New York Dearest
The guide, $35
A place · Bakery · Upper East Side · on 1 of my list

Kossar's.

Worth it, says Antonina. One of my closest friends considers Kossar’s as the best bagel on the Upper East Side.

Antonina Pattiz
Antonina PattizI went myself · from my Best bagels on the Upper East Side
Where Kossar's appears on New York Dearest

It's on 1 of my list. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.

Worth it
  • Address1409 York Ave, New York, NY 10021
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

In terms of bagel sandwiches, it doesn’t get much better than Kossar’s on the Upper East Side. The line wrapping around the block says it all.

These bagels are typically hot, fresh, and go great with the delicious lox they have on offer here. One of my closest friends considers Kossar’s as the best bagel on the Upper East Side.

Kossar’s flagship store on the Lower East Side dates back to 1936 putting them in the realm of institution status. In fact, they claim to be the oldest operating Bialy shop in the US.

Unpopular opinion. Unpopular opinion. Most “famous” bagel shops are riding on reputation alone. More Great Bagel Spots in NYC is actually better.

Read it on the list
Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
Kossar's

Nearby, from my lists

Worth it, within a ten-minute walk
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Kossar's

Upper East Side