Looking for the best bagels on the Upper West Side? This local has you covered.
I currently live on the Upper West Side and start most weekends with a proper bagel. Luckily for me, I don’t have to leave the neighborhood. Here’s a quick roundup of my favorite spots in the neighborhood, let’s dive in!
The Best Bagels on the Upper West Side
#5. Zabar’s
Found on the corner of Broadway and West 80th, Zabar’s (pronounced zay-bar) is a family-owned grocery store that feels like a true New York experience. They have a vast selection of items to choose from — everything from smoked fish, a surprising assortment of cheeses and a delectable bakery, but the lox is where they shine.
My husband and I never pass up an opportunity to order a bagel with lox while we’re shopping in the store. It’s irresistible and reasonably priced. I love the taste of the bagels and consider them some of the best bagels on the Upper West Side.
Address: 2245 Broadway, New York, NY 10024
#4. Modern Bread & Bakery
I stumbled upon Modern Bakery completely by accident, and what a happy thing that turned out to be. I didn’t realize this was a gluten-free bakery until my second visit. However, I enjoyed the bagel so much that I returned the following weekend for more. And it wasn’t until my second visit that realized all the gluten-free signs – did I accidentally eat a gluten-free bagel last weekend?
Turns out I did, and I loved it! Which is why I consider this one of the best bagels in the Upper West Side.
Address: 472 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
#3. Barney Greengrass
Dating back to 1908, Barney Greengrass is an Upper West Side institution famous for their knock-out smoked fish. No, seriously, U.S. Presidents have requested it directly to the White House. They churn out some of the best lox and bagels in the Upper West Side and the neighborhood is lucky to have them.
Address: 541 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
#2. Orwashers Bakery
Originally founded in 1916, Orwashers recently branched out to a second location when they opened a bakery in the Upper West Side. Serving New Yorkers for more than 105 years, Their success can be attributed to traditional baking methods that have been perfected over time.
So it’s no surprise that they serve some of the best bagels on the UWS, swing by for the classics. The lox is great, but my preference is a plain bagel with scallion cream cheese (chef’s kiss!).
#1. Absolute Bagels
Gracing most “best bagels in NYC” lists, Absolute Bagels on the Upper West Side has quite the reputation to live up to. Thankfully, it lives up to the hype.
This cash-only establishment churns out the best bagels on the UWS, bar none. Served piping hot, straight from the oven, the bagels are warm (a contrast to the cold cream cheese), large and chewy.
Simply put, these are perfect, which is why they’re considered some of the best bagels in NYC.
Address: Upper West Side, 2788 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
List of the Best Bagels UWS (Post Summary)
In sum, here’s a rundown of the best bagels in the UWS.
- Absolute Bagels
- Orwashers Bakery
- Barney Greengrass
- Modern Bread & Bakery
- Zabar’s
You might enjoy reading: 12 Delicious Upper West Side Bakeries
Map of the best bagels on the Upper West Side
And there it is folks! The 5 best bagels on the Upper West Side!
Cheers!
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