The top 10 bagel shops in New York revealed in new Yelp poll: ‘It’s an art’

New York is synonymous with good bagels.

People come from all around the world to try the famous breakfast staple and locals judge one another harshly on their go-to order, which is why Yelp has now compiled a list of the top 10 bagel stores across the state.

While plenty of bodegas and cafes serve great bagels, the below bagel outlets are the best in the biz — and there are some surprise entrants on the list.

1. PopUp Bagels, Manhattan

Since its first NYC location opened in April 2023, PopUp Bagels has used its TikTok fame to expand to 11 locations across New York and New England.

Searches in New York for PopUp Bagels have increased a whopping 2,751% on Yelp year-over-year.

PopUp Bagel typically offers just five bagel flavors, alongside plain and special schmears like Sweet Basil or Cacio e Pepe Butter.

However, they have also debuted adventurous schmear collaborations including a garlicky escargot schmear with renowned pastry chef Dominique Ansel, a UTZ Cheese Ball cream cheese and Frank’s Red Hot Butter.

The minimum order is 3 bagels, so you may want to wait to go with a friend.

2. Liberty Bagels Midtown, Manhattan

Liberty Bagel’s Rainbow Bagel featuring all seven colors of the spectrum is a social-media star.

“We focus on making those bagels beautiful—it’s really an art,” owner Victor Mejia, who has been crafting bagels to perfection for over 35 years, told Yelp.

The bagel business has expanded to four locations across the city.

But with their many delicious bagels, and more than 25 scratch-made schmear flavors — the birthday cake schmear seems to be the most popular pairing for the Rainbow Bagel — Liberty Bagels has gone beyond social media stardom to become a favorite IRL.

“Best bagels I’ve ever had, OMG. Worth the wait for sure! Perfectly crusty and chewy bagels, generous heaps of cream cheese, tons of classic and unique sandwich options. I’m craving a NY bagel as I write this review,” Yelp Elite Michelle Z said.

3. Best Bagel & Coffee, Manhattan

Well, Best Bagel & Coffee seems to be living up to its name.

“The real secret is consistency,” Manager Mikey Ji. told Yelp.

Along with great classic New York bagels, the shop offers unique flavored cream cheeses including Wasabi and Avocado Lime.

4. Between the Bagel, Astoria, Queens

The menu at Between the Bagel (filled with Korean spins on bagel sandwiches) was a happy accident created from a staff-wide best-sandwich competition.

The DAPS (Dank A$# Pork Sandwich) with spicy pork, mozzarella, grilled onions, and grilled jalapenos is a crowd favorite.

However, the shop is best known for the Seoul Meets Bagel (SMB) — a take on the classic egg-and-cheese bagel with bulgogi, sauteed kimchi and gochujang mayo.

Luckily for customers and Too Good To Go users, they rarely sell out.

“We usually over-order” meats, Ben says, and leftovers are donated or offered on Too Good To Go, an app connecting consumers with surplus food.

5. Water Street Bagel, Syracuse 

Bagels at this upstate store are cooked using a long cold-proof method (when the dough rests and rises), which develops the bagel’s flavor before boiling and baking.

Locals and college students line up at the shop early to start their day with a Spicy Everything Bagel or Rosemary Salt Bagel — both of which frequently sell out quickly.

“My favorite bagels in Syracuse. The outside [is] crusty and the inside [is] chewy. There’s a great selection of bagels; Rosemary Salt is amazing. Their homemade cream cheese spreads are full of flavor. They get very busy at times, especially weekends, but have a great system and everyone is friendly and helpful.” Yelp Elite user Erica O said.

6. Russ & Daughters, Manhattan

Anyone familiar with New York won’t be shocked to learn the Russ & Daughters is one of the best bagel stores in the city.

The 110-year-old smoked-fish institution is currently operated by fourth-generation owners (and cousins) Josh Russ Tupper and Niki Russ Federman.

“We developed the recipe to stay true to the traditional New York bagel, which has been increasingly hard to find,” Emily Cintron, a spokesperson for the iconic Lower East Side shop, said.

Each bagel takes a full 24 hours to make — from mixing, proofing, and boiling the dough in water with malt syrup (to yield a crispy exterior), to baking on burlap-covered wooden planks.

“To understand how a slab of smoked salmon lying across a bagel became the symbol for an entire city, you have to come to Russ & Daughters,” Yelp Elite user Jason S said.

7. Absolute Bagels, Manhattan

Absolute Bagels has consistently been rated one of the best bagel shops in the city since they began serving up piping hot goodness in the early 1990s.

Thailand-born, London-educated Sam Thongkrieng honed his bagelmaking craft at New York shops like Ess-a-Bagel before opening his own place.

The cash-only shop on the Upper West Side may seem like a hole in the wall but has long been a classic city staple with an assortment of flavored bagels and schmears. Walnut Cream Cheese anyone?

8. Apollo Bagels, Manhattan

Although most New Yorkers are staunch defenders of classic bagels, Apollo Bagels have won people over with their sourdough base bunch.

The shop offers just three “perfectly crispy and fluffy” bagels — plain, sesame, and Everything — and six open-faced bagel sandwiches.

Pop-ups in Paris and Ibiza helped Apollo Bagels achieve international recognition, but being among the best in NYC is always the toughest competition.

9. Willie’s Bagel Cafe, Utica 

If you’re craving a bite of NYC while out of the city, stop by Willie’s Bagel Cafe in Utica.

Despite being a considerable distance from Gotham, owner Willie Rodriguez is very familiar with the city classic.

He ran a bagel shop on Long Island for 17 years before opening his own in Utica in 2016. Nearly a decade later, his bagels are still coming out on top — especially the beloved Mr. Willie’s Philly Cheesesteak, packed with steak, onions, and peppers.

The family-run sells 18 bagel flavors and 10 different kinds of spread.

“Wow, wow, wow. The bagels were soft, chewy, and perfect. The best I’ve had in my life. I bought a dozen to take home, and I couldn’t stop eating them. They were so addictive,” Yelp user Elizabeth L. swooned.

“The staff at Willie’s were so friendly and helpful. They really care about their customers and their bagels.”

10. Ess-a-Bagel, Manhattan

Ess-a-Bagel is proudly run by second-generation owner Melanie Frost — niece of Florence and Gene Wilpon, who co-founded Ess-a-Bagel in 1976.

“[The bagels are] large, filling, and, as we always say, made with love—something we believe you can truly taste,“ Frost said.

Ess-a-Bagel offers something for everyone with 12 bagel flavors, 14 special sandwiches and a 38-spread menu with Red Velvet, Sun-Dried Tomato, Avocado Garlic, and tofu-based options.

They’re also known for their popular collaborations with other big brands — the Banana Pudding Cream Cheese Bagel, based on Magnolia Bakery’s famous dessert was a big hit.