Our Favorite Spots for a Bagel and Schmear
Melinda Kauffman / March 18, 2018
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A bagel and schmear: the classic go-to for all bagel-lovers alike. We aren’t talking about just any plain bagel with plain cream cheese, though. As the bagel capital of the world, we’ve gotten pretty creative with our bagel flavors, styles and schmears. From birthday cake cream cheese to beet-cured bagels, keep reading for our favorite spots for a bagel and schmear.
Russ & Daughters
A family-owned Jewish experience that has grabbed New Yorkers’ attention since 1914, Russ & Daughters is the place to go to if you’re craving quality good smoked fish or caviar. Watch in awe as chefs in white lab coats expertly slice smoked salmon into perfectly thin layers and dress them up on wooden platters.
H&H
Try to think of the best bagel you’ve ever eaten. It probably tasted fresh and doughy, but also had a crispy outside layer. At H&H the bagels are proofed, kettle boiled, bathed in cold water and baked on wood boards to create the perfect artisanal taste. If you want a great combo try the everything bagel with nova smoked salmon, scallion cream cheese, red onion, and capers.
Black Seed
For a hand-rolled bagel with a touch of sweetness, check out Black Seed’s Montreal-style wood-oven bagels served in a modern setting. Their Lox Schmear Sandwich with lox and dill cream cheese, radish and sprouts is a personal favorite.
Tompkins Square Bagels
PC: @mollytavolettiOwner Christopher Pugliese started at Bake City Bagels and now serves hand-rolled bagels in the East Village at Tompkins Square Bagels. Here you’ll find unique combos like the French Toast Bagel with Strawberry cream cheese or spreads like bacon scallion and espresso Nutella. The options are definitely overwhelming, but we know you’ll leave happy and full.
Barney Greengrass
Barney Greengrass has been serving up smoked fish specialties and great bagels since 1908. This UWS favorite is a classic NYC establishment offering all kinds of traditional appetizing cuisine. Pro Tip: This old-school spot is cash only.
Sable’s
Sable’s is yet another old-time favorite, offering fancy smoked fish and other appetizing specialities in a quick-casual setting. With options including lobster salad, buttery lox and smoked tuna, you may have to order just a little bit of everything.
Kossar’s
Not only does Kossar’s make great bagels, but they’re also the oldest bialy bakery in the country, serving them fresh for over eighty years. Pair yours with their everything cream cheese – it’s absolutely amazing!
Sadelle’s
Located in the heart of Soho, Sadelle’s knows how to make a good bagel, and that’s by hand, and fresh every few hours- using New York tap water of course! Melissa Weller is the pastry chef here and is especially known for the Everything 2.0, an everything bagel made with fennel. Top it with some fresh-sliced salmon from their tower of bagel fixings and you’re set for NYC’s most luxurious bagel brunch.
Murray’s Bagels
If you’re in Greenwich Village or Chelsea and want a quick, all around great bagel experience, stop at Murray’s Bagels. The whole wheat everything bagel with tofu cream cheese is quite possibly the pair of the decade.
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