Best Bagels Near Times Square, NYC

Kicking off with best bagels near Times Square, this location is a paradise for bagel enthusiasts. With a history dating back to the early 20th century, the bagel industry in New York City has evolved over time, offering a variety of bagel styles and flavors to cater to different tastes. From classic New York-style to unique Montreal-style and bialy, the options are endless. In this article, we will explore the best bagel shops near Times Square, highlighting their unique features, flavors, and specialties.

The popularity of bagels in NYC can be attributed to the influence of Jewish immigrants who brought their traditional recipes and techniques to the city. Today, bagels are a staple in New York cuisine, with popular shops like Ess-a-Bagel, H&H Bagels, and Russ & Daughters Cafe. These shops offer a wide range of bagel flavors, from classic everything to cinnamon raisin and jalapeño. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, trying a bagel from one of these shops is a must-do experience.

A History of Bagels in New York City: Best Bagels Near Times Square

New York City is home to some of the world’s most iconic bagels, with a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. The concept of bagels originated in Eastern Europe, specifically in Poland and Russia, where it was known as a ring-shaped bread. When Jewish immigrants arrived in New York City, they brought the tradition of bagel-making with them, adapting it to local tastes and ingredients. The result was a distinctive New York-style bagel that quickly gained popularity.

A Brief History of Bagels in NYC

In the 1920s, bagel shops began to spring up around New York City, particularly in Jewish neighborhoods like the Lower East Side. These early bagel shops served as social hubs, where locals could gather to enjoy a freshly baked bagel with cream cheese, lox, or other toppings. By the 1950s and 1960s, bagels had become a staple in New York City cuisine, with shops like H&H Bagels and Russ & Daughters Cafe establishing themselves as institutions. Today, bagels are enjoyed by people from all walks of life, from street vendors to high-end restaurants.

Variety of Bagel Styles and Flavors, Best bagels near times square

New York City offers an astonishing array of bagel styles and flavors, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs. Some popular bagel styles include:

• Sesame bagels, topped with sesame seeds for a nutty flavor
• Poppy bagels, featuring a delicate poppy seed topping
• Everything bagels, with a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, and salt
• Whole wheat bagels, made with whole wheat flour for a nutty, earthy flavor

These styles can be paired with an incredible assortment of toppings, including:

• Cream cheese, in various flavors like scallion or garlic
• Lox, smoked salmon with a hint of lemon and capers
• Avocado, mashed or sliced for a creamy texture
• Tomato, fresh or sun-dried for a burst of acidity

Bagel enthusiasts will also appreciate the array of artisanal bagel flavors available, featuring creative combinations like bacon, egg, and chive or jalapeño and cheddar.

The perfect bagel is a delicate balance of texture, flavor, and presentation.

Bagel Shops Near Times Square

For those visiting Times Square, a trip to the nearby bagel shops is a must. Favorites include:

• H&H Bagels, a 24-hour institution serving classic bagels with a twist
• Bagel Oasis, a popular spot for innovative flavors and toppings
• Absolute Bagels, a family-owned shop offering traditional and gluten-free options

Each of these shops offers a unique experience, from the no-frills environment to the expertly crafted bagels. Whether you’re a native New Yorker or just visiting the city, a trip to the bagel shops is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Location Options

When it comes to seeking out the best bagels near Times Square, several options come to mind. Each location has its unique charm and offerings, making it essential to explore the area to find the perfect fit for your taste buds and convenience.

Bagel Shops within Walking Distance

If you’re looking for convenience, the following bagel shops are within a short walking distance from Times Square.

1. Ess-a-Bagel (Multiple Locations)

   This iconic New York institution has been serving up hand-rolled bagels for over 40 years. Their Times Square location offers a wide variety of flavors, including classic everything, sesame, poppy, and cinnamon raisin. They also offer a range of cream cheeses and spreads, including scallion and smoked salmon.

   • Address: 139 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036 (0.4 miles from Times Square)
     • Distance from Times Square: 7-minute walk
     • Phone: (212) 764-4400
   • Address: 1048 1st Ave, New York, NY 10022 (1.1 miles from Times Square)
     • Distance from Times Square: 20-minute walk
     • Phone: (212) 426-6000

2. H&H Bagels

   This Upper West Side staple has been featured in numerous publications for its exceptional bagels. Their Times Square location offers a range of flavors, including classic everything, cinnamon raisin, and blueberry.

   • Address: 145 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036 (0.3 miles from Times Square)
     • Distance from Times Square: 6-minute walk
     • Phone: (212) 221-7676

3. Levain Bakery

   While not strictly a bagel shop, Levain Bakery offers an impressive selection of artisanal bagels, including sesame, poppy, and everything. Their Times Square location also features a cozy seating area.

