New York City is known for having the best bagels, and two places always stand out: Ess-a-Bagel in Midtown and Black Seed in Nolita. They’re heavy hitters in the bagel game, but they’re not the same. Ess-a-Bagel keeps it old-school with a classic approach, while Black Seed brings a modern, artisanal spin. So, which one takes the crown? I’m going to lay it all out for you—history, location, bagels, toppings, prices, vibe, and more—to settle this iconic NYC bagels debate and help you decide where to get your next bite.
Bagels are serious business here. People argue about them like it’s personal. You’ve got spots that have been around forever, sticking to tradition, and newer ones mixing things up. Ess-a-Bagel and Black Seed are top bagel shops in NYC because they’ve got fans who won’t shut up about them. Whether you live here or you’re just passing through, you need to know what makes these places tick. Let’s get into it and see who’s got the best bagels in New York City.
The History Behind Ess-a-Bagel and Black Seed
First up, let’s talk about where these places come from. Ess-a-Bagel started back in 1976. It was founded by Eugene and Florence Wilpon, a couple who wanted to bring real-deal New York bagels to the table. They set up shop in Manhattan, and pretty soon, people couldn’t get enough. The name “Ess-a-Bagel” comes from Yiddish— “ess” means “eat”—so it’s like they’re telling you straight up to dig in. They’ve stuck to the same methods for almost 50 years: hand-rolling the dough, boiling it, and baking it fresh every day. That’s why it’s one of the iconic NYC bagels you hear about. They’ve moved spots a couple times, but they’re still a Midtown staple.
Black Seed, on the other hand, is the new kid. It opened in 2014 in Nolita, started by two guys—Matt Kliegman and Noah Bernamoff—who wanted to shake things up. They weren’t happy with how some bagels were getting soft or boring, so they mixed the old New York style with a Montreal twist. Montreal bagels are smaller, denser, and cooked in a wood-fired oven, and Black Seed took that idea and ran with it. They’ve grown fast, opening more locations around the city, but the Nolita spot is still the heart of it. It’s not traditional like Ess-a-Bagel, but it’s earned a name in the best bagels in New York City talk because it’s different.
So, history-wise, Ess-a-Bagel has the long track record. You’re eating something that’s been around since the ’70s, made the same way every time. Black Seed’s newer, but it’s got its own story—blending two cities’ styles into something fresh. If you care about roots, Ess-a-Bagel might pull you in. If you like a place that’s trying something bold, Black Seed’s got your attention.
Location and How Easy They Are to Get To
Where these bagels are matters, especially if you’re running around the city. Ess-a-Bagel’s main spot is in Midtown, at 831 3rd Avenue, between 50th and 51st Streets. It’s right in the thick of things—close to Grand Central, office buildings, and tons of subway lines like the 6, E, and M. You can roll out of the train and be there in five minutes. It’s busy, though—Midtown’s packed with workers and tourists, so you’re not escaping the crowds. They’ve got another location at 324 1st Avenue in Gramercy, which is quieter but still easy to hit from the L or 6 trains. Either way, you’re not trekking far if you’re already in Manhattan.
Black Seed’s original shop is at 170 Elizabeth Street in Nolita, a chill little pocket downtown. It’s near the Bowery, Little Italy, and SoHo, so you’re in a cool area with boutique shops and cafes. Subways like the J, Z, or 6 to Canal Street get you close, but it’s a bit more of a walk—maybe 10 minutes. It’s not as hectic as Midtown, but parking’s a nightmare, so don’t even try driving. They’ve got other spots too, like in the East Village and Battery Park City, but Nolita’s the one people talk about most in the Black Seed bagel review scene.
Ess-a-Bagel wins on convenience if you’re in Midtown or near a big transit hub. You’re in and out fast. Black Seed’s more of a destination—you might plan a morning around it because Nolita’s got a vibe worth hanging out in. If you’re picking based on how quick you can grab and go, Ess-a-Bagel’s got the edge. If you want a spot that feels less rushed, Black Seed’s your pick.
