New York City is home to some of the most iconic bagels in the world, and narrowing down the best of the best is no small task. We approached the selection process with a commitment to quality, authenticity, and, of course, taste. Our criteria for choosing the restaurants featured in this guide were carefully crafted to ensure that each location represents the pinnacle of NYC’s bagel-making tradition. Here’s a closer look at how we made our decisions:
By combining tradition with innovation, these bagel shops prove why NYC is the bagel capital of the world.
New York City and bagels are a match made in culinary heaven. From the satisfying chew of a perfectly boiled bagel to the delightful smear of cream cheese or piled-high sandwich fillings, there’s something magical about NYC bagels. In this guide, we’ll take you through the city’s most iconic bagel spots, celebrated for their unique charm, impeccable quality, and unforgettable flavors. Here are five incredible bagel shops that deserve a place on your must-try list:
BO’s Bagels in Washington Heights is where bagel craftsmanship meets neighborhood charm. This location, a sister shop to their original Harlem spot, brings BO’s signature bagels uptown, delighting locals with their hand-rolled, boiled, and baked creations. Their bagels boast the perfect combination of a golden, crispy exterior and a chewy, flavorful interior.
The menu offers a variety of bagels, spreads, and sandwiches, ensuring something for every craving. Whether you go for a classic sesame bagel with cream cheese or try one of their hearty breakfast sandwiches, BO’s in Washington Heights guarantees a satisfying start to your day.
For those seeking a quintessential NYC bagel experience, Bagel Street hits all the right notes. This unassuming spot is all about delivering fresh, perfectly baked bagels with a side of warm, efficient service. Their bagels are known for their slightly dense interior and beautifully browned crust, making them ideal for both purists and sandwich enthusiasts.
Steeped in history, Kossar’s Bagels & Bialys has been a staple of NYC bagel culture since 1936. Their Upper West Side outpost brings their signature recipes to a new generation of bagel lovers. Kossar’s is known for its exceptional bialys, but their bagels are equally extraordinary—dense yet soft, with just the right amount of chew.
Kossar’s also prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and maintaining the traditional methods that have made it a household name. Their menu includes an array of toppings, from silky lox to velvety butter, ensuring that every bite is a nostalgic nod to New York’s rich culinary history.
The original BO’s Bagels in Harlem is where it all began, and it remains a shining star in the city’s bagel scene. Located on West 116th Street, this shop has become a local favorite for its fresh, hand-made bagels and welcoming atmosphere.
BO’s is all about variety, offering a range of bagels that cater to both traditionalists and flavor explorers. From classic plain bagels to adventurous options like za’atar and pumpernickel cranberry, there’s always something new to try. Pair your bagel with one of their house-made spreads, and you’ve got a meal that’s worth every bite.
With multiple locations across Manhattan, Tal Bagels has cemented its status as one of NYC’s most beloved bagel chains. Known for its generous portions and consistent quality, Tal Bagels is a haven for bagel lovers who appreciate variety. From plain and poppy seed to everything and egg, their bagels are fresh, flavorful, and satisfyingly chewy.
What sets Tal Bagels apart is its range of options for customization. Whether you’re in the mood for a bagel with cream cheese and lox or a loaded bagel sandwich packed with deli meats, they’ve got you covered. Add to that their speedy service, and you’ve got a winning formula for bagel bliss.
New York City bagels are legendary for a reason. The secret lies in a combination of tradition, technique, and the unique qualities of NYC water. Bagel makers in the city often use high-gluten flour, which creates a perfectly chewy texture. But the real magic comes from boiling the dough before baking, a process that gives bagels their characteristic dense interior and shiny, slightly crisp crust.
New Yorkers take their bagels seriously, and many local shops stick to time-honored recipes. The result? A bagel that’s both nostalgic and iconic.
When it comes to bagels in NYC, the variety is endless. Whether you’re a fan of traditional flavors or eager to explore innovative options, there’s a bagel for everyone.
The classic bagels are the foundation of NYC’s bagel culture. Plain, sesame, poppy seed, and everything bagels remain timeless favorites. Pair one with a smear of cream cheese, and you’ll understand why these flavors have stood the test of time.
