You step onto 3rd Avenue in Midtown East, the air filled with the smell of freshly baked bagels. The line outside Ess-a-Bagel already stretches down the block, but nobody minds. Why? Because inside awaits one of New York City’s most iconic bagel shops — a place where bagels are massive, spreads are piled high, and sandwiches are so loaded they practically require two hands. Since 1976, Ess-a-Bagel has been a rite of passage for locals and tourists alike, offering a true taste of New York mornings.
A Midtown East Legend Ess-a-Bagel Since 1976
Ess-a-Bagel was founded in 1976 by Florence Wilpon and her brother Gene, who brought Austrian-Jewish baking traditions into the heart of Manhattan. What started as a small family-run shop quickly gained cult status, thanks to its oversized, hand-rolled bagels and generous toppings. Even after decades, the bakery remains a New York staple — serving Wall Street workers, celebrities, and curious travelers who all want the same thing: the perfect NYC bagel experience.
Ess-a-Bagel Ambiance & Atmosphere
Ess-a-Bagel isn’t your quiet café. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by the lively chaos of a true New York bagel shop. The counter staff shouts orders, the smell of fresh-baked bagels fills the air, and trays of giant bagels line the shelves. The atmosphere is casual, bustling, and unapologetically “New York.” Whether you’re squeezing in before work, grabbing a quick lunch, or sitting with friends to savor a bagel tower, the vibe is fast-paced but welcoming.
A Badge of Honor: Ess-a-Bagel’s Lifetime Achievement at BagelFest
Back in 2024, New Yorkers gathered for BagelFest — the city’s annual celebration of everything round, chewy, and perfectly boiled. Among the crowd of vendors and fans, one name stood taller than the rest: Ess-a-Bagel. The Midtown East institution walked away with the festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award, a recognition that doesn’t get handed out lightly.
For nearly five decades, this family-born shop has been doing exactly what the award celebrates — rolling out bagels that are bigger, bolder, and unapologetically New York. It wasn’t just about the food; it was about honoring a place that has become part of the city’s daily rhythm, where tourists snap photos and locals still line up before work.
Why It Matters
- Legacy on a Plate – Not many shops can claim they’ve been shaping the bagel scene since the 1970s. This award was a way of saying: you set the standard.
- Community Stamp of Approval – BagelFest isn’t just insiders giving a nod; it’s the city itself recognizing a shop beloved across generations.
- For Visitors, a Green Light – When you see “Lifetime Achievement” tied to Ess-a-Bagel, it’s more than hype — it’s proof you’re about to bite into a piece of NYC history.
So while the exact date of the presentation wasn’t spotlighted, the message rang loud and clear: Ess-a-Bagel isn’t just making bagels; it’s making history.
The Full Menu at Ess-a-Bagel (with Price Categories)
Bagels & Spreads
- Freshly baked bagels (plain, sesame, everything, poppy, onion, whole wheat, pumpernickel, and more) – $2.25 each
- Cream cheese spreads (plain, scallion, veggie, lox spread, tofu-based, etc.) – $4–$9
Breakfast Sandwiches
- Classic Egg & Cheese – around $7.95
- Egg, Cheese & Meat (turkey bacon, sausage, etc.) – $9–$11
- Loaded options with veggies or extra protein – up to $13+
Classic Deli Sandwiches
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Bagel or bread base with lox, turkey, pastrami, tuna salad, or egg salad – $10–$20 depending on size & toppings
Salads & Platters
- Nova Scotia Lox platter (with bagel & fixings) – $21+
- Whitefish Salad platter – $19+
- Chicken or Tuna Salad platter – $15+
Drinks & Sweets
- Coffee & tea – $2–$4
- Sodas & juices – $3–$5
- Rugelach & other pastries – $3–$6
Click here to download the full menu and price PDF.