The Bagels Themselves: Size, Texture, and Taste
Now, the main event—the bagels. Ess-a-Bagel makes theirs big. Like, really big. They’re about six inches wide and thick, with a shiny, golden crust from the boiling. You bite in, and it’s chewy but not tough—there’s a good pull to it. Inside, it’s soft and dense, not airy like some grocery store stuff. They’ve got classics like plain, sesame, poppy, and everything, all baked fresh all day. The taste is straightforward—malty, a little sweet, and just salty enough. You’re getting that old-school New York feel, the kind that’s been winning the best bagels in NYC title forever.
Black Seed’s bagels are smaller—maybe four inches across—and tighter. They’re denser because of that Montreal influence, and the wood-fired oven gives them a darker, crispier outside. You’ll notice a slight smoky flavor, which isn’t there with Ess-a-Bagel. The chew is firmer, almost like you’re working for it, but it’s not hard. They do flavors like plain, sesame, and poppy too, but they mix in things like rosemary or black garlic sometimes. It’s less traditional, more experimental. You either love that twist or you don’t.
Side-by-side, Ess-a-Bagel’s bagel fills you up—it’s a meal. Black Seed’s is lighter but packs more punch per bite. If you want big and classic, Ess-a-Bagel’s your go-to. If you’re into smaller, bolder tastes, Black Seed stands out in the NYC bagels debate.
Toppings and Spreads: What You’re Putting on Them
Bagels are nothing without the toppings, right? Ess-a-Bagel’s got a huge lineup. Their cream cheese comes in tubs—plain, scallion, lox, veggie, you name it. A regular schmear costs about $4, and it’s generous—they pile it on thick. You can get lox for $12, and it’s fresh, silky slices that cover the whole bagel. They’ve got other stuff too, like tuna salad for $9 or egg salad for $7, all made in-house. It’s simple, hearty, and feels like what you’d expect from a top bagel shop in NYC. You’re not short on options, and it’s all about quantity.
Black Seed keeps it tighter but fancier. Their spreads are housemade too—think plain cream cheese, herb, or horseradish, around $3.50 each. They do lox for $11, but it’s a smaller portion, more curated. Where they shine is sandwiches—like the smoked trout with capers or beet-cured salmon, both around $14. It’s less about piling it on and more about picking flavors that hit right. You won’t find as many choices as Ess-a-Bagel, but what’s there feels thought-out.
Ess-a-Bagel gives you more for your money—big spreads, big toppings. Black Seed’s going for quality over volume, with combos you won’t see everywhere. If you want a loaded bagel, Ess-a-Bagel’s the move. If you like something refined, Black Seed’s your spot.
Price Breakdown: What You’re Paying
Let’s talk cash. Ess-a-Bagel’s bagels are $1.95 each if you’re grabbing one plain. With cream cheese, you’re at $5.95. Add lox, and it’s $13.95. Sandwiches like tuna or chicken salad run $10-$12. It’s not cheap, but you’re getting a lot—those bagels are huge, and the toppings are heavy. You can walk out with a full meal for under $15, which isn’t bad for Midtown.
Black Seed’s pricier per bite. A plain bagel’s $2.50, and with cream cheese, you’re at $6. Fancy sandwiches—say, the smoked trout—hit $14-$16. They’re smaller, so you might need two if you’re hungry, pushing you past $20 easy. It’s artisanal, and you’re paying for that wood-fired vibe and unique flavors.
Ess-a-Bagel’s the better deal if you want bang for your buck. Black Seed costs more, but you’re buying into the craft angle. If you’re on a budget, Ess-a-Bagel wins. If you don’t mind spending for something different, Black Seed’s fine.
The Vibe and Wait Times
The feel of these places is night and day. Ess-a-Bagel in Midtown is a classic deli setup—bright lights, long counter, and a line out the door at peak hours. You’re shoulder-to-shoulder with suits and tourists, and it’s loud. The staff moves fast, shouting orders, keeping it rolling. You might wait 15-20 minutes at lunch, especially between noon and 2 p.m., but it’s quick once you’re up. The line snakes around the counter, and you’ll hear the clatter of trays and the hum of people chatting. It’s not cozy—you’re there to eat and bounce, not to hang out. Think of it as a grab-and-go spot where speed trumps comfort.
