Having a local bagel spot in your neighborhood is the thread that ties every New York community together. Although the Bronx may feel far from Queens, Brooklyn, or the Lower East Side, each borough is a part of the great bagel making tradition that has been an undercurrent in New York for over a century.
The tradition of making bagels has shaped more than just the city’s breakfast menus- bagel making has an intense history that has influenced city unions, workers rights, and family histories. Bagel making was once a fiery and difficult job, and the unions that arose from the bagel makers, such as the local 388, shaped the city's history.
Although most of the New York bagel’s history took place in the Lower East Side, every bagel shop throughout New York today is testament to the hardwork and dedication of bagel workers from a century ago. A true New York bagel, hand rolled and baked on premise is the culmination of a century's worth of culture and efforts. No matter where you are in the city, you are participating in New York history every time you chomp down on the little doughy ball of goodness that is the New York Bagel.
Ranked the most ICONIC bagel in NYC by Eater NY, Riverdale rises above the rest and makes a bid for the best bagel in all of NYC. The shop is family owned, still run by Enzo Tardinuovo, his wife and their nephew Joe Tardinuovo. You can’t find them on UberEats or DoorDash, but their bagels are so, so worth the journey to their storefront. They don't cater to trends such as the rainbow bagel, but they do take flavor innovation seriously. Riverdale has pioneered cream cheese flavors such as garlic pepper and olive pimento. Hand rolled and baked on site to a perfectly crispy outside, encasing a chewy doughy inside, these bagels will have you coming back every chance you get.
Bagel Corner’s bagels are chewy, thick, and well seeded. Not a light snack or a quick bite by any means, expect to be full for hours after. Lots of cream cheese piled high on a dense bagel, Bagel Corner provides the classic NY bagel experience. Just a heads up, you get a *true* New York experience here… I wouldn’t expect white glove service or a sunny attitude, but just some great, can’t be beat, Old New York charm. If a bagel isn’t filling enough for you, we recommend their Bagel twists! Even more bagel, in a fun, twisted shape!
Bagels on Bartow is a must-visit spot for anyone in the Bronx looking for a delicious and authentic New York bagel. Their bagels are golden brown with a crispy shell belying a chewy doughy inside, and a fair coverage of seeds. With its wide variety of schmears and toppings, warm welcoming staff, and easy location, it's no mystery as to why the shop has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Empire Bagels is highly popular for their fresh, hot out of the oven bagels. They boast of high quality ingredients and a wide variety of flavors for both bagels and toppings. The staff is friendly and the service is quick, making this spot a neighborhood staple. Reasonably priced, Empire Bagels is the perfect addition to your morning routine for those looking for a quick breakfast to-go. For anyone looking for a delicious, authentic bagel experience in the Bronx, Empire Bagels is a must-visit stop.
Although many of our readers are from New York, new to New York, or visiting, Just Bagels Mfg, Inc offers something for those who aren't in the immediate New York City area. These bagels are a special edition to the Best Of lists, because you can buy them in bulk, frozen. A true New york bagel - fluffy, large, seeded generously, these bagels can be bought all over the country and toasted up at home. Although you’ll miss out on the distinctive ambience of a New York Deli, these bagels deliver on taste and are perfect for those New York Bagel Enthusiasts who are far from their favorite bagel spot. You may recognize the Just Bagels bagels in your favorite cafe spots, such as Barnes and Noble, Wholefoods Cafe, Marriott and Hilton properties and on airlines!
Although the same neighborhood as the famous Riverdale bagels, Rolen Bagels has no problem holding its own. Gorgeously seeded, rolled, boiled and baked to golden brown perfection, these bagels are nothing short of scrumptious. With bialys, bagel twists, vegan and kosher options, Rolen has options for almost everyone! We recommend getting the classic bagel and cream cheese- any combination of bagel and cream cheese flavors will knock your socks off.
#7 Simon's Deli & Bagels
Simon's is a Bronx institution, and has been serving their community hand rolled and kettle boiled bagels for over 50 years. Their shop has a cozy, old-fashioned feel to it, and their staff welcomes every customer as a member of their community. Simon's bagels have a crispy, golden outside and a soft, chewy and delectable inside. Blisteringly hot and fresh if you catch them as they come out of the oven, and we recommend the classic everything bagel with cream cheese and lox.
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Join us on a journey through the bustling streets of New York City, sampling some of the best bagels the city has to offer. Your expert guides will lead you to hidden gems and beloved local spots, giving you the inside scoop on the history and culture of the bagel in New York City.
