Unveiling NYC's Top 10 Bagel Spots: A Local's Guide to Authentic Delights

Ready to take a salivary tour of the Big Apple's most iconic breakfast staple? Take a seat and get your tissues ready as we dish out NYC's top 10 bagel spots in our 2023 local's guide!

From the moment you take that bite of a fresh, kettle-boiled bagel, you'll finally understand why New Yorkers go so nuts for these doughy delights. Forget those tourist traps, as we're about to let you in on a real taste of authentic bagel culture. In this guide, you will learn:

• Hidden gems loved by locals
• Perfect play of chewy and crispy textures
• Original flavors alongside timeless classics
• The great debate: to toast or not to toast?

Whether you are a bagel aficionado or just a plain curious foodie, join us on this journey into the varied and flavorful world of New York City bagels. Let's dive in to uncover the city's best-kept secrets!

NYC's Bagel Scene: A Rich Culinary Tradition

The culture surrounding the New York bagel runs so much deeper than a food tradition to a way of life.

From busy street corners to small, tight spaces inside neighborhood shops, the aroma of fresh bagels built its way through the air, enticing locals and tourists equally.

But what really makes a proper New York bagel special?

It is not only taste but a century-old history and skill that makes the perfect chew within every ring.

The New York City bagel owes its baking craftsmanship to Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe.

These developed over time into trickling techniques adapted to the peculiar water composition of that city and food preferences.

Whereas today, a real NYC bagel is kettle-boiled and then baked, the results are no less unmistakable: that crispy outside giving way to a soft, chewy inside. Whether you are in for just a quick breakfast or having a leisurely brunch, the NY bagel scene caters to whatever your mood.

From classic flavors of everything and sesame to more modern creations, such as the French toast bagel, they have them in numbers.

Not to mention the spreads themselves! From classic cream cheese to more adventurous scallion or peanut butter varieties, there's a perfect pairing out there for everyone's taste buds.

As we dive into the world of NYC bagels, it's time to get ready for an incognito unmasking of hidden gems and time-tested institutions that make for a very delicious tradition being kept alive in the hearts of these local artisans.

The Art of Bagel Making: Traditional Techniques

This fine art of bagel-making is handed down through generations of talented bakers.

It's based on the technique of kettle-boiling a bagel, which differentiates the New York bagel from others globally.

The Kettle-Boiling Process

First, dough is rolled out into that unmistakable ring shape. Next—and this is the important part—comes boiling.

Why boil a bagel, you ask?

This is what allows NYC bagels to boast that characteristic chew and shine. Boiling gelatinizes the starch in the dough, creating that characteristic crust.

A touch of baking magic

First, they are steamed, then baked. The two-step cooking process results in a bagel that is crispy outside and chewy inside—the hallmark of a true New York bagel.

High-Precision Hand-Rolled Indeed, a number of the traditional bagel stores, like Absolute Bagels, still pride themselves on being able to hand-roll their bagels. The method will provide better consistency in terms of size and shape because each one is a perfect circle with that signature hole in the middle.

The Magic Ingredient: NYC Water

According to some, what gives New York superior bagels is its water. It is said that mineral makeup plays a part in providing the NYC bagel with its flavor and characteristics. Whether it's a myth or reality, one thing is for sure: the result of the application of traditional techniques to local ingredients in New York City is a product unique to its category—the New York bagel.

Top 10 Original Bagel Shops in NYC

It was a bagel lover's heaven, with numerous shops claiming to serve the best bagels in the city.

But which ones truly stand out?

Below are the top 10 authentic places for a bagel that have made their names in the competitive NYC bagel scene.

Each of these establishments brings something different to the table, blending traditional recipes handed down through generations with innovative twists on old classics.

Whether you are a native inhabitant or just a visitor, these bagel spots will definitely satisfy your cravings and give you the authentic taste of New York.

So let us get on this delicious journey through boroughs in search of the crème de la crème of NYC's bagels.

