Best Bagels in NYC
People journey from all over the world to taste the best bagels in NYC. There are many bagel shops New York has to offer, as we at City Tales have painstakingly (and deliciously) investigated to report back to you! We will discuss what qualities make the best bagels in NYC, the best bagel shops New York has to offer, and where to get bagels for special dietary needs. That’s right, if you seek gluten-free bagels, NYC will provide them!
What Makes the Best Bagels in NYC
Legend is that the secret to New York City bagels is the water. A traditional New York bagel is boiled and then baked. The best bagels in NYC should have a dark outer crust with a chewy dense interior. Many New Yorkers believe New York City water, which is especially rich with minerals, gives the New York bagel its signature texture. The texture is so exquisite that the best bagels should never require toasting. In fact, the baker might even be a bit insulted if you toast their bagel since they have worked hard to perfect that crust. The crust should have a little kick with a soft and feisty (never rubbery) interior.
While many New Yorkers hold fast to the belief the Big Apple has magical water that gives their bagels an edge over the rest of the world, scientists have proven over and over again that this simply isn’t…provable. The effect the water has over the texture of the bagel is minuscule at best. The real key to the best bagels in NYC is to boil the bagel before baking. Some stores even boil the bagels with a little sprinkling of the malt syrup that is also used in the dough! This boiling step is often skipped by bagel companies looking to speed up production. The best bagels in NYC take time!
Best Bagel Shops New York Has to Offer
New Yorkers will fight tooth-and-nail over which are the best bagel shops New York has to offer. Topping nearly every list are Ess-a-Bagel, Russ & Daughters, and Murray’s Bagels.
Ess-a-Bagel conveniently has four locations, including two in the Midtown area! Ess-a-Bagel offers big fluffy bagels with a divine pillowing interior. This family-owned business was established in Manhattan in 1976, and earned the title of “Best bagel in the tri-state area” just two years after it opened! They offer delicious handmade bagel sandwiches as well!
Russ & Daughters is a New York City icon! This store has been offering the highest quality bagels in NYC since 1914 and has been in the same location for over 106 years! In a city where restaurants frequently come and go, the fact that Russ & Daughters has survived for over a century speaks for itself. Treat yourself to the best bagel and lox NYC has to offer when you stop in at Russ & Daughters.
Murray’s Bagels is the newest on our list. Opening in Greenwich Village in 1996, Murray’s bagels has learned from its predecessors and perfected the art of bagel making. Murray’s was founded by Adam Pomerantz. Adam quit his job working on Wall Street to pursue his dream of making the best bagel in NYC. With a shoestring budget, he opened up Murray’s and the rest is history.
Gluten-Free Bagels NYC
If you seek gluten-free bagels, NYC has your back! Most of NYC’s most famous bagel shops have a gluten-free option. Murray’s bagels offers gluten-free options with their most popular flavors. Zucker’s offers plain and everything gluten-free bagels. Brown’s Bagels lists plain, cinnamon raisin, and everything gluten-free bagels on their menu. If you seek gluten-free bagels, NYC will surprise you with selections!
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