Iconic NYC bagel shop w/ massive, chewy bagels & tons of cream cheese options. A true classic w/ lines to prove it.
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.
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.
"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."
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.
Important Note
Some customers feel the bagels are 'mid-tier' or overhyped, and there have been specific complaints about the quality at certain locations (e.g., Financial District) and regarding online/Goldbelly orders.
"The user added Ess-a-bagel to their list after receiving a recommendation."
Neutral"This user finds the lines at Ess-a-bagel to be trustworthy in terms of moving quickly."
Neutral"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"This user indicated that pre-ordering online is the preferred method for Ess-a-bagel."
Neutral"The commenter points out that online pre-ordering is an option at Ess-a-bagel."
Neutral"Ess-a-bagel can have lines, especially on weekends, but the commenter finds it worth the wait and considers them their favorite bagels."
Positive"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"This user recommends Ess-a-Bagel in Manhattan as one of their preferred bagel spots."
Positive"This user recommends Ess-a-Bagel in Manhattan as one of their preferred bagel spots."
Positive"States that the quality of Ess-a-Bagel has significantly declined over the past ten years."
Negative"Essa Bagel was suggested for breakfast near the Waldorf."
Positive"Expresses surprise at the popularity of PopUp Bagels on 57th Street, given that Ess-a-Bagel is nearby and typically a strong competitor."
Neutral"The user has been to Ess a Bagel before and plans to revisit it, as it was recommended as a bagel option."
Positive"Ess a Bagel is recommended as a bagel shop, suggested as an alternative to Pick A Bagel."
Positive"This commenter suggested Ess-a-Bagel as a quick bite option."
Positive"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"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"A commenter remembered the original Ess-a-Bagel location being near 21st St & 1st Ave, across from Peter Cooper."
Neutral"Contradicts the previous comment, stating that bagels in Westchester are mostly mediocre."
Negative"A commenter recalled the original Ess-a-Bagel location on 1st Ave where they did not toast bagels."
Neutral