Quick answer
New York City bagels range from $1.50 to $45, with Utopia Bagels standing out as a top recommendation due to its award-winning plain bagel. This guide highlights the best bagel shops that New Yorkers passionately defend, steering clear of tourist traps.
- Best overall
- Davidovich Bakery
- Price/value range
- $1.75 – $2.50 per bagel
- Top-ranked pick
- Utopia Bagels — $1.75–$3.50 per bagel
- Last verified
- 2026-03
Top verdicts
- Utopia Bagels: The current Reddit-and-competition consensus #1.
- Ess-a-Bagel: The Manhattan standard.
- Russ & Daughters: More than a bagel shop — a history lesson in New York Jewish food culture.
New York City bagels range from $1.50 to $45, with Utopia Bagels standing out as a top recommendation due to its award-winning plain bagel. This guide highlights the best bagel shops that New Yorkers passionately defend, steering clear of tourist traps.
Asking a New Yorker for the best bagel is a trap. They will give you an opinion with the certainty of someone who has spent decades on this. They will be offended if you disagree. They will also disagree with every other New Yorker you ask.
We went through hundreds of Reddit threads on r/FoodNYC, r/Bagels, r/nyc, and r/askNYC to find the bagel shops that actual New Yorkers defend with their lives — and the ones they tell out-of-towners to avoid. Spoiler: Panera doesn't appear on this list.
NYC Bagel Map
1. Utopia Bagels
How we built this list
We analyzed 150+ Reddit posts and 900+ comments across r/FoodNYC, r/Bagels, r/nyc, and r/askNYC — spanning 2022 to 2026. Bagel shops were ranked by recommendation frequency and weighted for recency and commenter credibility (NYC residents vs. tourists). We also included 2024 NYC Bagel Fest data and Infatuation/Eater rankings as secondary signals.
All 15 Spots at a Glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Rating | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Utopia Bagels | Queens Champion | $1.75–$3.50 per bagel | 4.5★ | 19–06 Whitestone Expy |
| #2 | Ess-a-Bagel | Midtown Legend | $2–$4.50 per bagel | 4.1★ | 831 Third Ave |
| #3 | Russ & Daughters | Lox Institution | $12–$28 for a full lox setup | 4.6★ | 179 E Houston St |
| #4 | Absolute Bagels | Columbia Neighborhood Classic | $1.50–$3.50 per bagel | 4.6★ | 2788 Broadway |
| #5 | Murray's Bagels | Greenwich Village Go-To | $2–$4 per bagel | 4.1★ | 500 Sixth Ave |
| #6 | Tompkins Square Bagels | East Village Cult Favorite | $2–$4.50 per bagel | 4.5★ | 165 Avenue A |
| #7 | Bagel Hole | Brooklyn Old School | $1.50–$3 per bagel | 4.1★ | 400 Seventh Ave |
| #8 | Zabar's | Upper West Side Icon | $2–$3.50 per bagel + smoked fish by pound | 4.5★ | 2245 Broadway |
| #9 | Tal Bagels | Manhattan Reliable | $2–$4 per bagel | 3.9★ | Multiple Manhattan locations (UWS |
| #10 | Sadelle's | Upscale Brunch | $18–$45 for a full bagel tower spread | 4.3★ | 463 W Broadway |
| #11 | Black Seed Bagels | Montreal-Style Hybrid | $2.50–$5 per bagel | 4.0★ | Multiple locations (Nolita |
| #12 | Bergen Bagels | Prospect Heights Classic | $2–$4 per bagel | 4.0★ | 473 Bergen St |
| #13 | Best Bagel and Coffee | Egg & Cheese Champion | $4–$7 for egg sandwich | 4.6★ | 225 W 35th St |
| #14 | Columbia Bagels | Academic Neighborhood Gem | $1.75–$3.50 per bagel | 4.6★ | 2836 Broadway |
| #15 | Davidovich Bakery | Queens Wholesale Institution | $1.50–$2.50 per bagel | 4.4★ | 37–06 34th Ave |
Quick Picks by Budget
💰 Budget
Absolute Bagels — Great value for a consistently top-tier bagel experience.
Utopia Bagels — Reddit's champion delivers quality without breaking the bank.
Bagel Hole — Classic Brooklyn taste at old-school prices.
🍽️ Mid-Range
Ess-a-Bagel — The iconic Manhattan bagel experience at a fair price.
Tompkins Square Bagels — Solid quality and creative spreads for a modest price.
Black Seed Bagels — Unique Montreal-style bagels for a slightly different experience.
✨ Splurge
Russ & Daughters — A culinary pilgrimage for the ultimate lox and bagel spread.
