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 NYC bagel, thankfully I don’t have to leave the neighborhood.

I wanted to provide a quick roundup of my favorite spots for bagels in the Upper West Side just in case you find yourself in my stomping grounds. I’m not one for small talk so let’s get to it!

Best Bagels Upper West Side

#5. Zabar’s

Found on the corner of Broadway and West 80th, Zabar’s (pronounced zay-bar) is family run 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

Best Bagels & Lox NYC Zabar's
Best Bagels Upper West Side

#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 in the Upper West Side until my second visit. During my first visit I ordered a bagel through the app because the wait to order was almost an hour long.

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 requested it directly. 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 is one of the longest running businesses on the Upper East Side and they recently branched out with a second 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 all the classics.

#1. Absolute Bagels

The first time I tried bagels from Absolute I was nervous. This place graces the top of many “best bagels in NYC” lists and I wasn’t sure it would live up to the hype.

How wrong I was! In fact, shortly after taking my first bite, I promptly made plans to return during the following weekend. The bagels are served hot from the oven and have a perfectly chewy texture and the cream cheese is satisfyingly cold.

The bagels are perfect, which is why I consider these the best bagels in the Upper West Side.

Address: Upper West Side, 2788 Broadway, New York, NY 10025