Top 11 Must-Try Dishes (With Prices)
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Everything Bagel with Lox & Scallion Cream Cheese – $15.95
The ultimate NYC bite: smoky salmon, tangy cream cheese, and a chewy everything bagel. -
Plain Bagel with Classic Cream Cheese – $5.25
Simple, timeless, and still one of their best sellers. -
Egg & Cheese on an Everything Bagel – $7.95
A breakfast essential — fluffy eggs with melty cheese inside a fresh bagel. -
Egg, Cheese & Turkey Bacon Sandwich – $9.95
Hearty, filling, and perfect for starting a busy NYC day. -
Nova Scotia Lox Platter – $21.95
A full bagel experience with lox, cream cheese, tomato, onions, and capers. -
Tofu Cream Cheese on Whole Wheat Bagel – $6.95
A vegan-friendly favorite with light, flavorful spread. -
Pumpernickel Bagel with Veggie Cream Cheese – $6.75
Nutty, earthy pumpernickel paired with refreshing veggie cream cheese. -
Tuna Salad Bagel Sandwich – $12.95
A classic deli-style option, generously packed and satisfying. -
Whitefish Salad Platter – $19.95
Smoky, savory whitefish paired with your choice of bagel and fixings. -
Pastrami & Swiss on a Bagel – $14.95
A bold deli-style sandwich, rich and perfectly balanced. -
Rugelach (Chocolate or Cinnamon) – $3.95 each
A sweet ending to your bagel feast.
Traveler photos:
Best Time to Visit
| Time / Season | What to Expect | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Freshly baked bagels right out of the oven; minimal lines if you arrive early. | Early risers, commuters, locals |
| 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Peak breakfast rush, long lines but the most “authentic” Ess-a-Bagel vibe. | Tourists, first-timers |
| 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Lunchtime chaos — sandwiches and platters are most popular. | Social diners, office workers |
| 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Lines calm down, bagels still fresh; easier to find a seat. | Relaxed visitors, coffee & snack seekers |
| 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Sandwich platters and heavier deli items are in demand. | Dinner diners, couples |
| Winter | Hot coffee + warm bagels = ultimate cold-weather comfort. | Comfort seekers |
| Summer | Iced coffee with lighter spreads like tofu or veggie cream cheese. | Travelers, outdoor eaters |
Insider Tips for Visitors
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Go Early or Go Late
The line at Ess-a-Bagel NYC 831 3rd Ave can wrap around the block during mid-mornings. If you want that famous bagel without waiting forever, aim for before 9 AM or after 3 PM. -
Know Your Order Beforehand
The staff is friendly but fast-paced — it’s NYC style. If you don’t know what you want, the line will get restless behind you. Decide your spread or sandwich combo in advance to keep things smooth. -
Bagel Texture Trick
If you like your bagel extra chewy and crispy, ask for it toasted “well-done.” It makes the crust golden and the inside fluffy — locals swear by it. -
Sharing is Smart
The sandwiches are enormous — often big enough for two people. If you’re not super hungry, split one (and save some cash). -
Secret Off-Menu Combo
Many regulars mix scallion cream cheese with lox spread for a perfect balance of tang and richness. Not listed as a preset, but the staff will happily make it if you ask.
Nearby Attractions
1. Grand Central Terminal (5-min walk)
An architectural masterpiece and one of NYC’s most iconic landmarks. After a bagel feast, stroll over to admire the celestial ceiling, bustling main concourse, and hidden “whispering gallery.”
2. Chrysler Building (7-min walk)
This Art Deco gem is one of the most photographed skyscrapers in the world. While you can’t tour the upper floors, the stunning lobby and exterior details are worth a stop.
3. United Nations Headquarters (12–15 min walk)
For a cultural detour, head east to the UN building. Guided tours are available, and you’ll often see international flags waving proudly out front.
4. Bryant Park (15-min walk)
A perfect green escape in Midtown. Grab your bagel to-go and enjoy it in the park surrounded by NYC’s skyscrapers. In winter, there’s even a holiday market and ice skating rink.
5. Rockefeller Center (20-min walk)
Just a bit farther west, you’ll find one of the city’s busiest attractions — home to Top of the Rock Observation Deck, NBC Studios, and the famous skating rink during the holidays.
Customer Reviews & Feedback
Overall Sentiment
Ess-a-Bagel is widely celebrated as one of NYC’s bagel legends. Customers rave about its massive, chewy bagels, generous schmears, and the freedom to customize sandwiches with dozens of toppings. For many, grabbing a bagel here is a New York rite of passage.
