TLDR
Massive, hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagels with pillowy centers and generous cream cheese smears. A classic 1976 NYC staple for bagel lovers.
Instagram Posts References
This establishment is recommended as part of the GoCity New York Mini Guide for its casual dining and bagels.
Details
Since opening in 1976, this beloved establishment has become a landmark for its signature enormous, crusty bagels with soft, pillowy interiors [1]. While it draws notorious lines, the efficiency of the staff keeps the wait manageable for most visitors [2]. Although some long-time patrons debate recent quality consistency, many continue to regard it as a quintessential New York bagel experience [3].
Food Overview
Famous for their massive size and chewy, crusty texture, the bagels are frequently paired with a wide array of house-made cream cheese flavors, such as scallion, blueberry, and jalapeño [1]. While many guests rave about the sandwiches and generous portions, some customers have criticized the use of pre-cooked egg components and note potential inconsistencies in bagel size compared to years past [2], [3].
Highlights / Recommended
"The classic everything bagel with a generous smear of scallion cream cheese is frequently cited as a perfect New York bagel experience [1]. Patrons also speak highly of their variety of house-made cream cheeses and breakfast sandwich options."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •bagels(11)
Customer Sentiment
Sentiment is highly divided; many loyalists defend it as the gold standard for NYC bagels, while critics often label it an overpriced tourist trap [1]. Experiences regarding consistency vary significantly, though in-store visits are generally favored over delivery services like Goldbelly [2].
Caveats
Some visitors report that quality and portion sizes can vary, and a subset of patrons believe it to be an overrated tourist trap compared to smaller neighborhood shops [1]. There is also significant ongoing debate regarding whether orders received through third-party shipping services accurately reflect the quality and size of in-store purchases [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About ESS-A-BAGEL
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Would You Recommend Zuckers Or Utopia Bagels In
"This commenter recommends ESSA at 831 3rd Ave as the best bagel option within walking distance."
PositiveFrom post: Where Can I Get Some Sort Of Good Chocolate Bread
"This user mentions receiving a complimentary slice of marble cake from Ess-a-Bagel, describing it as somewhat bready and quite good."
PositiveFrom post: Visiting From Seattle With A Group Critique My
"This user recommended dropping Ess-a-Bagel from the itinerary."
NegativeFrom post: Visiting From Seattle With A Group Critique My
"This commenter advised skipping Ess-a-Bagel."
NegativeFrom post: Visiting From Seattle With A Group Critique My
"The user is planning a trip to NYC and included Ess-a-Bagel on their list of potential restaurants to visit."
NeutralFrom post: Visiting From Seattle With A Group Critique My
"This user advised skipping Ess-a-Bagel and suggested Tal Bagel as an alternative if in the area, or consulting a bagel list otherwise."
NegativeFrom post: Bagel And Coffee Spots With Minimal Lines Around
"The user added Ess-a-bagel to their list after receiving a recommendation."
NeutralFrom 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."
NeutralFrom 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."
PositiveFrom post: Bagel And Coffee Spots With Minimal Lines Around
"This user indicated that pre-ordering online is the preferred method for Ess-a-bagel."
NeutralFrom post: Bagel And Coffee Spots With Minimal Lines Around
"The commenter points out that online pre-ordering is an option at Ess-a-bagel."
NeutralFrom 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."
PositiveFrom 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."
PositiveFrom post: Iconic Foods In Nyc
"This user recommends Ess-a-Bagel in Manhattan as one of their preferred bagel spots."
PositiveFrom post: Iconic Foods In Nyc
"This user recommends Ess-a-Bagel in Manhattan as one of their preferred bagel spots."
PositiveFrom 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."
NegativeFrom post: A Couple Recommendations Please
"Essa Bagel was suggested for breakfast near the Waldorf."
PositiveFrom 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."
NeutralFrom 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."
PositiveFrom 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