1. Absolute Bagels: A Hole in the Wall Gem

Tucked away on Manhattan's Upper West Side, Absolute Bagels is a real find. This modest shop has gained many devotees to its perfectly chewy, hand-rolled bagels.

While it looks rather unsightly, Absolute Bagels are one of the finest bagel spots in NYC.Their bagels have this very nice crunch on the outside and a soft, airy interior.

Do not be concerned with the long lines, as they do move pretty fast, and it is well worth the wait to taste a perfect bagel.

2. Ess-a-Bagel: A Manhattan Staple

Ess-a-Bagel is a Manhattan-based bagel company, professionally founded in 1976, making it one of the older established purveyors for some of the city's most loved bagels.

Known far and wide for the more gigantic, chewier-than-usual bagels and generous schmears, Ess-a-Bagel accommodated both locals' and tourists' favors.

Their bagel sandwiches are the stuff of legend, piled high with classic deli meats or smoked fish.

The bustling atmosphere in the shop, along with the no-nonsense service, adds to the real New York experience.

If you're looking for true NYC taste, get their everything bagel with scallion cream cheese—it's quite literally the flavor bomb.

3. Tompkins Square Bagels: East Village Favorite

Right in the very heart of the East Village, Tompkins Square Bagels has emerged as a neighborhood favorite since it threw open its doors back in 2011.

It's a shop that prides itself on thinking way outside of the plain bagel and cream cheese, really getting creative with bagel and spread combinations.

But really, it's their French toast bagel, smothered in birthday cake cream cheese, that has developed somewhat of a cult following among sweet-toothed bagel enthusiasts.

But don't worry, purists - they also excel at classic flavors like sesame and poppy seed.

It's within close enough proximity to Tompkins Square Park to make it a fabulous place to get a bagel for a picnic when the sun shines.

4. Bagels by Bo: Harlem's Rising Star

Bo's Bagels is a relatively new addition to the NYC bagel scene but really making waves in Harlem.

This family-owned business takes great pride in clinging to the traditional techniques of making a bagel but with a modern twist.

Their bagels are kettle-boiled and baked on wooden boards for the perfect texture every time.

Bo's offers a wide range of flavors, from traditional options like everything and plain to some as adventurous as a jalapeño cheddar.

That reflects itself in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere that could prove to be owners' commitment towards becoming the true neighborhood staple.

5. Black Seed Bagels: Montreal-Style in NYC

Black Seed Bagels makes this real with a taste of Montreal, shifted into the Big Apple in their exquisite hybrid bagels.

These bagels are small and more dense than classic New York style, baked with honey-boiled dough for a touch of sweetness.

Wood-fired ovens give Black Seed's bagels a distinctive crispy exterior and soft interior.

Flavors like beet-cured salmon with horseradish cream cheese built a following.

Spread across the Manhattan valley, Black Seed has managed to plug a gap in NYC's competitive bagel scene.

6. Russ & Daughters: Lox and Tradition

Since 1914, Russ & Daughters has been a proper New York institution on its own, with some of the greatest smoked fish and classic Jewish appetizers in town.

Not technically a bagel shop, but their bagels are really just there simply as a vessel for their world-renowned lox and cream cheese.

Although the line at this Houston Street flagship is likely to be long, the perfectly constructed bagel sandwich of this place really makes it worth waiting.

Its "Classic" sandwich—a bagel with lox, cream cheese, onions, and capers—comes closer than almost anything to being a definitional New York experience.

For a more leisurely meal, stop into their Orchard Street cafe for table service and enjoy your bagel.

7. Bagel Pub: The Best of Brooklyn

Bagel Pub has been one of the most adored spots in Brooklyn, featuring locations in Park Slope and Crown Heights.

Known for perfectly chewy bagels and wide varieties of cream cheese flavors, the Bagel Pub holds its place among the best places in Brooklyn.

They are hand-rolled and kettle-boiled from the dough, baked as per traditional New York bagel-making methods.

