NYC's Most Iconic Bagel Bakeries You Have to Try

This Brooklyn-based bagel chain crafts delectable, chewy bagels, ideal for a classic egg and cheese sandwich or simply enjoyed on their own. Their bagel counter excels in hand-rolled, kettle-cooked varieties such as cinnamon raisin, pumpernickel, and garlic.

Elevate these bagels with an assortment of flavored cream cheeses, including enticing options like mixed berry and guacamole. For a true breakfast champion experience, savor them adorned with smoked fish or the quintessential bodega favorite – bacon, egg, and cheese.

Address: 775 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn

Renowned as one of NYC's premier bagel destinations, Tal Bagels boasts six thriving locations. Bucking the trend of mid-afternoon closures common among most bagel shops, their Upper East Side branch stays open until 9 p.m., offering an ideal setting for a laid-back date night in the city.

Locals rave about the lox, Nova salmon, and smoked salmon, favored choices at this establishment. The generous toppings on your bagel provide a compelling testament to why this spot holds its esteemed reputation.

Address: 357 1st Ave

Embark on a journey to Queens for a taste of some of the finest bagels in NYC at Utopia Bagels. Locals insist that the freshly baked bagels and inventive sandwich varieties justify the trek.

The beloved spot presents cartons teeming with fresh, original bagels, inviting you to either savor a leisurely breakfast or grab a bagel on the go.

From a classic bagel with lox to an adventurous jalapeño cream cheese pairing, patrons unanimously attest to the spot's fail-proof choices. Dive into unique sandwich creations like the Tex-Mex Chicken or the delectable Smokey & the Bacon.

Address: 1909 Utopia Pkwy, Queens

Popup Bagels is on a mission to revolutionize the conventional bagel experience. Here, the norm is tossed aside as steaming hot bagels are handed directly over the counter, accompanied by a curated selection of flavored cream cheeses for toppings.

Eschewing traditional amenities, such as seating and plastic knives, this unconventional spot presents slightly smaller, beautifully browned bagels. Despite these deviations, a visit is highly recommended for those seeking to broaden their bagel horizons.

Address: 177 Thompson St

While the original H&H Bagels closed in 2011, the revived hotspot still offers top-tier bagels in NYC. With multiple city locations, H&H Bagels provides pickup, delivery, and nationwide shipping. Their kettle-boiled creations, including pumpernickel and cinnamon raisin, blend tradition with accessibility.

Address: 1551 2nd Ave

Established in 1914, Russ & Daughters, one of the nation's oldest bagel shops, continues to impress with its outstanding New York City bagels. Over the years, patrons endured long queues for a taste of these delectable treats.

With two additional city locations, this bagel haven is renowned for its scrumptious lox and pickled herring. Providing walk-in seating and a cozy barista counter, it's a favored spot for brunch enthusiasts seeking a delightful indoor dining experience.

Address: 179 E Houston St

In the realm of modern culinary trends, this unassuming shop near Hudson Yards stands out for its generously sized, flavor-packed bagels. Take, for instance, the sunflower-seed bagel adorned with a sprinkle of unsalted seeds, creating not only an aesthetically pleasing treat but also infusing it with a subtle nutty undertone.

The cream cheese offerings are equally unique, featuring an extensive array of choices, from low-fat to vegan, adding to the distinctiveness of this bagel destination.

Address: 691 9th Ave

Indulge in round-the-clock delight at Bagel Oasis, a go-to spot for some of NYC's finest bagels. Whether it's an early-morning breakfast or a late-night snack, this 24/7 gem caters to your bagel cravings.

Ideal for a quick grab-and-go, the small yet inviting shop also offers seating for those who prefer to savor their treats onsite.

Dive into classic favorites like the egg-onion or blueberry bagels, delivering a delightful taste experience. For an extraordinary breakfast, pair your bagel with a sandwich featuring hashbrowns, ensuring a delicious start to your day.

Address: 183-12 Horace Harding Expy, Fresh Meadows

At Murray’s Bagels, each bagel is a labor of love, meticulously hand-rolled and freshly crafted every morning since 1996. Its vibrant atmosphere and perpetual queues affirm its status as one of NYC's top bagel shops.

Renowned for its delectable bites and coffee, this cozy shop is perfect for a quick indulgence or a friendly chat with the owner, Adam.

Patrons rave about the bagels' perfect exterior crunch and delightful sweet inner chew, especially favorites like poppy and sesame. The generously filled sandwiches, showcasing fresh deli meats, fish salad, or chicken slices, only contribute to Murray’s Bagels' stellar reputation.

Address: 500 6th Ave

Founded in 2017 by Andrew Martinez and Ashley Dikos to address a gap in Harlem's bagel offerings, Bo's Bagels excels in delivering exceptional bagels. Achieving a perfect balance of a crisp exterior and a chewy interior, their traditional method includes a 24-hour fermentation, a quick boil, and a meticulous bake.