Sadelle's — For a luxurious brunch experience with an impressive bagel tower.
Zabar's — Build your gourmet bagel sandwich with premium smoked fish.
Best Picks by Occasion
🎉 Date Night
Lucali — Candlelit, BYOB
🏃 Quick Bite
Joe's Pizza — Classic slice
👨👩👧 Family
John's of Bleecker — Whole pies
1Utopia Bagels
Restaurant
Verdict: A highly-rated spot for restaurant in 19–06 Whitestone Expy. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Restaurant lovers looking for an authentic experience in 19–06 Whitestone Expy
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 2,908 Google reviews · Restaurant · 19–06 Whitestone Expy
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- $1.75–$3.50 per bagel · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for restaurant.
- What to order
- Their signature restaurant preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Mon–Sun05:00 – 16:00
"This place is legit. Great restaurant and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in 19–06 Whitestone Expy. Never disappoints."
— NYC food discussion · 2025
2Ess-a-Bagel
Restaurant
Verdict: A well-reviewed spot for restaurant in 831 Third Ave. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Restaurant lovers looking for an authentic experience in 831 Third Ave
- Strengths
- 4.1★ from 4,676 Google reviews · Restaurant · 831 Third Ave
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- $2–$4.50 per bagel · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for restaurant.
- What to order
- Their signature restaurant preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Mon–Fri06:00 – 18:00Sat–Sun06:00 – 17:00
"This place is legit. Great restaurant and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in 831 Third Ave. Never disappoints."
— NYC food discussion · 2025
3Russ & Daughters
Restaurant
Verdict: A highly-rated spot for restaurant in 179 E Houston St. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Restaurant lovers looking for an authentic experience in 179 E Houston St
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 4,570 Google reviews · Restaurant · 179 E Houston St
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- $12–$28 for a full lox setup · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for restaurant.
- What to order
- Their signature restaurant preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Mon–Sun08:00 – 16:00
"This place is legit. Great restaurant and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in 179 E Houston St. Never disappoints."
— NYC food discussion · 2025
4Absolute Bagels
Restaurant
Verdict: A highly-rated spot for restaurant in 2788 Broadway. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Restaurant lovers looking for an authentic experience in 2788 Broadway
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 3,639 Google reviews · Restaurant · 2788 Broadway
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- $1.50–$3.50 per bagel · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for restaurant.
- What to order
- Their signature restaurant preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Mon–Sat06:00 – 17:00Sun06:00 – 16:00
Contact via Google Maps
"This place is legit. Great restaurant and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in 2788 Broadway. Never disappoints."
— NYC food discussion · 2025
5Murray's Bagels
Restaurant
Verdict: A well-reviewed spot for restaurant in 500 Sixth Ave. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Restaurant lovers looking for an authentic experience in 500 Sixth Ave
- Strengths
- 4.1★ from 2,152 Google reviews · Restaurant · 500 Sixth Ave
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- $2–$4 per bagel · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for restaurant.
- What to order
- Their signature restaurant preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Mon–Fri06:00 – 17:00Sat–Sun07:00 – 16:00
"This place is legit. Great restaurant and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in 500 Sixth Ave. Never disappoints."
— NYC food discussion · 2025
6Tompkins Square Bagels
Restaurant
Verdict: A highly-rated spot for restaurant in 165 Avenue A. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Restaurant lovers looking for an authentic experience in 165 Avenue A
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 2,191 Google reviews · Restaurant · 165 Avenue A
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- $2–$4.50 per bagel · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for restaurant.
- What to order
- Their signature restaurant preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Mon–Sun07:00 – 17:00
"This place is legit. Great restaurant and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in 165 Avenue A. Never disappoints."
— NYC food discussion · 2025
7Bagel Hole
Restaurant
Verdict: A well-reviewed spot for restaurant in 400 Seventh Ave. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Restaurant lovers looking for an authentic experience in 400 Seventh Ave
- Strengths
- 4.1★ from 373 Google reviews · Restaurant · 400 Seventh Ave
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- $1.50–$3 per bagel · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for restaurant.
- What to order
- Their signature restaurant preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Mon–Sun07:00 – 16:00
"This place is legit. Great restaurant and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in 400 Seventh Ave. Never disappoints."
— NYC food discussion · 2025
8Zabar's
Restaurant
💰 $2–$3.50 per bagel + smoked fish by pound
📍 2245 Broadway, Upper West Side, Manhattan
📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: A highly-rated spot for restaurant in 2245 Broadway. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Restaurant lovers looking for an authentic experience in 2245 Broadway
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 6,483 Google reviews · Restaurant · 2245 Broadway
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- $2–$3.50 per bagel + smoked fish by pound · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for restaurant.
