TLDR
Massive, fluffy NYC-style bagels w/ an impressive variety of savory & sweet tofu cream cheeses. A go-to for travelers near Penn Station.
Instagram Posts References
Ess-a-Bagel is mentioned as a place visited in NYC, indicating it was part of the author's food experiences during the trip. No specific details about the food or experience are provided.
The image features two halves of a bagel from Ess-a-Bagel, generously filled with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and avocado. The bagel itself appears to be a multi-grain variety, topped with poppy seeds.
Details
Famous for their massive, fluffy New York-style bagels, this iconic institution offers an extensive selection of schmears including unique vegan tofu options [3]. While many consider their thick, hand-rolled bagels a city staple that travels well [7], [17], others find the airy texture a departure from the traditional dense, chewy variety [14]. Whether you are grabbing a quick bite near Penn Station or looking for a reliable breakfast spot, it remains a heavily frequented destination for both locals and travelers [1], [10], [16].
Food Overview
The menu is centered on thick, fluffy bagels that are often recommended for their quality [2], [7]. Patrons specifically rave about the wide array of tofu cream cheese flavors, such as sun-dried tomato and walnut raisin [5], [6], though the traditional pumpernickel raisin also retains a dedicated following [7].
Caveats
Some critics find the signature bagels to be over-proofed and lacking the dense, chewy bite preferred in a traditional NYC bagel [14].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About ESS-A-BAGEL
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Recommendations For Vacuumsealed Bagels For Travel
"Recommended as a high-quality option that travels well if toasted within 24-48 hours."
PositiveFrom post: Must Try Food You Can Only Pick One I Am Having
"Ess-a-Bagel is suggested as a place to get a bagel near Penn Station, accessible via NJ Transit from EWR."
PositiveFrom post: Where Are The Best Bagels To Pair With A Spread
"This user recommends Ess-a-Bagel, describing their bagels as very thick and suggesting they can be cut into thirds."
PositiveFrom post: What Are Some Restaurants Bakeries With Long
"This user suggests Essa Bagel."
NeutralFrom post: My 1st Month Back In Nyc Making My Way Through My
"This user commented that while Tompkins is better than Ess a Bagel, Brooklyn Bagel and Tal Bagels are superior options."
NegativeFrom post: My 1st Month Back In Nyc Making My Way Through My
"In a comment asking for bagel recommendations, this user humorously noted the typo 'beagle' and then confirmed Snoopy as the correct answer."
NeutralFrom post: My 1st Month Back In Nyc Making My Way Through My
"This commenter criticized Ess a Bagel's bagels, describing them as over-proofed and airy, preferring bagels that are tight and chewy."
NegativeFrom post: My 1st Month Back In Nyc Making My Way Through My
"This user expressed surprise that Ess a Bagel is the original poster's favorite bagel spot and asked for their actual favorite."
NeutralFrom post: My 1st Month Back In Nyc Making My Way Through My
"This user thanked the original poster for including a mention of a 'good NYC bagel', implying Ess a Bagel fits this description."
PositiveFrom post: My 1st Month Back In Nyc Making My Way Through My
"The user listed Ess a Bagel as one of their go-to spots in the city."
PositiveFrom post: Which Bagel Places Make Flavors Unique To Them Or
"Essa's pumpernickel raisin bagel is a go-to flavor for this commenter and is described as very good."
PositiveFrom post: Pastriesbagels To Bring Home
"Ess-a-Bagel is mentioned as a place to get bagels that freeze well, described as big and fluffy."
PositiveFrom post: What Is That One Bagel Place With Like 40
"This commenter believed Ess-a-Bagel has a lot of schmear options, including tofu, and stated they are good."
PositiveFrom post: What Is That One Bagel Place With Like 40
"This commenter mentioned their past favorites from Ess-a-Bagel included a whole wheat bagel with walnut raisin tofu and a whole wheat everything bagel with veggie tofu."
PositiveFrom post: What Is That One Bagel Place With Like 40
"This commenter specifically praised Ess-a-Bagel's sun-dried tomato tofu cream cheese, describing it as savory."
PositiveFrom post: What Is That One Bagel Place With Like 40
"This commenter mentioned that Ess-a-Bagel has many tofu cream cheese options."
PositiveFrom post: Quick Lunch In Penn Station Area
"Ess-a-Bagel is mentioned in the context of bagel recommendations."
Positive