Interior has a retro vibe with classy servers in white coats. Pumpernickel bread shines in dishes like pickled herring and pastrami-cured salmon bagels. Knishes offer a soft outside and spicy mustard that adds heat. Atmosphere feels warm yet somewhat sterile.
"I loved the classic Jewish breakfast and cozy vibe."
"The food was fresh and tasty, but portions were small."
"The bagels and smoked fish were delicious and fresh."
Good to know
Making a reservation is necessary to avoid a wait of over an hour.
Expect to wait on busy weekend mornings; arrive early to get on the list.
No reservations are accepted, so expect long waits on weekends.
Small bakery with rustic wooden accents and bright, airy lighting creates a cozy, friendly atmosphere. No seating inside encourages a grab-and-go experience amid a bustling vibe. Aromas of fresh bread and pastries fill the space, adding to its charm.
"I thought the potato knish here was the best I ever had."
"The potato sauerkraut knish is the best I've had."
"I loved trying their challah, bialys, and knishes together."
Good to know
A double pretzel costs $15, while a single pretzel usually costs $7.
Expect no line on Friday mornings around 9:45am.
The bakery does not start serving pretzels until later in the day.
Small dining area with about six to seven tables creates a cozy setting where people watch and chat. Buzzing atmosphere fills the space, especially as lines form quickly but move steadily. Known for variety of cream cheese flavors and fresh, crispy bagels, it draws locals who appreciate generous portions and visible bagel-making process.
"The bagels are fresh, big, and taste great."
"People say this place has the best bagels in NYC."
"I don’t like their microwaved egg sandwiches."
Good to know
The plain bagel costs $1.95, which is a great price for the quality.
Expect a line going out the door at 1 PM on Saturday.
The line moves very efficiently, making wait times shorter.
Narrow, small shop with no indoor seating and often crowded atmosphere. The vibe is old school, evoking a sense of history and tradition with a calm, unhurried pace despite the crowd. Outdoor benches offer brief respite while enjoying classic bagel and lox combinations.
"I love the pumpernickel bagel with salmon and cream cheese."
"The pastrami Russ on pumpernickel bread was the best thing I've ever tasted."
"I wished I tried the soft and tasty pumpernickel bread sooner."
Good to know
You must take a number when you first enter to be served.
There is no dine-in option; it's takeout only.
Expect long wait times, often over an hour, especially after 10am.
Bagel shop buzzes with chaotic atmosphere and limited seating but cools down with multiple air conditioners. Rich pumpernickel flavor shines in pastrami and bacon, egg, cheese options. Potato knishes offer a crispy shell and soft, comforting filling. Wide cream cheese variety includes vegan options.
"I loved the cozy vibe even when it was busy."
"The bagels are fresh and packed with flavor."
"The owner was so nice and personable with the Pumpernickel Bread."
Good to know
Expect waiting times of around 20 minutes during peak hours.
Ordering for take-out is suggested to bypass the line.
There’s a long line at 10am on a Saturday.
Old school New York deli with cramped seating and an authentic vintage vibe. Staff maintain a classic atmosphere while outdoor seating offers a more spacious option. The place feels cozy yet bustling, reflecting true Upper West Side character.
"The smoked fish is amazing, and they only take cash."
"You have to pay with cash only here."
"I really enjoy having breakfast here with family and friends."
Good to know
This restaurant only accepts cash; no credit cards are allowed.
Cash is the only payment method, so come prepared.
Expect long lines; visit during the week for shorter waits.
Bagels & Co
Small, cramped space with crowded indoor seating and a busy, noisy atmosphere. Offers fresh, delicious bagels with a variety of spreads and a cozy outdoor seating area. The vibe captures a fast-paced New York bagel shop experience.
"I love their tasty bagels and cream cheese variety."
"The prices felt high but sometimes reasonable."
Good to know
Bagels & Co offers 14 types of bagels and a variety of cream cheese spreads.
The restaurant is kosher and offers many dairy options.
Expect to pay around $5 for a bagel, with complete breakfast dishes costing $5 to $15.
Bagel shop offers New York-style bagels with a variety of uniquely flavored cream cheeses and a deli counter featuring items like pork roll and scrapple. Atmosphere feels like a neighborhood staple with fresh, toasted sandwiches and notable bialys. Prices run high compared to other bagel places, reflecting a premium positioning.
"The bagels and sandwiches taste great but feel small for the price."
"I love these bagels and think they're some of the best around."
"The prices seem high but the food and experience are worth it."
Good to know
The price of an everything bagel with cream cheese is $8.
A bagel with scallion cream cheese costs $7.
There are over a dozen uniquely flavored cream cheeses.
Bagel shop offers fresh New York style bagels with a variety of cream cheese and spreads. Seating includes a cozy indoor area and an enclosed outdoor dining structure with street-level window views. Space inside is narrow and can feel cramped, with a mix of quiet and noisy moments.
"The bagels tasted good but made me sick sometimes."
"I love their fresh salads and juice bar."
Good to know
Prices for bagels and drinks can exceed $20, which is considered expensive.
The establishment has a history of getting orders wrong, so double-check your order.
There is no health grade displayed in the window, which is required by law.
Bagel shop buzzes with a crowded, chaotic atmosphere and long lines. Toasted pumpernickel bagels boast rustic rye fragrance and chewy air pockets, paired well with scallion cream cheese. Quick service delivers flavorful spinach knish alongside sandwiches.
"The pumpernickel with scallion cream cheese is heaven."
"I love the pumpernickel bagel with scallion cream cheese."
"The pumpernickel bagel has a great chew and rustic flavor."
Good to know
Get there early on Saturday morning to avoid long lines.
You can order online to avoid waiting.
Arrive early as the lineup can be very long and stretch around the block.