10 of the Top
Bagel Spots in NYC

1. Ess-a-Bagel (Manhattan)

Classic, Old-School Vibes with Big Flavor

Founded in 1976, Ess-a-Bagel is a legendary institution in Manhattan. Known for its massive, chewy bagels with a perfect crust, their everything bagel with scallion cream cheese and lox is a must-try. Be prepared for long lines, but trust us—it’s worth the wait.

Located at 324 1st Ave. at 19th St. NY NY 10009

2. Tompkins Square Bagels (East Village)

Hand-Rolled Perfection in Every Bite

Tompkins Square Bagels has become an East Village staple, drawing locals and tourists alike with its soft, hand-rolled bagels. The flavor combinations are as unique as the neighborhood itself, and their wide variety of homemade cream cheeses, including the ever-popular birthday cake flavor, makes this spot a must-visit.

Multiple locations: 23 E. 17th St. NY NY 10003 | 184 2nd St. NY NY 10003 | 165 Avenue A NY NY 10009

3. Absolute Bagels (Upper West Side)

Affordable, No-Frills, and Delicious

Absolute Bagels is a beloved hole-in-the-wall that has captured the hearts of Upper West Siders. Known for its affordable prices and perfectly balanced bagels that are soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, this spot keeps things simple but delivers big on taste. Their sesame bagel with egg salad is a fan favorite.

Located at 2788 Broadway - Broadway and 108th St

4. Russ & Daughters (Lower East Side)

Bagel Royalty with a Side of History

A visit to Russ & Daughters is a quintessential New York experience. This century-old appetizing shop is famous for its hand-rolled bagels, served with the best smoked salmon and house-made cream cheese. The combination of buttery lox and a warm, chewy bagel makes it a standout in the city's bagel scene.

Multiple Locations in Manhattan plus one in Brooklyn.

141 Flushing Ave | Brooklyn 11205 | 502 W 34th St. at 10th Ave. | NYC 10001 | 179 E Houston St | NYC 10002 | 127 Orchard St | NYC 10002

5. Leo’s Bagels (FiDi)

Fresh, Fast, and Perfect for On-the-Go

If you’re downtown in the Financial District and craving a bagel, Leo’s Bagels is the place to go. Specializing in boiled and baked bagels with a satisfying chew, they’re known for fresh ingredients and fast service. Their poppy seed bagel with whitefish salad is a standout.

Location: 3 Hanover Square, NY NY 10004 

6. Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company (Astoria & Chelsea)

Oversized Bagels with Tons of Toppings

Despite the name, this popular spot has locations in both Manhattan and Queens. Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company is renowned for its oversized bagels with a crispy exterior and soft, doughy interior. Their toppings range from classic schmears to more adventurous options like bacon scallion cream cheese.

Multiple NYC Locations: Greenwich Village | Chelsea | Astoria-Ditmars | Astoria Broadway | Astoria – 30th Ave - Locations

7. Bagel Hole (Park Slope)

Small, Dense, and Packed with Flavor

For a truly authentic Brooklyn bagel, head to Bagel Hole. This small, no-frills joint is famous for its compact, dense bagels with a golden crust. The lack of puffiness makes it a purist’s dream, and the cream cheese to bagel ratio is spot on. Their whole wheat everything bagel is a local favorite.

Location: 400 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215

8. Murray’s Bagels (Greenwich Village)

No Toast, Just Fresh, Hand-Rolled Bagels

Murray’s Bagels prides itself on serving bagels the traditional way—fresh out of the oven and never toasted. Located in Greenwich Village, this spot has been a fan favorite since 1996. Their chewy bagels, especially the pumpernickel everything with smoked salmon spread, are a hit among locals and tourists alike.

Location: 500 6th Ave. NY NY 10011

9. Utopia Bagels (Whitestone, Queens)

Worth the Trip for Queens’ Best Bagels

Utopia Bagels is a bit off the beaten path in Whitestone, Queens, but its reputation has spread citywide. Known for large, perfectly boiled bagels, Utopia Bagels pairs its classic dough with a variety of flavorful cream cheeses. Their bacon, egg, and cheese on a sesame bagel is the ultimate breakfast indulgence.

Location: 1909 Utopia Pkwy, Whitestone NY

10. Shelsky’s of Brooklyn (Cobble Hill)

Bagels with a Smoked Fish Twist

Shelsky’s of Brooklyn is known for its unique combination of traditional bagels with a focus on smoked fish. While their bagels are delicious on their own, it’s the creative lox and fish pairings that set this place apart. Try the “Brooklyn Transplant,” with Scottish smoked salmon, horseradish cream cheese, and pickled red onions for a bagel experience you won’t forget.

Whether you're after a no-frills classic or a bagel topped with inventive spreads, these 10 spots prove that New York City's bagel game is unmatched.

Locations: 141 Court St. Brooklyn NY 11201 | 453 4th Ave. Brooklyn NY 11215