Ess-a-Bagel
(Now Closed)Bagel Shop$$$$
Gramercy Park, New York
144 Tips and reviews
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AmateurConciergeJanuary 25, 2015Best bagels in Manhattan, as long as you don't need it toasted. Ask for whatever's warm and get some light scallion cream cheese on there
Manon MaouiApril 23, 2014Great and cheap bagels. May be cool to take away and go to union square or Madison square if the weather is enjoyable! The restaurant has nothing special but good food.
Brad GrahamSeptember 21, 2013“The New York bagel is a classic, a must. Ess-a-Bagel would be an impeccable choice, either Midtown or downtown. Find a better bagel in your town? Not bloody likely.” 2 locations (midtown or downtown)
Katherine M.April 28, 2014Gothamist says, "Some claim Ess-A-Bagel's offerings are too big. We beg to differ, and will indulge in a crispy, colossal everything bagel loaded with scallion cream cheese, lox and tomato." Read more
Leah HammerschlagOctober 3, 2014They don't toast, no worries- the bottom half of their massive bagels has a nice crunch, no need to be toasted! Love this place. Pro-tip: the whole wheat everything bagel is even better
Eric TashDecember 30, 2012Best bagels in NYC, & NY, the US and beyond. Before I get even more carried away, bagel purists and the occasional indulgers flock to this institution. Never ever ask for your bagel to be toasted.
Anuj MathurDecember 6, 2014Smaller operation than the 51st / 3rd Ave location, but the bagels are just as perfect. Ask for what's warm, ask for 'em scooped, but don't ask for a toast.
MatOctober 3, 2012One of the best bagels I have had in my entire life! Everything bagel with liverwurst, too amazing too be true! Feels like a good combination of German sausage with American bread! <3
Red FabbriMarch 12, 2013The best bagels in New York. I'm an "everything with scallion cream cheese" kind of guy myself, but that's pure breath hubris. Just don't ask for it toasted, you noob.
Nothing compares to the deliciousness that is an everything bagel with olive cream cheese. The et bagels have a savory, crunchy, seedy coating with a soft and doughy delicious inside.
Justin HastayJuly 31, 2013A whole Wheat everything bagel with ham, swiss, lettuce, tomato, with spicy mustard and mayo is definitely worth consumption!
samantha hankinsAugust 8, 2014Don't even think about an egg sandwich and go straight for the lox and bagel. Watch them make the bagels fresh!
Andrew ChoiFebruary 17, 2014Possibly the best bagel I've had in NYC. Try their blueberry cream cheese, or go with a classic plain bagel with scallion cream cheese.
Tara RocheMay 31, 2013Guy behind the counter was suprisingly nice and helpful. I prefer scoop out whole wheat everything, scallion tofu cc with lox...also good ice hazelnut coffee !
David BanJanuary 8, 2015Legendary for their rotund, oversized bagels with an impossible crunch-fluff differential. As purists, they won't toast (and God bless them for it).
MaximilianoAugust 24, 2013Great bagels: sesame seeds with yummy tuna salad and plain with rich egg salad are the favorites for a great weekend breakfast.
Iris LinSeptember 17, 2014Whole wheat w/ lox and scallion cheese. The cheese is very rich to me. Lox is fresh!
Esther LeibelAugust 11, 2010There are so many things I like about this place... The spreads, the warm bagels, and the atmosphere. My favorites are sesami bagel with tuna salad and poppy seeds bagel with egg salad. Best in town!
Maria Olsson-TysorJuly 27, 2011Amazing, fresh bagels (don't ask to have them toasted). An array of cream cheese options (you will most likely have to scrape off 1/2 since they give you A LOT).
Jew tip: Don't get the white fish sandwich, get a bagel with cream cheese and 1/4 lb. white fish on the side. $2.00 less, with more fish!- Buy two bagels, one with cream cheese, one without - you'll have enough cream cheese to split between the two! And always ask which bagel flavors are warm before deciding.
Good thing for them they have the best bagels cause friendly and happy and smily they are not!!! What a shame, this is the basic of a business..
Honghui YuAugust 16, 2014The bagels are okay, but the cream cheese selection is awesome. They have pretty much every imaginable flavor, and then some.
Craig AustinDecember 13, 2014If you want something more than just plain bagels, stand in the regular line. Saw a girl get practically kicked out for asking for spread in the bagel-only line.
Christopher CantwellFebruary 17, 2014Grab an everything w/ blueberry cream cheese. Salty, sweet and savory all rolled into one delicious package.
Don't order a plain bagel when there's other options. Live a little. Also, everything bagel + scallion cream cheese = ❤️
Go to the side and skip the line by just buying whole bagels instead of getting sandwiches or spread!
Bri GillisMay 3, 2013I pass 15+ bagel places en route to this spot, but it's totally worth it. Weekend mornings, expect it to take 10 mins or so.
Stephen SandersDecember 12, 2012Salt bagel with lox spread is my favorite. It's worth putting up with the attitude for an amazing NYC bagel.
clarissa floresMarch 12, 2015Amazing bagels but usually has a very long line if you're willing to wait. Said to be closing soon- Danny ChinSeptember 4, 2016They've reopened across the street at 324 1st Ave between First Ave Loop and E. 20th St. Same phone number. Same great bagels and spreads.
Jesse ThomasApril 5, 2013They do not toast bagels! But it's fun to ask and see their reaction anyway :)
They finally upped their game and now offer jalapeño cream cheese. Essa Bagel is officially unstoppable.
Get the cinnamon raisin bagel with turkey and American cheese. You can thank me later.
JessicaJanuary 28, 2015Awesome bagels; will be moving soon - hopefully somewhere nearby! This location has been here since the 70's - love the chandeliers
Chris ChouJuly 25, 2013Try the hand cut smoked salmon on scooped out pumpernickel with lettuce, tomato and shrimp salad.
Whole wheat everything or you're crazy. Best bagels in NYC, without a doubt. Olive, scallion, and jalapeño cream cheese ftw.
Love this place the bagels are awesome but the line is always absurd
Madison GirifalcoDecember 16, 2011They have 3 or 4 types of home made vegan cream cheese. Great bagels with it. Awesome find.
Chris BruceAugust 10, 2014Lines out the door on weekend mornings... everything bagel probably worth it though
Mike ChauFebruary 10, 2013Try the Everything Bagel With Raisin Walnut Cream Cheese - These bagels are the best
I love this place so much. Best bagels in the whole world. Apple Cinnamon Cheese. BOOM!
CompassApril 25, 2014Devour fresh hot bagels from the legendary spot. But don’t ask for it toasted - they’ll say no.
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Permanently closed (Show more)
- Mon–Fri
- 6:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Sat–Sun
- 6:00 AM–5:00 PM
(212) 260-2252
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. American Express)
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch
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