Are you looking for the best bagels in NYC? If you’ve got a craving for bagels, you’ve come to the right place!

If you’re looking for the best bagels in NYC, you’ve come to the right place.

In this list you’ll find recommendations for 18 amazing bagels in NYC, any of which will satisfy your bagel cravings!

Bagels in NYC are iconic, they’re almost the ‘unoffical’ food of the city. Providing delicious, easy food on the go to locals and tourists alike.

But finding the best bagels in NYC? It can be tricky!

Finding the best bagels in NYC is something every visitor needs to do, and it’s almost like a rite of passage in the city of NYC!

Bagels in NYC are a part of life, they’re the easy breakfast, the quick lunch and the fuss-free dinner.

And in a city where everything costs more than average… Bagels in NYC are cheap and budget friendly. And tasty too!

OK, we’ll stop with our love letter to bagels, and start with our amazing list of the best bagels in NYC. So let’s go…


Here’s where to find the best bagels in NYC…


Shelsky’s

First on our list of the best bagels in NYC, it’s Shelsky’s.

This classic choice for bagels in NYC, is one of the most popular delicatessens in NYC, so it’s unsurprising that they also serve up some of the best bagels in NYC too!

What makes Shelsky’s incredible are the toppings that are on offer here. There’s such a variety and the toppings are often freshly prepped and locally sourced too.

There are spicy shrimp bagels, baked salmon bagels, and even chopped liver bagels available to diners at Shelsky’s.

With the perfect texture, and a pleasing crunch on first bite, these bagels are the best bagels in NYC!


Edith’s

If you’re looking for toasted bagels in NYC, then you need to head to Edith’s. Now, this little corner of heaven has only been open for a short while, but it’s certainly made its mark.

This is one of the top places for the best bagels in NYC, hands down. We know you’re going to love it.

The poppyseed bagel at Edith’s is a perfect choice, and we highly suggest trying out their Herby Vegan “Cream Cheese” bagel if you’re plant-based.

If you’re a dairy lover, try out the simple Whipped Butter with Flakey Salt Bagel. It is one of the ultimate bagels you can try in New York City.

Sure, they’re both indulgent, but you’re in New York, right?! What’s a bit of indulgence in the Big Apple!

Check out their Instagram for even more amazing foodie heaven and photos of the best bagels in NYC!

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Best bagels in NYC: Black Seed Bagels

Black Seed Bagels is next on our list of the best bagels in NYC. Headed up by James Beard and Dianna Daoheung.

Together, this superstar team developed Black Seed’s incredible bagel recipe and they’ve been welcoming customers ever since.

These guys have been on the scene since 2014, but this quaint bagel spot has quickly become one of the top spots to grab a bagel in NYC. As far as the best bagels in NYC go, this is a great place to try!

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If you’re wondering what makes Black Seed Bagels some of the best bagels in NYC, we’ll fill you in. Each batch of bagels is fired by hand in a wood-burning oven and are then thrown into a marble chute for cooling.

The result? Perfectly chewy bagels, and some of the best bagels in NYC.


Bagels & Schmear

Located on 28th street, you’ll find Bagels & Schmear, another great midtown choice for the best bagels in NYC.

This place has amazing bagels, but also a big range of deli favorites too – so you can stock up on lots of goodies whilst you get your bagel fix!

All their baking is done on the premises too, so you know these bagels are being freshly baked!


Baz Bagel and Restaurant

Are you looking for the most aesthetically pleasing bagels in NYC? Well, we think we may have found them. These are definitely up there for the best bagels in NYC.

Although Baz Bagel and Restaurant serve regular bagels daily, they also sell custom-color bagels that are said to “brighten any occasion”.

The tie-dye bagels are particularly popular, and we can safely say that they look as radical as they sound.

This restaurant also provides catering, so if you’re in need of a massive, assorted bagel box, hit these folks up for some of the best bagels in NYC.

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Bo’s Bagels

Bo’s Bagels is home to some of the best bagels in NYC. Located near Harlem, this quaint little bagel shop serves up picture-perfect bagels every time.

If you’re wondering what makes these bagels so special, it’s their glorious texture. There’s just something unique about the texture that’ll have you returning for more.

All bagels at Bo’s are made using the “old school” method, which involves simple ingredients, boiling barley malt, and bagel boards. This is a great place to try some of the best bagels in NYC.

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Although these guys don’t expect you to learn the ins and outs of bagel making, they’re very passionate about their products (and it shows!).

You can either purchase bagels as singles or order a whole dozen! Our recommendation? The simple cream cheese bagel. This place is a perfect choice for trying the classics, and certainly some of the best bagels in NYC.

