New York City’s bagels are more than just breakfast; they’re a cultural icon. For those immersed in NYC culture, discovering the best bagels in NYC is both a passion and a pastime. The ideal bagel is hand-rolled, boiled, and baked to a golden brown—crispy on the outside and perfectly chewy on the inside. To celebrate the city’s culinary treasures, we embarked on a food and culture walking tour to present our top five must-visit bagel spots. Each location offers something special, attracting both locals and tourists who keep coming back for more.
Join us as we explore these neighborhoods, each with its own story. Here, the art of the bagel is practiced with dedication and love, making our quest not just delicious but memorable.
Absolute Bagels: The Upper West Side Classic
Absolute Bagels, located on the Upper West Side, is a true institution in the world of New York bagels. This modest storefront might be easy to overlook, but the consistent line of customers each morning is a clear indicator of the quality found inside. Here, the bagels are a result of a meticulous process that starts in the early hours, with dough that is hand-rolled, rested, and then boiled in small batches.
This careful preparation ensures each bagel has the ideal chewy texture and a shiny, crispy crust. Absolute Bagels doesn’t rely on modern gimmicks; instead, it sticks to what it knows best: crafting superb bagels with a satisfying texture and rich flavor. Favorites include the sesame and everything bagels, but their cinnamon raisin is a sweet twist not to be missed. Top any choice with their renowned freshly made cream cheese for a taste of bagel heaven.
Bagel Hole: Brooklyn’s Best Kept Secret
In the heart of Brooklyn’s Park Slope neighborhood, Bagel Hole stands as a testament to traditional bagel making. Unlike many of its contemporaries, this shop focuses on producing bagels that are noticeably smaller, denser, and chewier than the typical New York style. This commitment to an old-school approach means shunning the large, doughy versions that have become common elsewhere.
The result is a bagel that offers a satisfying crunch on the first bite, followed by a rich, dense chewiness that aficionados swear by. Bagel Hole’s philosophy is simple: focus on quality, not quantity, and stick to the basics. Their poppy seed bagel, in particular, is a standout, offering a crispy exterior and a hearty interior that makes it the perfect canvas for their range of traditional schmears and toppings. For those seeking an authentic, no-frills bagel experience, Bagel Hole is a must-visit destination.
Ess-a-Bagel: The Flavor Innovator
Ess-a-Bagel in Midtown is a legend in its own right. Known for its massive, fluffy bagels, this place has mastered the balance of airy and chewy. What sets Ess-a-Bagel apart is not just the quality of their bagels but their creative approach to flavors and toppings. From the savory everything bagel to the sweet cinnamon raisin, there’s something for every palate. Their extensive menu of spreads and fillings, including gourmet options like lox or walnut raisin cream cheese, turns a simple bagel into a decadent meal.
Kossar’s Bagels & Bialys: A Taste of History
Kossar’s on the Lower East Side isn’t just a bagel shop—it’s a piece of New York history, having served the community since 1936. While famous for their bialys, their bagels are nothing short of spectacular. Each batch is made with traditional techniques passed down through generations. At Kossar’s, the emphasis is on tradition and taste. Sampling their garlic or pumpernickel bagel is like taking a bite out of history, perfectly capturing the essence of New York’s rich immigrant culinary heritage.
Tompkins Square Bagels: Artisanal Delights in the East Village
Tompkins Square Bagels brings an artisanal touch to the NYC bagel scene. This East Village favorite hand-rolls and kettle-boils their bagels before baking them on wood planks, a method that infuses each bagel with a subtle, smoky undertone. Their cream cheese varieties, ranging from bacon horseradish to birthday cake, are as inventive as they are delicious. It’s the ideal spot for those who appreciate a gourmet twist on the traditional New York bagel.
These establishments are pillars in their communities, frequented by a loyal clientele who consider them part of their daily routine. In our quest for the best bagels in NYC, we’ve tasted countless varieties and visited numerous locales. Each of these five establishments not only serves exceptional bagels but also embodies the diverse culinary spirit that makes New York City a global food capital. Join us in savoring these iconic New York creations, and discover why even the simplest bagel can be a masterpiece of flavor and texture.
