Bakeries, Catering Companies, Grocery Stores, Restaurants, Bagels, Delicatessens
$, Breakfast, Cheap Eats, Local Favorite, Lunch Spot
This place is awesome! They have great bagels and the best Vegetable Cream Cheese (DO NOT get the low-fat kind - it does not taste the same). They deliver for office parties and are very prompt and provide accurate orders. The staff is top notch!
Posted 11/03/08 | Report Abuse
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My favorite bagels in NY. They are absolutely fresh and chewy with a nice crust. The only problem is they are too big. This is an old school bagel joint, no atmosphere, service isn't particularly friendly, but these are bagels they way they were meant to be.
Posted 10/18/08 | Report Abuse
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Bagels the size of basketballs are served with all possible schmears including some tofu options for the health-conscious. The man behind the counter adds a colorful touch to the experience and he often talks to and mocks the crowd waiting on the never-ending weekend line. But the food and the experience are well worth the wait. Order in to avoid the line.
Posted 08/05/08 | Report Abuse
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This is the best place for bagels. I personally think that Ess-a beats H&H. You get bagels that are crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. If you get them hot, they are just divine. They also sell a variety of cream cheeses, etc., but the highlight is the bagels. I will go out of my way for an Ess-a bagel! They also have a branch up in midtown.
PROS: Delicious bagels!
CONS: You'll wish you could have one everyday
Posted 11/07/05 | Report Abuse
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Best bagels in NYC
by OgerpJr
Bagels are more expensive but are hearty.
You know a bagel is good when toasting it does it no justice.
Order it fresh, NOT toasted and enjoy the texture of one of the few LEGIT bagel places, left in the city.
If you're feeling aggressive order an everything bagel with a cold cut or any salad.
Pros: Bagels and Spreads
Cons: Price
Posted 12/07/08
Outstanding New York Bagel
by huskyduck
I went to Ess A Bagel expecting the rude counter service written about in many of these past reviews but I was treated very nicely even though it was painfully clear I was a first time customer, and I'm a guy! I had a basic bagel with lox and creamcheese which was quite frankly, the best bagel I have ever eaten. Sure, it is a bit pricey but they do use top quality ingredients. The lox had a deliciously smokey taste and was of Russ & Daughter's quality. The creamcheese was smooth and rich, the perfect accompaniment to their substantial and crusty bagel. I can't wait to go back and try some of their other bagel sandwich offerings. From what I could see from what others were eating, they all looked great.
Pros: Best Bagel In New York?
Cons: Others say rude counter service but I didn't encounter this
Posted 06/01/08
Best Bagel Sandwich Ever!!!
by Amaynard8
I recently visited a friend in New York. One morning she suggested we go here for Breakfast/Lunch. I was exactly excited about it, but when she said that they had Lox I was in. It was a little overwhelming as far as order and I had her boyfriend order for me-It was kind of like the Soup Natzi. But they had both been there and knew the ordering situation. At first I thought it was a little pricey, but taking into consideration its in New York, and it was HUGE, I got over that quickly. It was so good. I had an Onion Bagel with Scallion Cream cheese, Lox, tomato, onion and lettuce. It was so good, I was very impressed. I wish my city had something like this, but since then I have actually been looking into opening a shop similar to it in my town. I would recommend trying it out. Just be prepared to deal with a little New York attitude, but the return is well worth it!!!!!
Pros: Great Food, Never had better Lox!!!
Cons: Very small shop and we took our bagels outside to eat
Posted 03/25/08
Not the best, not the worst
by grendaisygrl1039
When I read reviews about this place, I couldnt wait to go try it out. I read that the bagels were so "Fluffy" on the inside and "Crispy" on the out, I was excited. Never being to New York before, I couldnt wait to try out this "Delicious" bagel. It was small inside, but we found a space to sit down and eat. The people who work there are a little rude. If you have ever watched Seinfeld, you will know who the Soup Nasi is. Thats how I felt when I was there. They expect you to know what it is you are ordering, and they expect you to move along quick. Never being in there before, I wasnt sure what I exactly wanted. They also talk so fast, and are a little edgy if you dont answer them right away. I saw the bin of bagels they had there, but they didnt look as fresh as the past reviews have been raving about on here. They looked as though there was a heat lamp keeping them warm. They were a little nicer to me, since I am female, But they were really rude to my Boyfriend. I got a turkey sandwich. It was ok. I mean it wasnt Bad, but maybe my expectations were a little high. I just didnt think it was Wonderful. For a turkey sandwich, a small diet coke, locks and cream cheese and a small coffee, came up to $19. A little pricey for me. When I go back to New York, I might try out a few other places, just to see the difference. I thought the quality of the bagel was about just as good as bagels here, in California. Overall from what I said, I would possible go back in the future.
