{"id":4535,"date":"2026-01-20T15:10:09","date_gmt":"2026-01-20T20:10:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/17-best-bagels-in-nyc-you-cant-afford-to-miss-in-2026\/"},"modified":"2026-01-21T11:45:39","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T16:45:39","slug":"17-best-bagels-in-nyc-you-cant-afford-to-miss-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/17-best-bagels-in-nyc-you-cant-afford-to-miss-in-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"17 Best Bagels in NYC You Can\u2019t Afford to Miss in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you think all bagels are created equal, think again. NYC isn\u2019t just the city that never sleeps it\u2019s the city that perfects the bagel. From chewy, golden crusts to creamy, decadent spreads, these bagels are more than breakfast, they\u2019re a local institution. Whether you\u2019re a lifelong New Yorker or visiting for the first time, these 17 spots are essential stops for anyone serious about bagels.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4542\" src=\"https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-235234.jpg\" alt=\"17 Best Bagels in NYC 4534\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-235234.jpg 800w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-235234-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-235234-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-235234-440x293.jpg 440w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-235234-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-235234-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-235234-760x507.jpg 760w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-235234-272x182.jpg 272w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>1. Absolute Bagels<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Neighborhood: Upper West Side, Manhattan<\/li>\n<li>Neighborhood Vibe: Classic brownstone streets, family-friendly, quiet mornings with a strong local community feel.<\/li>\n<li>Specialty Bagels: Sesame, Poppy, Everything, Plain<\/li>\n<li>Price Range: $1.50\u2013$3.50 per bagel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Highlight: Known for massive, chewy bagels with golden crusts, Absolute Bagels draws locals and tourists alike. Early morning lines are proof that this classic spot remains an NYC favorite.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>2. Ess-a-Bagel<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Neighborhood: Midtown East, Manhattan<\/li>\n<li>Neighborhood Vibe: Bustling business district with a fast-paced, energetic vibe; perfect for grabbing breakfast on the go.<\/li>\n<li>Specialty Bagels: Everything, Cinnamon Raisin, Asiago<\/li>\n<li>Price Range: $2\u2013$4 per bagel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Highlight: Renowned for thick, hand-rolled bagels, Ess-a-Bagel is a must-visit for oversized bagels with soft, pillowy centers and perfectly balanced toppings.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>3. H&amp;H Bagels<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Neighborhood: Upper West Side, Manhattan<\/li>\n<li>Neighborhood Vibe: Mix of historic charm and urban energy, tree-lined streets, a strong mix of long-time locals and students.<\/li>\n<li>Specialty Bagels: Sesame, Onion, Poppy, Classic Plain<\/li>\n<li>Price Range: $1.50\u2013$4 per bagel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Highlight: A NYC classic featured in movies and food blogs, H&amp;H offers bagels with crisp exteriors and fluffy interiors, maintaining a reputation that\u2019s lasted decades.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4541\" src=\"https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-4534.jpg\" alt=\"17 Best Bagels in NYC 4534\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-4534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-4534-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-4534-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-4534-440x293.jpg 440w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-4534-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-4534-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-4534-760x507.jpg 760w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-4534-272x182.jpg 272w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><strong>4. Murray\u2019s Bagels<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Neighborhood: Greenwich Village, Manhattan<\/li>\n<li>Neighborhood Vibe: Bohemian and artistic, with quaint streets, boutique shops, and a vibrant caf\u00e9 culture.<\/li>\n<li>Specialty Bagels: Everything, Plain, Cinnamon Raisin, Sesame<\/li>\n<li>Price Range: $1.50\u2013$3.50 per bagel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Highlight: Murray\u2019s prides itself on traditional boiling methods, creating bagels with chewy interiors and a slightly sweet, lightly toasted crust.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>5. Black Seed Bagels<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Neighborhood: NoHo, Manhattan<\/li>\n<li>Neighborhood Vibe: Trendy, creative, and buzzing with young professionals and boutique eateries.<\/li>\n<li>Specialty Bagels: Everything, Black Sesame, Poppy Seed, Beet<\/li>\n<li>Price Range: $3\u2013$5 per bagel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Highlight: This hybrid NYC-Canadian bagel shop focuses on hand-rolled, sourdough bagels with innovative flavors and artisanal spreads. Instagram-ready and irresistibly fresh.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>6. Tompkins Square Bagels<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Neighborhood: East Village, Manhattan<\/li>\n<li>Neighborhood Vibe: Eclectic and lively, full of music venues, street art, and offbeat charm.<\/li>\n<li>Specialty Bagels: Everything, Jalape\u00f1o Cheddar, Plain, Sesame<\/li>\n<li>Price Range: $2\u2013$4.50 per bagel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Highlight: Known for inventive spreads and bold flavors, this spot turns classic bagels into a culinary adventure with creative cream cheese options and robust toppings.