This list of best Upper East Side bagels was written by Yana Zaytseva, co-founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps).
Looking for the best bagels on the Upper East Side? Look no further. As a NYC local, I’ve invested time and miles to find the best Upper East Side bagels, and I’m confident this list will help you discover something you’ll love. Let’s dive in!
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (10 Best Neighborhoods +3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Best Bagels Upper East Side (UES)
Table of Contents: UES Bagels
Table of Contents: Best Upper East Side Bagels
Orwashers
Website: Orwashers
Address: 308 E 78th St, New York, NY 10075
Originally founded in 1916, Orwashers is one of the longest-running bagel shops in the Upper East Side (and they recently branched out with a second bakery in the Upper West Side). Serving New Yorkers for over 100 years with their signature sourdough bagels, 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 in the UES, swing by for all the classics.
Bagelworks
Website: Bagelworks
Address: 1229 1st Ave., New York, NY 10065
Ask any local about their favorite bagel spot in the Upper East Side and the honest ones will mention Bagelworks. Established in 1983, Bagelworks has been churning out top-tier, high-quality bagels for over 40 years.
The scratch-made bagels have made loyal followers out of New Yorkers who trust that Bagelworks only puts out the best of the best. Since they do all the baking in-house, the likeliness of you getting a fresh bagel is very high. Expect long lines since these are some of the best bagels on the Upper East Side. The staff is some of the friendliest folks in the business and they do their best to keep the line moving.
Daily Bagel
Website: Daily Bagel
Address: 1111 1st Ave, New York, NY 10065
There’s an undeniable satisfaction in sinking your teeth into a handcrafted bagel, made by the hands of a seasoned baker. Call it placebo or genuine delight, but Daily Bagels crafts some of the most exceptional bagels in the Upper East Side.
With a visible plumpness and a satisfyingly springy texture, Daily Bagels could easily become a daily treat. Admittedly, they come with a higher price tag, but the quality justifies every penny. Daily Bagels often sells out, so it’s wise to arrive early. If you spot a line, take it as a good sign—you’re in the right spot. Don’t be discouraged; the line moves quickly.
Gourmet Bagels
Website: Gourmet Bagels
Address: 874 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10065
Gourmet Bagels on Lexington Avenue is my go-to pit stop. I can grab a hot coffee, one of the best Upper East Side bagels, and be on my way without any chaos. Besides great bagels, they offer sandwiches, wraps, and burritos for a quick, on-the-go bite.
Although there are a few chairs available, I personally enjoy taking a stroll to Central Park, a few blocks away. Having one of the best bagels from the UES in the park—does it get any better? I doubt it.
Sable’s Smoked Fish
Website: Sable’s Smoked Fish
Address: 1330 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10075
If you’re a fan of smoked fish, Sable’s makes some of the best lox bagels in the Upper East Side. Locals often draw comparisons between Sable’s and the well-known Zabar’s on the Upper West Side, a NYC staple since 1934.
Comparing the two makes sense since the owners of Sable’s (Danny and Kenny Sze) managed the appetizer department at Zabar’s for over a decade. They were able to learn the ins and outs of the bagel business as well as where to get the best smoked fish in New York City.
The smoked fish is always fresh and this Upper East Side bagel shop only uses the highest quality ingredients. If anyone is in the market for good caviar (at a decent price, might I add), Sable’s has long been a neighborhood favorite.
Bagels & Co.
Website: Bagels & Co.
Address: 1428 York Ave, New York, NY 10021
One of the best family-friendly bagel shops in the Upper East Side is Bagels & Co. The motto here is that “simple is great, and there is no need to over-complicate a bagel”. Using fresh ingredients, high-quality bagels, and serving generous portions, it’s no accident Bagels & Co. made our list of best Upper East Side bagels.
The large plump bagels are full of chewy air pockets and the shop itself is clean and pleasant, which is always appreciated in a city like NYC. I suggest ordering the poppy seed bagel with the olive cream cheese, the flavor from both the bagel and spread packs a punch!
