Best Bagel in NYC: Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Co. -

Best Bagel in NYC: Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Co.

02/02/2010

Yes, I realize the audacity of this statement. As a New Yorker, I’ve consumed my fair share of bagels- hard bagels, bland bagels, tiny bagels, pricey bagels…I assure you, it hasn’t been easy. My quest for a perfectly baked dough-ball has many a time lead to disappointment, rage and despair.

“Isn’t this place supposed to be bagel capital of the world?!” I would cry. It wasn’t till my 2nd year in the city that I discovered the Cave of Wonders that is Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Co...

Incongruously located in Chelsea on 24th and 8th (that’s right- it’s not in Brooklyn), Brooklyn Bagel has it all. Great neighborhood, sleek décor, super friendly staff, and, of course, ridiculous bagels. I’ve frequented this shop countless times, ordering everything from Egg to Whole Wheat Cinnamon Raisin. The bagels are always fresh and fluffy, with a nice crunch on the outside and great flavor. They’re also huge. And by huge, I mean monstrous. One of these babies will either fuel you for the day or put you into a food coma. Their “mini bagels” are a bit less intimidating, averaging the circumference of a normal bagel anywhere else.

my 'usual': everything bagel with strawberry cream cheese

Cream cheese is King at Brooklyn Bagel, with a notably diverse vegan and vegetarian selection behind the glass counter. Dill, Pumpkin, Cinnamon Walnut, Tofu Vegetable… all hand-blended with fresh ingredients. My “usual” at Brooklyn has always been a toasted Everything schmeared generously with strawberry cream cheese… and I’m not talking about the fake pink stuff. Thick strawberry slices blended with softened Philadelphia and a hint of sugar makes for the creamiest, most refreshingly fragrant cream cheese I’ve had. Pair that with a hearty Everything (and they do mean everything), and you’ve got yourself a salty-sweet recipe for a 5-hour nap.

Expensive? Not in the least. One mammoth bagel with flavored cream cheese is just $3.20- a steal in Manhattan for…well, anything. Enjoy it with a hot cup of their mellow coffee and be proud you found a super savvy Chelsea brunch. I rarely deem restaurants “destination spots,” but this place is an absolute must for bagel lovers anywhere.

Happy noshing from The Savvy Soybean!

Comments

Seth Concors

02/02/2010 2:23pm

You are incorrect. The best bagel in the city ... BAR NONE ... is Bagel Bobs. A close second is Murray's, and a third is H&M. You simply do not grasp the tao of the bagel. The zen of the schmear. The essence of the delightful doughy goodness.

London Girl link

02/02/2010 4:04pm

Wow... That looks like a good bagel! I live near Brick Lane in London where there are two 24 hour bagel shops... so good and very cheap! Super popular as well, there's always a massive queue.

<3

The Savvy Soybean link

02/02/2010 6:26pm

Oh Seth, don't knock it till you've tried it! I have qualms with Murray's about their whole "we're too good to toast our bagels" thing. By H&M I assume you meant H&H? Haven't been there but would love to try it!

London Girl- 24 hour bagel shop, my goodness! As if there weren't reason enough to visit London!

sagemom link

02/02/2010 6:38pm

I'm not much of a bagel person, but that sure looks good!

I'd love to visit NYC one day too!

darce link

02/02/2010 9:09pm

That made my mouth water...a bagel sounds delicious right now! And I would love to visit NYC. It's on the list, but so far I've just never made it.

Marlark

02/02/2010 10:12pm

Oh, and if you're bringing an omnivore with you, they should try the whitefish salad on a toasted whole wheat bagel. "Oy veyiSHMEAR."

Serena @ Seriously Soupy link

02/03/2010 10:21am

Wow. That looks prey incredible. Thanks for sharing your find. I'll have to check that out that Brooklyn Bagel when I go to Manhattan.

Ansel Adams link

02/04/2010 11:05am

I wasn't going to comment, but the photo was so good. Do you use NATURAL LIGHT? I prefer Keystone Lite myself. I pour it all over my bagels. Breakfast of Champions, my dear.

Alex Roda link

02/05/2010 7:46am

Excuse me but do really you use that much cream cheese? That's a ton! I prefer to go light on the stuff myself, but then again you are the bagel expert.

Dhale link

02/05/2010 2:13pm

Ooooo your "usual" bagel is my favorite! Can't have any other bagel besides the "Everything". I've only been in NYC for a year so my quest has been limited. If I'm ever on the west side, I'll have to stop over at Brooklyn Bagels. For now, I'm quite pleased with Ess-a-Bagel :)

Lisa link

02/05/2010 6:19pm

Hi! First time checking out your site - made my way here through 20SB.
I LOVE bagels, but hardly have them because of the calories (except they are the perfect meal after a long run!). I've never been to this place but will try to get there sometime for a small one! The pumpkin cream cheese sounds intriguing and delicious!
I think I'm going to find your blog very useful!

The Savvy Soybean link

02/05/2010 6:36pm

Alex: You're right, it's a ton of cream cheese! It usually oozes out the sides, resulting in a manageable amount...but you can always ask for it "light."

Dhale: Just looked at Ess-A-Bagel's site. Nine Grain & Honey?! Gotta check it out! Thanks for the suggestion.

Lisa: Ah, yes. By "usual," I unfortunately mean once or twice a month. For breakfast, it's usually oatmeal or fruit for me! The pumpkin cream cheese is delicious, but it might only be a fall/winter thing. I'll have to check next time I stop in!

David Dupras link

02/10/2010 11:07pm

I'm sorry but the best bagel in the entire known universe is in Montréal, at fairmount bagel ( www.fairmountbagel.com )

AK - KnowerOfBagels

02/19/2010 3:29am

The best NYC bagel comes from Absolute Bagels on BWay around 107-108th St. on the East side (uptown) of the street. The best bagel period comes from David's Bagels in the suburbs north of Manhattan, most notably the original New City location in Rockland County, so if tasting the nation's greatest bagel is worth a Metro-North ride to you swing on up there. Absolute Bagel, while not quite as good as David's, is the only bagel I've encountered that deserves to be mentioned in the same breathe, and yes, I've tried the other bagel shops mentioned in this conversation, as well as many others nationwide. No toasting required for either Absolute or David's, a true sign of bagel perfection. Certainly not the only criteria, but a good standard benchmark.

Best Bagel in NYC: Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Co.

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