1. Ess-a-Bagel: New York City, NY
It is impossible to begin a conversation about the best bagels in the United States without first mentioning New York City, the cultural epicenter of the bagel. An institution that has been sating the hunger needs of New Yorkers since 1976, Ess-a-Bagel is considered to be one of the city’s crown jewels in terms of the bagel scene. In addition to being famous for the size, doughiness, and chewiness of its bagels, Ess-a-Bagel is known for offering a diverse assortment of flavors, ranging from the traditional plain and everything to more inventive options such as sun-dried tomato and blueberry. Nevertheless, it’s not only the bagels that shine here; the assortment of cream cheese spreads, such as lox, scallion, and walnut raisin, adds an added layer of luxury to each bite.
2. H&H Bagels: New York City, NY
Since 1972, H&H Bagels has been located in the center of the Upper West Side, where they have been working to improve the art of bagel making. Because of the unique hand-rolling and kettle-boiling process that these bagels go through, they come out of the oven with a somewhat crispy surface that gives way to a soft and chewy center. This is the quintessential characteristic of a New York-style bagel. H&H Bagels continue to be a popular option among fans of the bagel, whether they are prepared in the traditional manner with smoked salmon and cream cheese or as a breakfast sandwich with bacon and eggs.
3. Bagel Hole: Brooklyn, NY
Despite the fact that talks of New York City’s bagel scene are likely to center on the busy streets of Manhattan, Brooklyn maintains its own with hidden gems such as Bagel Hole. This unprepossessing shop, which can be found tucked away in the Park Slope district of Brooklyn, has amassed a loyal customer base. The rich and tasty bagels that are the hallmark of Bagel Hole’s authentic New York-style offerings are what truly set them apart from the competition. The Bagel Hole is a monument to the craftsmanship and passion behind producing the perfect bagel. With limited seating and a focus on quality over quantity, the Bagel Hole showcases this artistry and love.
4. Russ & Daughters: New York City, NY
Russ & Daughters may be most known for its selection of smoked salmon and other mouthwatering delicacies, but this Lower East Side company is also famed for its exceptional ability to produce high-quality bagels. A symphony of flavors is produced when these bagels are combined with the well-known smoked salmon sold at this business, and it is this symphony that has won the affection of New Yorkers for many years. Bagels here act as a vehicle for some of the city’s best and freshest ingredients, turning each mouthful into a celebration of New York’s long and illustrious history in the culinary arts.
5. Montreal-Style Bagels: St-Viateur Bagel and Fairmount Bagel
The influence of Montreal-style bagels cannot be discounted despite the fact that this list concentrates exclusively on bagel shops in the United States. Both St-Viateur Bagel and Fairmount Bagel, which can be found in Montreal, Canada, have received recognition on a global scale for offering a traditional bagel in a manner that is distinctive from the norm. These bagels are characterized by their more compact size, honey-sweetened dough, and wood-fired baking procedure, which results in a profile that is slightly more sweet and thick. These Montreal-style bagels have inspired bagel shops all around North America, despite the fact that their origin is not in the United States.
6. Kettleman’s Bagel Co.: Ottawa, Canada
The Kettleman’s Bagel Company was founded in Ottawa, Canada; nevertheless, its influence can also be found in a number of states in the United States. This institution offers American bagel fans a taste of Montreal-style bagels, complete with a choice of fillings and toppings, and delivers that experience to the United States. Because to Kettleman’s commitment to using only high-quality products and time-honored techniques, the establishment is now counted among the most esteemed bagel shops on this side of the border.
7. The Bagel Store: Brooklyn, NY
The Bagel Store has become well-known in this day and age thanks to the original and eye-catching products that it creates. In this day and age, cuisine that is worthy of being posted on Instagram is revered. Although traditionalists would raise an eyebrow at the neon-colored “rainbow bagels,” these masterpieces have managed to catch the minds of people all over the world who utilize social media. Beyond the novelty component, The Bagel Store nevertheless delivers on quality, with conventional flavors and unique cream cheese pairings that cater to a varied spectrum of preferences. Despite its name, The Bagel Store is not a novelty store.
