Bagels are the perfect breakfast item and are super convenient for those who are in a hurry and can’t always sit down to eat their meal. In a fast-paced city such as New York, you’ll find that you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to bagels, and that there is always a good bagel shop within close distance of your New York vacation rental. Here are the eight best bagel places you have to check out next time you’re in the Big Apple.
1. The Bagel Store
More than just a bagel joint, The Bagel Store is known or creating “bagel art.” This place blew up Instagram after visitors started sharing pictures of their famous rainbow-colored bagels, along with their “cragels”—a cross between a bagel and a croissant. In addition to their classics, they also make unique bagel flavors including blueberry sky, cotton candy and zombie blood.
2. Tompkins Square Bagels
Offering hand rolled bagels that are served fresh on a daily basis, Tompkins Square Bagels definitely brings their A game to the breakfast menu. Choose from a range of bagels that include everything from their French toast bagel to chocolate chip cookie and pumpkin. Their cream cheese menu also features a unique variety of tasty flavors, including their infamous Birthday Cake cream cheese, and chocolate chip cookie dough.
3. Brooklyn Bagel and Coffee Company
Their bagels are water-boiled in kettles and baked fresh throughout the day, so you’ll never get stale bagels here. In addition to their extensive menu of bagel and cream cheese flavors, they also feature a special cream cheese flavor each week, which they announce on their Twitter and Facebook.
4. David’s Bagels
Owned by the same people for over 25 years, this local haunt offers everything from soup and sandwiches to their infamous bagels. In addition to their standard flavors, they also offer yummy options ranging from sunflower and pumpernickel to gluten-free and garlic. Their cream cheeses also come in an assortment of flavors, including olive and pimento, spinach, and horseradish scallion.
5. Bagel Hole
This is definitely the place to go if you’re looking for fresh, crispy and chewy bagels. One of the few remaining old-fashioned bagel bakeries, Bagel Hole serves fresh, hot-out-of-the-oven bagels in 11 different flavors, and they are Zagat-rated since 2006. Many people come here to order their overstuffed bagel sandwiches, featuring everything from tuna, egg and chicken to cold cuts and topped with their fresh lox spread.
6. Utopia Bagels
Known for serving up some of the best bagels in the city, Utopia Bagels always has a long line out the door. People come here to order their New York-style bagels and bagel sandwiches stuffed with tasty fillings. They also offer multiple gluten-free bagel options, including cinnamon raisin and sesame.
7. Kossar’s Bialys
This local hotspot has earned a reputation for its handmade bagels, challah bread and bialys— which are soft, chewy and light with no hole in the middle. The bialys come in a range of flavors including garlic, olive and sun-dried tomato, and their bagels are just as delicious, especially their salt bagel and egg bagel.
8. Ess-A-Bagel
Busy all the time, this popular café serves up a wide range of bagel choices with a large selection of toppings. You can also order bagel sandwiches, ranging from peanut butter and jelly to Oreo and jalapeno cream cheese. They also serve bialys and mini bagels as well.