Ultimate Guide: The Best Bagels Upper West Side NYC

Bagels & Co.

391 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024

Bagels & Co. emerged as one of the best bagels UWS has to offer. This unassuming kosher bagels spot is known for its bulbous bagels, boasting a finely textured crumb and a slightly toasty flavor. Bagels & Co.'s commitment to crafting exceptional bagels has earned it a devoted following among Upper West Siders, and it's one of those classic 'if you know, you know' type of spots.

Absolute Bagels

2788 Broadway, New York, NY 10025

If you asked 100 New Yorkers who has the best bagels in New York City, chances are a large percentage would say that Absolute Bagels reign supreme as one of the best bagel places NYC has to offer. This iconic establishment, located at 2788 Broadway between 107th and 108th Streets, has graced numerous "Best Bagels in NYC" lists, and rightfully so. Absolute Bagels hand-rolled masterpieces boast a smooth finish and an elegantly robust crust that gives way to a pillowy interior.

H&H Bagels

526 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024

No discussion of the best Upper West Side bagels would be complete without mentioning H&H Bagels. This legendary name, has is part of bagel history, and has been making some of the best bagels on Upper West Side for well over 50 years. I love their everything bagels or sesame bagels with bacon, egg and cheese, once you've tried it you'll agree that this is one of the best bagel sandwiches in the city.

Bagel Talk

368 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024

Bagel Talk may appear unassuming, but they have a loyal following among Upper West Siders because it sells some of the best bagels in NY. This "hole-in-the-wall" establishment sells smaller size bagels which are handmade and baked to perfection. Personally, I love their smaller bagels and they're very generous with the cream cheese schmear. If I'm in the area I usually grab one of their bagels because I think they sell one of the best bagels in Manhattan, but you be the judge for yourself.

Broad Nosh Bagels

2350 Broadway, New York, NY 10024

Broad Nosh Bagels is the new kid on the block in the Upper West Side, and it has already developed a cult-like following. This newcomer's pillowy and fresh bagels, coupled with its generous lox portions (at least initially), have captured the hearts and palates of many locals. Broad Nosh bagel has an extensive menu of different bagel flavors and bagel varieties. They also sell a range of other dishes like bialy and gluten-free bagels which has helped catapult them up the bagel rankings.

Broad Nosh Bagels is a personal favorite of mine, and it’s our first stop on our Upper West Side food tour. If you’re interested in exploring this spot and learning more about it, you should definitely join us on the tour!

Zabar's

2245 Broadway, New York, NY 10024

Zabar's, an Upper West Side institution since 1934, has been delighting locals with its exceptional offerings for decades. Zabar's bagels are crafted with Malt Barley Flour and boast a "special recipe" for toasting. Zabar's was ranked in the top 10 best bagel stores on the Upper West Side Zabar's remains one of the beloved bagel institutions in the neighborhood and after 90 years in the game, they're keeping the old school bagel traditions alive. Zabar's also sell other classic jewish delicacies like their famous chocolate babka and their delicious cinnamon rugelach. Full disclosure, I've got a bit of a soft spot for Zabar's because it's one of the places we visit on our Upper West Side food tour.

Pick A Bagel

37 West End Ave, New York, NY 10023

Pick A Bagel sells one of the best bagels and lox Upper West Side has on offer. In addition to their traditional bagel offerings, they are renowned for their "flagels" – a bagel that has been flattened, making it ideal for those who prefer a more compact and manageable size. We'd recommend visiting them when they first open so you're guaranteed one of their warm bagels and you can avoid the lengthy bagel lines!

Honorable Mentions: Best Bagels in Upper West Side

Silver Moon Bakery

While not primarily known for its bagels, Silver Moon Bakery is one of the hidden bagel spots Upper West Side has to offer. They have very reasonable bagel prices with a fan favorite being the classic bagel cream cheese combo.

Tal Bagels

In a bagel neighborhood like the Upper West Side, Tal Bagels is a long-standing bagel spot renowned for its bagel quality and delicious bagel taste. They use traditional bagel baking methods to make their bagels which has made them a fan favorite in the Upper West Side and Upper East Side.

Orwashers Bakery

Orwashers Bakery offers something slightly different as they sell steamed bagels (instead of the traditional boiled bagels). In particular, their Everything bagel has become a fan favorite, boasting a delightful blend of flavors and soft bagel texture. Now if you're new to the bagel world you might be wondering, what's good on a cream cheese bagel? Well, personally I love to add some fresh Nova Scotia salmon, tomato, capers, and red onion, just try it and I promise you won't be disappointed.

Zucker's Bagels and Smoked Fish

For those who prefer a crispier exterior, Zucker's Bagels and Smoked Fish, located on the Upper West Side, offers a delightful alternative. While their bagels may be too crispy for some, they have developed a loyal following among texture enthusiasts. If you do decide to visit, be sure to check out their sturgeon, whitefish salad, and also one of their delicious pumpernickel bagels.

Conclusion: Your guide to the best bagels in the Upper West Side

So who has the best bagels in NYC? Well, it's hard to pinpoint just one spot because there are so many to choose from. But if you're visiting the neighborhood and want to find the best bagel Upper West Side has to offer, you're in luck because there are plenty to choose from. I've visited a lot of bagel spots around the city and I believe that the Upper West Side has some of the best bagel in NYC. 

If you're a foodie and want to experience the best food Chinatown has to offer, consider booking one of our Upper West Side Food Tours. We offer tours multiple times a week and we'll show you the best bagels (and more) that the Upper West Side has to offer.