Cons: A little Expensive
Posted 07/23/07
Best bagels I ever had
by r_o_x_i_e
Best bagels I ever had - I haven't lived in New York in 10 years. This place is one of the things I miss the most.
Posted 12/16/06
Best HALF-a-Bagel in the City
by ben9999999
I go here all the time for the best half of a bagel I can find anywhere in the city. Let me explain: The bagels are usually hot out of the oven, tasty, and they have better than average spreads and such. However, the bagel itself only has a topping on the top. Whether you order, poppy, sesame, or everything, technically it's half a plain bagel (the bottom), and half a flavored bagel (the top).
Posted 11/13/06
excellent bagels
by binman69
this place consistently produces fresh bagels and the store is a lot cleaner than other bagel places. i try to go here as much as possible
Posted 10/31/06
So Over Rated
by shr273
Don't get me wrong. The bagels are GOOD. But everyone seems to know and rave about this place and it's totally nothing special. Being from Long Island where there are a lot of great bagel places may be altering my perception, but the bagels are only slightly better than average. Good bagels, but nothing to rave about and nothing special.
Posted 10/25/06
Best Bagels
by lindabeth
The bagels are fabulous. We live in New Jersey and whenever we go into New York City we buy bagels to eat hot and then to freeze (they told me that if I call in the order, they'd bring it out to the car so I wouldn't have to look for parking). They are the best bagels I've had. Their whitefish salad is excellent--all whitefish with a little mayo. The bagels are also reasonably priced for NYC.
Posted 08/05/06
Best whitefish salad in New York City
by tburstein
Not only do they have the freshest and most delicious bagels in the city, but hey have the absolute best whitefish salad on earth!
Posted 07/11/06
So good!
by sheri712
my favorite bagels and c. cheese in the city. once the bagel was warm and my c. cheese was melting. So good I can taste it right now!
Pros: great food
Cons: not so great ambiance
Posted 07/07/06
I can eat these 3 times a day...
by Arc6023
Growing up in NY, I have eaten my share of bagels. Ess-A-Bagel (either by Sty-town or midtown) is by far the best bagel in NY. The bagels always warm, soft on the inside, crispy on the outside and enormous in size. They have a huge selection of different cream cheeses and all of their salads are great. The lox is always fresh too. Highly recommended to all!
Pros: Bagels, Cream Cheese Selectio, Lox
Cons: Long Lines on Sundays
Posted 11/14/05
The best bagel I have ever had!!!!
by e_narz
Our first time in New York and we had to try a "New York Bagel". We were not dissappointed in the least bit by this little gem. The bagel was huge. They were served warm and had a soft fluffy interior. The workers there also absolutely load the bagel with cream cheese (gets a little messy). I loved it and would HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
Pros: bagels, cream cheese, delicious
Cons: nothing
Posted 07/09/05
The Best for years
by myfriendbob
I grew up on these bagels. The staff is no nonsense. The food options rule. When I lived upstate for a while I would buy & freeze the bagels and they would still be better than any else. Worth visiting the 1st Ave spot because it is the original store.
Pros: Best in City, Great Lox, whitefish, Dr. Browns
Cons: Line on the weekends
Posted 06/15/05
gargantuan bagels
by citychic516
the bagels are: big, brobdingnagian, colossal, elephantine, enormous, gargantuan, giant, gigantic, huge, humungous, jumbo, king sized, leviathan, mammoth, massive, titanic, tremendous, whopping ...
best bagels in nyc. always fresh and delicious. so garantuan that you can't fit them in a toaster. my personal favorite is an everything bagel with lox spread, but all the bagles are unbeliavably good.