Black Seed’s Nolita spot is smaller, darker, with wood tables and a hipper crowd. It’s got a coffee-shop feel, less chaotic than Ess-a-Bagel. Lines can still get long—10-15 minutes on weekends, especially Saturday mornings—but it’s calmer. You might linger if you grab a seat, since there’s space to sit and chat. They’ve got a cool playlist going, usually indie or low-key tunes, and the staff’s chill, not rushed. The walls have a rustic look, and the lighting’s soft, so it feels more like a place to relax. You’re not rushed out the door here—it’s a different pace.
Ess-a-Bagel’s all about efficiency—perfect if you’re in a hurry and just need food fast. Black Seed’s more laid-back, better if you want to sit and soak it in. Pick based on your mood and how much time you’ve got.
Who’s Eating There: The Crowd
The people you’ll see tell you a lot. Ess-a-Bagel pulls in everyone—office workers grabbing lunch, families on vacation, old-timers who’ve been coming since the ’80s. It’s a mix of ages and types, all there for the same thing: a solid, no-fuss bagel. You’ll spot construction guys next to bankers, all chowing down. It’s a cross-section of NYC.
Black Seed’s crowd skews younger—20s and 30s, artsy types, foodies who Instagram their meal. You’ll see couples on dates or friends catching up. It’s less diverse age-wise but feels trendier. They’re there for the vibe as much as the bagel.
Ess-a-Bagel’s got the everyman appeal—iconic NYC bagels for all. Black Seed’s more niche, drawing people who care about the craft. Depends who you’d rather eat next to.
Final Verdict: Which One’s the Best?
Here’s where we settle it. Ess-a-Bagel’s got the history, size, and value. You’re getting a massive, chewy bagel with tons of toppings for a fair price, served up fast in a classic spot. It’s been a Midtown go-to since 1976, and that staying power means something. The bagels are hefty—six inches of doughy goodness—and you can load them up with cream cheese or lox without breaking the bank. It’s the king of tradition—best bagels in New York City if you want that old-school feel that’s been around for decades. You’re biting into a piece of NYC’s past, and it delivers every time.
Black Seed’s smaller, pricier, and fancier, with a smoky twist and a cool atmosphere. Those wood-fired ovens give it a taste you won’t find at Ess-a-Bagel—denser, crispier, with a hint of char. It’s only been around since 2014, but it’s carved out a spot with its artisanal approach. The Nolita location feels trendy, and the smaller size—about four inches—makes it less filling but more intense. It’s tops if you’re into unique flavors and don’t mind shelling out extra cash for the experience. You’re paying for craft, not just a meal.
If you’re picking one, it’s about what you want. Ess-a-Bagel’s the champ for quantity and nostalgia—perfect for a quick, filling bite that hits all the right spots. You walk away stuffed and happy, no question. Black Seed wins if you’re after flavor kicks and a relaxed hangout where you can sit and enjoy the scene. Me? I’d lean Ess-a-Bagel for the sheer satisfaction—it’s hard to beat that classic heft and taste—but Black Seed’s a close second if I’m feeling fancy and want something different. You try both and decide—NYC’s bagel game’s too good to skip either. They’re both winners in their own way, so it’s really about your mood that day.
Wrap Up Your Bagel Day in NYC
So, there you have it—Ess-a-Bagel and Black Seed, two of the top bagel shops in NYC, squared off. You’ve got the facts now: Ess-a-Bagel’s big, classic, and wallet-friendly, while Black Seed’s bold, modern, and a little pricey. Whichever you pick, you’re tasting some of the best bagels in NYC, and that’s a win either way. After your bagel fix, why not make a day of it? A New York in one day guided sightseeing tour could show you the city’s big sights, or grab last minute broadway tickets for a show like “Hamilton” to end on a high note.
