New York City bagels are renowned and often spark intense discussions among locals. The consensus among many New Yorkers is that a genuine bagel should always be boiled prior to baking and should not be toasted. While some prefer the large, airy bagels offered at most local shops, others seek out the denser, chewier varieties that are less common. It’s advisable to check this guide before heading out, as you might not discover the style of bagel a shop specializes in until you arrive. No matter your choice—be it everything, egg, pumpernickel, or plain—and your preferred toppings, such as lox or classic cream cheese, see below for the top selections for bagels in the city. For those who enjoy toasted bagels, many shops are accommodating and will toast them upon request without any hesitation.

Absolute Bagels

This no-frills bagel shop, located near Columbia University, often boasts a line out the door on weekends. Experience their large, soft bagels topped with generous servings of cream cheese. They offer classic flavors like scallion cream cheese and smoked salmon, alongside more inventive options such as jalapeño cream cheese and Tofutti spreads. A great recommendation is to directly request what is fresh out of the oven—toast is unnecessary. Please note, the shop operates on a cash-only basis.

• Address: 2788 Broadway (at 107th Street)
• Neighborhood: Upper West Side

Bagel Hole

Many locals, including culinary expert Arthur Schwartz, assert that the best bagels can be found at Bagel Hole in Brooklyn’s Park Slope. This establishment is known for its dense, chewy bagels, which are a favorite among discerning New Yorkers.

• Address: 400 Seventh Avenue (between 12th & 13th Streets)
• Neighborhood: Park Slope, Brooklyn

Black Seed Bagels

Black Seed Bagels is known for its unique hybrid bagel that combines the esteemed wood-fired approach from Montreal with the classic boiled New York-style bagel.

• Address: 176 1st Avenue (between 10th & 11th Streets)
• Neighborhood: East Village

Daniel’s Bagels

Located a short walk from Grand Central, Daniel’s Bagels offers a selection of smaller, chewy, and denser bagels. Though they do not offer a toasting option, the deliciousness of the bagels makes this unnecessary.

• Address: 569 3rd Ave (between 37th & 38th Streets)
• Neighborhood: Midtown East

Ess-a-Bagel

These two popular locations of Ess-a-Bagel serve large, flavorful bagels paired with lox and cream cheese to satisfy your cravings.

• Address 1: 359 1st Avenue (at 19th Street)
• Neighborhood: Murray Hill
• Address 2: 831 3rd Avenue (between 51st & 52nd Streets)
• Neighborhood: Midtown East

Kossar’s

Kossar’s, a beloved institution on the Lower East Side, is primarily known for its bialys. However, it also offers exquisitely dense, hand-rolled, kettle-boiled malt bagels that are a treat for any bagel aficionado.

• Address: 367 Grand Street (between Essex and Norfolk Streets)
• Neighborhood: Lower East Side

Mile End Delicatessen

Mile End specializes in authentic Montreal-style bagels, sure to win over even the most skeptical New Yorkers. While their original shop sits in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, they have expanded to include a location in Downtown.

• Address 1: 97a Hoyt Avenue (at Atlantic Avenue)
• Neighborhood: Boerum Hill, Brooklyn
• Address 2: 53 Bond Street (at Bowery)
• Neighborhood: East Village

Murray’s Bagels

Murray’s, another establishment serving traditional chewy bagels, has gained a loyal fanbase with locations in both Greenwich Village and Chelsea.

• Address 1: 500 6th Avenue (between 12th & 13th Streets)
• Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
• Address 2: 242 8th Avenue (between 22nd & 23rd Streets)
• Neighborhood: Chelsea