New York is well-known for its delicious bagels, with people from all over the world flocking to the city to sample this iconic breakfast staple. Yelp has compiled a list of the top 10 bagel shops in the state, showcasing some surprising entries that have captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike.
PopUp Bagels, located in Manhattan, has quickly gained popularity with its TikTok fame and expanded to 11 locations across New York and New England since opening in April 2023. The bagel shop offers unique schmears like Sweet Basil or Cacio e Pepe Butter, as well as collaborations with renowned chefs for innovative flavors like garlicky escargot and UTZ Cheese Ball cream cheese.
Liberty Bagels Midtown in Manhattan is famous for its Rainbow Bagel, featuring all seven colors of the spectrum. With over 25 scratch-made schmear flavors, including birthday cake, the bagel shop has become a favorite among customers for its quality ingredients and delicious offerings.
Best Bagel & Coffee, also in Manhattan, lives up to its name with a focus on consistency. In addition to classic New York bagels, the shop offers unique flavored cream cheeses like Wasabi and Avocado Lime, satisfying a variety of taste preferences.
Between the Bagel in Astoria, Queens, offers Korean-inspired spins on bagel sandwiches, with popular options like the DAPS and Seoul Meets Bagel. The shop is also known for its commitment to reducing food waste by using the Too Good To Go app to donate or sell excess inventory.
Water Street Bagel in Syracuse cooks its bagels using a long cold-proof method to develop rich flavors before boiling and baking. Customers appreciate the quality and selection of bagels, as well as the flavorful homemade cream cheese spreads available at the store.
Russ & Daughters, a smoked-fish institution in Manhattan, stands out for its traditional New York bagels made with a 24-hour process. The shop, operated by fourth-generation owners, prides itself on preserving the authenticity of New York bagels and providing customers with a taste of the city’s culinary history.
Absolute Bagels in Manhattan has been a city staple since the early 1990s, offering a variety of flavored bagels and schmears. The shop’s owner, Sam Thongkrieng, learned the art of bagel-making in New York before opening his own shop and providing customers with delicious, high-quality bagels.
Apollo Bagels in Manhattan has attracted attention for its sourdough-based bagels, offering a unique twist on the classic New York bagel. The shop’s crispy and fluffy bagels, along with a selection of open-faced sandwiches, have garnered praise from customers and critics alike.
Willie’s Bagel Cafe in Utica, although located outside of the city, brings a taste of NYC with its authentic bagels and spreads. The family-run shop, owned by a former Long Island bagel shop operator, has gained a loyal following for its Philly Cheesesteak bagel and friendly customer service.
Ess-a-Bagel in Manhattan, run by second-generation owner Melanie Frost, offers a wide range of bagels, sandwiches, and spreads, showcasing a dedication to quality and innovation. Known for collaborations with other popular brands, Ess-a-Bagel continues to draw in customers with its delicious creations and rich history in the New York food scene.