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Finn’s Bagels

Next up on our list of the best bagels in NYC, it’s Finn’s Bagels. This new bagel spot in NYC is located in the fancy new neighborhood, Hudson Yards.

So if you find yourself in that part of town, this is definitely the bagel place for you!

The bagels here are pretty classic is taste and texture, and they offer up all the classic schmears and spreads you’d expect from a top-notch bagel place.

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Leo’s Bagels

Our next suggestion for finding the best bagels in NYC? It’s Leo’s Bagels.

Image credit: https://twitter.com/LeosBagels

Located in the heart of downtown, by Wall Street, this is a breakfast and lunch staple for many who live in the city. And a lot of workers in that part of town will certainly declare Leo’s Bagels as the best bagels in NYC.

But what makes Leo’s Bagels so good? Well, they’re all about the traditional methods and offer up all the classic combinations too.

The bagels here are hand-rolled, and the spreads and toppings are some of our favorites. This is why this place makes our list of the best bagels in NYC!

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Zabar’s

Next up on our list of places to find the best bagels in NYC, it’s Zabar’s.

Now, if you haven’t been to Zabar’s yet – we recommend it for many more reasons, than just the bagels.

Editorial credit: EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

This is one of the most quirky, historic and charming supermarkets in New York City, and the fact they offer up some of the best bagels in NYC is just a small part of their offering!

You’ll also find an amazing deli, and incredible baked goods (homecooked, like your Mama makes). It’s like a treasure cove of homecooked food, and we can never buy enough!

This is a New York icon in its own right, and yes, they do serve up some of the best bagels in NYC too!


The Original Rainbow Bagel in NYC

If you’re looking for bagels in NYC with cult followings, then you absolutely have to stop by The Original Rainbow Bagel.

This place went viral a few years ago, and has remained a clear favorite in the city ever since.

And it’s not hard to see why – their crazy colored bagels are bright, colorful and make any day seem a little better. This is an epic choice for the best bagels in NYC, and it’s so eyecatching and memorable!

This bagel place in NYC can seem like a bit of a novelty (and it kind of is) but the bagels so taste great and they have some great flavors too.

If you’re new to NYC, and you want an amazing experience (and a fun photo) this is a really great place to check out for the best bagels in NYC.

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Bagel Buffet

Our next suggestion for finding the best bagels in NYC, is to check out Bagel Buffet.

As the name suggests, you’re going to find a load of different varieties and types of bagel in this bagel spot!

And don’t be put off by the unassuming exterior – this place is definitely offering up some of the best bagels in NYC!


Absolute Bagels in NYC

Absolute Bagels serves up some of the best bagels in NYC, and this little shop at 2788 Broadway makes fresh bagels each day for hungry New Yorkers.

These guys have made a name for themselves over the years, and they recently made it onto the Food & Wine list for the Best Bagels in America. You’ll love this place for bagels in NYC, they’re so tasty!

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We’d say that was an impressive feat in itself! Each bagel here comes fresh out of the oven, and you can choose from various toppings to stuff your bagel with.

Whether you fancy smoked salmon and cream cheese or indulgent Nutella, you’re sure to experience some of the best bagels in NYC at this joint. 

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Bagel Talk

Another small place for bagels in NYC, is Bagel Talk.

This is one of the simpler bagel shops in NYC, but its products pack a punch and they swerve up some of the best bagels in NYC.

If you visit this shop early in the day, the first thing you’ll be greeted by is a literal wall of bagels. However, as the day wears on, you’ll find that most of these bagels will have been snatched up by passersby.

Offering everything from the humble cream cheese and chive bagel to an all-day-breakfast bagel packed with bacon and cheese, Bagel Talk undeniably serves some of the best bagels in NYC.

Oh, and they’re open until 8pm too, so if you’re desperate for a bagel at night, these guys will still be open! 

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Bagels in NYC: Bagel Oasis

Next on our list of bagels in NYC, it’s Bagel Oasis. This little bagel shop has been around for over 50 years, and there’s a reason it’s stood the time.

What’s that reason, you ask? Well, Bagel Oasis serves some of the best bagels in NYC! Each bagel here has a perfectly chewy interior while retaining a crisp exterior. Delicious.

Traditional combinations such as bagels with cream cheese or butter are available. However, if you fancy pushing the boat out, why not order a chicken cutlet or whitefish salad bagel?

All bagels at Bagel Oasis are natural and contain no preservatives, so the health-conscious among you should rejoice! So it’s a great choice to find some of the best bagels in NYC.

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Russ & Daughters

Russ & Daughters has been charming New Yorkers since its opening in 1914, and it’s next on our list of the best bagels in NYC.

