Ess-a-Bagel
The Midtown East bagel shop since 1976 famous for oversized chewy bagels and generous schmear architecture.
Example
You ask for an everything bagel with scallion cream cheese, the counter builds it with structural ambition, and you eat it before it cools.
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Related terms
NYC slang
Schmear
The Yiddish-derived word for the generous layer of cream cheese spread on a bagel at New York bagel shops.
Bagels and delis
H&H Bagels
The famous Upper West Side bagel brand from 1972, revived and expanding, known for sweet-tinged plain bagels.
Landmarks
Grand Central Terminal
The 1913 Beaux-Arts rail terminal with the turquoise zodiac ceiling, whispering gallery and oyster bar.
Bagels and delis
Katz's Delicatessen
The 1888 Lower East Side deli famous for hand-carved pastrami on rye and the ticket system every visitor fumbles.
Frequently asked questions
Why do New York bagels taste different?
They are boiled before baking and locals credit the water. The result is a chewy interior and shiny crust no airport bagel matches.
Is the Ess-a-Bagel line manageable?
Weekday mid-mornings move fast. Weekend brunch hours are the crunch, order takeout and walk two blocks to a pocket park.
Why are New York bagels different from bagels elsewhere?
They are boiled before baking, which sets a shiny crust and a chewy interior. Locals also credit the city water, and the result is denser than a steamed bagel.