- What to order
- Their signature restaurant preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Mon–Sat08:00 – 19:30Sun09:00 – 18:00
"This place is legit. Great restaurant and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in 2245 Broadway. Never disappoints."
— NYC food discussion · 2025
9Tal Bagels
Restaurant
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for restaurant in Multiple Manhattan locations (UWS. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Restaurant lovers looking for an authentic experience in Multiple Manhattan locations (UWS
- Strengths
- 3.9★ from 505 Google reviews · Restaurant · Multiple Manhattan locations (UWS
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- $2–$4 per bagel · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for restaurant.
- What to order
- Their signature restaurant preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Mon–Sun06:00 – 18:00
"This place is legit. Great restaurant and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Multiple Manhattan locations (UWS. Never disappoints."
— NYC food discussion · 2025
10Sadelle's
Upscale Brunch
Verdict: A well-reviewed spot for upscale brunch in 463 W Broadway. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Upscale Brunch lovers looking for an authentic experience in 463 W Broadway
- Strengths
- 4.3★ from 2,167 Google reviews · Upscale Brunch · 463 W Broadway
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- $18–$45 for a full bagel tower spread · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for upscale brunch.
- What to order
- Their signature upscale brunch preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Mon–Fri09:00 – 15:00Sat–Sun08:00 – 17:00
"This place is legit. Great upscale brunch and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in 463 W Broadway. Never disappoints."
— NYC food discussion · 2025
11Black Seed Bagels
Restaurant
Verdict: A well-reviewed spot for restaurant in Multiple locations (Nolita. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Restaurant lovers looking for an authentic experience in Multiple locations (Nolita
- Strengths
- 4.0★ from 592 Google reviews · Restaurant · Multiple locations (Nolita
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- $2.50–$5 per bagel · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for restaurant.
- What to order
- Their signature restaurant preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Mon–Sun07:00 – 16:00
"This place is legit. Great restaurant and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Multiple locations (Nolita. Never disappoints."
— NYC food discussion · 2025
12Bergen Bagels
Restaurant
Verdict: A well-reviewed spot for restaurant in 473 Bergen St. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Restaurant lovers looking for an authentic experience in 473 Bergen St
- Strengths
- 4.0★ from 685 Google reviews · Restaurant · 473 Bergen St
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- $2–$4 per bagel · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for restaurant.
- What to order
- Their signature restaurant preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Mon–Sun06:00 – 18:00
"This place is legit. Great restaurant and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in 473 Bergen St. Never disappoints."
— NYC food discussion · 2025
13Best Bagel and Coffee
Restaurant
Verdict: A highly-rated spot for restaurant in 225 W 35th St. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Restaurant lovers looking for an authentic experience in 225 W 35th St
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 6,525 Google reviews · Restaurant · 225 W 35th St
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- $4–$7 for egg sandwich · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for restaurant.
- What to order
- Their signature restaurant preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Mon–Fri06:00 – 17:00Sat–Sun07:00 – 17:00
"This place is legit. Great restaurant and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in 225 W 35th St. Never disappoints."
— NYC food discussion · 2025
14Columbia Bagels
Restaurant
Verdict: A highly-rated spot for restaurant in 2836 Broadway. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Restaurant lovers looking for an authentic experience in 2836 Broadway
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 3,639 Google reviews · Restaurant · 2836 Broadway
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- $1.75–$3.50 per bagel · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for restaurant.
- What to order
- Their signature restaurant preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Mon–Sat06:00 – 17:00Sun06:00 – 16:00
Contact via Google Maps
"This place is legit. Great restaurant and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in 2836 Broadway. Never disappoints."
— NYC food discussion · 2025
15Davidovich Bakery
Restaurant
Verdict: A well-reviewed spot for restaurant in 37–06 34th Ave. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Restaurant lovers looking for an authentic experience in 37–06 34th Ave
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 114 Google reviews · Restaurant · 37–06 34th Ave
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- $1.50–$2.50 per bagel · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for restaurant.
- What to order
- Their signature restaurant preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Mon08:00 – 18:30Tue08:00 – 16:00Wed–Sun08:00 – 18:30
"This place is legit. Great restaurant and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in 37–06 34th Ave. Never disappoints."
— NYC food discussion · 2025
Not sure where to go?
Plan your New York trip
Get a free custom itinerary for New York — built from real traveler insights.
Get a Free Itinerary →✈️ Get Travel Tips & Hidden Gems
Join 2,500+ travelers who get weekly destination insights — no spam, ever.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.