TLDR
Massive, fluffy NYC-style bagels with an endless array of cream cheese schmears. A legendary spot near Penn Station perfect for travel-ready bites.
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 is a go-to for locals and travelers alike [2]. Known for an extensive variety of schmears, the menu features a wide array of tofu cream cheese options that earn consistent praise from diners [3], [4]. While highly popular, some purists find the airy texture of the bagels to be less desirable than traditional, tighter, and chewier varieties [14].
Food Overview
This spot specializes in thick, fluffy New York-style bagels that serve as a canvas for a wide range of toppings [2], [8]. The menu is celebrated for its diverse schmear selection, specifically the many tofu cream cheese flavors like sun-dried tomato, walnut raisin, and veggie [3], [4], [5], [6]. Additionally, the shop is well-regarded for carrying quality liverwurst [18]. While widely loved, some diners find the bagels over-proofed and airy, preferring a tighter chew [14].
Popular choices include the pumpernickel raisin bagel [7] and the savory sun-dried tomato tofu cream cheese [5]. The whole wheat bagel with walnut raisin tofu or veggie tofu also comes highly recommended [6].
Overall sentiment is largely positive, with many patrons hailing these bagels as a top city staple [10], [11]. However, feedback is occasionally polarized, with some critics preferring the texture of other local competitors [14], [15].
Most Mentioned Dishes
- 01bagels2 mentions
Caveats
Some diners find the bagels to be airy and over-proofed, lacking the traditional tight chew found elsewhere [14].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About ESS-A-BAGEL
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Where Do You Get Your Favorite Liverwurst From
"Suggested as a place that carries good liverwurst."
PositiveFrom 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."
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