Best Bagels in NYC

I’ll be so for real, it’s hard to find a classic NYC Bagel out here. With new stores and random places popping up, they’re not the real deal. Here’s a short but mighty list of the best bagels I have ever eaten in NYC, and I have eaten a lot. 

What Makes a Good Bagel? 

To start, let’s preface that everyone has their own preferences and tastes. Whether you prefer flat, doughy, or bagels with limitless toppings, these places offer options that’re hard to resist. As for myself, I love a doughy bagel that is toasted to perfection and has just the right amount of flaky salt. After this bagel, you’ll be able to tell the slight differences. Just FYI, most bagel places (that are legit) run out during the afternoon because they only make bagels for the same day, so they are the most fresh.

Presenting Bagels You Need to Try in NYC

1. H&L Bagels: My all-time favorite has to go to this spot. Nestled in a quiet community of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, H&L Bagels makes a solid bagel that will have you coming back time and time again. Their egg everything bagel is supreme for the perfect balance of toppings, especially the flaky salt. On your adventure to the more local towns of Brooklyn, like here in Bay Ridge, H&L Bagels is your go-to spot.
2. Bagel Boy: Another spot in Bay Ridge is Bagel Boy, a local’s morning haven and the perfect start to your morning. With not only bagels, but sandwiches, paninis, platters, and more, find yourself coming here when you have the munchies or craving just about anything. Their different flavored cream cheeses are so good.
3. Grabstiens: On the more expensive side, this spot delivers, and if you’re in the area, don’t walk past this spot. After coming here, you’ll understand why Brooklyn is superior, because paying an arm and a leg for a bagel ain’t it. Their bagel selection is top-tier, and their egg everything bagel tastes so scrumptious, truly a must.
4. Toast & Roast Bagels and Coffee: On the busy street of Broadway in Astoria, Queens, is another top spot that has kept me fed at times when I was really craving a solid bagel. For the amount of traffic they get in the store, they do work quickly and make sure you get your morning fuel in before hunger kicks in.
5. Baker’s Dozen Bagels: A local spot that I crave at the most random times and unfortunately can’t get since they close after all the bagels sell out is Baker’s Dozen Bagels. While you’re exploring the Kew Gardens/Forrest Hills area, this spot is a must to get a solid bagel that’ll melt in your mouth.

Trending Places To Test (But Aren’t Approved Yet). 

When you search “nyc bagels”, these are the most popular spots that come up. After you get a feel for a truly delicious bagel, I challenge you to rank these spots and see if they could live up to the hype. 

Trending Places: Popup Bagels, Apollo Bagels, Tompson Square Bagels, Utopia Bagels, Liberty Bagel

There You Have It

If you don’t have at least one perfect NYC, respectfully, what are you doing? This list guarantees you get the best of the best, so don’t say you didn’t know. Now there’s no excuse, so add these to your itinerary, pin the location, and get going before I beat you to it!

Veronica

Hi everyone! My name is Veronica, but you can also call me Vee! I grew up in the iconic city of Brooklyn, NY, the cultural hub of the world, and hence learned about so many different cultures. It was those experiences that inspired me to travel and from then on, I had learned the power of travel. In return, I want to give others that same experience, to help inspire others to unleash their inner travel enthusiast no matter the trip.

See Full Bio