Everyone in New York has a favorite bagel, and defends it hard. These are some of the names that come up again and again, from old-school shops to newer favorites.
The institutions
Russ & Daughters. Started by Joel Russ in 1914, with "& Daughters" added in 1933, this is the standard for "appetizing" food, meaning smoked fish, cream cheese and bagels. It has a Brooklyn location too.
Ess-a-Bagel, Midtown East. Open since 1976, with big, chewy bagels and a famous salmon sandwich.
H&H Bagels. Founded in 1972, with a long history in New York films and TV. It is known for a chewy bagel and a classic bacon, egg and cheese.
Murray's Bagels, Greenwich Village. Opened in 1996 and hand-rolled, with generous sandwiches.
The ones with a line
Absolute Bagels, Upper West Side. Dense, crusty bagels with a morning line out the door. Many locals say it is worth the wait.
Tompkins Square Bagels, East Village. Known for inventive flavors and a loaded breakfast sandwich.
Hidden gems
Bagel Oasis, Fresh Meadows, Queens. Open since 1961 and known for its long hours and its egg sandwiches.
Utopia Bagels, Whitestone, Queens. A neighborhood favorite that some critics rank among the city's best.
Terrace Bagels, Park Slope. A Brooklyn mainstay since 1991 with large bagels.
How to order
Plain, sesame and everything are the classics. "Everything with scallion cream cheese" is a safe choice, and "lox" means smoked salmon. Ask for it toasted if you like it crisp, and eat it fresh, within an hour of baking if you can.
Menus, prices and hours change, so check before you go.