Don't forget their renowned bacon, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel; it is the ultimate hangover cure.

Its vibe, cosiness, and friendly service make Bagel Pub the epitome of a true bagel house.

8. Murray's Bagels: Greenwich Village Classic

Murray's Bagels has been serving some of the city's favorite bagels since 1996 from its location in Manhattan's Greenwich Village.

Known for their absolute "no toasting" policy, Murray's says their fresh bagels are best enjoyed just the way they are.

Their bagels are hand-rolled, kettled, and baked on boards of wood—the reason for their ultimate chew.

Murray's is known for its large portions—bagel sandwiches really crammed with good stuff.

Here the non-descript, cozy atmosphere enhances that honest New York bagel shop feel.

9. H&H Bagels: Upper East Side Institution

Thumbnail H&H Bagels, an Upper East Side icon as well as a satisfying New Yorker bagel craving since 1972.

They often serve their bagels with the perfect balance of chew and fluff, not too sweet.

H and H prides itself on its bagels being served hot and fresh at all times of the day. While they nail the classics, don't sleep on their house specials, like this eye-popping orange egg bagel. Through ownership changes throughout the years, H&H has retained its status as one of NYC's most cherished bagel spots.

10. Utopia Bagels

Queens' Little Secret It's a real gem that's tucked away in that Queens neighborhood of Whitestone: Utopia Bagels. This family business has catered to the community for more than 30 years and has built a large following within it.

The bagels at Utopia are just right—on the outside crispy, on the inside chewy. They do have an exciting cream cheese selection, including one flavored with jalapeño cheddar and one with cookies n' cream.

Although it's off the beaten path for most tourists, Utopia Bagels is well worth a trip when looking to satisfy a bagel lover with a taste for making some real New York City moments.

The Perfect Bagel: Texture and Flavor

What would you say makes a perfect bagel? For all of us, it's about that fine line between texture and flavor.

A proper New York bagel should have some substantial chew—a little crispy on the outside, which yields easily to the soft and airy inside.

The Texture Trifecta

The perfect texture of the bagel really can be summed up by three main features:

1. Crispy crust

2. Chewy middle

3. Soft centre

This texture trifecta—ahem—comes about from a traditional kettle-boiling and baking process.

Flavor Foundations

Flavors are endless, ranging from the classic plain to everything, each variety offering a unique taste experience with the bagel type.

Some popular flavors include:

• Sesame

• Poppy seed

• Onion

• Garlic

• Cinnamon raisin

For people who love sweet things, it's hard to find a better sweet treat than the cinnamon raisin bagel, with its lush, sweet swirls and plump, juicy raisins.

The Role of Toppings

Toppings can really help with texture and flavor. A nice sprinkling of seeds or seasoning really adds some nice crunch and flavor.

The Cream Cheese Factor No mention whatsoever of a flavor of bagel would be complete without cream cheese. A schmear of cream cheese with scallions really sets this plain bagel right out.

Of course, the perfect bagel is totally subjective. To some, it's dense and chewy; others prefer it light, airy. That's what is so beautiful about the NYC bagel scene: there really is something for everyone.

Bagel Variety from Classic to Innovative

The world of bagels is so varied, and nobody walks away empty-handed. Let it be an exploration—this rainbow of the kinds of bagels, from time-honored favorites to creative new concoctions.

Classic Contenders

1. Plain: It's a canvas for any topping you can imagine.

2. All: A flavor bomb of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dehydrated garlic, dehydrated onion, and salt.

3. Sesame: Nutty and fragrant

4. Poppy: Very slightly crunchy; faint flavor

Sweet Sensations

1. Cinnamon Raisin: a classic favorite when it comes to breakfast

2. Blueberry: Full of fruity goodness

3. French Toast Bagel: An indulgent treat that merges the bagel with a favorite breakfast food

Savory Standouts

1. Onion: Aromatic and full of flavor

2. Garlic: Pungent and strong

3. Jalapeño Cheddar: For those that like a little 'heat' in their lives

Innovative Creations

1. Rainbow Bagel: A Color Mix of the Classic

2. Chocolate Chip: Breakfast meets dessert

3. Egg Bagel: Rich, yellow Olympian—some call it the "bright orange egg bagel."

Bagel Size Matters

1. Classic size: This is the standard size.

2. Mini Bagel: Ideal for kids or smaller appetites

3. Jumbo: When You're Really Hungry

The Outliers

Some bagel shops really go all out with some unique creations.

