NYC Bagels: Best Spots + Local Tips

Bagels are one of the most famous NYC foods and a MUST-have during your time here. Many people argue that New York is the capital of the world for bagels.

Why are the bagels so good in NYC?

Many people claim that the bagels in NYC are so amazing because the tap water here is considered some of the best in the world. NYC has "soft" water from the Catskill Mountains, meaning it has lower concentrations of calcium and magnesium. The mineral content in water affects the gluten in the dough. Extra hard water strengthens the gluten, which can cause tougher baked goods, meaning softer water yields softer baked goods.

Some bagel experts claim the bagels are so good in NYC because of the refined bagel techniques, including longer proofing time and boiling techniques before baking. Either way, the bagels in New York City are truly second to none.

Liberty Bagels

4 locations in NYC. 5th Ave by the Plaza Hotel/Central Park. Midtown location by Herald Square. Fidi location. Queens location.

They offer fun-flavored cream cheeses and always have rainbow bagels (plain flavor with fun colors). It also features seasonal colors, which are a fun addition. We love the BEC, works bagel, and blueberry bagel. Try the cream cheese before you commit to an entire bagel's worth of it.

We recommend ordering ahead of time on weekends and holidays. Otherwise, the line takes about 30 minutes on a busy weekend morning.

PopUp Bagels

6 locations in NYC (some in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Long Island, NY).

Ashley's new favorite bagel spot in the city!!

They sell the bagels in increments of 3. For example, the smallest order is 3 bagels and 1 schmear, which is great for 2 people and costs $12.

The menu is simple and they only have 5 bagel flavors (Plain, Sesame, Everything, Salt, Poppyseed). Then they have plain cream cheese, scallion, seasonal cream cheese, butter, and vegan schmear options.

It's the softest and freshest bagels I've ever had, and also the best scallion cream cheese I've ever had.

Pick-A-Bagel

Pick a bagel is a solid option, and they have a few locations around the city. We like their bagels with cream cheese and their bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich on everything.

The ordering process can be a little chaotic, so be prepared for that.

Russ & Daughters

Since 1914, this landmark NYC institution has been continuously owned and operated by four generations of the Russ family. A classic bagel establishment serving a variety of bagels, lox, pickles, and desserts. It's been open for more than a century and has 2 locations on the Lower East Side, one in Hudson Yards, and one in Brooklyn.

Getting a platter can be fun if you want to sit down and have a true experience with a variety of spreads, breads, and smoked fish.

If you want a bagel with lox, plan on it costing around $20. This place has a wide variety of options. You can get a regular bagel and cream cheese or you could buy caviar. I sampled the pastrami-cured smoked salmon, and it was the best of my entire life.

Apollo Bagels

We haven't been here, but it is a very popular spot. Every photo, video, and review I've seen looks amazing. Only 3 bagel options (plain, everything, sesame). From what I