Manhattan's Best Bagels [Updated 2025]

You won’t believe the magical journey I took through Manhattan’s bustling streets, all in the name of finding the ultimate bagel. After reviewing 12 top locations, I can confidently say that New York City's bagel scene is a delicious tapestry of tradition and innovation. Each bite tells a story, whether it’s the classic everything bagel or a daring new flavor twist.

With my taste buds as my trusty guide and a notebook filled with notes, I’ve navigated through the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, chatting with passionate bakers and savoring their creations. Trust me, I’ve tasted the good, the bad, and the utterly unforgettable, and I can’t wait to share my favorites with you—because every great bagel deserves its moment in the spotlight!

Best Bagel & Coffee

Highlights
Incredible selection of bagels
Perfectly chewy and flavorful
Generous toppings and spreads
Friendly and efficient service
Worth the wait, even in a crowd

Best Bagel & Coffee in Manhattan is an absolute gem for any bagel aficionado! From the moment I stepped in, the aroma of freshly baked bagels enveloped me like a warm hug on a chilly day. Their incredible selection of bagels left me giddy with excitement. I opted for the classic everything bagel, toasted to perfection, and oh my, the flavor was simply out of this world! Each bite revealed a delightful chewiness that kept me coming back for more.

What really sets Best Bagel & Coffee apart is their generous toppings and spreads. I slathered on a thick layer of cream cheese infused with herbs, and it was a match made in bagel heaven. The service was impressively friendly despite the bustling crowd; the staff navigated the chaos with efficiency and a smile.

Sure, I had to wait in line, but trust me, it's absolutely worth it! If you're wandering the streets of Manhattan and looking for a memorable bagel experience, I highly recommend heading straight to Best Bagel & Coffee. You won’t regret it; it's bagel bliss waiting to happen!

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Broad Nosh Bagels Deli & Catering 42nd Street

Highlights
Crusty and soft bagels
Generous and fresh fillings
Friendly and cheerful staff
Quick service and reasonable prices
Great variety of flavors

When I stepped into Broad Nosh Bagels Deli & Catering on 42nd Street, I was instantly enveloped by the delightful aroma of freshly baked bagels. The moment I took my first bite, I was greeted with a perfect combination of crusty exterior and soft interior. It’s not just any bagel; it’s a heavenly creation that speaks to my bagel-loving soul.

What truly sets this deli apart is the generous and fresh fillings. I opted for a classic smoked salmon cream cheese spread, generously heaped with capers and red onion. Each bite was an adventure, bursting with flavor and texture! The variety here is impressive; from everything to sesame, there’s a bagel for every palate.

The staff were friendly and cheerful, making my order feel like a delightful conversation rather than a mere transaction. I was surprised by the efficiency of the service; my order was ready in mere minutes without compromising quality. Plus, the prices are quite reasonable, which is a rarity in Manhattan!

In summary, if you’re on the hunt for a top-notch bagel experience, Broad Nosh is a must-visit. I guarantee you’ll leave with a satisfied smile and a craving for more!

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Broad Nosh Bagels Deli & Catering 58th Street

Highlights
Fresh and hearty bagels
Amazing vegan cream cheese
Friendly and helpful staff
Extensive shmear options
Can get crowded quickly

Walking into Broad Nosh Bagels Deli & Catering on 58th Street is like stepping into a bagel lover's paradise. The aroma of freshly baked bagels greets you, setting the tone for what’s to come. I was immediately drawn to their hearty selection, each bagel boasting a perfect golden crust that invites you to take a bite.

I couldn’t resist trying their vegan cream cheese, and let me tell you, it exceeded all expectations! It’s creamy and rich, proving that indulgence doesn’t have to come with dairy. The staff, friendly and quick to assist, made me feel right at home. I felt like I was chatting with my old buddies, who just happened to know everything there is to know about bagels.

While there’s often a crowd, which can lead to a bit of a wait, rest assured that every moment spent in line is worth it. With an extensive list of shmear options, you'll be hard-pressed to leave without trying something new. Overall, my experience at Broad Nosh was delectable, playful, and perfectly Manhattan—a true testament to why this spot is a must-visit for any bagel aficionado!

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Russ & Daughters

Highlights
Vintage-style bagel charm
Friendly and welcoming staff
Elegant and nostalgic decor
Limited but thoughtful selection
Worth checking out nearby

Russ & Daughters stands as a testament to both tradition and taste, captivating not just the palate but the soul. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the delightful vintage-style bagel charm that transports you back in time. The atmosphere is imbued with a warm, welcoming vibe, thanks to the friendly and approachable staff who seem genuinely delighted to help you navigate their offerings.

What really elevates the experience is the elegant and nostalgic decor, which creates the perfect backdrop for those quintessential New York moments. Now, let’s talk about the bagels. While the selection may be limited, every option is beautifully crafted and reflects a deep respect for tradition. I chose the classic everything bagel, toasted to perfection, with a luxurious smear of cream cheese. Each bite was a delightful dance of flavors that reminded me of lazy Sunday mornings in New York.

Don't forget to explore what’s nearby; the lively neighborhood vibe perfectly complements the exquisite taste you'll find here. For anyone in search of the ultimate bagel experience in Manhattan, Russ & Daughters is a must-visit, making it one of the prime spots on my bagel-loving journey!

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Broad Nosh Bagels Deli & Catering 86TH ST.

Highlights
Excellent nova lox bagel
Generous portion of smoked sable
Amazing and helpful staff
Crowded with locals and tourists
Flavorful scallion cream cheese

When it comes to bagels, Broad Nosh Bagels Deli & Catering 86TH ST. truly stands out, and trust me, I’ve sampled my fair share around the city. Upon entering this bustling spot, I felt the infectious energy brimming with locals and tourists alike, all eager to sink their teeth into a quintessential New York bagel.

