"Everything on a bagel" is the motto of this landmark First Avenue bagel shop, opened in 1976, and its sister Third Avenue location in Midtown Manhattan. Its founders come from Austrian baking stock and know their way around bagels, producing so many hand-rolled versions of this consummate comfort food every day that regulars are accustomed to being mildly assaulted by the baking heat when they enter the door. For a beloved bagel joint, the menu is extensive, offering salad platters, soups, various knishes, side items and a variety of chicken, meat and fish sandwiches - including lox and cream cheese, of course. Among other endearing traits, Essa- Bagel is known for its bounteous portions of cream cheese, which The Village Voice once drooled, "comes in big, gobby layers, oozing out the center." That's the best kind. No alcohol available. Serving during breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
Where The Locals Eat rating
Best Bagels in NYC
Top 100 Restaurant, New York City
"Ess-a-Bagel, Inc., was established in 1976 on 21st Street and 1st Avenue by Gene and Florence Wilpon and her brother Aaron Wenzelberg. ... Coming from an Austrian baking family, it is not surprising that within two years our hand-rolled bagels were voted the best in the Tri-State area. We have continued to win national acclaim, not only for our bagels but also for our luscious, appetizing salads, varieties of cream cheese, choice meats, and individualized catering orders. ... Ess-a-Bagel, Inc. has the finest assortment of cakes, pastries, rugelach, muffins, and cookies. Espresso, cappuccinos, and multi-flavored cappuccinos are brewed to your individual taste."
– Ess-a-Bagel website
"'Everything on a bagel,' is the motto at these two bagel emporiums. In addition to the hand-rolled bagels, baked daily on the premises and served with a variety of toppings and spreads, there are smoked fish platters, sandwiches and cakes."
—The New York Times
"The bagels here are perfectly fat (fluffy on the inside, crisp on the outside) – also, sugar-free, low-salt and hand-rolled. Cream cheese comes in big, gobby layers, oozing out the center."
– Village Voice
How others rate Ess-a-Bagel
Zagat 2009
23 food rating (very good to excellent)