A Quick Guide To The Best Bagel Shops In NYC - From a Local
New York City is home to yellow cabs, bustling streets, culinary delights, and some of the best bagels in the world. NYC bagels, one of the coveted food staples in the city. Think perfectly soft and crusty bagels with mouthwatering cream cheeses, lox, and egg sandy’s. As a New York City local I have been to all of the best bagel joints in the city and I am excited to share New York's best kept secrets. Read on to discover the best bagel shops in New York City - from a local.
The Best Bagel Shops In NYC
1. Popup Bagels
We will start off strong with the famous Popup Bagels located in SOHO. They are a unique bagel shop compared to others in the city. They do not have the typical bacon, egg, and cheese. But rather limited flavors of spreads and bagels each day in smaller quantities.
They are known for their “rip and dip” style of bagel eating. Meaning they give a big ole bag of bagels and a couple buckets of cream cheese, and you may literally “rip and dip” your warm scrumptious bagel. They rotate their flavors often, so expect some funky combinations. Such as butterfinger cream cheese with a cinnamon raisin bagel or you may also get a plain bagel with a fun butter such as the salted miso butter. They have the typical plain bagel with plain cream cheese, but expect specials too.
They even did a collaboration with Salt and Straw ice cream making a glorious bagel ice cream ala mode. They truly top the docket for creativity. Would highly suggest checking them out because their bagels are quality.
Pros
- Their bagels are always fresh, so go anytime of the day for a fresh bagel!
- Fun flavors and unique cream cheese combos.
Cons
- Line is usually long, so try to go earlier in the morning
- Also, there is no seating, but Washington Square Park is not too far so people often chomp on their bagels in the park.
Website - https://www.popupbagels.com/
2. Tompkins Square Bagels
Tompkins is more your stereotypical bagel spot as they have classic New York bagels. They have literally every single bagel combination. You will find classics such as bagels with cream cheese, egg sandwiches, bagels with lox and capers, etc.
They also have fun sandwiches, like The Koch (Hot pastrami, egg, scallion cream cheese, and red onion served on your choice of bagel) or the Beyond Delight which is their all vegan sandwich ( Just Egg, Beyond Meat, Stockeled Cheddar, Sriracha, and your choice of bagel).
Overall, they have such a large range of menu options. And can still create really fresh sandwiches. They also have a wide range of fresh baked goods, coffee/teas, and a huge fridge with many drink options from gourmet iced teas to health sodas like Poppi. I will say they get very crowded on the weekends, so try to get there on the earlier side before 10 am. Overall, great bagel spot.
Pros
- Many options
- Creative sandwiches
- Serves classic style NY bagels
- Funky atmosphere and seating (also multiple locations)
Cons
- Can get very busy
Website - https://www.tompkinssquarebagels.com/
3. Leon's Bagels
Leon's probably the best place to get an egg sandwich bagel. Located in Soho, Leon's is literally a hole in the wall.
Early birds line up outside their bagel window at the inception of opening, so try to get there early. Weekends definitely tend to get busier.
Leon's has multiple locations, (Manhattan & Brooklyn), but I have only visited the SOHO location.
Leon's is a mom and pop type shop started by a family. They use the best quality ingredients while creating delicious bites. Overall, they are a great option if you want any of the classics! Be sure to try the bacon, egg, and cheese or lox or cream cheese bagels.
They probably serve my favorite egg sandwich in the city as they always serve hefty portions with perfectly melted cheese. Super fresh, consistent, and yummy!
Pros
- Consistent
- Multiple Locations
- Family Owned
Cons
- Can get busy
*Local Tip* Popup and Leon’s bagels (SOHO) are right next (like 50 ft), so if one line is long try the other shop!
Website - https://www.leonsbagels.com/
4. Liberty Bagels
Liberty Bagels are always super soft and fresh. The outside of the bagel is perfectly chewy and warm. They don’t overstuff the bagels with too much cream cheese or egg so it’s a great bite.
They have a location near Times Square which is convenient for tourists who want a quick bite in the morning. They do get busy on the weekends, but they are quite efficient at moving the line along.
Their bagels are classic New York style bagels which are hand rolled every morning for consumers to indulge in! This shop ranked #1 on Tripadvisor for bagels in NYC. They also have multiple locations (Downtown Manhattan, Midtown Manhattan, Queens, 5th Ave).
Pros
- Locations all over the city
- Always Fresh
Cons
- Can get crowded
Website - https://libertybagels.com/
A Quick Guide To The Best Bagel Shops In NYC - From a Local Wrap Up
New York is home to the best bagels in the world. We hope that this Quick Guide To The Best Bagel Shops In NYC From a Local helps you plan the perfect trip to New York City. If you liked this post be sure to checkout our Ultimate Guide To New York City. If you have been to any amazing bagel joints in NYC please leave us a comment so we can check it out!
Written By Maddie MacLellan
This post all about the Best Bagel Shops In NYC was written by Maddie MacLellan. Maddie is a theatre student who grew up in Boston and is now living in New York City pursuing her dreams to be an actress. While her passion is singing and dancing she is a complete and utter foodie. Maddie spends her free time exploring the big apple and trying the best culinary delights NYC has to offer.
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