Eat · Bagels · 2026
The best bagels in New York.
Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 12 places.
I’ve probably spent more on bagels this year than most people spend on groceries. No shame. When you live in a city with this many options, you have to do the research. After years of early morning taste-testing (tough life, I know), I’ve narrowed it down to the spots that are actually worth the wait. And yes, there will be a wait. Here are the best bagels in New York City.
- PopUp BagelsBakeryNo frills, just the freshest bagels in New York City with crispy crusts and soft centers.
- Ess-a-BagelBakery · MidtownIn my opinion, Ess-a-Bagel sets the standard for all NYC bagels.
- Absolute BagelsBakery · Upper West SideSteaming-hot straight from the oven, the bagels are unrivaled.
- Bagel Bob’sBakery · West Village & Upper East SideThis cash-only establishment churns out some of the softest bagels in New York City.
- Best Bagels & CoffeeBakery · MidtownPopping into Best Bagels always feels like a treat.
- Black Seed BagelsBakeryBut between you and me, overlooking this neighborhood haunt would be a mistake because these are some of the best bagels in NYC.
- Bo’s BagelsBakery · Harlem
- Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee CompanyBakery · Greenwich Village & Chelsea
- Kossar’sBakery · Lower East SideMy friend, a lifelong local, considers Kossar’s the best bagel in the city.
- Russ & DaughtersRestaurant · Lower East SideThis iconic New York City bagel shop is worth a detour.
- Tompkins Square BagelsBakery · East Village & Union SquareThese traditional NYC bagels are large, airy and downright irresistible.
- Frankel’s DeliRestaurant · GreenpointBut between you and me, it’s the velvety lox that sets Frankel’s apart from the competition.
PopUp Bagels
Bakery
No frills, just the freshest bagels in New York City with crispy crusts and soft centers.
Ess-a-Bagel
Bakery · Midtown · 831 3rd Ave, New York, NY
In my opinion, Ess-a-Bagel sets the standard for all NYC bagels.
Absolute Bagels
Bakery · Upper West Side · 2788 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
Steaming-hot straight from the oven, the bagels are unrivaled.
Bagel Bob’s
Bakery · West Village & Upper East Side · 51 University Place & 1641 York Avenue
This cash-only establishment churns out some of the softest bagels in New York City.
Best Bagels & Coffee
Bakery · Midtown · 225 W 35th St A, New York, NY
Popping into Best Bagels always feels like a treat.
Black Seed Bagels
Bakery
But between you and me, overlooking this neighborhood haunt would be a mistake because these are some of the best bagels in NYC.
Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company
Bakery · Greenwich Village & Chelsea · 286 8th Avenue & 63 E 8th Street
Kossar’s
Bakery · Lower East Side
My friend, a lifelong local, considers Kossar’s the best bagel in the city.
Russ & Daughters
Restaurant · Lower East Side · 179 E Houston St, New York, NY
This iconic New York City bagel shop is worth a detour.
Tompkins Square Bagels
Bakery · East Village & Union Square · 165 Avenue A, 184 2nd Avenue & 23 East 17th St
These traditional NYC bagels are large, airy and downright irresistible.
Frankel’s Deli
Restaurant · Greenpoint · 631 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY
But between you and me, it’s the velvety lox that sets Frankel’s apart from the competition.
Best bagels in New York, 2026
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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 15 Best Bagels in New York City (Ranked).