Eat · Bagels · 2026
The best bagels and lox in New York.
Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 7 places.
Ask any local about the best bagel and lox in New York City and raised voices are bound to follow. New Yorkers are a passionate bunch. All this to say, creating a list of the best bagel and lox in NYC is no easy feat, but someone had to try.
After living in NYC for 10 years, here’s a roundup of the best bagels and lox I’ve had to date, enjoy!
- Barney GreengrassRestaurant · Upper West SideThey churn out some of the best bagels and lox in New York City and the Upper West Side is lucky to have them.
- Black Seed BagelsBakeryIt’s not hard to see why Black Seed Bagel has risen to the top of many “best bagels in NYC” lists in such a short span of time.
- Frankel’s DelicatessenRestaurant · GreenpointOffering all the standard fixings of a typical Jewish deli, Frankel’s velvety lox sets them apart from the competition.
- Russ & DaughtersRestaurant · Lower East Side
- Shelsky’s of BrooklynRestaurant · Cobble HillOffering a great variety of smoked fish sandwiches and incredible house-cured lox don’t be surprised if you find yourself tempted to make this a weekly tradition.
- Tompkins Square BagelsBakery · East VillageThe bagels are hefty but the air pockets makes them light, chewy and downright irresistible.
- Zabar’sMarket · Upper West SideUnpopular opinion. most “famous” bagel shops are riding on reputation alone. Zabar’s is actually better.
Barney Greengrass
Restaurant · Upper West Side · 541 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY
They churn out some of the best bagels and lox in New York City and the Upper West Side is lucky to have them.
Black Seed Bagels
Bakery · List of NYC Locations
It’s not hard to see why Black Seed Bagel has risen to the top of many “best bagels in NYC” lists in such a short span of time.
Frankel’s Delicatessen
Restaurant · Greenpoint · 631 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY
Offering all the standard fixings of a typical Jewish deli, Frankel’s velvety lox sets them apart from the competition.
Shelsky’s of Brooklyn
Restaurant · Cobble Hill · 141 Court St, Brooklyn, NY & 453 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY
Offering a great variety of smoked fish sandwiches and incredible house-cured lox don’t be surprised if you find yourself tempted to make this a weekly tradition.
Tompkins Square Bagels
Bakery · East Village · 3 Locations in NYC
The bagels are hefty but the air pockets makes them light, chewy and downright irresistible.
Zabar’s
Market · Upper West Side · 2245 Broadway, New York, NY
Unpopular opinion. most “famous” bagel shops are riding on reputation alone. Zabar’s is actually better.
Best bagels and lox in New York, 2026
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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 5+ Best Bagels & Lox in New York City (Hungry Local).