1. Pizza Bagel: Marinara and melted cheese on top

2. Pumpkin Spice: A seasonal favorite

3. Black squid ink: This dramatic appearance is actually quite mild in flavor, having only a hint of the sea about it.

Keep in mind that new does not always mean better. Most bagel purists argue that nothing beats a perfectly made classic variety. Whether you're going for the classics or you're an adventurous eater, NYC will satisfy every craving when it comes to bagels.

The Great Debate: To Toast or Not to Toast?

Few subjects evoke more debate in New York City bagel circles than toasting.

This seemingly simple preparation method has polarized bagel enthusiasts into two camps: those swearing by the crunch of a toasted bagel, and purists who believe no fresh-baked bagel should ever see the inside of a toaster.

The Case for Toasting

Toasting advocates say it brings out a better bagel experience.

1. Forms a crispy outside

2. It warms up day-old bagels

3. Melts it well with the cream cheese for a gooey texture

The Case Against Toasting

On the other side, purists have their reasons:

1. A freshly baked, hot bagel does not need to be toasted.

2. Toasting can mask the true flavor and texture of a truly good bagel.

3. It is contrary to the tradition

The Compromise

Some shops, like Murray's Bagels in Greenwich Village, strictly have a no-toasting policy for a freshly baked bagel but will gladly toast a day-old one upon request.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, it comes down to personal taste: whether you like your bagel hot and crunchy or soft and doughy. Probably more important than anything here is that they make it a high-quality, authentic New York bagel.

For instance, should you find yourself in a really good bagel store, and they offer you some fresh, hot bagel right out of the oven, give it a try without toasting.

You then grasp why many New Yorkers gloss that a good bagel doesn't need toasting at all if it is truly outstanding.

Cream Cheese and Toppings: The Bagel Experience Taken to New Heights

It all depends on the topping that goes on top of a bagel. In NYC, topping a bagel is an art form.

The Cream Cheese Chronicles

Cream cheese is, of course, the classic bagel spread. Here are some of the most popular flavours:

1. Plain : The classic
2. Scallion: Flavor-packed favorite
3. Veggie: Loaded with chopped vegetables
4. Lox: Smoky and savory

Lots of places also offer cool flavors like birthday cake or jalapeño cheddar.

More than Cream Cheese

Though cream cheese is king, other spreads have their devoted fans :

1. Butter: Straightforward and
2. Peanut Butter: Protein–rich option
3. Hummus: A Mediterranean cousin
4. Avocado: The hip, healthy option

Conclusion

Now, as we close the top 10 bagel spots throughout NYC, something has become indisputably clear: the bagel scene is more diversified and vivid than it has ever been. From the kettle-boiled perfection at Absolute Bagels to the Montreal-style innovation at Black Seed Bagels, individualism comes out of the house in this New York staple.

Whether you're into the plain, classic bagel with cream cheese or the new French toast bagel, there's something for everyone in the Big Apple.

Know that really, a great bagel experience is something of personal choice. So, go ahead, explore beyond this list, and find your own favorite bagel joint. With fresh-baked options all around the five boroughs—from Manhattan's busy streets to the best-kept secrets in Queens—the next bagel adventure could be just around any corner.

So go with a friend, and even if there's an occasional line, let yourself fall into the real tradition that is New York City bagels. There's just something that says it all when biting into a freshly baked, hand-rolled bagel and thinking to yourself, Yep, I'm really being a New Yorker in the city that never sleeps. Happy bagel hunting!