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Unique cream cheese bagels in the US

A bagel piled high with cream cheese is a standard morning ritual, but sometimes it needs to be something entirely unexpected.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Broad Nosh Bagels Deli & Catering 42nd Street image 1
Broad Nosh Bagels Deli & Catering 42nd Street image 2
Broad Nosh Bagels Deli & Catering 42nd Street image 3
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Bagel shop shines with unique cream cheese flavors like blueberry and olive, paired with fresh toppings such as nova lox and avocado. Cozy, dog-friendly atmosphere invites quick, friendly service and occasional live music. Clean, modern space feels welcoming and personal.

Bagels come with varied cream cheese flavors like blueberry, olive, and spinach. Options include toppings like nova lox, red onion, tomato, and avocado on different bagel types such as garlic and Parmesan.

Bagels come with a large and unique selection of cream cheese flavors. The deli offers many unique schmears that suit all tastes.

People are saying

"I found the bagels here to be the best I ever ate."

"Robert was so nice, he even offered a cream cheese bagel on the house."

"I loved their unique cream cheese flavors, especially the mango."

Good to know

1

There is a free bagel tasting available.

2

The restaurant opens at 5:00 am on Sundays.

3

You can order through the link on Google Maps to skip the line.

02
Apollo Bagels image 1

Bagels stand out as the best in NYC, crafted with delicately chosen flavors that blend perfectly. The space offers a minimalist, spacious layout with visible bagel-making behind the counter. The atmosphere carries a fast-food energy with good music and positive vibes but lacks warmth and character.

Bagels come with cream cheese and tomato or smoked salmon and cream cheese. Both combinations taste fresh and flavorful.

Tomato cream cheese offers a flavor not found anywhere else. The sourdough bagel has a unique texture with a nice chew, while bagel options remain standard.

People are saying

"I thought these were the best bagels in all of New York."

"This cream cheese bagel is the best I've ever had."

"This unique bagel place might become your new favorite spot."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times on weekends due to high demand.

2

Seating is limited, with mostly bench seating along the wall.

3

Prices for bagels can be high, with two bagels costing around $27.

03
Miopane image 1
Bakery

Super elevated, well designed space with an organized and thoughtful atmosphere. Lines form early due to high demand, creating a lively, bustling vibe. Pastries and bagels stand out for their artisan craftsmanship, flaky croissants, and flavor-packed fillings.

Bagels come with cream cheese that includes fresh garlic, big chunks of cranberries, and blueberries. Varieties like black sesame cream cheese and jalapeno cheddar tomato add unique flavors.

Bagels have a soft, flavorful texture that stands out. The Burnt Onion Cream Cheese bagel offers a smoky, charred onion flavor that is very distinct.

People are saying

"These Taiwanese bagels are soft, chewy, and stuffed with generous fillings."

"The cream cheese bagels have a good filling-to-bread ratio."

"These bagels have a unique soft-chewy texture and great flavor."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times, especially on weekends, with lines starting as early as 8am.

2

Street parking is available, but it can fill up quickly during peak hours.

3

There is a limit of four items per person, so consider bringing a friend.

04
Bagel to Sandwich image 1

Small shop buzzes with energizing K-pop music and a casual vibe. Bagels shine with unique flavors like blueberry and rainbow, paired with adventurous cream cheeses such as s'mores. Cozy space offers classic cream cheese on toasted bagels for quick bites.

Everything and plain bagels come with cream cheese. Plain toasted bagels with cream cheese cost around $5. Egg sandwiches often include toasted bagels with cream cheese.

Many unique bagel flavors like blueberry, Asiago, and rainbow stand out. Cream cheeses include fresh, vegetable-based and adventurous options like s'mores.

People are saying

"These bagels are delicious and generously topped with fresh ingredients."

"The bagel flavors and cream cheese options here are so unique and amazing."

"The plain cream cheese bagel was so delicious."

Good to know

1

There is limited seating, so donโ€™t plan on eating in.

2

Paying cash avoids the extra credit card charge.

3

The price for a huge egg, bacon, salad, and cheese bagel is $11.50.

05
Liberty Bagels 5th Ave image 1

Long, narrow bakery with limited seating creates a crowded, hectic atmosphere where customers often stand close together. Music adds to the busy energy, and the place moves efficiently despite the tight space.

Everything bagels with cream cheese stand out, especially with additions like salmon or eggs and avocado. Blueberry cream cheese with scallions and sesame seed bagels also appear as popular choices, showing variety in flavors and toppings.

Bagels feature unique flavors like rainbow, liberty colors, and french toast. Cream cheeses come in varied, unique options piled high, with sampling allowed. Leon Bagel offers a crispy outer layer that adds a distinct edge.

