Best For
Classic NYC bagels and overstuffed breakfast sandwiches.
Ess-a-Bagel is a cornerstone of the New York City bagel scene, located in Manhattan and beloved for its authentic, oversized, and chewy hand-rolled bagels. The shop is famous for its 'Signature Favorite' sandwich and an impressive array of cream cheeses, ranging from savory scallion to sweet strawberry. While the lines can be long, the staff is known for their efficiency, ensuring the wait is manageable even during peak morning hours. Visitors can expect a classic, no-frills NYC deli atmosphere where the focus is entirely on the quality and scale of the food. Whether you're grabbing a simple bagel with cream cheese or a fully loaded lox sandwich, it offers a quintessential Big Apple experience.
Ess-a-Bagel is a cornerstone of the New York City bagel scene, located in Manhattan and beloved for its authentic, oversized, and chewy hand-rolled bagels. The shop is famous for its 'Signature Favorite' sandwich and an impressive array of cream cheeses, ranging from savory scallion to sweet strawberry. While the lines can be long, the staff is known for their efficiency, ensuring the wait is manageable even during peak morning hours. Visitors can expect a classic, no-frills NYC deli atmosphere where the focus is entirely on the quality and scale of the food. Whether you're grabbing a simple bagel with cream cheese or a fully loaded lox sandwich, it offers a quintessential Big Apple experience.
Massive, hand-rolled bagels with a signature chewy texture.
Famous 'Signature Favorite' sandwich stacked with lox and cream cheese.
Wide variety of house-made cream cheeses, including strawberry and scallion.
Efficient, fast-paced service that handles long lines with ease.
A long-standing Manhattan institution for authentic NYC bagels.
Classic NYC bagels and overstuffed breakfast sandwiches.
Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch
Casual Dining, Tourists, Locals, Quick Bite
Ess-a-Bagel in Manhattan is highly acclaimed for serving some of the best and most substantial bagels in New York City. Reviewers frequently mention the 'Signature Favorite' and 'Mr. Nova Lova' as standout choices, noting they are generously stacked with ingredients like lox and scallion cream cheese. While the atmosphere is fast-paced and often involves a line, the service is described as quick and efficient. Some diners recommend sticking to traditional bagel and cream cheese pairings, as a few found the eggs in breakfast sandwiches to be less impressive than the bagels themselves. The variety of cream cheeses, particularly the strawberry flavor, receives high marks for taste and freshness. Overall, it remains a popular hit for families and tourists seeking a classic NYC breakfast.