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4544\" src=\"https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-3423.jpg\" alt=\"17 Best Bagels in NYC 4534\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-3423.jpg 800w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-3423-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-3423-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-3423-440x293.jpg 440w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-3423-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-3423-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-3423-760x507.jpg 760w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-3423-272x182.jpg 272w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><strong>7. Bagel Hole<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Neighborhood: Park Slope, Brooklyn<\/li>\n<li>Neighborhood Vibe: Family-friendly, tree-lined streets with a cozy, neighborhood feel and classic brownstones.<\/li>\n<li>Specialty Bagels: Plain, Sesame, Everything, Poppy Seed<\/li>\n<li>Price Range: $1.50\u2013$3 per bagel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Highlight: Small but mighty, Bagel Hole is revered for dense, chewy bagels that honor Brooklyn tradition. No frills just pure bagel perfection.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>8. Bagel Oasis<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Neighborhood: Rego Park, Queens<\/li>\n<li>Neighborhood Vibe: Diverse, bustling, and local-centric, with a mix of families and community markets.<\/li>\n<li>Specialty Bagels: Sesame, Plain, Everything, Onion<\/li>\n<li>Price Range: $1.50\u2013$3 per bagel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Highlight: A neighborhood favorite, Bagel Oasis serves classic, perfectly boiled bagels with generous cream cheese and affordable prices.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>9. Zucker\u2019s Bagels &amp; Smoked Fish<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Neighborhood: Upper West Side, Manhattan<\/li>\n<li>Neighborhood Vibe: Busy streets with a mix of historic charm and lively caf\u00e9s, close to cultural landmarks.<\/li>\n<li>Specialty Bagels: Everything, Sesame, Poppy, Classic Plain<\/li>\n<li>Price Range: $2\u2013$5 per bagel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Highlight: Zucker\u2019s pairs traditional NYC bagels with smoked fish, offering a gourmet twist on classic flavors. Thick, chewy bagels with quality toppings make it stand out.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4055 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-2.jpg\" alt=\"17 Best Bagels in NYC\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><strong>10. Leo\u2019s Bagels<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Neighborhood: Chelsea, Manhattan<\/li>\n<li>Neighborhood Vibe: Vibrant art galleries, trendy boutiques, and a lively downtown vibe.<\/li>\n<li>Specialty Bagels: Everything, Plain, Cinnamon Raisin, Poppy Seed<\/li>\n<li>Price Range: $1.50\u2013$4 per bagel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Highlight: Famous for their fluffy interiors and lightly crisp crusts, Leo\u2019s combines traditional techniques with friendly neighborhood vibes.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>11. Best Bagel &amp; Coffee<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Neighborhood: Williamsburg, Brooklyn<\/li>\n<li>Neighborhood Vibe: Hip, artsy, and full of energy, with street art, coffee shops, and a young crowd.<\/li>\n<li>Specialty Bagels: Everything, Plain, Sesame, Garlic<\/li>\n<li>Price Range: $1.50\u2013$4 per bagel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Highlight: This spot is perfect for bagel purists\u2014no fancy toppings, just fresh, hand-rolled bagels that locals line up for every morning.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>12. Barney Greengrass<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Neighborhood: Upper West Side, Manhattan<\/li>\n<li>Neighborhood Vibe: Classic NYC charm with cultural landmarks and a mix of old-world and modern influences.<\/li>\n<li>Specialty Bagels: Everything, Sesame, Plain<\/li>\n<li>Price Range: $2.50\u2013$6 per bagel (with smoked fish)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Highlight: Known as the \u201cSturgeon King,\u201d Barney Greengrass pairs classic bagels with high-end smoked fish for a premium NYC brunch experience.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4053 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-4.jpg\" alt=\"17 Best Bagels in NYC 4\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><strong>13. Mile End Delicatessen<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Neighborhood: Boerum Hill, Brooklyn<\/li>\n<li>Neighborhood Vibe: Trendy and family-friendly, with brownstones, coffee shops, and a creative culinary scene.<\/li>\n<li>Specialty Bagels: Montreal-style Everything, Poppy, Sesame<\/li>\n<li>Price Range: $3\u2013$5 per bagel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Highlight: Mile End brings a Canadian twist to NYC bagels smaller, denser, and slightly sweeter, perfect with their house-made spreads.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>14. Ess-a-Bagel Express<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Neighborhood: Midtown East, Manhattan<\/li>\n<li>Neighborhood Vibe: Fast-paced commercial district, bustling streets, perfect for quick breakfast stops.<\/li>\n<li>Specialty Bagels: Plain, Everything, Sesame<\/li>\n<li>Price Range: $2\u2013$4 per bagel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Highlight: A faster version of the iconic Ess-a-Bagel, this spot keeps the same oversized, chewy bagels for those on the go.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>15. Tompkins Square Bagel Caf\u00e9<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Neighborhood: East Village, Manhattan<\/li>\n<li>Neighborhood Vibe: Creative, vibrant, and slightly edgy, surrounded by nightlife, street art, and small shops.