People are saying

"These hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagels are huge and have a perfectly chewy inside."

"This Cream Cheese Bagel is fresh, crunchy, and delicious."

"The rainbow bagels are unique and visually stunning."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait a while for a bagel in the afternoon due to staffing issues.

2

The ordering system is confusing; you order at the back without seeing the menu.

3

It should take no more than 15-20 minutes to get a bagel sandwich during busy times.

06
Russ & Daughters image 1

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.

Everything bagels with cream cheese come with lox and caviar, offering a rich flavor. Variations include smoked salmon and Scottish lox with scallion cream cheese, all noted for their delicious taste.

Smoked fish offers a unique flavor combination with fresh spreads and a diverse cream cheese selection, including caviar cream cheese. Turkish Delight adds an interesting and enjoyable touch to the Jewish cuisine experience.

People are saying

"I thought the salmon bagel was the best I ever had."

"The pastrami-cured salmon on an everything bagel was stupid good."

"The smoked salmon here is uniquely flavorful and tender."

Good to know

1

You must take a number when you first enter to be served.

2

There is no dine-in option; it's takeout only.

3

Expect long wait times, often over an hour, especially after 10am.

07
Broad Nosh Bagels Deli & Catering 58th Street image 1

Bagel shop with chaotic atmosphere marked by constant order calls and a crowded interior. Offers limited indoor seating with some outdoor options and multiple air conditioners to ease the heat. Known for wide cream cheese variety, including vegan options, and highly praised bagels.

Bagels come with cream cheese in several tasty varieties like smoked salmon, scallion, and mango. Options include a gluten free jalapeรฑo cream cheese bagel and classic plain with cream cheese.

Multi-flavored cream cheese bowls and a unique selection of bagels stand out here. Fresh ingredients and a distinctive chai latte add to the experience.

People are saying

"I found the bagels here to be amazing."

"The cream cheese spreads here are so unique and exciting."

"The cream cheese bagels are fresh, chewy, and perfectly toasted."

Good to know

1

Expect waiting times of around 20 minutes during peak hours.

2

Ordering for take-out is suggested to bypass the line.

3

Thereโ€™s a long line at 10am on a Saturday.

08
Liberty Bagels Midtown image 1

Small bagel shop with limited indoor seating and a few outdoor tables on a busy sidewalk creates a crowded, hectic atmosphere. Loud, energetic staff and constant foot traffic contribute to a classic New York vibe. The space feels tight and chaotic, reflecting its popularity.

Cream cheese pairs with a variety of bagels like the rainbow bagel, classic nova, and everything bagel. Options include plain cream cheese and flavored types like strawberry cream cheese and combinations with salmon or bacon, egg, and cheese.

Bagels come with unique cream cheese flavors and a distinctive selection not found elsewhere. The shop offers a fun ambience and bagels with eye-catching looks like Liberty and Rainbow styles.

People are saying

"These bagels are super good and delicious."

"I was so satisfied for hours after eating the cream cheese bagel."

"The rainbow bagels here are unique, with a lightly sweet and savory flavor."

Good to know

1

Get there early because they sell out of some bagel varieties.

2

Be prepared to queue as lines are often out the door.

3

There is very limited seating; it's primarily take-out.

09
Liberty Bagels Wall Street image 1

Bagel shop offers limited indoor seating mostly at the back, with a layout separating order and pickup areas. Atmosphere is busy and chaotic, often crowded with a loud, fast-paced vibe. Creative touches include a gelato-style cream cheese display featuring unique flavors and rows of bagels showcased at the entrance.

Bagels come thick with an ample spread of cream cheese. Options include lox cream cheese and flavored varieties like blueberry and birthday cake cream cheese.

A huge assortment of unique cream cheese spreads stands out, including flavors like birthday cake and vegan options. Bagels come in a variety of bold, balanced, and handmade flavors that offer a distinct taste experience.

People are saying

"I thought the bagels here were the best in the world."

"I found the rainbow bagels visually stunning and truly unique."

"I thought the cream cheese bagel was one of the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Seating is limited, so plan accordingly.

2

They will charge a fee for credit card payments.

3

Liberty Bagels is open from 7 AM to 6 PM daily.

10
Tompkins Square Bagels | Union Square Bagel Shop image 1

Small bagel shop with crowded layout and fast-moving lines creates a lively, controlled chaos atmosphere. Eclectic decor and a hip vibe blend with a clean, professional environment. Standing tables and limited seating encourage quick visits amid a busy, welcoming crowd.