Hoping to provide visitors with an authentic New York experience, this restaurant is always packed out.

Russ & Daughters are known for their high-quality smoked fish, so if you’re on the hunt for the perfect salmon and cream cheese bagel, then trust us, you won’t do better than this. 

This is definitely one of the best bagels in NYC!

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Davidovich Bakery

Next on our list of the best bagels in NYC, it’s Davidovich Bakery. The slogan for Davidovich Bakery?

“All other bagels wish they were a Davidovich!”

Image credit: https://www.davidovichbakery.com/wp/

I mean, if that isn’t a vote of confidence in these bagels, we don’t know what is!

This bakery is well-known in New York City for providing some of the best bagels in the city, so you know you’re in good hands.

Their bagels are made ‘the old-fashioned way’ and also in small batches, which means the quality and taste of their bagels is pretty much guaranteed.

They are definitely some of the best bagels in NYC!

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Empire Bagels

The bagels at Empire Bagels are cheap and cheerful, so if you’re on the hunt for the best bagels in NYC that aren’t needlessly pricy, then look no further!

The menu at this bagel stop is extensive, and customers often find themselves spoiled for choice.

However, if you need an expert recommendation, it’s said that the Bagel with Peanut Butter & Jelly and The O.G Breakfast Bagel featuring eggs, sausage, bacon, ham, and cheese are to die for. 

These are certainly some of the best bagels in NYC.

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Tompkins Square Bagels

Another great choice for the best bagels in NYC, it’s Tompkins Square Bagels. Sometimes, you just want a sweet treat to start the day off on the right foot.

If you want a change from regular cream cheese bagels, then why not order a Goldbelly Bagel or French Toast Bagel from Tompkins Square Bagels?

These truly are some of the best bagels in NYC, as not only are they sumptuously sweet, but they somehow avoid being saccharine.

Seriously, that’s a difficult feat to accomplish, so hats off to Tompkins Square Bagels! 

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Sadelle’s 

Sadelle’s is one of the top brunch spots in NYC, and they also happen to serve up some of the best bagels in NYC.

Not only does Sadelle’s have a great reputation among locals, but it’s also been named one of the Best Restaurants for Brunch in New York City by Harper’s Bazaar in 2017, and one of the Best Brunch Spots in NYC by Cosmopolitan.

Wow, talk about a series of accolades. If you’re looking for a savory treat, order the Salami & Eggs bagel. Delicious and perfectly salty, it’s a surefire winner. 

We know you’ll love this option for the best bagels in NYC.

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Bagelsmith

Bagelsmith is one of Brooklyn’s most-loved bagel spots. Serving up specialty sandwiches, fresh pastries, and fresh bagels, it’s a staple breakfast spot for locals.

If you some of the best bagels in NYC which are on the sweet side, you can opt for a cinnamon and raisin bagel.

Savory lovers will prefer the signature egg and cheese sandwich.

Whatever you choose, you’re unlikely to be disappointed. you’re going to love this choice for the best bagels in NYC!


Best Bagels in NYC: Bagel Express III

If you need a bagel in a hurry, then Bagel Express is a great place! As the name might suggest, bagel express is all about quick and friendly service! Perfect for lunch on the go.

Our recommendation? Go for the smoked slamon, as the portions are insanely generous and delicious too!

Look at those portions – this has to be one of the best bagels in NYC.

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Tal Bagels NYC

Tal Bagels is a great choice for the best bagels in NYC! You’ll love the Bagels at this NYC bagel hotspot!

Tal’s bagels have everything you’d expect from a classic NYC bagel joint – so expect all the delicious filling you know and love! If you’re after an old-school-cool bagel place, this is it.


Ess-a-Bagel

The final spot on our list of the best bagels in NYC belongs to Ess-a-Bagel. Located on the East Side, this popular bagel shop sells some of the largest bagels in the city.

Seriously, these bagels are hefty. Although you’ll find typical bagel toppings at Ess-a-Bagel, they’re more known for their bizarre toppings.

Think chopped liver and chopped herring. If you have an insatiable sweet tooth, try a chocolate chip or Oreo bagel. It may sound weird, but don’t count it out before you’ve had a bite! 

This place has so many combinations and flavors, which give it a firm spot on our list of the best bagels in NYC.

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Hopefully this list of the best bagels in NYC has been helpful!

As you can see, there are so many options for the best bagels in NYC – with each bagel place offering something unique and delicious.

You might not get to try all the places on this list of the best bagels in NYC, but you can give it a good go! If you try some of these places, let us know which your pick for the best bagels in NYC would be! We’d love to know!

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