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Top 10 Best Bagel Shops in New York

New York City's bagel scene isn't just food—it's a cultural institution that demands reverence and debate in equal measure. From the boiled-then-baked perfection of century-old establishments to innovative newcomers pushing boundaries, these ten bagel shops represent the gold standard of what makes a New York bagel truly legendary. Many of these iconic spots have embraced modern conveniences like DineCard's digital menus, making it easier than ever to browse their offerings while you're in line, though the real experience still demands standing elbow-to-elbow with fellow New Yorkers in that sacred morning ritual.

Liberty Bagels Wall Street
#10

Liberty Bagels Wall Street

32 Broadway, New York
4.5
2,171 reviews
$26 for two
BakeryFinancial District LocationEarly OpeningBusiness CrowdTourist Convenient
Must try:Pastrami Egg and Cheese on Plain Bagel

The Financial District location serves Wall Street's early risers and tourists exploring the southern tip of Manhattan with reliable bagels that fuel power breakfasts and sightseeing marathons alike. Their pastrami, egg, and cheese on a plain bagel transforms the humble breakfast sandwich into something substantial enough to power you through a morning of meetings or museum-hopping. The grab-and-go setup caters to the neighborhood's pace, making it perfect for solo travelers or business folks who need quality fuel without ceremony before tackling Lower Manhattan's attractions.

Murray's Bagels
#9

Murray's Bagels

500 6th Ave, New York
4.1
2,161 reviews
$32 for two
BakeryJumbo BagelsVillage InstitutionWarm BagelsSalmon Platters
Must try:Smoked Salmon Platter

Murray's has been a Greenwich Village fixture since 1996, offering jumbo-sized bagels that arrive still warm from the oven if you time it right. The smoked salmon platter here is generous enough to share (though you won't want to), with capers, tomatoes, onions, and cream cheese that tastes house-made. The slightly lower rating reflects inconsistency depending on timing, but catch them mid-morning and you'll understand why this place has survived three decades of sky-high Village rents—the pumpernickel bagel alone is worth the visit.

Broad Nosh Bagels & Caterings 42nd Street
#8

Broad Nosh Bagels & Caterings 42nd Street

587 9th Ave, New York
4.8
2,580 reviews
$24 for two
BakeryCafeHighest RatedPre-Theater BreakfastEgg SandwichesTourist Friendly
Must try:Everything Bagel with Scrambled Eggs and Swiss

The Hell's Kitchen location of Broad Nosh consistently earns the highest ratings in the mini-chain, and one bite of their everything bagel with scrambled eggs and Swiss explains why. The bagels here achieve that increasingly rare perfect texture—substantial enough to hold hefty toppings without falling apart, yet tender enough to avoid jaw fatigue. The proximity to Times Square could make it a tourist trap, but locals pack the place during morning rush, and the efficient counter service handles the crowds with practiced ease.

Bagel Shop
#7

Bagel Shop

1659 3rd Ave, New York
4.7
1,474 reviews
$28 for two
BakeryNeighborhood FavoriteClassic PreparationSeating AvailableUpper East Side Charm
Must try:Nova Lox with Plain Cream Cheese

This Upper East Side neighborhood staple keeps things refreshingly simple with consistently excellent bagels and zero pretension. The nova lox with plain cream cheese, tomato, onion, and capers represents bagel-making in its purest form—quality ingredients speaking for themselves without gimmicks. The space encourages lingering with actual seating that isn't just an afterthought, making it perfect for leisurely weekend mornings when you want to feel like a local rather than a tourist racing between attractions.

Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company
#6

Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company

286 8th Ave, New York
4.6
3,887 reviews
$20 for two
BakeryCafeBreakfast SandwichesCoffee SelectionBudget FriendlyCorner Location
Must try:Bacon Egg and Cheese on Everything Bagel

Don't let the name fool you—this Chelsea spot delivers authentic New York-style bagels with a perfect crackly exterior that shatters under your first bite. The bacon, egg, and cheese on a toasted everything bagel is the platonic ideal of the New York breakfast sandwich, with the bacon properly crispy and eggs cooked to order. The corner location offers surprising people-watching potential, making it equally suitable for solo morning reading sessions or casual catch-ups, and their coffee game is strong enough to justify the name.

Bagels & Schmear
#5

Bagels & Schmear

116 E 28th St, New York
4.6
1,861 reviews
$19 for two
BakeryCreative FlavorsLocal FavoriteBudget FriendlyMontreal-Style Options
Must try:Jalapeño Cheddar Bagel with Vegetable Cream Cheese

This Kips Bay gem punches above its weight class with Montreal-style bagels that divide purists while winning over adventurous eaters with their slightly sweeter, denser profile. The jalapeño cheddar bagel with vegetable cream cheese offers a perfect kick for those who want their morning carbs with personality. The smaller footprint means it's better for quick grab-and-go rather than lingering, but the friendly service and creative schmear options (try the maple walnut) make it a neighborhood favorite that rewards repeat visits.

