The best bagels on the Upper West Side

When it comes to bagel selection, the Upper West Side is all the rage. With several new spots popping up in recent years, ILTUWS has updated the list detailing which dough really stands out from the rest.

5. Barney Greengrass

Sable and Nova Scotia salmon sandwich on a bagel with all the trimmings, capers, onions, tomatoes and cream cheese by Barney Greengrass

Many may 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 bakery since the 1990s with three locations in downtown Manhattan. If you’re a fan of Zabar’s Bagels, Davidovich has been supplying them since 2011, after the original H&H closed.

Davidovich is a large-scale bakery that cooks its handmade bagels on wooden boards in a rotary oven. Their bagels are available throughout the city and even internationally. They take their craft so seriously that in 2012 they sued Dunkin’ Donuts for incorrectly and misleadingly using the term “artisanal” in their new line of bagels.

Barney Greengrass knocks Zabar’s off the fifth 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 be overwhelmed by the menu, our favorite is the sable and Nova Scotia salmon sandwich on a bagel with all the trimmings, capers, onions, tomatoes, and plain cream cheese. Open-faced.

In an interview with Upper West Side legend Richard Kind, the local actor and comedian revealed his favorite order: “Well, I’m kind of different because I’m often on a diet. I order the toasted bagel with all the trimmings, a couple of scoops of tuna and a sliced ​​onion. And I have a Dr. Brown’s black cherry diet lemonade.”

Barney Greengrass, the iconic Jewish deli that’s been on the Upper West Side since 1929, is a place where you can sit down, relax and enjoy the atmosphere. 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. Wide Nosh Bagels

French Toast Bagel with Cream Cheese from Broad Nosh Bagels

Opened in 2020 in the midst of the pandemic, Broad Nosh quickly became a local favorite, and its popularity has only grown. These days, you’ll often see out-of-towners lining up outside looking for a bagel, which can lead to longer wait times during peak hours now that the city is bustling again. To save time, order ahead and pick up.

The bagels at Broad Nosh are pillow-soft and easy to chew. The fish is fresh and the staff is known for their service. There are about thirteen seats inside (tables for two) and additional tables outside, so you can enjoy your meal in or take your loot to go.

Since its inception, Broad Nosh has expanded to two more Midtown locations, on West 58th and 42nd Streets. Things are looking up for this Upper West Side homegrown team.

www.broadnosh.com | 2350 Broadway between 85th and 86th Streets | (212) 600-0933

3. Bagels and co.

Everything bagel with cream cheese from Bagels and Co.

Still located on York Avenue, Bagels and Co. opened its second and only other location on the Upper West Side over twenty years ago. Hanging stained glass lamps cast a beautiful light in the narrow space, making Bagels and Co. an emblem of the old New York charm that is slowly disappearing.

Bagels and Co. serves bagels that are on the large side and offer a crisp bite. Their bagels have virtually no hole, which makes for a wonderful spread. This kosher deli with an extensive menu makes everything fresh on site and is also known for having long lines during peak times.

We enjoy the lively atmosphere of this place, where the hustle and bustle of hungry patrons creates a lively scene. The bagels still taste good at 6 a.m. when you might have the place to yourself. There are about thirteen seats inside, with additional tables outside.

bagelskosher.com | 391 Amsterdam Avenue at the corner of 79th Street | (212) 496-9400

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2. Bagel conversation

Onion Bagel with Cream Cheese from Bagel Talk

This hole in the wall on Amsterdam Avenue has everything you’d expect from a NYC bagel shop. Bagel Talk is fast, reliable, and doesn’t have the long lines you’ll find at other places on our list.

Quality and convenience are the keys here. Bagel Talk makes a classic, smaller bagel that stays true to the original craft. Each bagel is fried to perfection with a generous ratio of cream cheese to dough. The smoked salmon is divine; you’ll usually be asked if you want it added to your bagel, and for good reason. They also have gluten-free bagels.

When you walk in, you’re greeted with a glimpse into the bagel-making process in the back of the house. The colorful, marked menus behind the counter add a lively touch to this staple of the Upper West Side bagel scene, which has been serving the community since 1998.

There is seating for about ten people inside and 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 surprise who’s in charge at the Upper West Side bagel shop.

Let’s be honest – if someone says Absolute Bagels isn’t the best on the Upper West Side, it’s probably because we’ve known that for years and it’s not exactly exciting to name the same place year after year. But the truth is, 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 excellent texture. You should also try their bagel pudding, which seems to rarely be ordered or discussed. That’s probably because customers are so keen to stock up on their favorite bagels. Next time you’re looking for a unique dessert for a dinner party, think bagel pudding—it’s sure to make an impression.

Some say real New Yorkers don’t wait in line, but if you do, you’re in the right place. But remember: the early bird gets the worm. This takeout hotspot doesn’t have seating, so I suggest you take your loot to the benches on the island that separates Broadway north and south to enjoy these culinary works of art.

Here’s an added value for the evening bagel crew: If you visit Absolute at the end of the day, it’s not uncommon for them to throw a few extra bagels in your brown paper bag as they try to clear out the leftovers 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.

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