Sweet bagels like cinnamon raisin and blueberry offer a comforting, dessert-like flavor profile that’s perfect for starting the day on a lighter note. Cinnamon raisin bagels, in particular, combine the warm spice of cinnamon with bursts of chewy sweetness from the raisins. Toast these bagels and pair them with honey, a fruity cream cheese, or even butter for a satisfying treat.
Savory and specialty bagels bring bold flavors that cater to adventurous palates. Asiago cheese bagels, for example, are baked with a golden layer of cheese that adds a tangy, nutty richness. Other favorites, like garlic or jalapeño bagels, pack a punch, making them ideal for pairing with hearty toppings like lox or flavored cream cheeses.
For those with dietary restrictions, NYC offers an array of gluten-free and alternative bagels to ensure no one misses out. These bagels are often crafted with care using almond, rice, or chickpea flour, creating a texture and flavor that mimics the traditional variety. Shops also experiment with creative blends, like sweet potato or quinoa-based bagels, catering to the health-conscious and adventurous alike.
A bagel is a delicious canvas, and what you pair with it can elevate the experience to a whole new level. Here are some classic and creative options to try:
Cream cheese is the ultimate NYC bagel pairing. From plain to scallion, veggie, or even lox-flavored cream cheese, these spreads offer a rich, creamy contrast to the chewy bagel. Butter is another traditional choice for those who prefer simplicity.
A bagel and lox sandwich is the epitome of NYC bagel culture, loved for its balanced, savory flavors. The thinly sliced cured salmon pairs perfectly with a thick layer of cream cheese, while the addition of capers, red onions, and tomato adds a tangy, refreshing bite. Often served open-faced, this classic combination is as much about the texture as the taste.
Start your morning with a breakfast bagel sandwich. Popular fillings include eggs, bacon, sausage, or avocado. A toasted everything bagel with scrambled eggs and cheese is a NYC morning staple.
For the adventurous eater, NYC bagel shops offer gourmet creations that push the boundaries of tradition. Think buffalo chicken bagels, which combine spicy chicken, tangy sauce, and melty cheese for a savory delight, or Nutella-filled bagels, perfect for indulging your sweet tooth. These imaginative variations celebrate the city’s culinary creativity and add a layer of fun to the bagel experience.
With countless bagel shops across New York City, finding the perfect one can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you discover a bagel that lives up to the hype:
The everything bagel reigns supreme in New York City due to its perfect balance of savory flavors from sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt. It pairs well with cream cheese, lox, or butter, making it versatile and delicious. Its widespread popularity makes it a quintessential NYC bagel choice.
NY bagels are the best because of the traditional boil-and-bake method and the unique composition of New York City water. The water’s mineral content creates a distinct texture that’s both soft and chewy. Combined with decades of expertise, NYC bagels are unmatched in quality.
The oldest bagel shop in NYC is Bagel Hole, established in 1960 in Brooklyn. Known for its small, dense bagels, it continues to serve authentic bagels crafted in the traditional style. Its legacy and dedication to quality make it a beloved institution.
New Yorkers typically enjoy their bagels with cream cheese, butter, or as part of a sandwich. A classic option is a bagel with lox, cream cheese, capers, and red onion. Many enjoy them fresh without toasting, especially if they’re still warm from the oven.
Bagels can be enjoyed either way depending on preference. Open-faced is popular for spreads like cream cheese or lox, allowing the toppings to shine. A closed bagel is ideal for sandwiches, making it easier to handle on the go.
Bagels are best enjoyed warm, especially when they are fresh out of the oven. A warm bagel has a soft interior and a slightly crisp crust, enhancing its flavor. However, they can also be eaten cold, particularly when used for sandwiches or stored leftovers.
Bagels should not be refrigerated as it can make them stale and tough. Instead, store them in a paper bag at room temperature for a day or two. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat before eating.
Bagels are boiled first to create their signature chewy texture and shiny crust. Boiling gelatinizes the starch on the surface, which locks in moisture and prevents them from becoming too dry during baking. This step is essential for an authentic bagel experience.
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