Iconic NYC bagel shop w/ massive, chewy bagels & 18+ cream cheese flavors. Worth the wait for a classic bite.
A true New York institution since 1976, this bagel shop is renowned for its massive, chewy bagels that boast a delightfully crisp exterior and a soft, pillowy interior. With a staggering 18 varieties of house-made cream cheese, from sweet to savory, and a full menu of bagel sandwiches, it's a go-to for a classic NYC breakfast or lunch experience, even if the lines are often long.
The bagels are the star here, described as large, chewy, and crispy on the outside. Popular choices include traditional flavors and cream cheese sandwiches. However, some find the bagels mid-tier or not worth the hype, with one mention of a disappointing, hard bagel.
"The large, chewy bagels are the main draw, especially when paired with one of the many cream cheese varieties. Bagel sandwiches, including options like the Lox Spread Bagel and hot egg and cheese variations, are also recommended."
Customers have a polarized view, with many praising the large, chewy bagels and extensive cream cheese options, while others find them overhyped or inconsistent.
Important Note
Some customers find the bagels to be overhyped or inconsistent in quality, and long lines can be a deterrent. There are mixed reviews regarding the size of bagels, especially when ordered through third-party services like Goldbelly.
"Ess-a-Bagel is listed as a suggestion for a bagel joint."
Positive"This commenter found Ess-a-bagel to be a mediocre choice and recommended Tompkins Square or Zabars instead."
Negative"This commenter mentioned that friends prefer the dense bagels from Ess-a-Bagel, contrasting them with fluffier styles like Liberty Bagels."
Positive"This user described the Financial District Ess-a-Bagel as awful, noting stale bagels and poorly prepared sandwiches with insufficient or sloppily cut ingredients."
Negative"Ess-a-Bagel is recommended as an old-school option for good, plain NY-style bagels without gimmicks."
Positive"This user criticized Ess-a-Bagel for microwaving eggs for their hot food, which negatively impacted their perception despite good bagels."
Negative"This user found the Financial District location of Ess-a-Bagel to be poor, suggesting quality may have decreased with expansion and recommending David's Bagels as a better alternative nearby."
Negative"This user expressed support for Ess-a-Bagel, suggesting it deserved better recognition."
Positive"This user questioned why Ess-a-Bagel was not included in a 'best bagels' list, implying it was an oversight."
Neutral"This commenter humorously suggested that it might be a good day to get a discount on bagels, possibly referencing the date."
Neutral"This user suggests that Utopia bagels might freeze better than Ess-a-Bagel due to being less doughy, but acknowledges Ess-a-Bagel's quality."
Neutral"This user criticizes Ess-a-Bagel as being too doughy compared to other NYC bagel spots and advises against freezing bagels if not necessary, preferring to toast them after a few days."
Negative"This user cuts Ess-a-Bagel bagels into thirds before freezing them and then toasts them directly from the freezer for a delicious result."
Positive"This commenter states that Ess-a-Bagel is the best and confirms that freezing is the recommended method for preserving them."
Positive"This user regularly brings bagels from Ess-a-Bagel to Maine, finding that freezing them and reheating in the oven provides a good, though not quite fresh, result."
Positive"Ess-a-Bagel is mentioned as a place with great bagels and is suggested as a potential option for the requested bacon, egg, and cheese flavored bagel."
Positive"Ess-a-Bagel is recommended for its bagels and is a popular spot in Manhattan. The commenter notes it as a potential place to find the desired bagel flavor."
Positive"The user is seeking breakfast recommendations for their NYC trip and included Ess-a-bagel in their list."
Neutral"This commenter mentioned Ess a bagel as a recommendation for lunch specials or buffet."
Neutral
