21 Best Bagels in NYC for 2024

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, you’re probably on the hunt for the best bagels in NYC. New York City bagels are iconic, the kind of local specialty you dream about for years if you tried it even once, whether it was covered in creamy schmear or holding together a silky salmon sandwich. Being in the home of the handmade, kettle-boiled bagel, NYC locals will happily wait in line for these delicious breaded treats.

According to Today, there are over 200 bagel shops in NYC. With so many options, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start, so we’ve rounded up a list of the 21 best bagel places in NYC to satisfy your bagel cravings.

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• Find the Best Bagels in NYC
• 21 Best Bagels in NYC

Find the Best Bagels in NYC

Among several other iconic NYC foods, the Big Apple is known as the nation's capital for the most delicious bagels. One of the best things to do in NYC is to explore the city’s culinary cuisine through entertaining food tours in NYC. Whether you’re a tourist or a local looking for their new favorite bagel shop in NYC or the best diners in NYC, expert tour guides will schedule your day to help you locate the best bagels in NYC.

21 Best Bagels in NYC

1. Ess-a-Bagel

With one of the best bagels in NYC, Ess-a-Bagel is a favorite among locals. These tender, chewy bagels provide the perfect amount of crunch in every bite. You can also order mini bagels 24 hours ahead of time.

The Vibe

The original location opened in 1976 as a family-run café in the Tri-State area. It boasts a homey deli atmosphere. In 1993, the family opened two more locations around the city with a similar café-deli vibe.

What to Order

With a variety of bagels, schmears and even salads on the menu, this local spot is a great place to hit up for breakfast or lunch. Many locals enjoy the fluffy everything, pumpernickel and cinnamon raisin bagels. Tasty toppings like strawberry cream cheese or jalapeño cream cheese are available too. Numerous New York City residents also say that this spot has the best bagel sandwich in NYC!

Ess-a-Bagel I Multiple Locations I $

2. Absolute Bagels

Customers line up around the block to experience one of the best bagel shops in NYC. Locals love Absolute Bagels’ hand-rolled, housemade bagels topped with thick cream cheese. Customers rave about the friendly service run by a Thai family.

The Vibe

This joint is perfect for a quick bite or to grab delicious NYC bagels on the go. The restaurant is currently cash-only with affordable options.

What to Order

Customers of this famous bagel place in NYC love the thick creamy schmears, from blueberry to sun-dried tomato. You can also top off your bagel with smoked fish or deli meat. 

Absolute Bagels I 2788 Broadway, New York, NY 10025 I $

3. BO’s Bagels

Hustle down to experience one of the most famous bagel places in NYC. Located in Harlem, BO’s Bagels actually started in the home kitchen of a culinary power couple. With a variety of bagels, schmears and spreads, customers are addicted to these treats.

The Vibe

This sweet little shop is a great spot to grab breakfast. With natural light and beautiful artwork on the walls, Bo’s Bagels is a nice place to hang out while eating your bagel.

What to Order

Customers love the creative cream cheese flavors, such as tofu scallion, maple walnut and berry almond. Arrive early at this popular bagel place in NYC to beat the line for a fresh, hot bagel.

BO's Bagels I 235 W. 116th St., New York, NY 10026 I $

4. Riverdale Bagels

Enjoy over 20 years of chewy bagel perfection in one of the best bagel places in NYC. Every bagel at Riverdale Bagels is always boiled and never steamed to guarantee ultimate freshness.

The Vibe

Riverdale Bagels is a sweet deli shop. It offers a variety of groceries and baked goods along with some of the best NYC bagels. Enjoy freshly spooned cream cheese and sliced meat on your bagel.

What to Order

Many customers love the breakfast and lunch bagel sandwiches. You can also experience unique cream cheese flavors, such as spicy bacon and garlic pepper. Fresh muffins and assorted baked goods are also a hit with customers.

Riverdale Bagels I 5650 Riverdale Ave., The Bronx, NY 10471 I $

5. Black Seed Bagels

This bagel hotspot has nine bagel stores in NYC, including two more in development. With some of the best bagels in New York City, Black Seed Bagels boils its bagels and adds a touch of honey in the water for subtle sweetness. They’re then formed by hand and baked in a wood-burning oven for the ultimate chewiness and density.

The Vibe

Each shop is custom to its location in the city, but they’re all warm and welcoming. Whether you’re near the food halls in NYC in Rockefeller Center or in Brooklyn, there’s bound to be a Black Seed Bagels close by. 

What to Order

Many locals love the emphasis on poppy and sesame seeds incorporated into the bagels. This bagel shop in NYC also offers housemade spreads and almond butter to top off your crispy bagel. They sell gluten-free bagels to enjoy as well.

Black Seed Bagels I Multiple Locations I $

6. Murray’s Bagels

Every bagel is hand-rolled and made fresh each morning at Murray’s Bagels. Serving the Greenwich Village since 1996, the bustling lines and busy atmosphere contribute to making this one of the best bagel shops in NYC. 

