New York is known for its food culture across the board. It takes consistent quality survive here, from the finest dining establishments down to the bodega on your favorite street corner. But what’s our favorite New York breakfast staple? The bagels, of course.
Eating a toasted bagel with cream cheese on the way to work is a collective experience for many New Yorkers. We all know the bagels taste better here - and no, we’re not biased, it’s actually because of the mineral content in the water that strengthens the gluten in dough.
So for our Manhattanites, we knew we had to do some serious research to curate an authoritative New York City bagel guide. We’ve once again enlisted help from mentalist and Instagram food influencer Josh Beckerman (AKA Foodie Magician) to help. Here are his picks for the eight best bagels in New York City. From Black Seed's specialty pastrami-spiced carrot “Lox” bagel to Baz Bagel's "Waldorf" chicken salad-inspired special, there’s no way you won’t find the New York bagel of your dreams somewhere within this list.
See also: The 10 Tasty Brunch Spots in NYC
Tompkins Square Bagels
184 2nd Ave., 165 Avenue A | Website
This bagel shop has all of your breakfast, lunch and dinner needs taken care of, serving breakfast sandwiches, salads, soups, and even fish. “Awesome assortment of cream cheeses,” Beckerman says. “They even have a sandwich named after me.” Don’t forget to try the “Beckerman” bagel when you dine here!
Ess-A-Bagel
324 1st Ave., 831 3rd Ave., 108 W 32nd St. | Website
Founded in 1976, Ess-A-Bagel is by no means average, serving 13 types of bagels, including mini bagels and bialys. “Bagel perfection,” Beckerman calls it. From pumpernickel raisin, to poppy seed bagels, there’s something for everyone.
Black Seed Bagels
176 1st Ave., 1188 Broadway, 170 Elizabeth St., 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 200 Vesey St., 75 9th Ave. | Website
A New York fan-favorite, Black Seed opened in 2014 and has been pushing the boundaries of how NYC bagels are made ever since. “Delectable Montreal-style bagels,” Beckerman comments. They serve a variety of bagel sandwiches, from pastrami smoked salmon to an almond butter and jam edition. Does anything sound better than that?
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David's Bagels
273 1st Ave. | Website
David’s is “bagel perfection” to Beckerman. Frisco sourdough, sunflower, and sun-dried tomato are just a few of their wide variety of bagel flavors. But this place goes above and beyond your typical bagel expectations, offering cream cheese spreads ranging from olive & pimento, to walnut raisin, and even tofu scallion.
See also: The 9 Best Italian Restaurants in NYC
Baz Bagel
181 Grand St. | Website
Beckerman called Absolute Bagels a “Nolita bagel gem.” With their “Pretty in Pink” specialty beet and horseradish cream cheese bagel, “Mystic Pizza Bagel,” and “Baz” salmon scallion bagel, it’s hard to argue with this choice. Be sure to also try their smoothies and potato latkes!
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Murray's Bagels
500 6th Ave. | Website
Murray’s is a West Village staple and a go-to spot for many. With more than twelve different flavors that all taste out of this world, they are also a popular catering option if you’re looking to host a brunch for your closest friends. With their international smoked fish platter, a vegetable crudites platter, and of course, a rugelach dessert platter, you won’t want to miss out on this one.
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Sadelle's
463 W. Broadway | Website
If you’re in the mood to splurge on your Sunday brunch, Sadelle’s is the perfect option. “A newer SoHo brunch staple,” as Beckerman says, this spot serves all of your typical favorite bagel flavors in an upscale setting. For the more adventurous eaters, be sure to try their raisin walnut babka and poppy seed rugelach cookie. But don’t forget to get a reservation – this place is hoppin’.
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Absolute Bagels
2788 Broadway | Yelp
Last but certainly not least, Beckerman hails Absolute Bagels as an “Uptown bagel gem.” Offering a variety of fresh-baked bagels, Tofutti and salads, this dedicated, all-day diner is a crowd-pleaser with no shortage of appealing options.
Photography by: Jupiterimages