Posted 05/18/05
whitefish salad rocks
by allisonaustin_citysearch
For my money, these are the best bagels in the city. And the whitefish salad on sesame is without peer.
Posted 03/10/05
Bagels and Banter
by AlizeKel
Great bagels, great cream cheese! There's a long line, but the employees are so great that you don't mind waiting a few minutes. The bagels are always hot and fresh.
Pros: Awesome bagels, Friendly staff, Cheap
Cons: , Long lines
Posted 10/09/04
Delicious!
by kellikitti
I took my mom along for our first visit to Ess a Bagel on Mother's day. I wondered if we would get attitude, but the only attitude we got was pleasant... the man who made our sandwiches even wished my mom a happy mother's day. We both enjoyed our bagels and will be going back!
Posted 05/11/03
soso
by rudeboy454
Unremarkable is the best word to describe Ess-a, which is unfortunate given all its accolades. The bagels themselves are simply average, certainly bested in consistency and taste by not only others in NYC (Pick-a-bagel by the 77th subway for one), but by *gasp* others in assorted suburbs upstate. Sure, they have some good toppings that combine with the decent bagels for a tasty breakfast or lunch, but simply considering the quality and taste of the bagels themselves, you can do far better.
Pros: Good toppings
Cons: Average Bagels
Posted 03/09/03
b*ESS*t-a-bagel
by nycbiggle
The service might be a little ruff around the edges sometimes (just think "No soup for you!"), but the bagels are amazing! I live in the neighborhood and I'm a devoted customer. Kudos to the whitefish, lox, and veggie cream cheese. The rice pudding is also a winner.
Posted 01/21/03
Yummy!
by jwilpon
There isn't a better bagke ANYWHERE! I can't see how anyone could even compare another bagel like H&H, which are all so average. These are gigantic and full of flavor. The Whitefish salad is the best anywhere as well. Make sure you wave hello to Dave behind the counter - he even feeds the poor when they come in hungry.
Pros: Taste, Quantity, Value
Cons: Long lines, not enough tables
Posted 12/28/02
ESS-A-RUDE!!
by keithtil
My wife and I went here based upon favorable reviews from Zagat and Frommers. THEY WERE WRONG!!! This place has the worst customer service I have ever seen. We waited in line for 10 minutes and then when we got to the counter, we told them what we wanted but they skipped over us with no regard. No personality, no tact. Got tired of asking for help and walked out. Absolutely the WORST experience you could ever have. Will never go back here again and STRONGLY recommend you don't waste your time either!! Never tasted the food so I can't tell you if it is good or bad, but who wants to do business with someone that does't want your business?
Cons: RUDE, DISCOURTEOUS
Posted 12/11/02
buy a bag
by oatwest
Hot bagels whenever they are open - watch them being made.
Posted 11/24/02
Everything Bagle is the best!
by ys0617
I tried this morning an everything bagle with vegitable creem cheese, as recommended. It was so cruncy in the exterieur, and hot inside...yummy...I recommend you to try this one! Well, if you want to try all bagles, you have to come by over thirty times!
Pros: Inexepensive, Fresh, Delicious
Cons: Good access, Fast
Posted 11/05/02
YumYummy
by sherrywhippet
Being new visitors to NYC... we had the best experience in Ess-a-Bagel. Great bagels, schmears and lox. The workers are pleasure to see early in the morning - very friendly - a great sense of humor.
Pros: inexpensive
Posted 11/04/02
Hot from the oven goodness!
by pjkeller
By far the best bagel I have ever had. Especially when warm - perfectly doughy on the inside - fresh and moist with a nice, slightly crusty outside. They are huge but I like that!
Posted 10/30/02
anorexic's dream
by vijusoma
like a rock in my stomach.. every time i eat an ess-a-bagel for breakfast, i can't eat anything until nightitme. this is a good place to eat if you don't have time for lunch or don't like eating because you won't be able to.
Pros: cheap
Posted 10/24/02
the best bagels!
by cashin
There is no place like ess-a-bagel. the bagels have a perfect crunchy exterior and a nice soft doughy inside. You don't even need anything on it because they're so tasty. In fact you wouldn't be able to fully appreciate the bagel if you did put anything on it.
