Next.js logo

ESS-A-BAGEL

Updated

Phone: (212) 980-1010

Address: 831 THIRD AVENUE 10022

TLDR

Iconic NYC bagel shop w/ massive, chewy bagels & tons of cream cheese options. A true classic w/ lines to prove it.

Reddit Sentiment for ESS-A-BAGEL(based on 138 Reddit opinions)

36% Positive47% Neutral14% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

Next.js logo

Tags

jewish 69american 55deli 8bagels 124bagel 26lox 8View All

Neighborhoods

Midtown

Instagram Posts References

Summary
Summary

Recent Articles

Details

ESS-a-BAGEL, a bakery established in 1976 by Austrian bakers, is renowned for its signature enormous bagels. These bagels are characterized by a large size, crusty exterior, and soft, chewy interior. The bakery offers a wide variety of cream cheese flavors, 18 in total, catering to both sweet and savory preferences. In addition to classic bagels, they also serve a full menu of bagel sandwiches, making it a popular spot for a casual New York meal.

Food Overview

Ess-a-Bagel is celebrated for its large, crusty yet chewy bagels, a New York classic. They offer a wide array of 18 cream cheese flavors, from sweet to savory, and a full menu of bagel sandwiches. While most feedback is positive, a few reviews suggest inconsistency in quality or size, with some finding them 'mid-tier' or overhyped, while others rave about the 'yummy bagels' and generous toppings.

Highlights / Recommended

"Ess-a-Bagel is highly recommended for its classic large, chewy bagels. Popular choices include bagels with generous amounts of cream cheese, such as the Lox Spread Bagel, and various bagel sandwiches."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • bagels(11)

Customer Sentiment

Customers generally have a positive sentiment towards Ess-a-Bagel, praising its large, chewy bagels and extensive cream cheese selections. While some acknowledge the lines, most find the experience and quality to be worth the wait.

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About ESS-A-BAGEL

This thread discusses highly recommended NYC spots that some users found overrated. Ess-a-Bagel is mentioned by several users, with opinions ranging from it being 'very good' and a 'long-time go-to' to being 'overrated' and 'not worth the wait'.
This discussion revolves around the size of Ess-a-Bagel's bagels, particularly concerning Goldbelly orders. While some commenters confirm the in-store bagels remain large, others suggest Goldbelly might be using different facilities or smaller sizes.
A user details their week-long food journey in NYC, including a positive experience with Ess-a-Bagel's Lox Spread Bagel, noting it was simple, good, and that the generous amount of spread worked well.
This post lists the top bagel spots in NYC. Ess-a-Bagel is discussed, with some users questioning why it wasn't included on the list, while others defend its quality and suggest it deserves better recognition.
A user expresses a negative opinion on Ess-a-Bagel's bagels, stating they are 'mid-tier' and do not live up to the quality of their toppings, implying they might not be worth getting.
This thread discusses methods for preserving NYC bagels, with several commenters recommending Ess-a-Bagel and confirming that freezing is a viable method for maintaining their quality.
The user recommends Ess-a-Bagel as part of a comprehensive food tour of NYC, indicating it's a notable stop for visitors.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Bagel And Coffee Spots With Minimal Lines Around

"The user added Ess-a-bagel to their list after receiving a recommendation."

Neutral
Apr 21, 2026View Comment →

From post: Bagel And Coffee Spots With Minimal Lines Around

"This user finds the lines at Ess-a-bagel to be trustworthy in terms of moving quickly."

Neutral
Apr 20, 2026View Comment →

From post: Bagel And Coffee Spots With Minimal Lines Around

"The commenter states that the longest they have ever waited at Ess-a-bagel was 10 minutes and considers it their favorite bagel spot in NYC."

Positive
Apr 20, 2026View Comment →

From post: Bagel And Coffee Spots With Minimal Lines Around

"This user indicated that pre-ordering online is the preferred method for Ess-a-bagel."

Neutral
Apr 20, 2026View Comment →

From post: Bagel And Coffee Spots With Minimal Lines Around

"The commenter points out that online pre-ordering is an option at Ess-a-bagel."

Neutral
Apr 20, 2026View Comment →

From post: Bagel And Coffee Spots With Minimal Lines Around

"Ess-a-bagel can have lines, especially on weekends, but the commenter finds it worth the wait and considers them their favorite bagels."

Positive
Apr 20, 2026View Comment →

From post: Bagel And Coffee Spots With Minimal Lines Around

"Ess-a-bagel is praised for its good bagels, variety of cream cheese flavors, sandwich options, and even egg creams. The commenter notes that while there might be a short line at peak times, it moves quickly due to sufficient staff."

Positive
Apr 20, 2026View Comment →

From post: Iconic Foods In Nyc

"This user recommends Ess-a-Bagel in Manhattan as one of their preferred bagel spots."

Positive
Apr 15, 2026View Comment →

From post: Iconic Foods In Nyc

"This user recommends Ess-a-Bagel in Manhattan as one of their preferred bagel spots."

Positive
Apr 15, 2026View Comment →

From post: Tiger Global Backs Popup Bagels At 300 Million

"States that the quality of Ess-a-Bagel has significantly declined over the past ten years."

Negative
Apr 13, 2026View Comment →

From post: A Couple Recommendations Please

"Essa Bagel was suggested for breakfast near the Waldorf."

Positive
Apr 12, 2026View Comment →

From post: Tiger Global Backs Popup Bagels At 300 Million

"Expresses surprise at the popularity of PopUp Bagels on 57th Street, given that Ess-a-Bagel is nearby and typically a strong competitor."

Neutral
Apr 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Recs Based On My Current Favorites

"The user has been to Ess a Bagel before and plans to revisit it, as it was recommended as a bagel option."

Positive
Apr 9, 2026View Comment →

From post: Recs Based On My Current Favorites

"Ess a Bagel is recommended as a bagel shop, suggested as an alternative to Pick A Bagel."

Positive
Apr 9, 2026View Comment →

From post: If You Were Walking Basically From Grand Central

"This commenter suggested Ess-a-Bagel as a quick bite option."

Positive
Apr 4, 2026View Comment →

From post: 5 Days Of Eating My Way Through The City

"The author described the experience at Ess-a-Bagel with scallion cream cheese on an everything bagel as a perfect NYC bagel experience, noting the very generous smear."

Positive
Mar 30, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Food Starts Increasing In Your Life When

"States that while Jamaican patties and dumplings are good in NYC, they can be found elsewhere, but acknowledges bagels as a uniquely superior NYC food."

Positive
Mar 8, 2026View Comment →

From post: 5 Nights In New York Lots Of Tasty Adventures

"A commenter remembered the original Ess-a-Bagel location being near 21st St & 1st Ave, across from Peter Cooper."

Neutral
Mar 7, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Food Starts Increasing In Your Life When

"Contradicts the previous comment, stating that bagels in Westchester are mostly mediocre."

Negative
Mar 7, 2026View Comment →

From post: 5 Nights In New York Lots Of Tasty Adventures

"A commenter recalled the original Ess-a-Bagel location on 1st Ave where they did not toast bagels."

Neutral
Mar 7, 2026View Comment →