The Vibe

Murray’s Bagels has a great reputation among the community for delicious bites and coffee, and the small shop is an excellent spot for a quick bite or even to catch a fun chat with the owner, Adam. 

What to Order

Customers love the exterior crunch and sweet inner chew of each bagel. Among favorites like poppy and sesame, customers are also impressed by the size of the sandwiches filled with fresh deli meat, fish salad or slices of chicken.

Murray’s Bagels I 500 Sixth Ave., New York, NY 10011 I $

7. Tompkins Square Bagels

Known for some of the best bagels in NYC, Tompkins Square Bagels currently has two locations for its customers to enjoy. This bagel hotspot is well known for offbeat and flavorful options, such as the chocolate chip cookie dough cream cheese.

The Vibe

The deli hosts a variety of colors with its unique cream cheese options. Both locations offer plenty of seating and friendly service to make this a nice place to hang out.

What to Order

Customers rave over traditional favorites like plain and poppyseed, but they also love the sandwiches. Whether you choose the French toast or chocolate chip bagel, the variety of cream cheese spreads won't leave you disappointed!

Tompkins Square Bagels I Multiple Locations I $

8. Bagel Pub

This local chain has some of the best bagels in NYC. With six locations, Bagel Pub specializes in hand-rolled and kettle-boiled bagels, making them perfectly crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside.

The Vibe

Each location offers a classy café atmosphere with plenty of seating and chill music, making this a great place to hang out for a bit. Looking for a great place to stay warm? Grab a bagel, a cup of coffee and add this to your list of the best indoor activities in NYC.

What to Order

Bagel enthusiasts love the variety of flavorful cream cheeses, such as guacamole and even vegan tofu spreads. Customers also enjoy the lox and breakfast sandwiches as a great way to start their day.

Bagel Pub I Multiple Locations I $

9. Leo’s Bagels

Leo’s Bagels was founded by the same owner as Murray’s Bagels, another of the stores with some of the best bagels in NYC. This bagel store in NYC also rolls, boils and bakes its bagels in small batches everyday to guarantee freshness and flavor.

The Vibe

This bustling bagel shop has a classy interior with a warm counter. Although there are currently no dine-in options, it’s perfect for a quick visit or breakfast on the go.

What to Order

In addition to being named after the owner’s uncle, Leo’s is also an acronym for a Lower-East side favorite: lox, eggs and onions. Order this with any flavor of their traditional, hand-rolled bagels and you're in for one of the best bagel sandwiches in NYC.

Leo’s Bagels I 3 Hanover Square, New York, NY 10004 I $

10. Tal Bagels

Known for being one of the best bagels in NYC, Tal Bagels currently has six locations. With most bagel shops closing around mid-afternoon, this hotspot has one location on the Upper East Side open until 9 p.m., making it a great place for a casual date night in NYC.

The Vibe

This favorite NYC deli has a variety of fresh bagels, meats and schmears. With ample seating and a warm atmosphere, Tal Bagels offers a great place to hang out and enjoy a breakfast bagel or coffee.

What to Order

The lox, Nova salmon and smoked salmon are local favorites at this joint, and the generous spread on your bagel will make it easy for you to see why.

Tal Bagels I Multiple Locations I $

11. Russ & Daughters

As one of the oldest bagel shops in the country, it's not surprising that Russ & Daughters boasts some of the best bagels in New York City. Since its opening in 1914, many customers had to wait in a long line to experience a delicious bagel here. Now, the shop has two more locations around the city.

The Vibe

This Jewish, family-owned shop boasts a quaint deli vibe. The shop has walk-in seating and offers a nice place to sit at the barista counter. Many customers stop by for brunch to enjoy the indoor seating.

What to Order

This bagel hotspot is well-known for its delicious lox and pickled herring. 

Russ & Daughters I Multiple Locations I $

12. Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company

Another local chain, Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company offers some of the best bagels in NYC. Despite its name, all locations are in Queens and Manhattan. Customers enjoy a wide variety of bagels and creamy schmears.

The Vibe

This bustling bagel shop provides ample seating at many of its locations. A colorful assortment of creative cream cheeses and delicious bagels create a nice atmosphere to cozy up and stay for a while.

What to Order

Customers love the kettle-boiled bagels as an appetizing way to start their day. With seasonal selections like gingerbread and sundried tomato, there’s always a new favorite to try at this bagel shop. Make sure to order freshly roasted coffee or loose-leaf tea to enjoy with some of the best bagels in NYC.

Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company I Multiple Locations I $

13. Tasty Bagels

Tasty Bagels is iconic for some of the best bagels in NYC. Home of the Big Wheel Bagel, a giant bagel stuffed to the brim with meats and cheeses, this joint has proudly served Brooklyn since 1983.

The Vibe

This local deli is a great spot to grab a bagel on the go. Make sure to bring cash since it operates with a cash-only model.

