Where Can I Find the Best Bagels in New York City?

New York City is renowned for many culinary delights, but perhaps none are as iconic and beloved as the bagel. A good bagel should have a crispy exterior, a chewy interior, and be generously adorned with a variety of toppings. With countless bagel shops scattered across the city, finding the best bagel can be a delicious adventure. If you're a bagel enthusiast or a visitor eager to try this New York staple, read on to discover some of the top spots to find the best bagels in the Big Apple.

Absolute Bagels

• Nestled in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Absolute Bagels is a neighborhood favorite that consistently delivers some of the city's best bagels. Their offerings include classic flavors like plain, sesame, and poppy seed, but it's their generous cream cheese selection that truly sets them apart. From scallion to lox spread, there's something to satisfy every palate.

Ess-a-Bagel

• For over four decades, Ess-a-Bagel has been a bagel institution in Manhattan. Their massive, hand-rolled bagels come in an array of flavors and sizes, and their cream cheese selection is equally impressive. Many swear by their bagel sandwiches, which feature premium ingredients like nova lox and pastrami.

Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company

• While the heart of bagel culture is typically associated with Manhattan, Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company holds its own in the borough across the river. Their bagels are boiled and baked to perfection, offering a dense and chewy texture. In addition to traditional flavors, they serve creative options like French toast and rainbow bagels.

Black Seed Bagels

• If you're a fan of Montreal-style bagels, Black Seed Bagels is the place to be. These bagels are smaller and denser than their New York counterparts, with a delightful wood-fired flavor. Their smoked fish and house-made cream cheese options complement their bagels perfectly.

Russ & Daughters

• Russ & Daughters is a New York City institution, and while they are famous for their smoked fish, they also serve some of the best bagels in the city. Their classic bagels are expertly crafted, and when paired with their high-quality spreads, they make for a breakfast or lunch that's hard to beat.

H&H Bagels

• H&H Bagels has a storied history in the city, and their bagels have a cult following. These large, doughy bagels come in a variety of flavors, and they're perfect for crafting a hearty breakfast sandwich. The original H&H location closed in 2011, but their bagels are still available at various outlets around the city.

Tompkins Square Bagels

• Located in the East Village, Tompkins Square Bagels offers an extensive menu of bagel choices, including both traditional and unique flavors. With a wide selection of spreads, toppings, and sandwich options, you can customize your bagel experience to your heart's content.

Murray's Bagels

• Murray's Bagels, nestled in Greenwich Village, has been serving hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagels for over two decades. Their bagels have a delightful balance of chewy and crispy textures, and the variety of cream cheeses and sandwich fillings ensures you'll find a combination to suit your taste.

In a city known for its culinary diversity, the search for the best bagel in New York City can be a personal and rewarding journey. Each of these bagel shops offers a unique experience, whether you prefer a classic New York-style bagel or something with a twist. So, the next time you're in the Big Apple, make sure to try one of these legendary bagel spots, and you're sure to discover why New York City is synonymous with great bagels.