The Best Bagel Spots In Midtown New York

Home to Times Square, the Empire State Building, and a collection of other top tourist picks, there’s plenty to see and do in Midtown Manhattan. To take on the neighborhood, you’ll need your fuel. Luckily for you, the area’s bagel spots are attractions in their own right. Central Park can wait—here are the best bagel places to visit in Midtown, New York.

1. Ess-a-Bagel

Bakery, Deli, Restaurant, American

When a New Yorker is willing to wait 30-plus minutes for a bagel, you know it’s good. Along with legendary lines, Ess-a-Bagel boasts giant, perfectly plump bagels brimming with fillings such as Oreo cream cheese, Nova lox, and BLT fixings. Trust the more than 2,500 Yelp reviewers, and choose this spot to quench your next carb craving.

2. Brooklyn Bagel and Coffee Company

Bakery, Cafe, Deli, American, Pub Grub

Don’t let the name confuse you: while Brooklyn Bagel and Coffee Company doesn’t have a Brooklyn store, its kooky creations undeniably (and deliciously) fuhgeddabout tired bagel basics. Serving Chelsea and Astoria for more than 15 years, this local chain continues to earn foodie fans with doughy, hand-rolled bagels packed with creative cream cheese flavors, such as red velvet, honey bacon Sriracha, and chipotle.

3. Bagel Express III

Bakery, Deli, Sandwich Shop, Coffee Shop, American

Old meets new at Bagel Express III, a Gramercy grub hub serving traditional bagels with experimental schmears. Here, bagels are hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, and baked on-site the old-fashioned way before being filled with signature cream cheeses, such as banana nut, mango, and avocado-cilantro. Tip: Trade in your tired bodega BEC for the spot’s breakfast bagel sandwich, featuring eggs, cheese, and hash browns.

4. Pick A Bagel

Bakery, Deli, Sandwich Shop, American

In a sea of rainbow bagels, Pick A Bagel stands out for keeping things classic. At this dependable chain’s Midtown West location, traditional cream cheeses such as walnut-raisin and veggie pair well with bagel mainstays, including egg, everything, and garlic.

5. Tal Bagels

Bakery, Deli, American

A chain so good that even New Yorkers can’t resist it, Tal Bagels brings you the best of Old New York in a convenient (and delicious) bagel form. The freshly sliced Nova, pickled herring, scallion schmear, and lox spread that your grandparents enjoyed are all on offer here, where chewy New York bagels come in the classic flavors you love—and not a rainbow swirl in sight.

6. Best Bagel and Coffee

Bakery, Deli, Coffee Shop, American

The mammoth meals at Best Bagel and Coffee are worth braving the crowds at Penn Station—really. At this bustling spot, bagels come hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, baked fresh, and in staggering sizes. The menu of classic flavors is sure to please, a good guarantee considering you’ll likely have to save half for later.

7. Murray’s Bagels

Bakery, Deli, American, Dessert, Pastries

A New York noshery if ever there was one, Chelsea’s Murray’s Bagels specializes in Big Apple-approved bites. Here, traditional New York City-style bagels come in classic flavors, such as pumpernickel and salt, and filled with local favorites, including smoked Nova lox, scallion schmear, whitefish salad, and pastrami.

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.