Posted 10/21/02
hot from the oven
by hahecht
There isn't much I like better than freshly baked bagels, and this is place to find them. From the hard crusty outside to the warm soft inside these bagels are the cream of the crop. I also dig their whitefish salad and belly lox.
Posted 10/18/02
Yummy on a Sunday
by alisaheather
When a friend of mine learned that I was moving to this area, he said that I had to get him some bagels from Ess-a Bagel. It was well worth the special delivery.
Pros: great bagels, fresh food, quick service
Cons: line
Posted 10/02/02
Yummy!
by azvt23
Great bagels but long line on Sunday morning to get them. It is worth the wait!
Posted 09/28/02
Ess-a-PROBLEM
by diane02
Ess-a-bagel has some of the best bagels in the city. It is too bad that the service is not. Come here expecting an attitude and a line longer that mass. I would suggest delivery but they don't offer it.
Posted 09/27/02
BEST OF THE BEST!
by josthebomb
Great toppings of ALL sorts. Fast service! Nice, clean, air-conditioned/heated surroundings. Great bagels of all sorts. Great deal/prices. Located at a safe location. Recommended for all! Great for breakfast or lunch. Around 12.00-1.00 PM... LONG lines, yet worth the wait!)
Posted 09/26/02
Good, but too much cream cheese
by AC77
I mean, who can eat that much cream cheese? I took about 2/3 of the cream cheese off my bagel. But the bagel itself was very good.
Pros: Price, Good Bagel
Cons: Too much cream cheese
Posted 09/19/02
Ess-a-Best Bagels in Town
by dvonhollweg
Unreal, thats all i have to say about this place. The bagels far out match and as much of a pun as it is, they truly outweigh the competition in bagel size, flavor, and freshness. And dont even let me get into the toppings...Go now, ask for whats hot and get your topping of choice and then tell me you have had better...
Pros: great food, great service, Hot Huge Bagels
Cons: Small Space
Posted 08/28/02
Can you say DOUGH?
by crs333
Way to big and doughy to be a legitimate NY bagel.!I mean bigger isn't always better....
Posted 08/28/02
YUM!
by christiegl
The best bagels in New York City! I could eat three meals a day there.
Posted 08/27/02
Best Lox and bagel sandwich
by goldesq
Can't beat the best lox bagel sandwich and not just on Sunday morning.
Pros: the best, best lox, best bagel
Cons: setting
Posted 08/22/02
Good
by XbabydanceX
I went to the Ess-a-Bagel in Midtown. I got a dozen bagels (for my office) and everyone LOVED them! They asked a million times where I got them!! They were soo good!! MMMMM
This place is definitely recommended!
Posted 08/19/02
Open Sesame
by aanie
Best Sesame Bagel I have ever had, with plenty of cream cheese and friendly staff. What more could you want?
Posted 08/19/02
Best bagels in town
by kimnyc72
The most delicious and biggest bagels in town. Guests always demand that we get Ess-A-Bagel when they're in town.
Posted 08/19/02
da best bagels
by riannarelli
i've been going to ess-a-bagel for many years. they have the plumpest, freshest bagels around. the service is always fast and friendly. The coffee is always fresh too!
Posted 08/19/02
Bagel with an attitude...
by bogieyboy
Great bagels but the cast of characters that work
at this place are scary.... I didn't know Rikers Island had a work program at Esa-Bagels.
Posted 08/18/02
Best in the World
by J_Cheskin
New York has the best bagles in the world and Ess-A-bagel (1st Ave ) is hands down the best, by far, end of story.
Pros: Best bagels in world
Posted 08/18/02
best bagel
by Beatrix
The best bagels in town. A good choice for lunch. Saw there Steven Spielberg.
Pros: delicous, variety, inexpensive
Cons: crowded
Posted 08/18/02
Huge, Amazing Bagels!
by jmayer1015
I love this place and have yet to find a better bagel! They have a grerat selection of bagels and spreads, not to mention great people that wprk there. These people take their bagels seriously, and even when the line is out the day, they make sure you will be soon too. Definitely worth going again and again and again!
Pros: Huge bagel, Delicious, Friendly
Posted 08/14/02