I ordered the nova lox bagel, and wow, was I in for a treat! The bagel was perfectly boiled and baked, boasting that revered chewy exterior and soft interior—just what a bagel should be. The generous portion of smoked sable took the experience to the next level, adding a delightful smoky richness that paired fabulously with the flavorful scallion cream cheese. Each bite was a harmony of flavors that danced across my palate!

But let me take a moment to commend the amazing and helpful staff; their enthusiasm was as delightful as the bagels themselves. It's a bit crowded, which only adds to the charm of the place, confirming its status as a go-to bagel haven. If you're in the area and craving an unforgettable bagel experience, you definitely must stop by Broad Nosh. Your taste buds will thank you!

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Murray's Bagels

Highlights
Chewy and soft bagel texture
Extensive menu options
Convenient location
Decent egg and cheese option
Reasonably priced for NYC

Murray's Bagels has long been a haven for bagel enthusiasts, and after my recent visit, I can confidently say it lives up to the hype. As soon as I stepped into this bustling establishment, the rich aroma of freshly baked bagels enveloped me—a sign of a true bagel paradise.

The moment I sank my teeth into one of their signature bagels, I was greeted by a delightful chewy and soft texture that instantly captured my heart. Each bite was a harmonious combination of flavor and freshness, making it clear that these bagels are crafted with care and passion. The extensive menu options didn’t hurt either; whether you fancy a classic everything bagel or something more adventurous, Murray's delivers.

For those seeking a quick breakfast fix, their egg and cheese option is not to be missed—simple yet satisfying. And let’s talk about prices; considering the average NYC fare, Murray's is quite reasonable, allowing us to indulge without breaking the bank.

In summary, if you're traversing Manhattan in search of bagels that embody tradition and taste, Murray's Bagels is a solid bet that won’t disappoint. Get ready to savor every last bite!

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Bagel to Sandwich

Highlights
Thick, crispy bagels
Wide variety of flavors
Photogenic and Instagram-ready
Savory, filling sandwich options
Excellent customer service

Bagel to Sandwich has definitely earned its stripes as a standout in the bustling bagel scene of Manhattan. As I walked in, the aroma of freshly baked bagels greeted me—nothing quite like it! The bagels here are impressively thick and crispy, making each bite a textural delight. I opted for one of their signature flavors, and let me tell you, the variety is a bagel lover's dream.

What truly captured my heart was their ability to craft savory, filling sandwiches that you won’t find just anywhere. The combinations are both inventive and mouthwatering; I tried a bagel sandwich that was a perfect harmony of flavors. It was not just a meal, but an experience—each ingredient working together in a symphony of taste!

As I snapped a picture for Instagram, I noted how photogenic their creations are—ideal for sharing with friends and followers. The customer service? Top-notch! The staff is friendly and can guide you through their extensive menu with a smile. If you're hunting for the best bagel experience in Manhattan, Bagel to Sandwich is a must-visit!

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NYC Bagel & Coffee House (NYCBCH)

Nestled in the heart of Manhattan, NYC Bagel & Coffee House (NYCBCH) delivers a delightful bagel experience that’s hard to beat. The moment I stepped in, the warm aroma of freshly baked dough enveloped me, an irresistible invitation to indulge. Their everything bagel was perfectly chewy with a glorious crunch, topped generously with seeds—just as it should be. Paired with a smooth cream cheese that strikes the ideal balance between tangy and rich, each bite was a heavenly delight. The friendly staff added to the charm, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists. A bagel lover's paradise!

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Bagels & Schmear

At Bagels & Schmear, each bite is a delightful revelation. The bagels are perfectly chewy and come in an array of mouthwatering flavors, from classic sesame to innovative everything. Their cream cheese selection is equally impressive, with unique options like jalapeño cilantro that tickled my taste buds! The ambiance is cozy, making it an ideal spot for a quick breakfast or a leisurely brunch. The staff are friendly and efficient, adding to the welcoming vibe. Overall, if you’re on the hunt for exquisite bagels, Bagels & Schmear is a must-visit destination in the heart of Manhattan!

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Liberty Bagels Midtown

During my recent visit to Liberty Bagels Midtown, I was delighted by the vibrant atmosphere and the tantalizing array of bagels on display. The everything bagel I sampled was a delightful burst of flavors, perfectly toasted to achieve that crispy exterior while retaining a chewy center. Their selection of house-made cream cheeses—especially the jalapeño—took the experience to another level. Each bite was a playful dance of textures and tastes. The staff was friendly and eager to share their favorites, making me feel right at home. If you're seeking a bagel that truly embodies New York spirit, look no further!

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Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company

Visiting Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company was like stepping into a bagel lover's paradise. The moment I walked in, the enticing aroma of freshly baked goodness enveloped me. I opted for their everything bagel, which was perfectly toasted and bursting with flavor. The blend of sesame, poppy seeds, and garlic created a delightful symphony of tastes that danced on my palate. Their house-made cream cheese was rich and creamy, taking my breakfast to new heights. If you're hunting for a bagel that combines tradition and innovation, look no further—Brooklyn's gem in Manhattan should be at the top of your list!

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Between the Bagel NY

Between the Bagel NY is a delightful gem tucked away in the heart of Manhattan. With its cozy ambiance and friendly staff, I felt right at home. The bagels were nothing short of spectacular—perfectly chewy on the inside with a golden, crispy crust. I savored the everything bagel, topped with a generous shmear of their homemade herb cream cheese. Each bite was a little piece of heaven! The variety is impressive, catering to every taste. If you’re on the hunt for a bagel experience that balances tradition and innovation, look no further than Between the Bagel NY. You won’t regret it!

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