Boiled and baked, a proper New York bagel is like the city itself. a bit tough on the outside, but it will invariably keep you coming back for more. Thankfully there’s no shortage of great bagels in Brooklyn to choose from. Whether you’re visiting NYC for the first time (or a tenured local), these are the joints I consider essential.
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The 10 Best Neighborhoods & 3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Why Are New York City Bagels So Good?
The million dollar question. Why are New York bagels so damn good?
I can sit here and regale you with all the conspiracies theories I’ve heard over the years, but, simply put, I think it’s the water (and that’s the hill I’m ready to die on). The city’s water has low mineral content (like calcium and magnesium), making it “soft.” The soft water affects the gluten in the dough, creating a chewier bagel than elsewhere. The math checks out to me but hell, I’m not an expert, merely a hungry local.
List of the best Bagels in Brooklyn
(Table of Contents)
Brooklyn Best Bagels (Table of Contents)
Shelsky’s of Brooklyn
Shelsky’s of Brooklyn hearkens back to the golden era of New York delis. Opened in 2011, the local joint. Each bagel is hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, and then baked to perfection. Top it with a few slices of premium lox and you get the quintessential Brooklyn bagel experience.
Address. 141 Court St, Brooklyn, NY The decor strikes a nice balance between trendy and welcoming, so you never feel out of place whether you’re dressed up or in sneakers.
Bagel Pub
Bagel Pub feels like the quintessential Brooklyn bagel shop, the service is typically friendly and you’re bound to rub elbows with locals. The popular neighborhood haunt displays an impressive variety of options that cater to a wide range of palates. The shop is known for generous servings of schemer, so I definitely recommend splitting a bagel if you’re visiting with a friend in tow. I’ve been coming here for years and the quality has never once dropped. That kind of consistency is rare in NYC.
Local tip. A little secret I picked up from a local. the back patio is where the magic happens. Skip the main room.
Knickerbocker Bagel
This charming family-owned Brooklyn bagel shop has carved out a reputation as a go-to spot for locals since opening in Bushwick in 2018. I’m partial to the bagel sandwiches. I find that Knickerbocker is one of the few Brooklyn bagel joints that’s generous when it comes toppings like smoked fish. Highly recommend!
Location.367 Knickerbocker Ave, Brooklyn, NY They have a small outdoor seating area that’s perfect when the weather cooperates.
Frankel’s Delicatessen
Opened in 2016 by two brothers, Frankel’s Deli offers all the standard fixings of a typical Jewish deli. The bagels maintain an ideal balance between crispy crust and chewy interior, which means a standard bagel with schmear will leave you content. but that sort of misses the point.
Unpopular opinion. Hot take. an everything bagel with scallion cream cheese is the only correct order, and I won’t apologize.
The real star is Frankel’s house-cured salmon. After years of visiting, my go-to order remains unchanged. the signature Frankel #1 bagel sandwich.
Address. 631 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY
Good to know — Frankel’s appears in our roundup of the best bagels and lox in NYC.
Bagel Hole
Bagel Hole is historic landmark in the world of Brooklyn bagels. Sticking to traditional baking methods since. They weigh in at about 4 ounces each (compared to standard 6 ounce NYC bagels). The size isn’t just for show; the smaller size results in a pleasantly chewy bagel with subtle flavor. Crowned with schmear, it’ll easily tide you over until lunch.
Address— 400 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY The vibe here is cozy and unpretentious. perfect for a low-key outing with friends or a solo treat.
La Bagel Delight
With roots firmly planted in Brooklyn since 1986, La Bagel Delight is committed to sticking with the time-honored process of bagel making. The bagels are substantial but not overwhelmingly large, ensuring each bite delivers a range of textures, from the firm crust to chewy inside.
There’s four bagel shops in Brooklyn to choose from, all independently owned and operated. I prefer the 7th Avenue location since it’s a 10 minute walk from Prospect Park. There’s a charming old-school New York feel to this place that I absolutely love. it feels like stepping back in time. I’ve recommended this spot to more. I first discovered this place on a whim and it immediately became part of my regular rotation. The consistency is what keeps me coming back. you always know what you’re getting.
Sam’s Bagels
Sam’s Bagels punches above its weight in the breakfast sandwich arena. Every bagel is handcrafted with meticulous care, boiled to achieve that iconic, chewy texture, and then baked to a perfect golden-brown. Order a bacon, egg and cheese on a bagel and you’ll see why locals consider these some of the best bagels in Brooklyn.
Location— 7715 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY This one of my go-to spots whenever I find myself in the neighborhood. I never get tired of it.
H&L Bagels
At H&L, bagels are half the story, it’s the great service that keeps locals coming back. The owner himself doles out orders from behind the counter, but everyone that works at this popular joint keep good service top of mind.
While you order you can catch a glimpse of bagels being rolled and pull out of the oven, piping hot. it doesn’t get fresher than this. If you’re visiting Bay Ridge, pop in if you’re in the mood for Brooklyn’s best bagels.
Location— 8818 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY
Please Note — H&L Bagels is a cash-only establishment but there’s an ATM in the shop.
Terrace Bagels
Opened in 1991, Terrace Bagels has been dishing out some of the best bagels in Brooklyn for more than three decades. Their unwavering commitment to traditional bagel baking methods seems to be the secret to success. The bagels are a pleasant mix. It’s the kind of spot that makes exploring this part of the city feel rewarding. Whether you’re a regular or just passing through, you’ll feel right at home here.
If you haven’t had a bagel from Why Are New York City Bagels So Good?, have you even been to New York?
Ordering Bagels in Brooklyn (Local’s Advice)
Know what you want beforehand. Grabbing a bagel is meant to be a quick affair. Lines are long enough as it is and you don’t want to be the holdup. Since most bagel shops have large displays of schmears and bagels it’s best to stay off your phone and rehearse your order before reaching the front of the line.
Avoid rush hour— Lines are inevitable at the most popular Brooklyn bagel joints, if you’re keen to avoid a long wait time, consider avoiding the morning rush. Stop by first thing in the morning (before the party animals wake up) or after 2pm. Visiting on weekdays helps too.
The Best Bagels in Brooklyn (Post Summary)
In sum, these are the best bagels in Brooklyn.
- Bagel Hole
- Terrace Bagels
- H&L Bagels
- Frankel’s Delicatessen
- Shelsky’s of Brooklyn
- Sam’s Bagels
- Knickerbocker Bagel
- La Bagel Delight
- Court St. Bagel
- Bagel Pub
Map of Brooklyn Bagel Shops
And there you have it, a quick roundup of the best bagels in Brooklyn. I hope you enjoyed the post!
Cheers!
Still exploring? You should also see my 9 Top-Notch Brooklyn Bakeries Locals Love. it’s a must-read for any NYC food lover.
I want to hear from you. What’s your go-to bagel order? Give me the full breakdown. bagel type, spread, everything.
Have you been here before?
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