   • Address: 167 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011 (1.4 miles from Times Square)
     • Distance from Times Square: 27-minute walk
     • Phone: (212) 463-9566

Bagel Shops with Delivery/_pickup Options

For those looking for the convenience of delivery or pickup, the following bagel shops offer a range of options.

1. Ess-a-Bagel Online Ordering

   While not a physical location within walking distance, Ess-a-Bagel offers online ordering and delivery/pickup options for bagels and baked goods.

   • Website: essabagel.com
     • Pickup: Available at multiple locations
     • Delivery: Available through online ordering and partner services

2. Levain Bakery Online Ordering

   Levain Bakery also offers online ordering and delivery/pickup options for their artisanal bagels and baked goods.

   • Website: levainbakery.com
     • Pickup: Available at multiple locations
     • Delivery: Available through online ordering and partner services

Comparison of Prices and Quality

When it comes to comparing prices and quality, each location has its unique offerings. Ess-a-Bagel is known for its hand-rolled bagels and wide variety of flavors, while H&H Bagels is praised for its exceptional bagel-making skills.

Location	Prices	Quality
Ess-a-Bagel (43rd St)	$1.50-$2.50 per bagel	High
H&H Bagels (44th St)	$1.75-$3.25 per bagel	Very High
Levain Bakery (23rd St)	$3.00-$4.50 per bagel	High

Bagel Types

In the diverse world of bagels, various types have emerged, each with its unique characteristics and taste profiles. From the classic New York-style to the sweet Montreal-style, and even the savory bialy, there’s a bagel type to suit every palate. In this section, we’ll delve into the world of bagels, exploring their distinct features and flavors.

New York-style Bagels

New York-style bagels are known for their dense, chewy texture and distinctive flavor. They’re often hand-rolled and boiled in water before being baked in a wood-fired oven, giving them a crispy crust and a soft interior. The traditional flavors include sesame, poppy, salt, and everything, but modern bakeries often offer unique flavors like chocolate chunk or cinnamon raisin.

• New York-style bagels are often denser and heavier than other types of bagels.
• Their distinctive flavor profile comes from the combination of yeast, flour, and water.
• Hand-rolling and boiling give New York-style bagels a unique texture.

Montreal-style Bagels

Montreal-style bagels, also known as “wood-fired” or “hand-rolled” bagels, have a slightly sweet and crispy exterior, with a soft interior. They’re often made with a special type of water and topped with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or other toppings. Montreal-style bagels are known for their rich, complex flavor profile and are often enjoyed toasted with butter or cream cheese.

• Montreal-style bagels have a distinctive crispy exterior and soft interior.
• Their unique flavor profile comes from the special type of water and hand-rolling process.
• Montreal-style bagels are often topped with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or other ingredients.

Bialys

Bialys are a type of bagel that originated in Poland and have become popular in the United States. They’re known for their distinctive shape, with a depression in the center and a crispy crust. Bialys have a sweeter, more bread-like flavor than traditional bagels and are often topped with sesame seeds or poppy seeds.

• Bialys have a distinctive shape with a depression in the center.
• Their crispy crust and soft interior make them a unique snack or light meal.
• Bialys have a sweeter, more bread-like flavor than traditional bagels.

Best Bagel Shops

When it comes to bagels, especially near Times Square, one can expect a multitude of options catering to diverse tastes and dietary requirements. From classic to creative, the top-rated bagel shops offer a mouthwatering variety that attracts locals and tourists alike. In this section, we will delve into the top-rated bagel shops near Times Square, exploring their offerings, reviews, and ratings.

Ess-a-Bagel

Ess-a-Bagel is a beloved institution in New York City, with a location just a stone’s throw away from Times Square. This family-owned bakery has been perfecting the art of bagel-making since 1976. Their menu boasts an impressive array of classic bagel flavors, including poppy, sesame, salt, and everything, as well as innovative creations like whole wheat and cinnamon raisin.

• Recommended Bagels: Everything Bagel, Cinnamon Raisin Bagel
• Average Price Range: $1.50 – $3.50 per bagel
• Reviews and Ratings: 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor, 4.5/5 stars on Google Reviews

Heels Tavern

Heels Tavern is a charming spot nestled in the heart of Midtown, mere blocks from Times Square. This restaurant and bar offers a wide variety of hand-rolled bagels made fresh in-house daily. From classic bagels to more adventurous options like chocolate chip and bacon, scallion, there’s something for every taste.

