Everyone has an opinion about which bagels are the best. What do you think? Have you eaten bagels at any of the NYC shops we profile in this article?
New York Times restaurant critic Tejal Rao sparked a lively debate making a bold claim: Some of the best bagels in the country are actually being made by California bakers. As expected, New Yorkers quickly defended the city’s bagels.
"New York bagels are the BEST in the world. Period," one Twitter user wrote.
So who does it best? We asked New Yorkers what bagel spots they can't get enough of. Here's what they had to say.
- Ess-a-Bagel (324 1st Ave.)
East Village classic Ess-a-Bagel specializes in homemade bagels served with more than 20 cream cheese options, including strawberry, olive, raisin walnut, and sun-dried tomato. The large, irresistibly crunchy bagels have a fluffy inside and are fresh and hot, right out of the oven and overflowing with cream cheese.
- Tompkins Square Bagels (165 Avenue A)
Located in Alphabet City, Tompkins Square Bagels has an expansive menu of unique bagels and cream cheese flavors. French Toast Bagel, anyone? The bagels are hand rolled, kettle boiled and oven-baked to perfection. The huge bagels are a little crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. And don't let the line out the door scare you away -- the wait is worth it.
- Black Seed Bagels (176 1st Ave.)
Black Seed Bagels combines a mix of Montreal and New York styles and are boiled in honey water for a touch of sweetness. Each bagel is a little sweet, a little salty, chewy, but airy. You can’t go wrong with their signature sandwiches like the MIAMI VICE (a turkey melt with sautéed onions, pickles, swiss cheese, and mustard) and the MILK & HONEY (topped with ricotta, apple, and honey.) And for those feeling like kids at heart, the pizza bagels bring NY’s two favorite foods together into one delicious sandwich.
- David’s Bagels (273 1st Ave.)
David's Bagels, located on 1st Ave near StuyTown, has been owned and operated by the same owners for over 25 years. Their classic bagels are fresh and fluffy, and there's a good selection of schmears. Don’t expect frills or wacky flavors – just really great bagels. Whatever you choose, you can't go wrong with this East Village staple.
- Tal Bagels (357 1st Ave.)
Tal Bagels finds a perfect balance between chewy (outside) and doughy (inside). They won’t skimp on the filling either – expect enough cream cheese for three bagels – and that’s a good thing. (Plus, they’ll gladly scoop out bagels for the carb-conscious.) Our go-to order is a bagel with lox, scallion cream cheese, tomatoes, capers. and onions. Delicious!
- Bagel Boss (263 1st Ave.)
Located on 1st Avenue, this popular neighborhood bagel spot has over 50 years’ experience in delivering certified kosher bagels, spreads, and baked treats, including cookies, muffins, and cupcakes. The store is open 24 hours a day and is a convenient spot to pick up a bagel in the morning.
Written by Amber James