When it comes to bagel options, the Upper West Side’s cup runneth over. With several new spots popping up in recent years, ILTUWS made the rounds to update its list of which dough truly rises above the rest.
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5. Barney Greengrass
Sable and Nova Scotia salmon sandwich on an everything bagel with capers, onions, tomato, and cream cheese from Barney Greengrass
Many might be surprised to learn that Barney Greengrass doesn’t make its own bagels. Instead, they source them from Davidovich Bakery in the Bronx (formerly Queens), a New York City staple since the 1990s with three retail shops in downtown Manhattan. If you’re a fan of Zabar’s bagels, Davidovich has been supplying them since 2011, after the original H&H shut down.
Davidovich is a wholesale bakery that kettle-boils its artisan, handmade bagels on wooden planks in a rotational shelf oven. Their bagels can be found throughout the city and even internationally. They take their craft so seriously that in 2012, they sued Dunkin’ Donuts for falsely and misleadingly using the term “artisan” in their new line of bagels.
Barney Greengrass edges out Zabar’s for the #5 spot on our list because, in the land of the Sturgeon King, their ability to use their Davidovich bagels as a vehicle for so many incredibly delicious combinations is unmatched. While it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the menu, our go-to is the Sable and Nova Scotia Salmon sandwich on an everything bagel with capers, onions, tomato, and plain cream cheese. Open-faced.
In an interview with Upper West Side legend Richard Kind, the local actor and comedian shared his go-to order: “Well, I’m sort of different because I tend to diet a lot. I order the toasted everything bagel with a couple of scoops of tuna and a sliced onion. Plus, a diet Dr. Brown’s black cherry soda.”
Barney Greengrass, the iconic Jewish deli that’s been on the Upper West Side since 1929, is a spot where you can sit down, relax, and enjoy the ambiance. Don’t forget the freshly squeezed orange juice.
barneygreengrass.com | 541 Amsterdam Avenue between 86th and 87th Streets | (212) 724-4707
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4. Broad Nosh Bagels
French toast bagel with cream cheese from Broad Nosh Bagels
Opened amidst the pandemic in 2020, Broad Nosh quickly became a local favorite, and its popularity has only grown. Nowadays, you’ll often find out-of-towners lined up outside—on their bagel quest—which can lead to longer wait times during peak hours, now that the city is bustling again. To save time, consider ordering ahead for pickup.
The bagels at Broad Nosh are pillowy soft with a satisfying chew. Their fish is fresh, and the staff is well-regarded for their service. With seating inside for about thirteen (tables for two) and additional tables outside, you can enjoy your meal on-site or take your haul on the road.
Since its founding, Broad Nosh has expanded to two additional locations in Midtown, on West 58th and 42nd streets. It’s onward and upward for this homegrown Upper West Side team.
broadnosh.com | 2350 Broadway between 85th and 86th Streets | (212) 600-0933
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3. Bagels and Co.
Everything bagel with cream cheese from Bagels and Co.
With their original location on York Avenue still going strong, Bagels and Co. opened their second and only other location on the Upper West Side over twenty years ago. The hanging stained glass lights cast a blissful glow to the tight space, making Bagels and Co. a representation of the Old New York charm that is gradually fading away.
Bagels and Co. serves bagels that are on the larger side, delivering a crisp bite. Their bagels have a virtually non-existent hole, making for a splendid schmear. This kosher deli, with an expansive menu, makes everything fresh on-site and is also known to have lines during peak hours.
We enjoy the lively vibe in this locale, where the hustle and bustle of hungry visitors creates a vibrant scene. The bagels taste just as great at 6 a.m. when you might have the place all to yourself. There’s seating inside for roughly thirteen with additional tables outside.
bagelskosher.com | 391 Amsterdam Avenue on the corner of 79th Street | (212) 496-9400
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2. Bagel Talk
Onion bagel with cream cheese from Bagel Talk
This ‘hole in the wall’ on Amsterdam Avenue is everything you want in an NYC bagel shop. Bagel Talk is quick, reliable, and doesn’t have the same long lines you’ll find at other places on our list.
Quality and convenience are the keys to success here. Bagel Talk crafts a classic, smaller-sized bagel, true to the original craft. Each one is broiled to perfection with a generous cream-cheese-to-dough ratio. The smoked salmon is divine; they typically ask you if you’d like to add it to your bagel for good reason. They also carry gluten-free bagels.
When you walk in, you’re greeted with a view into the bagel-making operation in the back of the house. The colorful marked-up menus behind the counter add a lively touch to this stalwart of the Upper West Side bagel scene, serving the community since 1998.
There is seating for about ten inside, with additional seating outside.
bageltalk.com | 368 Amsterdam Avenue between 77th and 78th Streets | (212) 875-1267
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1. Absolute Bagels
Surprise! It’s no shock who rules the roost in the Upper West Side bagel game.
Let’s face it—if someone says Absolute Bagels isn’t the best on the Upper West Side, it’s probably because we’ve known this for years, and it’s not exactly thrilling to name the same spot year after year after year. But alas, the truth stands: there’s absolutely no denying that Absolute Bagels is the best.
The hand-rolled bagels at Absolute are subtly sweet, with a malty flavor and superb texture. You should also try their bagel pudding which rarely seems to be ordered or discussed. This is likely because customers are so focused on stocking up on their favorite bagels. Next time you’re looking for a unique dessert to bring to a dinner party, consider bagel pudding—it’s sure to impress.
Some say true New Yorkers don’t wait in line, but if you’re going to, this is the place. Just remember, the early bird gets the worm. This grab-and-go hotspot has no seating, so I suggest taking your score to the benches on the island that separates north and southbound Broadway to enjoy these works of culinary art.
Here’s some added value for the evening bagel crew: If you visit Absolute at the end of the day, it’s not uncommon for them to toss some extra bagels in your brown paper bag as they’re looking to clear out what’s left in their wire baskets. They’re just as fresh as any other time of day.
absolute-bagels.com | 2788 Broadway between 107th and 108th Streets | (212) 932-2052
Stay hungry, my friends.