Pick A Bagel
Website: Pick A Bagel
Address: 1101 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10075
Pick A Bagel operates like a well-oiled machine, consistently churning out some of the best bagels in the Upper East Side. These are the kind of bagels you have to stare at for a second after each bite, like you’re analyzing a piece of art.
The airy bagels are the canvas and the toothsome schmears are the paint. Choose to add in some lox and you might as well hang it in The Louvre! It should come as no surprise that Pick A Bagel makes the best bagels in the Upper East Side. The fact that the bagels are hand-rolled (and not just made by machinery) proves that no corners are cut in the pursuit of perfection.
Tal Bagels
Website: Tal Bagels
Address: 1228 Lexington Ave, 333 East 86th St #1 & 1324 Lexington Ave
Tal Bagels, with three convenient locations in the neighborhood, has rightfully earned its spot among the best bagels on the Upper East Side. The efficiency and freshness of their ingredients make this bagel shop stand out. Personally, I love a classic, everything bagel with scallion cream cheese, and nova lox, and the one from Tal Bagels lived up to my expectations.
The bagel itself is generously sized, making it ideal for sharing, and they don’t skimp on the salmon or schmear. The dough strikes the perfect balance, with a chewy interior and a crunchy exterior, enhanced by the robust flavor of the everything seasoning. This Upper East Side bagel joint offers a laid-back atmosphere with ample seating, allowing you to sit back and truly savor the authentic taste of a New York City bagel.
Bagel Bob’s
Website: Bagel Bob’s
Address: 1641 York Ave, New York, NY 10028
Bagel Bob’s is a New York City staple for Upper East Siders and pretty much everyone else too. The no-frills bagel shop offers traditional NYC bagels in an unpretentious environment that makes it clear the focus is on taste. These Upper East Side bagels are hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, and baked fresh daily. This means the odds of you getting a freshly warm bagel are very high.
If you’re looking to mix things up, try the flat bagel (also called a flagel). Since these are some of the best bagels in the Upper East Side, it’s not uncommon for there to be a line forming. Make sure to come early and be prepared to wait, but trust me these UES bagels are worth it!
Something to note: Bagel Bob’s is CASH ONLY.
B&B Bagels
Website: B&B Bagels
Address: 1370 1st Ave., New York, NY 10021
Where are all my early birds? One of the earliest opening bagel shops on the Upper East Side is B&B Bagels, which start their day at 5:00 AM. New to the scene, B&B Bagels has made an impression on locals and tourists alike who sing their praises for delicious Upper East Side bagels. Offering both savory and sweet options, it often can be difficult to make a decision.
The modernness of the shop is either adored or hated, but I think it’s a nice change to the typical over-the-counter deli we’re used to. Not saying one is better than the other, just simply stating it’s nice to have the option. I will say though, the coffee at this UES bagel shop is some of the best in the neighborhood.
Best Bagels Upper East Side (Post Summary)
- B&B Bagels
- Bagelworks
- Bagel Bob’s
- Tal Bagels
- Pick A Bagel
- Bagels and More
- Bagels & Co.
- Sable’s
- Gourmet Bagels
- Daily Bagel
- Orwashers
Further Reading for the Upper East Side
Best Things to Do on the Upper East Side: 15+ Great Things to Do in the Upper East Side
Where to Eat on the UES: 15 Epic Restaurants in the Upper East Side
Best Brunch UES: 15 Flavorful Brunch Spots in the Upper East Side
Where to Score a Deal on the UES: 12 Epic Happy Hour Spots on the Upper East Side
Restaurants Near Central Park: The 20 Best Restaurants Near Central Park
More Great Bagel Spots in NYC
Best Bagels in NYC: You Asked, Locals Answered: 15 BEST Bagels in New York City
Bagel & Lox: 5+ Best Bagels & Lox in New York City (Hungry Local’s Guide)
Brooklyn’s Best Bagels: The 10 Best Bagels in Brooklyn (The Local Foodie)
Map of the Best Upper East Side Bagels
And there it is, my rundown of the best Upper East Side bagels! Let me know if there’s any you recommend I try.
Cheers.
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