Russ & Daughters
#4

Russ & Daughters

179 E Houston St, New York
4.6
4,652 reviews
$35 for two
BakeryGrocery Or SupermarketHistoric LandmarkPremium Smoked FishInstagram-worthyTourist Hotspot
Must try:Super Heebster Sandwich

This Lower East Side institution has been slinging smoked fish since 1914, making it less of a bagel shop and more of a New York pilgrimage site. The Super Heebster—with whitefish and baked salmon salad, wasabi-infused roe, and horseradish cream cheese—is an Instagram-worthy masterpiece that actually lives up to the hype. Expect to wait, especially on weekends, but the knowledgeable staff and museum-quality appetizing counter make it worth the investment for both bagel purists and adventurous eaters seeking the full Jewish deli experience.

Broad Nosh Bagels Deli & Catering 58th Street
#3
TOP 3

Broad Nosh Bagels Deli & Catering 58th Street

314 W 58th St, New York
4.7
7,477 reviews
$22 for two
BakeryCafeFamily FriendlyDeli CounterCatering AvailableUpper West Side Staple
Must try:Whitefish Salad on Salt Bagel

With nearly 7,500 reviews and a 4.7 rating, Broad Nosh has become the Upper West Side's bagel destination, consistently delivering hand-rolled bagels that honor tradition while offering creative schmear combinations. Their whitefish salad is legitimately exceptional—chunky, fresh, and perfectly seasoned—and pairs beautifully with their salt bagel. The deli counter setup encourages lingering, making it perfect for weekend brunches with family or catching up with friends, and their catering operation speaks to how seriously locals take their bagel game.

Liberty Bagels Midtown
#2
RUNNER UP

Liberty Bagels Midtown

260 W 35th St, New York
4.6
4,722 reviews
$20 for two
BakeryCafeBreakfast SpotGenerous PortionsBudget FriendlyTourist Friendly
Must try:Lox Spread on Sesame Bagel

Liberty Bagels has cultivated a devoted following with bagels that strike the perfect balance between chewy and fluffy, and their build-your-own sandwich options border on overwhelming (in the best way). The lox spread here deserves special mention—generously portioned with quality fish that doesn't taste like it's been sitting since dawn. Morning crowds can be intense, but the line moves with quintessential New York efficiency, making it a reliable spot for office workers and hotel guests exploring the Garment District.

Best Bagel & Coffee
#1
BEST

Best Bagel & Coffee

225 W 35th St A, New York
4.6
6,654 reviews
$18 for two
BakeryCafeLocal FavoriteBudget FriendlyQuick ServiceClassic NYC Bagels
Must try:Everything Bagel with Scallion Cream Cheese

This Midtown powerhouse has earned its 6,600+ reviews by delivering consistently excellent bagels in the heart of Manhattan's busiest district. The everything bagel with scallion cream cheese is the move here—perfectly chewy with just enough char on the outside and that signature New York water bagel texture. The no-frills counter service and rapid-fire pace make it ideal for commuters and tourists who want an authentic experience without the pretension, though grabbing a seat during morning rush requires strategic timing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best bagel shop in New York City?+
Based on ratings and reviews, Broad Nosh Bagels on 42nd Street leads with a 4.8 rating and exceptional consistency, though Russ & Daughters on the Lower East Side offers the most historic and premium experience for those seeking authentic Jewish appetizing tradition alongside their bagels.
Where can I find the best lox bagel in NYC?+
Russ & Daughters on Houston Street is legendary for their premium smoked fish and offers the iconic Super Heebster, while Liberty Bagels Midtown provides excellent lox spread at a more budget-friendly price point with generous portions that rival the pricier establishments.
Which bagel shops near Times Square are worth visiting?+
Broad Nosh Bagels on 42nd Street (587 9th Ave) and Liberty Bagels on 35th Street both sit within walking distance of Times Square and offer authentic NYC bagels without tourist-trap pricing, with Broad Nosh earning particularly high marks for consistency and quality egg sandwiches.
What's the difference between New York and Montreal-style bagels?+
New York bagels are boiled then baked, resulting in a larger, chewier bagel with a crispy exterior, while Montreal-style bagels (found at spots like Bagels & Schmear) are smaller, denser, slightly sweeter, and baked in wood-fired ovens. Most NYC shops stick to the traditional New York style that made the city famous.
Are NYC bagel shops budget-friendly for tourists?+
Absolutely—most classic bagel shops like Best Bagel & Coffee, Liberty Bagels, and Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company offer meals under $10 per person, making them one of the best value dining options in the city. Expect to spend $18-25 for two people at most locations, with only premium spots like Russ & Daughters reaching $30-35 for two.

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