Positive Trends
- Authenticity: Reviewers consistently highlight the classic New York bagel texture — crisp on the outside, soft and chewy inside.
- Portion Size: The sandwiches are huge and filling; many say one bagel can last them through two meals.
- Variety: With over 20 bagel flavors and endless cream cheese spreads, customers love the wide range of options.
- Energy of the Place: The fast-paced, no-nonsense service feels like a true NYC experience, especially for tourists wanting local flavor.
Common Complaints
- Long Lines: During mornings and weekends, the line often stretches outside. Tourists are advised to arrive early.
- Price Point: Some visitors find it a bit pricey, especially specialty sandwiches, though most agree the portions justify it.
- Overwhelming Choices: First-time visitors sometimes feel rushed when ordering because of the extensive menu and busy counter.
Notable Praise
- “Best bagels I’ve had in New York — crispy, chewy, and worth the wait.” – Yelp Reviewer
- “The cream cheese selection alone is mind-blowing. Try the veggie or lox spread — you won’t regret it.” – Google Review
- “This is the kind of bagel that makes you understand why NYC is famous for them.” – TripAdvisor
Practical Information
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Location: 831 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022, United States
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Opening Hours:
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Midtown East (3rd Ave): 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
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Penn Station (32nd St): 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily
(Tip: Hours may vary slightly on holidays — always check ahead.)
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- Service Options: Dine-in, takeout, delivery (via platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub).
- Payment Methods: Accepts cash and all major credit/debit cards.
- Wait Times: Expect long lines during peak breakfast hours (8:00 – 10:00 AM) and weekends. Off-peak visits (mid-morning or mid-afternoon) are smoother.
- Dietary Options: Vegetarian-friendly spreads and toppings; vegan cream cheese is also available.
Final Thoughts
Ess-a-Bagel NYC isn’t just about bagels — it’s about a New York tradition that has stood the test of time. From hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagels to overstuffed sandwiches that practically require two hands, this Midtown East institution delivers both flavor and nostalgia. Whether you’re a tourist chasing the “classic New York bagel experience” or a local who swears by their lox spread, a visit here is an authentic slice of the city’s food culture.
The atmosphere may be bustling and the lines long, but the reward — a perfectly chewy, generously topped bagel — makes it worth every minute. It’s comfort food, history, and New York energy rolled into one.
FAQs – Ess-a-Bagel NYC
Q1: What is Ess-a-Bagel famous for?
Ess-a-Bagel is best known for its oversized, hand-rolled bagels and generously loaded sandwiches that have been a NYC favorite since 1976.
Q2: How much does a bagel cost at Ess-a-Bagel?
Plain bagels start at $2.25, with cream cheese spreads ranging from $4–$9. Specialty sandwiches and platters can go from $10 up to $21+.
Q3: What are the must-try dishes at Ess-a-Bagel?
Top favorites include the Everything Bagel with Lox & Scallion Cream Cheese ($15.95), the Nova Scotia Lox Platter ($21.95), and the classic Egg & Cheese Bagel ($7.95).
Q4: Does Ess-a-Bagel have vegan or vegetarian options?
Yes. The menu is vegetarian-friendly, and vegan options like tofu cream cheese spreads are also available.
Q5: How long is the wait at Ess-a-Bagel?
Expect long lines during breakfast hours (especially 9–11 AM). To avoid crowds, visit before 9 AM or after 3 PM.
Q6: Can I order Ess-a-Bagel for delivery?
Yes. Delivery is available through platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub, in addition to dine-in and takeout.
Q7: What is the best time to visit Ess-a-Bagel?
Early morning (7:30–9:00 AM) is ideal for fresh bagels with shorter lines, while late afternoon (3:00–5:00 PM) offers a calmer experience.
Q8: Is Ess-a-Bagel worth the hype?
Absolutely. Visitors and locals alike call it a “New York rite of passage,” thanks to its authentic flavors, huge portions, and true NYC bagel shop vibe.
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