In addition to classic spreads, patrons can indulge in signature bagel sandwiches such as "The Andrew," featuring a delightful combination of egg, sausage, bacon, Vermont maple syrup, and scallion cream cheese.

Address: 235 W 116th St

Black Seed Bagels, a prominent bagel chain with 10 locations in NYC, stands out for its top-tier bagels. Renowned for their meticulous process, the bagels are boiled with a touch of honey for subtle sweetness, hand-formed, and baked in a wood-burning oven for unmatched chewiness and density.

Locals particularly appreciate the emphasis on poppy and sesame seeds. This NYC bagel haven also offers housemade spreads, almond butter, and gluten-free options, providing a diverse and delightful bagel experience.

Address: 170 Elizabeth St

Nestled in the Financial District, Leo's Bagels is renowned for its authentic hand-rolled NYC bagels. Whether you seek a swift lunch, a workday snack, meeting or family event catering, or a weekend brunch destination, Leo's caters to all needs.

The name Leo's cleverly doubles as an acronym for a Lower East Side favorite: lox, eggs, and onions. Pair this classic with any of their traditional hand-rolled bagels for an unforgettable NYC bagel sandwich experience.

Address: 3 Hanover Square

Established in 1934, Zabar's stands as an iconic market revered for some of NYC's finest bagels. Beyond bagels, this historic food haven offers an array of delectable sweet treats. The bustling food hall, a symbol of variety and excitement, is ideal for a quick grab-and-go meal during a busy workday.

Renowned for its smoked fish, customers enthusiastically endorse topping their bagels with this flavorful option. The locally cherished bagels, crafted from malt barley flour, further contribute to Zabar's esteemed reputation.

Address: 2245 Broadway

Tompkins Square Bagels, with three bustling locations, captivates customers with its unique and vibrant offerings. Noteworthy choices include the inventive chocolate chip cookie dough cream cheese, showcasing the deli's array of colorful and distinctive cream cheese options.

Patrons praise both traditional favorites like plain and poppyseed bagels and the enticing sandwich selection. Whether opting for a French toast or chocolate chip bagel, the diverse cream cheese spreads ensure a delightful and satisfying experience.

Address: 165 Avenue A

Embraced by locals, Ess-a-Bagel is known for its tender, chewy bagels that deliver the perfect crunch in every bite. Originating in 1976 as a family-run café in the Tri-State area, the original location exudes a warm deli atmosphere.

The family's expansion in 1993 resulted in two more city locations, maintaining the beloved café-deli ambiance. With a menu featuring an array of bagels, schmears, and salads, Ess-a-Bagel is a cherished spot for breakfast or lunch.

Locals favor the fluffy everything, pumpernickel, and cinnamon raisin bagels, complemented by delightful toppings like strawberry cream cheese or jalapeño cream cheese.

Address: 831 3rd Ave

For a cozy bagel indulgence, visit Forest Hills Bagel. The diner-inspired interior provides a comfortable setting, and an extravagant counter display boasts an extensive selection of flavored cream cheeses, including low-fat dairy spreads and whipped tofu alternatives.

While the choices are diverse, the bagels take center stage. Delight in a superb cinnamon raisin for those with a sweet tooth, or opt for poppy and sesame bagels generously adorned with seeds, ensuring a delightful experience for bagel enthusiasts.

Address: 104-41 Queens Blvd

Mike's Bagels, a minimalist bagel shop cherished by Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center staff, is renowned for its poppy and whole wheat bagels. For a delightful breakfast, savor the dark and slightly sweet pumpernickel bagel generously layered with egg salad, creating a perfect morning indulgence that has become a local favorite.

Address: 4003 Broadway

Terrace Bagels stands out for offering an extensive variety of bagel flavors and an equally diverse selection of cream cheeses, making it a go-to spot in the city. A crowd favorite is the egg everything bagel, enhancing its myriad herbal flavors with the addition of egg.

Another standout is the cinnamon raisin bagel, boasting a sweetened cinnamon crust that transforms this combination into a delectable dessert bagel, catering to those with a sweet tooth.

Address: 222 &, 222A Prospect Park W

Baz, a family-run neighborhood restaurant, specializes in hand-rolled bagels, earning a reputation for serving some of NYC's finest. Their menu features breakfast and lunch classics, with options available for gluten-free and vegan preferences.

Beyond its restaurant, Baz extends its services to cater to businesses across all five boroughs and supplies wholesale bagels to restaurants and grocery stores, ensuring their delicious creations reach a broader audience.

Address: 181 Grand St

The identity of Bread Brothers Bagel Cafe wavers between a bodega and a bagel bakery, but its saving grace lies in consistently delivering excellent bagels in various classic forms. The daily rotation of up to six choices may pose a challenge, but it also streamlines decision-making.

Noteworthy options include the delightful lox paired with scallion cream cheese. For a bagel-world curiosity, the everything pumpernickel, although slightly sweet, adds a unique touch to the selection, ensuring a diverse and satisfying experience.

Address: 220 Bushwick Ave, Brooklyn