Everyone knows that New York makes the best bagels in the world. But, where are the top spots in New York to get one? We asked our readers via Instagram to narrow it down to their favorites. Here are the best bagels in New York City, according to Gotham's readers.
See Also: The 16 Best Pizza Slices in NYC According to Gotham’s Readers
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Our readers’ favorite, you can’t go wrong with getting Ess-a-bagel for your next breakfast on the go. Order a classic bacon egg and cheese or try one of the Ess-a-bagel favorites, like the chicken parm bagel.
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A popular spot among both tourists and locals, Tompkins Square Bagels has any bagel you could think of. Grab your everyday staple or try something more quirky, like a bagel with espresso-flavored cream cheese. Sweet or savory, you can’t go wrong with Tompkins Square Bagels.
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Another highly recommended spot from our readers, Black Seed Bagels is a modern spot with tons of signature options and wood-fired bagels. Try one of Black Seed’s sandwich creations, like the hot honey ham or the Brick Lane.
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A staple in New York City and featured in many of your favorite TV shows, H&H bagels is Gotham’s choice. There are several locations across the city, including in LaGuardia Airport and Moynihan Train Hall, where you can get your favorite savory snack on the go.
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For a hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagel, make your way to one of Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company’s locations around the city. Brooklyn Bagel’s plethora of spreads will satisfy your sweet or savory cravings. Try out the bacon scallion cream cheese on your favorite bagel or, for something sweet, get a slab of cannoli spread.
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For some unique creations on hand-rolled bagels, visit Bagel Market. Order a BLT on a bagel for lunch or a spinach omelet on a bagel for breakfast!
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235 W 116th St. / 917.902.8345 / Website
A Harlem favorite, Bo’s Bagels has great unprepared bagels and signature creations. Try the sushi bagel if you’re looking to get out of your bagel comfort zone or opt for Bo’s Grilled Cheese – Bo’s take on the classic grilled cheese and tomato soup comfort dish.
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631 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn / 718.389.2302 / Website
Frankel’s is a go-to deli for Brooklyn residents and visitors. If you’re a fan of bagels with cream cheese and lox, you’ll love some of Frankel’s specialty bagel sandwiches. Or, if you’re not in the mood for a bagel, Frankel’s is known for its great deli sandwiches like the Pastrami Reuben.
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40 Wyckoff Ave., Brooklyn / 929.324.3130 / Website
For a whimsical bagel menu, check out The Bad Bagel in Brooklyn. If you are looking for a sweet bagel, this is the place to go. Try out the Rainbow bagel or the French Toast bagel with your favorite cream cheese spread. Plus, right now, you can get the brand-new black and white cheesecake bagel.
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Multiple locations / 718.383.1600 / Website
For the bagel connoisseurs, Bagel Point has almost any flavor you can think of. Have a bite of one of Bagel Point’s cragels–a croissant bagel–or order a traditional bagel with cream cheese. Or get a schmear of one of the many fun spreads, like the red velvet or chipotle cream cheeses.
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Iconic for good reason, Russ & Daughters is the perfect spot for when you're craving an upscale bagel. Known for its delicious lox, this fan favorite never fails to hit the spot. We highly recommend the Daughter's Delight, a bagel with smoked salmon, salmon roe and cream cheese.
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Since 2006, when Zucker's first opened in Tribeca, this spot's old-fashioned bagels have drawn a crowd. Hand-rolled and kettle-boiled, this spot is for bagel sandwich lovers. We always go for the latke BEC, complete with eggs, applewood-smoked bacon, cheddar and a breakfast potato latke.
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Rip-and-dippers, this one's for you. PopUp Bagels serves delicious bagels straight out of the oven. Smaller in size, these bagels (sold by a minimum of six) are intended to be dipped into their schmears and butters, with rotating schmears available weekly. Expect long lines, as this one has gone viral multiple times.
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Started in Queens in 1981, Utopia Bagels is known for individually hand-rolling, kettle boiling, and baking their bagels in a 1947 carousel oven. This one keeps it old-school, and the result is a loyal customer base that keeps coming back for more year after year.
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You'll find a tight menu at Apollo Bagels, where sourdough bagels reign supreme. Bagel options include plain, everything and sesame, and each can be served with butter, cream cheese, butter and jam or as one of three sandwiches: cream cheese and tomato; smoked salmon with cream cheese, capers, red onions and dill; or whitefish salad with pickled peppers, mustard and cucumber.
Photography by: VICKY NG
