H&H Bagels
The famous Upper West Side bagel brand from 1972, revived and expanding, known for sweet-tinged plain bagels.
Example
The plain bagel comes out slightly sweeter and denser than a Midtown one, which is exactly the trait that fans defend and rivals criticize.
Related terms
Bagels and delis
Ess-a-Bagel
The Midtown East bagel shop since 1976 famous for oversized chewy bagels and generous schmear architecture.
Bagels and delis
Zabar's
The Upper West Side food emporium since 1934, a temple of smoked fish, cheese, coffee and housewares upstairs.
Bagels and delis
Utopia Bagels
The Whitestone, Queens bagel shop many rankings crown best in the city, hand-rolling since 1981.
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
Is today's H&H the same as the famous original?
Same recipe lineage, new ownership. Most eaters find it close enough, older locals enjoy telling you it is not.
H&H or Ess-a-Bagel?
H&H for a sweeter, denser bagel near Central Park's west side. Ess-a-Bagel for the bigger chewier classic in Midtown East.
Is H&H a good stop before Central Park?
Yes. The Upper West Side shops sit within a short walk of the park's western entrances, which makes a bagel and a bench the easiest breakfast plan there.
