New York is synonymous with good bagels.
People come from all over the world to try the famous breakfast staple, and locals judge each other harshly on their order, which is why Yelp has now compiled a list of the 10 best bagel shops across the state.
While many bodegas and cafes serve great bagels, the following farm-to-table spots are the best in the biz—and there are some surprise entries on the list.
1. PopUp BagelsManhattan
Since opening its first NYC location in April 2023, PopUp Bagels has used its TikTok fame to expand to 11 locations in New York and New England.
New York searches for PopUp Bagels are up 2,751% on Yelp year over year.
PopUp Bagel typically only offers five bagel flavors, along with simple and specialty items like Sweet Basil or Cacio e Pepe Butter.
However, they’ve also debuted adventurous schmear collaborations including a garlic escargot with renowned pastry chef Dominique Ansel, a cream cheese UTZ Cheese Ball and Frank’s Red Hot Butter.
The minimum order is 3 bagels, so you may want to wait to go with a friend.
2. Liberty Bagels MidtownManhattan
Liberty Bagel’s Rainbow Bagel with all seven colors of the spectrum is a social media star.
“We focus on making those bagels beautiful — it’s really an art,” owner Victor Mejia, who has been working on perfection for more than 35 years, told Yelp.
The bagel business has expanded to four locations across the city.
But with their many delicious bagels and more than 25 scratch-made schmear flavors — the birthday cake schmear seems to be the most popular pairing for the Rainbow Bagel — Liberty Bagels has gone beyond social media stars to became an IRL favorite.
“Best bagels I’ve ever had, OMG. Definitely worth the wait! Perfectly crusty and chewy bagels, generous piles of cream cheese, tons of classic and unique sandwich options. I’m craving a bagel in NY as I write this review,” Yelp Elite Michelle Mr said.
3. Best bagel and coffeeManhattan
Well, Best Bagel & Coffee seems to be living up to its name.
“The real secret is consistency,” Manager Mikey Ji. Yelp said.
Along with great classic New York bagels, the shop offers unique cream cheese flavors including Wasabi and Avocado Lime.
4. Between BagelsAstoria, Queens
The menu at Between the Bagel (filled with Korean spins on bagels) was a happy accident created by a staff-wide best-sandwich competition.
The DAPS (Dank A$# Pork Sandwich) with spicy pulled pork, mozzarella, grilled onions and grilled jalapenos is a crowd favorite.
However, the shop is best known for the Seoul Meets Bagel (SMB) – a classic take on the egg and cheese bagel with bulgogi, fried kimchi and gochujang mayo.
Fortunately for Too Good To Go customers and users, they rarely sell out.
“We usually over-order” the meat, Ben says, and the leftovers are donated or offered to Too Good To Go, an app that connects consumers with surplus food.
5. Water Street BagelSyracuse
The bagels at this upstate shop are cooked using a long cold-proof method (where the dough rests and rises), which develops the bagel’s flavor before it’s boiled and baked.
Locals and college students alike line up at the store early to start their day with a Spicy Everything Bagel or Rosemary Salt Bagel—both of which often sell out quickly.
“My favorite bagels in Syracuse. The outer part [is] crust and from the inside [is] chewed. There is a large selection of bagels; Rosemary salt is amazing. Their homemade cream cheese spreads are full of flavor. They are very busy at times, especially at weekends, but they have a great system and everyone is friendly and helpful.” Yelp Elite User Erica O said.
6. Russ & DaughtersManhattan
Anyone familiar with New York will not be shocked to learn that Russ & Daughters is one of the best bagel shops in the city.
The 110-year-old smoked fish establishment is currently operated by fourth-generation owners (and cousins) Josh Russ Tupper and Niki Russ Federman.
“We developed the recipe to stay true to the traditional New York bagel, which has become increasingly difficult to find,” said Emily Cintron, a spokeswoman for the iconic Lower East Side shop.
Each bagel takes a full 24 hours to make – from mixing, proofing and boiling the dough in water with malt syrup (to give it a crispy exterior), to baking on burlap-covered wooden boards.
“To understand how a slab of smoked salmon spread over a bagel became the symbol of an entire city, you have to come to Russ & Daughters,” Yelp Elite user. Jason S said.
7. Absolute BagelsManhattan
Absolute Bagels has been consistently rated as one of the best bagels in town since they began serving in the early 1990s.
Thai-born, London-educated Sam Thongkrieng honed his bagel-making craft in New York shops such as Ess-a-Bagel before opening his seat.
The only cash shop on the Upper West Side may look like a hole-in-the-wall, but it’s long been a classic downtown staple with a variety of flavorful bagels and schmears. Walnut cream cheese anyone?
8. Apollo BagelsManhattan
Although most New Yorkers are staunch defenders of the classic bagel, Apollo Bagels has won people over with their sourdough staple.
The shop offers just three “perfectly crispy and fluffy” bagels — plain, sesame and all — and six open-faced bagel sandwiches.
Pop-ups in Paris and Ibiza helped Apollo Bagels achieve international recognition, but being among the best in NYC is always the toughest competition.
9. Willie’s Bagel CafeUtica
If you’re craving a NYC bite while you’re out on the town, stop by Willie’s Bagel Cafe in Utica.
Despite being a considerable distance from Gotham, owner Willie Rodriguez is very familiar with the city’s classic.
He ran a bagel shop on Long Island for 17 years before opening his own in Utica in 2016. Nearly a decade later, his bagels are still on top — especially the beloved Mr. Willie’s Philly Cheesesteak, topped with steak, onions and peppers.
The family run store sells 18 bagel flavors and 10 different types of spreads.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa. The bagels were soft, chewy and perfect. The best I’ve had in my life. I bought a dozen to take home and couldn’t stop eating. They were so addictive,” Yelp user Elizabeth L. chills
The staff at Willie’s was so friendly and helpful. They really care about their customers and their bagels.”
10. Ess-a-BagelManhattan
Ess-a-Bagel is proudly run by second-generation owner Melanie Frost – granddaughter of Florence and Gene Wilpon, who co-founded Ess-a-Bagel in 1976.
“[The bagels are] big, filling and, as we always say, made with love – something we believe you can really enjoy,” said Frost.
Ess-a-Bagel offers something for everyone with 12 bagel flavors, 14 specialty sandwiches and a 38-item menu with Red Velvet, Sun-Dried Tomato, Avocado Garlic and tofu-based options.
They are also known for their popular collaborations with other big brands – Cream Cheese Bagel with Banana Pudding, based on Magnolia Bakery the famous dessert was a big hit.
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