Midtown · Bakery · Jewish Deli · Bagels
Enormous hand-rolled bagels and a scoop of scallion cream cheese that could feed a household
Ess-a-Bagel has been rolling bagels by hand since 1976, and the result is noticeably larger and chewier than the industry standard — dense, glossy, and hard to finish in one sitting once the cream cheese is applied, which it is, generously. The counter operates on a number system that looks chaotic and is in fact ruthlessly efficient. The appetizing case behind the register is worth attention: Nova, sable, whitefish salad, all cut properly. Midtown is not where anyone expects to find one of the city's best bagels, which is part of why the line at eight in the morning is full of people who work nowhere near here.
Ess-a-Bagel is enormous hand-rolled bagels and a scoop of scallion cream cheese that could feed a household. Regulars order everything bagel with scallion cream cheese and nova and cream cheese.
Ess-a-Bagel is priced at $ — approx. under $20 per person.
Ess-a-Bagel takes reservations by phone — call (212) 980-1010 to book.
Ess-a-Bagel is at 831 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022, in Midtown. Street parking on 3rd Ave; 6 to 51st St
Ess-a-Bagel is open Mon–Fri 6 AM–6 PM · Sat 6 AM–5 PM. Hours can change on holidays — confirm on Google Maps before a long drive.