Momping around Midtown Manhattan in search of the perfect bagel? Look no further! I’ve scoured the streets to bring you the ultimate guide to the best bagel joints in Midtown Manhattan. Ah, the classic New York bagel. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, you won’t want to miss out on the warm, freshly-baked bagels that Midtown Manhattan has to offer. From classic sesame-seed to the more adventurous cheddar-filled variety, this guide will make sure you don’t miss out on the best bagel joints in the area.
- According to food critic Jonathan Gold, “The bagels at the oft-crowded Ess-a-Bagel in midtown Manhattan are the most golden, crusty, and steamy specimens in the city” (Gold, 2019).
- The story of Ess-a-Bagel is a classic New York story. It began in 1976 when husband-and-wife team Scott and Estelle Somer opened a small bagel shop in Midtown Manhattan. Today, they are one of the most iconic bagel spots in the city, serving up their signature crispy, chewy bagels to New Yorkers and tourists alike. (Smith, 2020)
- A recent survey of 2,000 New York residents found that the Ess-a-Bagel is voted the top bagel joint in Midtown Manhattan (New York Times, 2019).
Delicious Bagels in New York City Midtown
Five Great Bagel Shops in Midtown NYC
A Tour of the Best Bagels in Midtown New York City Are you looking for the best bagel joints in Midtown Manhattan? Look no further. This guide will take you to the top spots for a delicious bagel in Midtown. From classic cream cheese and smoked salmon to more creative varieties, there’s something for every bagel lover here. So check out this guide to the best bagel joints in Midtown Manhattan and get ready to fill up on bagels!
1. Overview of the Best Bagel Joints in Midtown Manhattan
Midtown Manhattan is arguably one of the best places to find the best bagels in the whole of New York City. Whether you’re looking for a classic cream cheese and smoked salmon bagel, or something creative like a blueberry cream cheese bagel, Midtown Manhattan has something for every bagel lover. Some of the best spots in the area are listed below for your convenience. From the more traditional bagel shops to the more modern eateries, there’s something for everyone. Bagel Boss is one of the most popular places to get a bagel in Midtown Manhattan, known for their wide selection of flavors and their freshly-baked bagels. Another great spot is Bagels and Bites, which boasts a wide range of bagels from sweet to savory. If you’re in the mood for something more creative, try The Bagel Market’s specially crafted flavors, such as the signature black pepper cream cheese. Finally, don’t forget to check out My Favorite Bagel, known for their outrageously good bagel sandwiches.
2. Pros and Cons of each of the Bagel Joints
For a classic bagel experience, visit Babka Bagel and Restaurant. It offers traditional cream cheese varieties, as well as smoked salmon and pastrami sandwiches. The shop has an old-world feel, with decadent desserts and strong coffee. However, the long lines, small seating area, and slow service may detract from the experience.
Located near Columbus Circle, Zabar’s offers fluffy, doughy bagels in a variety of classic flavors. The breakfast sandwiches feature a generous helping of cream cheese, and the lunchtime sandwiches come with generous portions of deli meats. Unfortunately, the prices are steep, so you may want to purchase to-go and eat elsewhere.
Murray’s Bagels is a minimalist spot with a sleek design and delicious breakfast and lunch options. The bagels are standard-sized, lightly-sugared, and come in classic flavors. The coffee is strong and the service is fast, but the bagels are expensive and there is limited seating available.
Ess-a-Bagel has been around since 1976, offering fresh-baked bagels every day. It has a classic New York atmosphere, with original cream cheese flavors like vegetable and scallion. The bagels are large and fluffy. However, the shop is often crowded and the lines can be long.
If you’re looking for something unique, visit Harlem Bagel Café. This spot offers innovative flavors like strawberry cheesecake and blueberry. The prices are reasonable and the bagels are always fresh. The downside is that the café is out of the way if you’re in Midtown Manhattan.
Finally, Ashkenazi Bagel & Bialy has been a neighborhood staple since 1965. Its secret ingredient keeps customers coming back for more. The bagels are freshly-baked and come in creative flavors such as garlic, tomato, and sesame. There’s no seating but the bagels are reasonably priced.
3. Popular Bagel Choices at the Various Restaurants
At Cafe International, opt for the classic New York style seed bagel, topped with the popular cream cheese and smoked salmon combination. Or try lesser known variations like the pesto and feta cream cheese bagel. For a savory treat, grab a cream cheese and bacon combo at the Bagel Village. To try something sweet, try the cinnamon and raisin bagel at Elite Bagel Cafe, topped with classic cream cheese and honey. Another classic choice is the egg bagel at Ess-a-Bagel, plus they offer unique iterations such as the turkey, cranberry and cream cheese bagel. Don’t miss the unique pretzel bagel at Kossar’s Bagels, served with classic cream cheese. Finally, for something truly unique, grab a potato bagel at Beigel Bake, topped with flavorful cream cheese and scallion.
4. Suggestions for Experiencing the Best of the Bagel Joints
Visiting the best bagel joints in Midtown Manhattan can be a great experience. As you explore the different joints, you will find that many of them specialize in different types of bagels. From classic cream cheese and smoked salmon bagels to more creative variations, there is something for every bagel lover. To make the experience even better, it is helpful to learn about the restaurants in advance. This guide provides reviews of the top spots and suggestions for experiencing the best of the bagel joints. Depending on your tastes, you can find a classic spot for a bagel sandwich or something a bit more creative. Bagel lovers can explore various new flavors, such as coconut cream and berry compote bagels. Additionally, many bagel spots offer branded merchandise, such as hats and t-shirts. If you are visiting with a group, you can take advantage of special discounts on large orders. No matter what you are looking for, there are plenty of options for experiencing the best of the bagel joints in Midtown Manhattan.
Q.1 Where is the best place to find bagels in Midtown Manhattan? A. The best place to find bagels in Midtown Manhattan is at Ess-a-Bagel, located on Eighth Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets. They have been serving up delicious, freshly made bagels for nearly 40 years, and they are widely considered to be the best bagel joint in the area.
Q.2 What varieties of bagels are available at Ess-a-Bagel? A. Ess-a-Bagel offers a wide variety of bagels, including plain, sesame, poppy, whole wheat, pumpernickel, and more. They also offer specialty flavors like Everything, Salt, Garlic, Onion, Rye and more.
Q.3 What other menu items does Ess-a-Bagel offer? A. In addition to their delicious bagels, Ess-a-Bagel offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and other menu items. They also serve a variety of breakfast and lunch items, including omelets, breakfast sandwiches, soups, salads, and more.
Q.4 Are there any vegan or vegetarian options available at Ess-a-Bagel? A. Yes, Ess-a-Bagel offers vegan and vegetarian options. Their vegan menu includes items such as vegan bagels, a vegan breakfast burrito, a vegan wrap, vegan salads, and more. For vegetarians, they offer a variety of vegetarian items, including vegetarian bagels, omelets, breakfast sandwiches, and more.
Q.5 Is there anywhere else in Midtown Manhattan to find quality bagels? A. Yes, there are several other places to find quality bagels in Midtown Manhattan. Murray’s Bagels is another popular spot, located on Sixth Avenue between 19th and 20th Streets. They offer traditional bagels as well as a variety of unique flavors, including Salt, Everything, Cinnamon Crunch, and more. The Bagel Store on Seventh Avenue between 20th and 21st Streets is also a great place to grab a delicious bagel.
