Aside from the overdone rivalry, New Jersey and New York can finally agree on one thing, and one thing only. And that’s the fact that the best bagels in the nation can only be found in two places: the Garden and Empire States. The bagel lends a glossy, crisp exterior covered in an array of topping like poppy seeds or fried garlic and a chewy, airy interior. An average breakfast sandwich upgrades into a substantial meal with the addition of the delicate, hole-y bread. Spread a thorough coat of thick cream cheese or ditch the spread completely and go for a bacon, egg, and cheese classic. Let’s not get into the Taylor Ham vs. Pork Roll debate between North and South NJ though. But no matter the style, the bagel stop, and everything in between, celebrate the official National Bagel Day this January 15th with the 10 Best Bagel Spots in NJ & NYC.
North Jersey
1. Wonder Bagels – Jersey City
Voted number one bagel shop in North Jersey by Bergen Record, Wonder Bagels carries a household name for the classic breakfast bread since 1987. Between the NY Style Nova Lox or even the vegan tofu cream cheese, Wonder Bagels never fails to deliver the best tasting regional classic.
There are a total of six locations (including two in Bayonne), but be sure to visit the HQ in Jersey City at 433 Sip Ave. Open Mon. – Fri. 5 AM – 4 PM, Sat. 5 AM – 3 PM, and Sun. 6 AM – 3PM.
2. Sammy’s Bagels – Teaneck, Bergen Cty.
Serving New York hand-rolled bagels, delicious spreads, and everything kosher in between since 1991, Sammy’s Bagels leads the top 10 bagel spots in NJ & NYC list. Other than the fresh bagels, Sammy’s also offers a grand assortment of espresso beverages and even brick-oven pizza.
The popular bagel joint is located at 1439 Queen Anne Road.
3. BGL – Nutley, Bergen Cty.
This “New York Style” bagel shop located in the center of North Jersey blends the traditional and modern takes on the beloved breakfast item. Owner Dennis Stavrinos aimed to focus on providing a Brooklyn-based sit-down cafe with modern finishes for the community, housing the shop in what used to be an old warehouse.
BGL is open Mon. – Fri. 6 AM – 4 PM and weekends until 3 PM at 243 Washington Ave.
4. Boxcar Bagels & Deli – Bogota, Bergen Cty.
Boxcar Bagels is the epicenter for hand-rolled, water-boiled, and made fresh daily bagels in the area. Serving the community for 25 years, Boxcar finds ways to reinvent its long-lasting legacy, adopting the recently popular blueberry bagel for the young fans.
The hit bagel joint is open Tues. – Sat. 6 AM – 1 PM and Sun. 7 AM – 1PM.
South Jersey
1. Bagel Nook – Freehold, Monmouth Cty.
And the most instagrammable bagel spot goes to… The Bagel Nook features a colorful collection of whimsical bagel creations. If you have a sweet tooth or if you’re looking for dessert after your morning coffee, the Bagel Nook has it all. Try out the Oreo Overload for a taste of childhood sweets or dare to tackle the Flaming Hot Cheetos Overload. The Nook definitely leads the best bagel spots in NJ & NYC list.
Located at 51 Village Center Drive, the Nook is open Mon. – Sat. 7 AM – 3 PM and Sun. 7 AM – 2 PM.
2. Bagel Street Grill – Plainsboro, Princeton Area
Bagel Street Grill is a must try bagel joint when visiting the Princeton area. Owned by brothers Jim and Doug Rohr, the duo has been bringing the freshest bagels to the community since 1988 in Hamilton, moving to Plainsboro seven years later.
The shop is open everyday 7 AM – 2 PM at the Princeton Meadows Shopping Center at 660 Plainsboro Road.
3. Gems House of Bagels – Middletown, Monmouth Cty.
Gems House of Bagels lends a household bagel name for Northern Monmouth County folks with six locations (Hazlet, Belford, Port Monmouth, and more) all over. The classic bagel shop features a soft, fluffy bagel accompanied with a vast array of spreads and deli staples (try the classic bacon, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel for a taste of heaven).
The Middletown location is open seven days 7 AM – 1 PM at 490 Rt. 35.
New York City
1. Frankel’s Delicatessen – Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Frankel’s, opened by Upper West Side brothers Zach and Alex Frankel, bring the classic Jewish Delicatessen flavors to Brooklyn in the form of fresh lox, a big helping of decadent cream cheese, and you, guessed it, bagels! The duo focuses on batch cooking, featuring a curated selection of smoked fish, smoked and braised meat, and fresh salads. Be sure to try the Eastern Nova on the proverbial pumpernickel everything bagel.
Only open Wed. – Sun. 9AM – 3PM on 631 MANHATTAN AVENUE, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK 11222, make sure to order before the popular joint sells out for the day! Or you can try your bad foodie luck in a different city
2. Russ & Daughters THE SHOP – 179 E. Houston St.
Russ & Daughters leads the Best Bagel Spots in NJ & NYC list as New York City’s premier appetizing shop, serving the legendary flavors of Manhattan for more than a century in bagel form. The long standing shop serves an authentic selection of smoked and cured to accompany a soft, bagel. This spot definitely rank
THE SHOP is open everyday from 9AM – 4 PM for pre-order pick-up, courier delivery, and customer (only 2 people allowed in a time with masks).
3. Tompkins Square Bagels – 165 Avenue A., East Village
Tompkins Sq. Bagels stands as the unique neighborhood bagel gem of the East Village, offering local takes on a variety of bagel sandwiches. From whole wheat everything to even chocolate chip, the endless combinations of bagel creations are absolutely endless.
TSB is open Mon. – Fri. 7 AM – 7 PM and until 5 PM on weekends. Order a quick dozen anywhere nationwide here.
MORE Dining STORIES
Get an inside vue on the latest in luxury. You heard it here first.