8. Beauty’s Bagel Shop: Oakland, CA
As it has expanded its reach beyond the East Coast, Beauty’s Bagel Shop in Oakland, California, has become well-known for the high quality of the Montreal-style bagels that it produces. Beauty’s Bagel Shop has successfully brought the spirit of the traditional bagel to the West Coast by placing an emphasis on using high-quality ingredients and an oven that is wood-fired. Further evidence of the shop’s dedication to both the past and the future is provided by the ingenious topping combinations it offers, such as the “Doa,” which combines pastrami, pickles, and mustard.
9. New York City, New York, according to Barney Greengrass
In addition to a wide selection of smoked salmon and deli delicacies, the delectable establishment known as Barney Greengrass provides customers with traditional bagels prepared in the style of New York City. These bagels make an excellent canvas for the renowned Nova Scotia salmon, whitefish salad, and various other savory spreads offered at this establishment. The character of Barney Greengrass serves as a useful reminder that the best bagels are not found in a vacuum but rather as a component of a more extensive culinary tapestry.
10. Barney Greengrass: New York City, NY
As we make our way south into Virginia, we come upon Bodo’s Bagels, a well-loved establishment that has garnered the affection of both natives and tourists alike. Bagels at Bodo’s are always fresh and chewy, and the restaurant provides a diverse selection of sandwich fillings, ranging from the traditional lox and cream cheese to robust breakfast combos. Despite the fact that it is not situated in the region of New York that is considered to be the “bagel heartland,” Bodo’s is a shining example of how a commitment to handcrafting and quality can produce an amazing bagel experience in any location.
11. Zabar’s: New York City, NY
The iconic Upper West Side emporium Zabar is lauded for its extensive gourmet food offerings and unwavering commitment to providing high-quality goods. Their bagels, which are produced using tried-and-true procedures and cooked to absolute perfection, are a living example of how tradition and innovation can coexist harmoniously. Not only does going to Zabar’s provide you the opportunity to experience the culinary spirit of New York, but it also gives you a glimpse into the precise artistry that raises the art of manufacturing bagels to the level of a craft.
12. Black Seed Bagels: New York City, NY
Black Seed Bagels, which is located in the middle of Manhattan’s East Village, has amassed a devoted customer base due to their hybrid creation, which is a blend of the New York and Montreal bagel traditions. The end product is a bagel that is crispier on the outside, denser, and slightly sweeter than the traditional kind. This unique combination of methods exemplifies the power of cross-cultural exchanges and demonstrates how these exchanges can result in unexpected gastronomic experiences that go against the grain of established norms.
13. Bagelsaurus: Cambridge, MA
Bagelsaurus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has been a favorite among Cambridge residents thanks to the dedication it has shown to the art of bagel manufacturing since it expanded beyond the confines of New York. This modest establishment puts an emphasis on quality rather than quantity, producing hand-rolled and cooked bagels in small batches on a regular basis. Bagels that are the ultimate essence of artisanal expertise are those that have a prominent crust, nuanced flavors, and a gratifying chew. These bagels are created by devoting oneself to a technique that is extremely careful.
14. Kossar’s Bagels & Bialys: New York City, NY
The tradition of Kossar’s Bagels, which can be traced all the way back to 1936, is one that is profoundly interwoven in the history of the bagel in New York. Kossar’s bagels continue to be a monument to traditional artistry, despite the fact that the bakery is also famous for its bialys. These bagels find a balance between simplicity and flavor, evoking nostalgia for a time when bagels were an essential component of Lower East Side residents’ everyday lives.
15. The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co.: Various Locations
The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. takes great pleasure in the fact that it takes a novel approach to the production of bagels by employing a patented water treatment procedure to imitate the flavor of water from New York City. This establishment is the embodiment of the extent to which bagel fans would go to capture the essence of an original New York bagel, regardless of where they are located in the world, and it has locations in various states.
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