• Recommended Bagels: Everything Bagel, Scallion Bagel
• Average Price Range: $2 – $4 per bagel
• Reviews and Ratings: 4.2/5 stars on TripAdvisor, 4.2/5 stars on Google Reviews

Levain Bakery

Levain Bakery is a beloved bakery chain with a location in the Flatiron District, just a short subway ride from Times Square. This bakery is renowned for its thick, chewy cookies, but they also offer a delicious assortment of bagels. Their menu features a range of creative flavors, including whole wheat, brie, and even a chocolate-banana bagel.

• Recommended Bagels: Whole Wheat Bagel, Brie Bagel
• Average Price Range: $3 – $5 per bagel
• Reviews and Ratings: 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor, 4.5/5 stars on Google Reviews

Specialties and Features

When it comes to the best bagels near Times Square, these shops offer an array of unique toppings, spreads, and specialty sandwiches that set them apart. From classic combinations to innovative pairings, each shop showcases its own special twist.

Unique Bagel Toppings or Spreads

The bagel shops near Times Square offer a variety of creative and delicious toppings to enhance your bagel experience. At Russ & Daughters Cafe, you can find classic lox and cream cheese, but also try their more adventurous options like smoked trout with cucumber and dill. Another standout is H&H Bagels, which offers a variety of spreads, including hummus, salsa, and guacamole. For a taste of the Mediterranean, head to Ess-a-Bagel, which features a delicious array of tapenade, pesto, and feta cheese.

• At Russ & Daughters Cafe, try their signature “Bagel with Lox, Capers, and Red Onion.”
• At H&H Bagels, their “Avocado Toast with Scrambled Eggs” is a must-try.
• At Ess-a-Bagel, don’t miss their “Everything Bagel with Strawberry Cream Cheese.”

Drink and Coffee Options

To complement your bagel experience, each shop offers an assortment of drinks and coffee.

At Russ & Daughters Cafe, enjoy a classic coffee or try a specialty drink like their “Coffee with Cardamom” or “Hot Chocolate with Coconut Whipped Cream.”
Similarly, H&H Bagels offers a variety of coffee, tea, and juice options, including their specialty “Cinnamon Latte” or “Mocha Cold Brew.”
At Ess-a-Bagel, choose from a range of coffee drinks like cappuccino, latte, or Americano, as well as herbal teas.

• At Russ & Daughters Cafe, try their “Espresso Tonic.”
• At H&H Bagels, indulge in their “Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake” and pair it with a “Caramel Macchiato.”
• At Ess-a-Bagel, enjoy a “Mocha Cookie Crumble Latte” with a side of blueberry muffin.

Specialty Bagel Sandwiches or Meals

Some local shops offer special bagel sandwiches and meals that truly stand out. At Russ & Daughters Cafe, you can indulge in their “Belgian Bagel with Cream Cheese, Smoked Salmon, Capers, and Red Onion.”
At H&H Bagels, their “Breakfast Bagel with Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, and Avocado” is a hit among locals and visitors alike.
Also a notable offering is Ess-a-Bagel‘s “Turkey Bagel with Avocado, Bacon, and Swiss Cheese.”

1. At Russ & Daughters Cafe, try their “Pastrami on Rye Bagel with Mustard and Pickles.”
2. At H&H Bagels, indulge in their “Turkey and Brie Bagel with Cranberry and Lettuce.”
3. At Ess-a-Bagel, don’t miss their “Roast Beef Bagel with Cheddar and Horseradish Cream.”

Ultimate Conclusion

In conclusion, the best bagels near Times Square offer a unique culinary experience that is worth exploring. With their rich history, diverse flavors, and unique features, these shops have solidified their place in the hearts of New Yorkers and tourists alike. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic everything bagel or something more adventurous, there’s a shop near Times Square that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

So, next time you’re in the area, be sure to stop by one of these amazing bagel shops and indulge in the flavors that make NYC’s bagel scene so iconic.

General Inquiries

Q: What is the best way to eat a bagel?

A: The best way to eat a bagel is with cream cheese or lox, which are traditional toppings in NYC. You can also try classic combinations like peanut butter and jelly or scrambled eggs and bacon.

Q: What is the difference between a New York-style bagel and a Montreal-style bagel?

A: New York-style bagels are typically made with a dough that is hand-rolled and boiled in water before being baked in a stone oven. Montreal-style bagels, on the other hand, are made with a sugar-based dough that is boiled in honey water before being baked in a wood-fired oven.

Q: Can I find vegan bagel options near Times Square?

A: Yes, many bagel shops near Times Square offer vegan options, including plant-based cream cheese and egg substitutes. Russ & Daughters Cafe is a great option for vegan bagels, with unique flavors like sesame and poppy seed.