Bagels come with cream cheese paired with options like pastrami lox or Nova salmon. Variations include avocado and vegan sausage, egg, and cheese for savory choices.

Bagels come with a unique barley flavor and vegan recipe. Cream cheese spreads include espresso, pina colada, horseradish, and birthday cake for a creative mix. The El Chapo bagel offers a distinct taste combination.

People are saying

"I thought these bagels were some of the best I ever had."

"I loved their unique cream cheese flavors, especially the tofu options."

"They have all kinds of cream cheese for your bagel."

Good to know

1

The wait time for a bagel is typically 30-45 minutes on sunny Sundays.

2

There is no seating available at the bagel shop.

3

It is better to order to-go at this bagel shop.

11
Spin Bagel image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Bright, clean space with a cozy, nostalgic vibe and modern twist creates a warm atmosphere. Regulars enjoy sourdough and jalapeรฑo cheddar bagels alongside healthy menu options focused on quality ingredients. Seating area invites relaxed breakfasts in a family-friendly setting.

Bagels come in plain sourdough and onion varieties, both served with cream cheese. Toasted bagels with cream cheese can take over 10 minutes to prepare.

Sourdough-based bagels offer a unique texture and flavor unlike typical bagels. Flavors and cream cheese options are thoughtfully crafted and stand out from the usual choices.

People are saying

"I thought the bagels here were exceptionally delicious."

"The bagel flavors and cream cheese spreads here are so unique and thoughtfully crafted."

"I found the plain sourdough Cream Cheese Bagel amazing, crispy outside, warm inside."

Good to know

1

Ask about the saltiness of spreads before ordering to avoid surprises.

2

Lattes can be customized with oatmilk for a different flavor.

12
Best Bagel & Coffee image 1

Small bagel shop offers wide variety of cream cheese flavors and customizable bagels with an impressive assembly line. Seating includes indoor and outdoor tables, though space can feel crowded and loud with a hectic atmosphere. Menus hang from the ceiling, adding a unique visual element to the space.

Toasted garlic and Asiago Cheese bagels pair well with cream cheese. The salmon and cream cheese combo adds a rich flavor to the bagel.

Colorful rainbow bagels stand out and add a fun twist to the meal. Bagels hang from the ceiling, creating a unique atmosphere alongside a wide selection of classic and creative flavors.

People are saying

"The bagels here are soft and delicious."

"The cream cheese to bagel ratio was perfect."

"The cream cheese flavors here are so unique and interesting."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait of up to 30 minutes during rush hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

2

Seating is limited, and it gets crowded at peak times.

3

The shop closes at 4 p.m., so plan your visit accordingly.

13
Tompkins Square Bagels | Upper East Side Bagels image 1

Spacious bagel shop with an airy, bright interior and a large outdoor patio offering ample seating. The atmosphere carries a classic New York bagel energy, busy yet welcoming with friendly staff ready to assist. Open kitchen design lets patrons watch bagels being boiled and baked, adding to the lively vibe.

Salmon avocado cream cheese bagel offers a generous portion suitable for sharing. Blueberry cream cheese bagel exists but may not stand out as much.

Outdoor patio feels very unique and welcoming for the neighborhood. Cream cheese options stand out as unique and delicious. The Eastsider offers a unique take on a breakfast favorite.

People are saying

"These bagels are amazing and super fresh."

"The cream cheese options here are unique and delicious."

"The Cream Cheese Bagel is crispy outside and chewy inside."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times, especially during busy mornings.

2

A blueberry bagel costs over $5, which some may find expensive.

3

You need to order drinks or other items separately when paying for a bagel.

14
BO's Bagels image 1
Bagel shop

Small, bustling bagel shop with limited seating and a loud, crowded atmosphere. Interior design draws attention, creating a distinctive vibe despite the stuffy air. Busy weekend mornings lead to long waits, often requiring digital ordering ahead.

Bagels come with cream cheese and various toppings like lox. Options include toasted everything and blueberry bagels. Orders sometimes arrive as separate bagels with cream cheese rather than combined.

Large selections include unique flavors like the Black Russian and pumpernickel cranberry bagels. Chunks of cranberry add a distinctive twist to the pumpernickel, making these bagels stand out.

People are saying

"I thought these bagels were the best I had ever had."

"You'll find unique flavors like za'atar and Black Russian bagels."

"I found the Cream Cheese Bagel to be quite excellent."

Good to know

1

The wait times can be 30-45 minutes on Sundays due to church rush.

2

Order ahead during busy breakfast times to avoid long waits.

3

Prices are on the high side, with a baker's dozen costing $23.90.

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