What to Order

With plenty of cream cheese and rainbow-colored bagel options, there are tons to choose from when visiting this NYC bagel hotspot. Customers also love the addictive breakfast sandwiches.

Tasty Bagels I 1705 86th St., Brooklyn, NY 11214 I $

14. Utopia Bagels

Travel out to Queens to enjoy one of the best bagels in NYC. Locals promise the freshly baked bagels and creative sandwich flavors are well worth the commute to Utopia Bagels.

The Vibe

Utopia Bagels hosts cartons filled to the brim with fresh, original bagels. Grab a chair for a quick breakfast or enjoy your bagel on the go.

What to Order

Whether ordering a regular bagel with lox or jalapeño cream cheese, customers agree you can’t go wrong at this spot. Explore unique sandwich options like the Tex-Mex Chicken or Smokey & the Bacon.

Utopia Bagels I 1909 Utopia Pkwy, Queens, NY 11357 I $

15. H&H Bagels

Although the original H&H Bagels shut down in 2011, this new hot spot also boasts some of the best bagels in NYC. With several locations in the city, H&H Bagels are available for pickup, delivery and can also be shipped nationwide.

The Vibe

This hip deli offers indoor seating and a calming ambiance. Grab a cup of coffee or pastry to enjoy with your bagel.

What to Order

These kettle-boiled bagels offer a wide variety of options that customers love. Traditional staples include pumpernickel and cinnamon raisin.

H&H Bagels I Multiple Locations I $

16. Zucker’s Bagels

With several locations across the city, Zucker’s Bagels is also known for having the best bagels in NYC. Another entrepreneurial venture from the same owner of Murray’s and Leo’s bagels, this shop is worth a visit as well.

The Vibe

Grab a bagel and enjoy this cozy atmosphere. Depending on your location, stay for breakfast or a late afternoon snack to unwind and relax.

What to Order

Smoked fish is an essential favorite at this shop. Order this on your sandwich or savory egg salad and you’re in for a treat.

Zucker’s Bagels I Multiple Locations I $

17. Bagel Oasis

Enjoy this 24/7 shop for one of the best bagels in NYC. Stop by Bagel Oasis for an early breakfast or a midnight snack to satisfy your bagel cravings.

The Vibe

This small shop is perfect for a grab-and-go, but there is seating if you want to stay to enjoy your bagel. 

What to Order

Savor original favorite bagels like egg-onion or blueberry for a delicious treat. Along with trying one of the best NY bagels, you can grab a sandwich served with hashbrowns for an incredible breakfast to start your day.

Bagel Oasis I 183-12 Horace Harding Expy, Queens, NY 11365 I $

18. Finn’s Bagels

Enjoy fast and friendly service along with one of the best bagels in NYC. Finn’s Bagels offers freshly baked bagels that keep their loyal customer base coming back for more.

The Vibe

Enjoy this airy, light space while you savor your bagel. Grab a coffee and stay for a while to enjoy the warm, friendly atmosphere.

What to Order

Customers rave about the variety of cream cheeses — including vegan options. One of the best bagels in NYC to try here is an everything bagel with bacon scallion cream cheese.

Finn’s Bagels I 477 10th Ave., New York, NY 10018 I $

19. Bagel Supreme

With seven locations and counting, Bagel Supreme impresses locals and tourists alike with some of the best bagels in NYC. Enjoy bagels, waffles and French toast for a hearty breakfast.

The Vibe

With a warm, friendly atmosphere, this local chain offers dining options to enjoy your breakfast in-house.

What to Order

Customers recommend the French toast bagel showered in powdered sugar or the Oreo bagel.

Bagel Supreme I Multiple Locations I $

20. Hudson Bagel

With some of the best bagels in Manhattan, Hudson Bagel is also known for having fast, friendly service. Pull up a chair to enjoy large, chewy bagels with a generous serving of schmear. 

The Vibe

This cozy deli shop offers several options for inside seating. Customers recommend stopping by for a quick bite if you’re in the area.

What to Order

Enjoy a sunflower seed bagel with lox or chipotle cream cheese while visiting this spot to discover why locals call these some of the best bagels in NYC.

Hudson Bagel I 691 Ninth Ave., New York, NY 10036 I $

21. Zabars

This unique market is iconic for some of the best bagels in NYC. Founded by a Ukrainian immigrant in 1934, Zabars offers everything from bagels to delicious sweet treats.

The Vibe

This custom food hall bustles with excitement and variety. Perfect for a grab-and-go meal for a busy workday.

What to Order

Well known for its smoked fish, customers highly recommend indulging in this topping on your bagel. Locals also love the bagels crafted from malt barley flour.

Zabar’s I 2245 Broadway, New York, NY 10024 I $

There’s no doubt NYC has earned its reputation for having some of the best bagels in the world. With countless options for unique bagels, schmears and breakfast sandwiches, exploring these NYC bagel hotspots will help you find your next favorite places to eat in NYC.

For even more fun ways to explore NYC and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.