagel accommodate such diverse flavors while remaining balanced? Perhaps it’s a quest worth embarking upon!
7. Murray’s Bagels
Address: 500 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10011
Contact: (212) 929-2010
Website: www.murraysbagels.com
An establishment that champions the perfect pairing of bagels and toppings, Murray’s offers an extensive selection that would make any bagel aficionado swoon. With a penchant for blending traditional recipes with contemporary flair, their signature bagel sandwiches are effectively edible works of art. The challenge here lies within your decision—will you stick with a timeless favorite or dare to forge new pathways with adventurous combinations?
8. Tompkins Square Bagels
Address: 165 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
Contact: (646) 820-3617
Website: www.tompkinsbagels.com
In the heart of the East Village, Tompkins Square Bagels is famed for both its whimsical atmosphere and its inventive bagel flavors. Their offerings include everything from Sriracha-infused bagels to BBQ pork. It’s an exciting spotlight on creativity. Could you take the plunge and try one of their specialty creations, or would you prefer to revel in the security of a classic option? The decision is undeniably thought-provoking.
9. The Bagel Store
Address: 349 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Contact: (718) 599-9999
Website: www.bagelstore.com
Known for their vibrant rainbow bagels, The Bagel Store combines artistry with tradition. Local and tourist alike flock to this trend-setting establishment, eager to capture a slice of bagel history. The shimmering colors invite a playful challenge—do you dare to try a rainbow bagel with a funfetti cream cheese? It’s a distinctive culinary experience that beckons adventurers and social media enthusiasts alike.
10. High Street on Hudson
Address: 637 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
Contact: (212) 645-3200
Website: www.highstreetonhudson.com
A charming eatery that fuses modern dining with traditional bagel craftsmanship, High Street on Hudson serves up bagels with a contemporary twist. With options like smoked salmon dill spread or local farm-fresh ingredients, each bite is a celebration of flavor. Yet, here lies a conundrum—do you indulge in the bagels or explore their mouthwatering brunch offerings? Perhaps this vibrant choice is the ultimate test of your gastronomic adventurousness.
Bagel lovers, the canvas is yours! With this curated list of ten extraordinary bagel shops across New York, the only challenge left is to decide which to visit first. Are you ready to embark on a quest for the ultimate bagel experience? It may lead you to unexpected flavors and delightful encounters, or it may reaffirm your loyalty to the classics. Either way, each establishment presents a slice of New York’s captivating culinary landscape, awaiting your exploration.