<\/li>\n<li>Specialty Bagels: Everything, Jalape\u00f1o Cheddar, Sesame<\/li>\n<li>Price Range: $2\u2013$5 per bagel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Highlight: A local favorite for hearty bagels and inventive spreads, perfect for a filling NYC breakfast or brunch.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4540\" src=\"https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-765.jpg\" alt=\"17 Best Bagels in NYC 4534\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-765.jpg 800w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-765-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-765-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-765-440x293.jpg 440w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-765-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-765-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-765-760x507.jpg 760w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-765-272x182.jpg 272w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><strong>16. David\u2019s Bagels<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Neighborhood: Upper West Side, Manhattan<\/li>\n<li>Neighborhood Vibe: Relaxed, residential, with a mix of students, families, and long-time locals.<\/li>\n<li>Specialty Bagels: Plain, Sesame, Poppy Seed, Everything<\/li>\n<li>Price Range: $1.50\u2013$4 per bagel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Highlight: Traditional NYC bagels with a loyal following, known for consistent quality, chewy textures, and friendly service.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>17. Tal Bagels<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Neighborhood: Upper West Side, Manhattan<\/li>\n<li>Neighborhood Vibe: Classic NYC charm, quiet streets, and community-focused with neighborhood caf\u00e9s.<\/li>\n<li>Specialty Bagels: Everything, Sesame, Plain, Onion<\/li>\n<li>Price Range: $1.50\u2013$4 per bagel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Highlight: Hand-rolled bagels with thick, chewy interiors and a perfectly crisp crust, Tal Bagels is a classic spot locals swear by.<\/p>\n<p>For more NYC food and drink updates, trends, and must-try spots, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/\">NYC News Network Eat &amp; Drink<\/a>!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4545 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-234.jpg\" alt=\"17 Best Bagels in NYC\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-234.jpg 800w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-234-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-234-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-234-440x293.jpg 440w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-234-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-234-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-234-760x507.jpg 760w, https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2026\/01\/17-Best-Bagels-in-NYC-234-272x182.jpg 272w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><strong>FAQs About NYC Bagels<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>1. Why do NYC bagels taste different from bagels elsewhere?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>NYC bagels are traditionally boiled before baking, which creates their signature chewy interior and shiny crust. While many people credit New York\u2019s water, the real difference also comes from fermentation time, hand-rolling techniques, and high-heat baking.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2. Are most NYC bagels made fresh daily?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Yes. Most reputable NYC bagel shops bake in small batches throughout the morning rather than selling day-old bagels. This is why early morning usually delivers the freshest texture and flavor.<\/p>\n<p><strong>3. What\u2019s the most authentic way to eat a NYC bagel?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Locals typically eat a fresh bagel untoasted with cream cheese, butter, or lox (smoked salmon). Toasting is optional and usually only done when a bagel is not fresh.<\/p>\n<p><strong>4. How long do NYC bagels stay fresh?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A fresh NYC bagel is best eaten the same day. If stored in an airtight bag, it lasts 1\u20132 days at room temperature. Freezing can preserve bagels for up to a month.<\/p>\n<p><strong>5. What\u2019s the difference between NYC and Montreal-style bagels?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>NYC bagels are larger, chewier, and saltier, boiled before baking. Montreal bagels are smaller, slightly sweeter, and baked in a wood-fired oven, often topped with sesame seeds.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you think all bagels are created equal, think again. NYC isn\u2019t just the city that never sleeps it\u2019s the city that perfects the bagel. From chewy, golden crusts to creamy, decadent spreads, these bagels are more than breakfast, they\u2019re a local institution. Whether you\u2019re a lifelong New Yorker or visiting for the first time, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5907,"featured_media":4537,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[339,329,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4535","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-best-of-nyc","category-brunch","category-restaurant-bar-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v23.4 (Yoast SEO v26.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>17 Best Bagels in NYC You Can\u2019t Afford to Miss in 2026 - EAT and Drink NYC<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/eatanddrink\/17-best-bagels-in-nyc-you-cant-afford-to-miss-in-2026\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"17 Best Bagels in NYC You Can\u2019t Afford to Miss in 2026\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you think all bagels are created equal, think again. NYC isn\u2019t just the city that never sleeps it\u2019s the city that perfects the bagel. From chewy, golden crusts to creamy, decadent spreads, these bagels are more than breakfast, they\u2019re a local institution. 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