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ESS-A-BAGEL

Last Updated: 3 days ago

Phone: (212) 980-1010

Address: 831 THIRD AVENUE 10022

TLDR

Iconic NYC bagel spot known for its massive, chewy bagels and a dizzying array of cream cheese options. A must-try, though some say it's overhyped.

Sentiment Overview(Based on 52 Reddit comments)

46% Positive31% Neutral21% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

american 27bakery 7jewish 5bagels 39bagel 11sandwiches 2View All

Neighborhoods

Midtown

Instagram Posts References

Summary
Summary

Recent Articles

Details

Ess-a-Bagel is a long-standing New York institution, celebrated for its generously sized bagels that boast a satisfyingly chewy interior and a crisp crust. Patrons rave about the extensive selection of house-made cream cheese flavors, making it a go-to spot for a classic New York breakfast or lunch. Despite the frequent long lines, many believe the quality and variety offered make the wait worthwhile, solidifying its reputation as a must-try bagel destination.

Food Overview

Ess-a-Bagel is renowned for its large, chewy bagels with a crispy exterior and soft interior, often served with a wide variety of cream cheese flavors. While many customers highly recommend them, some feel the bagels are mid-tier or even subpar, with one user specifically noting a bagel that was as hard as a hockey puck. The lox spread bagel and vegan options have received positive mentions.

Highlights / Recommended

"The Lox Spread Bagel and cream cheese sandwiches are highlighted positively. Vegan bagels with savory cream cheese are also recommended."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • bagels(4)

Customer Sentiment

Customers have mixed feelings about Ess-a-Bagel. While many praise the large, chewy bagels and extensive cream cheese options, some find them overrated and not worth the wait. A few also noted specific dishes like the lox spread bagel and vegan options positively, while others mentioned issues like saltiness or the bagel's texture.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

Several users discuss Ess-a-Bagel, with some praising its large, chewy bagels and recommending it for a classic NYC experience. However, others found it overrated and not worth the wait, with one user even describing their bagel as hard as a hockey puck.
This post highlights the Lox Spread Bagel from Ess-a-Bagel, describing it as simple and good, with the comical amount of spread working well. Another commenter, however, disliked Ess-a-Bagel's bagels, finding them soft, bland, and lacking typical NYC crunch.
A user shared their experience with an everything bagel with smoked salmon lox, noting it was nice but salty. This comment is part of a larger discussion about food experiences in NYC.
Ess-a-Bagel is mentioned multiple times in this thread comparing different NYC establishments. Some users recommend it, considering it among the best, while others strongly advise skipping it, calling it 'not even in close' to being good.
Ess a Bagel is mentioned as a favorite place for bagels, with the commenter noting that their bagels travel well, making them a good option for souvenirs.

Recent Mentions

From post: My Nyc Food Experience So Far

"This user agreed with the previous comment, adding that bagel sandwiches are a fairly modern invention and noted that bacon on a bagel is common."

Neutral
Aug 8, 2025View Comment →

From post: My Nyc Food Experience So Far

"The user pointed out that for bagel sandwiches, one typically needs to request dressing like mayo or mustard, unless it was explicitly forgotten."

Neutral
Aug 7, 2025View Comment →

From post: Visiting Nycany Good Meals Under 10

"Essa Bagel is listed as a place to consider for cheap eats in NYC."

Positive
Aug 2, 2025View Comment →

From post: 36 Hours In Nyc Food

"A commenter recommends the Ess-a-Bagel on 50th street, stating that the other location is not good."

Positive
Jul 4, 2025View Comment →

From post: Chicken Salad On A Croissant

"This user suggested Ess-a-Bagel as a place to get chicken salad, implying it is a good source for this item."

Positive
Jun 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Any Good For 3 Nights Heres What I Come Up With

"The original poster notes that Ess-a-Bagel is conveniently located within an 8-minute walk from their hotel, making it a viable option."

Neutral
Jun 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Any Good For 3 Nights Heres What I Come Up With

"The commenter recommends Ess-a-Bagel as a reliable choice for breakfast."

Positive
Jun 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Where To Go After Absolute Bagels Closed

"The commenter states that Ess-a-bagel is their favorite."

Positive
Jun 10, 2025View Comment →

From post: Chocolate Chip Bagel With Strawberry Creamcheese

"A user noted that while some people claimed Essa Bagel might have chocolate chip bagels, they could not verify this through online ordering options."

Neutral
Jun 6, 2025View Comment →

From post: Taking My Husband To New York For The First Time

"A Redditor explicitly stated that Ess-a Bagel is not good and advised against it."

Negative
Jun 1, 2025View Comment →

From post: Taking My Husband To New York For The First Time

"A Redditor recommended Ess-a Bagel as a bagel option if eating near Battery Park."

Neutral
Jun 1, 2025View Comment →

From post: Taking My Husband To New York For The First Time

"A Redditor provided an update that Ess-a Bagel recently opened a new location on Broadway near Trinity Church."

Neutral
May 31, 2025View Comment →

From post: Taking My Husband To New York For The First Time

"A Redditor mentioned Ess-a Bagel as a recommendation for bagels."

Neutral
May 31, 2025View Comment →

From post: Any Bagel Recommendations Near Murray Hill

"A user recommends Ess-a-Bagel, noting its location in the 50s."

Positive
May 26, 2025View Comment →

From post: Any Bagel Recommendations Near Murray Hill

"This user also recommends Ess-a-Bagel, mentioning a location on 1st Ave."

Positive
May 24, 2025View Comment →

From post: Everything I Ate In Nyc In One Week Visiting From

"This user strongly dislikes Ess-a-Bagel, criticizing their soft, bland bagels that lack the typical NYC bagel crunch, and suggests trying other bagel places instead."

Negative
May 20, 2025View Comment →

From post: Everything I Ate In Nyc In One Week Visiting From

"Despite not being a fish fan or initially excited for a NY bagel, the Lox Spread Bagel was simple and good, with the comical amount of spread working well."

Positive
May 20, 2025View Comment →

From post: Recommendations For A Foodie

"A user notes that Ess-a-Bagel appears to be a popular choice for bagels."

Neutral
May 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Foodie Souvenirs

"Ess a Bagel is listed as a favorite place to get bagels, which are noted to travel well."

Positive
May 16, 2025View Comment →

From post: This Or That First Time Nyc Visitor Edition

"Selected Ess-A-Bagel from the original poster's list."

Positive
May 8, 2025View Comment →