Ask any New Yorker for the citys best bagel and you may spark a lively debate. Some swear by the small, dense, holey originals that demand a strong jaw; others prefer the soft, pillowy giants that barely fit in a palm. Some will trek across boroughs to wait in a viral line, while others insist the finest bagel is simply the one closest to your door on a Saturday morning. Almost everyone agrees on two things: it should be freshly baked, and a good selection of schmears should be available.
Bagels in New York have evolved since Eastern European Jewish immigrants introduced them in the late 19th century. Once the province of unions and traditional storefronts, bagels now come in every size, texture, and flavor imaginable. Still, for this guide we drew a couple of lines: no neon rainbow bagels and no overtly sweet rounds. We did make one allowance for a bialy, a close cousin of the bagel, because it deserves recognition.
Here are standout bagel shops across the city, useful whether youre a visitor or a local on a mission.
PopUp Bagels (Midtown East, Penn Plaza, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Williamsburg, Greenwich Village)
PopUp began as a literal pop-up and has grown into a multi-location chain. Its model is efficient and purposeful: a strict minimum order (three bagels plus schmear) and a DIY assembly policy, so you cut, spread, and build your own sandwich. That keeps weekend lines moving and the bagels arriving hot and fresh.
Modern Bread and Bagel (Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Midtown East, Chelsea)
Modern Bread has made a name with gluten-free bagels that look and feel like the classic item, even if they lack the signature chew gluten provides. Served hot with well-defined holes and proper seasoning, these bagels let those avoiding gluten still enjoy babka, cookies, and pastries from an entirely gluten-free bakery. Note: they are kosher and closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
BOs Bagels (Harlem, Washington Heights)
Started from a home kitchen in response to a lack of quality bagels uptown, BOs offers old-school, petite New York bagels with a satisfying chew. These are worth a subway trip; seating is minimal, so take your order to go and head for nearby parks.
Apollo Bagels (East Village, West Village, FiDi, Williamsburg)
Born as a pop-up, Apollo uses a sourdough starter that gives its bagels a pleasant tang, crisp crust, and airy crumb. The menu stays simple — plain, sesame, everything, and a handful of sandwiches — but the technique and flavor make lines worth it on weekends.
Russ & Daughters (Lower East Side, Hudson Yards, Brooklyn Navy Yard)
A New York institution since 1914, Russ & Daughters is synonymous with lox and classic appetizing. In recent years the shop expanded baking in Brooklyn and increased production for its newer locations, but the experience of an open-face fish-and-bagel at the Lower East Side cafe remains a must.
Bagel Hole (Park Slope)
A narrow, old-school shop beloved by locals, Bagel Hole turns out small, chewy bagels baked just behind the counter. Expect classic schmears and a cash-only setup; if you want to linger, Prospect Park is a short walk away.
Terrace Bagels (South Slope)
A contrast to Bagel Hole, Terrace makes larger, doughier bagels and offers a huge array of schmears on display. From classic lox spreads to playful choices like strawberry chocolate chip cream cheese, the shop is family-friendly and has a few tables for dining in.
Shelskys of Brooklyn (Cobble Hill, Park Slope)
An appetizing shop with a modern sensibility, Shelskys pairs thoughtfully made chewy bagels with top-tier smoked fish selections. Try their cracked peppercorn and salt bagel, a bold twist they call a bagel au poivre.
Barney Greengrass (Upper West Side)
Open since the early 20th century, Barney Greengrass is a destination for smoked fish and bagels. Order at the counter to go or sit in one of the dining rooms for a full meal of Eastern European Jewish classics. Bring cash and an appetite for quality fish flown in specifically for the shop.
Ess-A-Bagel (FiDi, Dumbo, Herald Square, Midtown East, StuyTown)
Operating since 1976, Ess-A-Bagel is known for puffy, flavorful bagels that are still well textured. At the original locations you can watch dozens of bagels move through a large oven — part of the ritual and charm.
Utopia Bagels (Murray Hill, Whitestone)
A Whitestone original, Utopia now bakes on-site in Manhattan as well. The bagels balance a crispy, bubbled crust with a solid, slightly chewy interior — a satisfying mix of crunch and give.
Tal Bagels (multiple Manhattan locations)
Dont dismiss this small chain; Tal Bagels delivers bagels with crusts that shatter at first bite thanks to tiny surface bubbles. They stick mostly to classics but surprise with a solid olive-rosemary option.
Tompkins Square Bagels (East Village, Union Square, Upper East Side)
Famous for long lines and oversized puffy bagels, Tompkins Square offers a huge selection of whipped cream cheeses and creative seasonal flavors. Seating is limited, but the adjacent park makes a perfect picnic spot.
Bake Shop (Bushwick)
Not a bagel shop by design, this bakery nonetheless produces small, chewy bagels with a deeply flavored crumb thanks to molasses in the dough. Simple fillings are best here so the bagel itself can shine; follow up with excellent coffee nearby.
Bagel Pub (multiple Brooklyn and Manhattan locations)
A reliable option near tourist hubs and transit centers, Bagel Pub serves fresh, pillowy bagels with a toasty crust. Theyre convenient and consistent — not always a destination, but dependable when youre on the go.
Knickerbocker Bagels (Bushwick)
A spacious neighborhood favorite close to Maria Hernandez Park, Knickerbocker makes bulkier bagels with a crisp exterior and good chew. They also offer fresh-squeezed juice for a complete breakfast to-go.
Bagel Joint (Greenpoint)
Where tradition meets innovation. Bagel Joint blends Jewish and Taiwanese culinary influences into creative offerings like duck egg or miso bagels topped with nori and salt, which pair surprisingly well with wasabi cream cheese.
Elbow Bread (Lower East Side)
A special mention for bialys: Elbow Breads baker uses barley tea and a sourdough-yeast mix to make hydrated, savory bialys. Often filled with peppers or onions and served with vegan butter, these are a modern take on a fading Ashkenazi classic.
Whether you want the classic small, chewy New York bite or a modern, pillowy sandwich, the city offers a bagel for every preference. If youre local, make a weekend of it and taste your way through a few neighborhoods. If youre visiting, pick the style you crave and head to the nearest shop on this list — you likely wont be disappointed.
