Utopia Bagels
The Whitestone, Queens bagel shop many rankings crown best in the city, hand-rolling since 1981.
Example
The bagels are hand rolled and kettle boiled around the clock in Whitestone, which is why fans defend a subway plus bus trip most visitors would skip.
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
H&H Bagels
The famous Upper West Side bagel brand from 1972, revived and expanding, known for sweet-tinged plain bagels.
Neighborhoods
Flushing
Queens' Chinese food capital at the end of the 7 train, denser and more current than Manhattan's Chinatown.
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 Utopia worth the trip from Manhattan?
For bagel completists yes, or catch the Manhattan location. For everyone else, a top Manhattan shop delivers 90 percent of the experience.
What do I order at Utopia?
An everything bagel with plain cream cheese to judge the fundamentals, plus a bacon egg and cheese on a bagel for the ride home.
Is there a way to try Utopia without going to Queens?
Yes. A Manhattan outpost shortens the pilgrimage considerably, which is the practical choice on a short trip where a deep Queens detour costs half a morning.
