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New York's best

Cool sesame bagels

You have a specific standard for what makes a bagel shop cool, and it starts with the quality of the sesame crust.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Apollo Bagels image 1
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Bagel shop

Spacious bagel shop with a clean, minimalist design and ample seating that accommodates large crowds comfortably. Atmosphere feels stale and functional, more suited for quick visits than lingering. Popular among tourists and newcomers, it offers a small, focused menu with highly praised bagels.

Sesame bagels come crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Salmon and lox toppings are common, often paired with tomato or whitefish for a classic flavor combo.

Watching the doughy bagels being made adds a hands-on vibe that feels really authentic and cool.

People are saying

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

"The bagels are perfectly crunchy outside and airy inside."

"The sesame bagel is crispy outside and chewy inside."

Good to know

1

There is basically zero wait time at the bagel and coffee shop.

2

They have vegan cream cheese options available.

3

The line moves super quick at this spot.

02
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.

Fresh out of the oven, the sesame bagel has a crisp crust and soft inside. It pairs well with scallion cream cheese, tofu chive cream cheese, or walnut raisin cream cheese for varied flavors.

Robert, the owner, brings a cool vibe with his presence on-site. He shares funny dad jokes and tells amazing stories that add to the atmosphere.

People are saying

"I found the bagels here to be amazing."

"The sesame bagel with scallion cream cheese was really delicious."

"It's a cool place with a classic New York atmosphere."

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.

03
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 sesame bagels offer a perfect balance of doughiness and crispiness. Options include plain with cheese, stacked with egg, cheddar, and bacon, or topped with salmon, cream cheese, olives, tomato, and avocado.

Bagels hanging from the ceiling create a unique and cool vibe. The shop feels authentic and stands out as a really cool spot for bagel lovers.

People are saying

"The bagels here are soft and delicious."

"This sesame bagel is the best I ever had."

"I found the place to be cool."

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.

04
Leonโ€™s Bagels image 1

Street stand setup with custom tree seating and outdoor benches creates a casual, cozy vibe. The atmosphere feels immaculate and chilled, drawing a steady flow of people who enjoy watching the scene while waiting. The simple, stylish design with white and green checks adds to the neighborhood charm.

Sesame bagels come with a variety of toppings like lox, scallion cream cheese, and garlic with chili flakes. Sandwich options include classic lox, sausage with egg and cheese, and avocado with egg and cheddar.

Location stands out as casually cool with a great spot and a cool appearance. The counter staff are friendly and the store offers some interesting merchandise.

People are saying

"I thought Leon's Bagels served the best bagels I had in NYC."

"The bagels here are amazing, perfectly chewy with spot-on toppings."

"I loved my sesame bagel with lox and scallion cream cheese."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait more than 30 minutes for your order during busy times.

2

Ordering ahead online is recommended on weekends to avoid long lines.

3

They donโ€™t serve egg or cheese before 9am, so plan accordingly.

05
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.

Freshness stands out with the sesame bagels made carefully and full of flavor. The avocado herb sesame bagel adds a tasty twist to the classic options.

Liberty and rainbow bagels stand out as unique and cool. The option to build your own bagel adds a fun twist. Staff and managers are notably polite and cool.

People are saying

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

"This sesame bagel is fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

"It's cool and the bagels are delicious."

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.

06
Utopia Bagels image 1
Bagel shop

Spacious bagel shop with glass viewing of bagel-making and clean, open layout. Atmosphere varies from bustling yet cozy to occasionally loud due to music. Seating is limited despite large space, making it more suited for takeout or quick bites.

Sesame bagels come toasted and hold up well with rich toppings like olive and EVOO cream cheese. They work great for hearty breakfast sandwiches with eggs, avocado, and sausage.

Watching the bagels being made adds a cool visual element. The bagels themselves look distinctive and appealing.

People are saying

"I thought these were the best bagels in the city."

"I loved their delicious sesame bagels."

"Watching them make the bagels live was a cool experience."

Good to know

1

Expect longer lines during the holiday season.

2

The place gets incredibly busy and packed.

3

You should wait out the seating as the turnaround of people sitting and eating is quick.

07
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.

Whole wheat sesame bagels have a distinct taste compared to other places. They pair well with lox, scallion cream cheese, capers, and onions for classic combinations.

Fresh salmon gets shaved right in front of you from a giant filet, creating a super cool and fresh-cut vibe. The atmosphere adds to the overall cool experience.

People are saying

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

"I loved the lox on a sesame bagel with cream cheese."

"It's cool how they shave the lox right from a giant salmon filet."

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.

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.

Gluten free sesame bagels come chewy, soft, and packed with flavor. The Novie on sesame bagel pairs salmon, avocado, dill cream cheese, and tomato for a refreshing taste.

A wide variety of bagels and cream cheeses creates a cool vibe. The rainbow bagel stands out as a visually striking option. The overall atmosphere feels pretty cool and inviting.

People are saying

"These bagels are super good and delicious."

"This bagel shop is super cool with a wide variety of options."

"The gluten-free sesame bagel was chewy, soft, and packed with 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
Bagel Pub - Garment District image 1

Bagel shop offers a cozy, vintage decor with comfortable seating that creates a relaxed, pub vibe. The atmosphere shifts from quiet to busy, sometimes requiring standing room. An extensive cream cheese selection complements the tasty, well-regarded bagels.

Sesame bagels come toasted and fluffy here, often paired with cream cheese like plain or scallion bacon for extra flavor.

Design stands out with a very cool vibe. The crew adds to the atmosphere, making it a cool spot for a quick bite.

People are saying

"The latte I ordered was a perfect 10 out of 10."

"I found these bagels to be the best in the five boroughs."

"I loved my toasted sesame bagel with scallion bacon cream cheese."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

A bagel with butter costs $3.99.

3

The shop offers free wifi for customers.

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