Finding the perfect bagel in New York City is a quest many undertake. The Upper West Side, with its vibrant mix of residents and visitors, boasts a surprising number of contenders for the title of "best bagel." This guide dives deep into ten of the Upper West Side's top bagel shops, helping you navigate the delicious dilemma and find your new favorite. We'll consider factors like dough texture, toppings, overall experience, and of course, that crucial taste.
Top Bagel Shops on the Upper West Side: A Delicious Top 10
This list isn't ranked in any particular order; each bagel shop offers a unique experience and caters to slightly different preferences.
1. Absolute Bagels
Absolute Bagels is a UWS institution, known for its consistently high-quality bagels. Their everything bagels are particularly popular, boasting a generous and flavorful topping blend. They offer a wide variety of cream cheeses, from classic plain to more adventurous options like scallion and veggie. The atmosphere is typically bustling, reflecting its popularity with locals and tourists alike. One might even say they've mastered the art of the perfect New York style bagel.
- Standout Feature: Extensive cream cheese selection.
- Price Range: $
2. Zabar's
Zabar's is more than just a bagel shop; it's a legendary Upper West Side institution. While they offer a wide array of food items, their bagels are a staple. Expect a classic New York bagel experience here – a bit more upscale than some of the smaller bagel shops, but the quality consistently matches the price. Their smoked salmon and cream cheese combinations are particularly noteworthy.
- Standout Feature: Part of a larger, iconic food emporium.
- Price Range: $$
3. Ess-a-Bagel
While technically located slightly outside the core UWS area, Ess-a-Bagel's proximity and reputation make it worth including. This is a classic New York bagel shop, renowned for its perfectly boiled and baked bagels. Many consider them to represent the true essence of a New York bagel. Their plain bagels are a testament to their simple yet masterful approach.
- Standout Feature: Classic New York bagel experience.
- Price Range: $
4. Barney Greengrass
Barney Greengrass is another iconic Upper West Side establishment, famous for its appetizing offerings, which naturally include bagels. Their bagels are a key component to their legendary smoked fish platters. While perhaps not the primary focus, the bagels here are top-notch, providing a solid base for their gourmet toppings.
- Standout Feature: Exceptional smoked fish pairings.
- Price Range: $$
5. Murray's Bagels
Murray's Bagels offers a consistently reliable bagel experience. They offer a standard selection of bagels, cream cheeses, and spreads. It’s a great option for a quick and satisfying bagel breakfast or lunch. While not flashy, they get the basics perfectly right.
- Standout Feature: Reliable quality and consistent service.
- Price Range: $
6. Orwashers Bakery
Orwashers Bakery is another well-loved Upper West Side spot, famous for its bread and pastries, and also for serving delicious bagels. They bake their bagels fresh throughout the day, ensuring a consistently warm and delightful texture. Their selection may be smaller than some others, but the quality shines through.
- Standout Feature: Freshly baked throughout the day.
- Price Range: $
7. Broadway Bagels
Broadway Bagels is a great local spot offering a variety of bagels and spreads at reasonable prices. A no-frills spot, it's great for a casual meal or takeaway. The bagels themselves are generally well-received, with positive feedback on their texture and freshness.
- Standout Feature: Value for money and casual atmosphere.
- Price Range: $
8. Kossar's Bialys
While not strictly a "bagel" shop, Kossar's Bialys deserves mention. Bialys are a slightly different kind of bread, but equally delicious. Their bialys, with their signature onion-topped center, are a unique and flavorful alternative to the classic bagel.
- Standout Feature: Unique bialys, a delicious alternative to bagels.
- Price Range: $
9. H&H Bagels
Though technically located downtown, H&H Bagels is a New York bagel institution that warrants mention due to its legendary status. While not on the Upper West Side itself, it's a worthwhile pilgrimage for true bagel aficionados. Their bagels are known for their huge size and robust flavor.
- Standout Feature: Legendary New York bagel experience (requires a trip downtown).
- Price Range: $
10. Westside Market Bagels
Westside Market, while primarily a grocery store, has a bakery section that offers surprisingly good bagels. These are a convenient option for those already shopping for groceries, and the bagels are a decent quality for their everyday availability.
- Standout Feature: Convenience for grocery shoppers.
- Price Range: $
Finding Your Perfect Upper West Side Bagel: A Guide
Choosing the "best" bagel is entirely subjective. Consider these factors when making your decision:
- Your preferred bagel type: Everything, poppy seed, plain, sesame – the possibilities are endless!
- Your preferred cream cheese or topping: Plain cream cheese, veggie cream cheese, smoked salmon, or something else?
- Your budget: Bagel prices vary widely.
- Your desired atmosphere: Do you want a casual grab-and-go experience or a more upscale setting?
This guide provides a starting point for your Upper West Side bagel adventure. Happy eating!
