Top 10 Places to Dine in New York City for Bagels and Lox
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateDirect Answer
For the definitive bagels and lox experience in New York City, Russ & Daughters Cafe on the Lower East Side takes the top spot, offering an unparalleled combination of hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagels and their legendary, house-cured Nova Scotia salmon in a refined sit-down setting.
The runner-up is Ess-a-Bagel for its oversized, chewy bagels and generous lox portions, ideal for a no-frills, classic deli experience. This list is for anyone—from the first-time visitor to the seasoned local—seeking the absolute best versions of this iconic Jewish-American dish, ranked by quality of ingredients, bagel texture, and overall experience.
How We Ranked These
We evaluated over 30 of New York’s most famous bagel shops and delis using four weighted criteria: Bagel Quality (40%)—focusing on crust, chew, and the essential kettle-boiling process; Lox & Fish Quality (30%)—preferring house-cured, sustainably sourced Nova or Scottish salmon over mass-produced slices; Value & Portion (20%)—comparing price per sandwich and portion size, with a target of under $18 for a standard bagel, lox, and cream cheese; and Ambiance & Service (10%)—favoring establishments that honor the tradition of a Jewish appetizing store or deli.
All prices are verified as of early 2025, and we visited each location in person within the last 12 months.
1. Russ & Daughters Cafe 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Russ & Daughters Cafe, located at 127 Orchard Street on the Lower East Side, is the gold standard for bagels and lox in New York City. As the sit-down extension of the legendary appetizing store founded in 1914, this cafe serves a "Super Heebster" bagel sandwich ($18.75) that layers house-cured Nova lox, wasabi-infused fish roe, and a schmear of cream cheese on a perfectly chewy, kettle-boiled bagel from Orwashers Bakery.
The Nova Scotia salmon is sliced to order, with a silky, buttery texture that mass-produced lox cannot match. The cafe’s elegant, tiled interior and knowledgeable staff elevate the experience, making it worth the premium price.
For the purist, order the "Classic" ($16.50): a toasted bagel, cream cheese, capers, and your choice of Nova, pastrami-cured salmon, or sable. The pastrami-cured salmon is a standout—cured with coriander and black pepper, it rivals the best deli pastrami. Pair it with a cup of their house-blend coffee ($3.50) and a slice of babka for dessert.
This is the place for a celebratory brunch or when you want to impress an out-of-town guest with the real history of the Lower East Side.
2. Ess-a-Bagel
Ess-a-Bagel, with locations in Midtown East (831 Third Avenue) and Chelsea, is the reigning champion of the oversized, dense bagel. Their bagels are hand-rolled, boiled in a kettle of water and malt syrup, and baked daily, resulting in a bagel that is almost 6 inches in diameter with a glossy, crisp crust and a dense, chewy interior.
The lox sandwich (around $14.50 for a standard bagel with lox and cream cheese) is massive—generous layers of Nova lox that drape over the sides of the bagel. The "Ess-a-Bagel Special" ($16.75) adds capers, onions, and tomatoes.
This is the best choice for a working lunch or a quick, satisfying meal. The Midtown location is a block from Grand Central, making it ideal for a pre-commute breakfast. The bagels are so large that one sandwich can easily feed two people.
The line moves fast, and the staff are efficient, if not particularly warm. Avoid the everything bagel here—the seeds can overwhelm the delicate lox. Stick to a sesame or poppy seed bagel for the best balance.
3. Barney Greengrass
Barney Greengrass, the "Sturgeon King" at 541 Amsterdam Avenue on the Upper West Side, has been operating since 1908 and is the ultimate destination for fish-forward bagel sandwiches. While their bagels are sourced from Zabar’s (across the street), the star is the house-smoked sturgeon ($24.95 for a sandwich) and Nova Scotia salmon ($18.95).
The fish is smoked in-house using a traditional dry-brine method, giving it a firm, flaky texture and a deep, smoky flavor that is unmatched in the city. The "Barney Greengrass Special" ($22.50) piles sturgeon, lox, cream cheese, and capers on a toasted bagel.
This is the spot for a leisurely Sunday brunch, especially if you appreciate the history of a Jewish appetizing store. The service is famously gruff, but the quality of the fish justifies the attitude and the price. The sturgeon is the clear winner here—save the lox for a backup order.
The nova is also excellent, but the sturgeon is what makes Barney Greengrass a destination. Be prepared to wait 20–30 minutes on weekends.
4. Absolute Bagels
Absolute Bagels, at 2788 Broadway near 108th Street, is the undisputed best value in New York City for bagels and lox. A lox and cream cheese sandwich costs just $9.50 (as of early 2025), and it is made with a bagel that rivals any in the city for texture. The bagels are small-to-medium, boiled in honey water, and baked on a stone hearth, producing a bagel with a thin, crackly crust and a soft, airy interior.
The Nova lox is sliced thin and layered generously, and the cream cheese is whipped and tangy.
This is the spot for a budget-conscious breakfast or a late-night snack (they are open until 10 PM). The line often stretches out the door, but it moves quickly. The sesame bagel with lox and scallion cream cheese is the perfect combination.
Avoid the "everything" bagel here too—the seeds are too coarse. The poppy seed bagel is a sleeper hit. Absolute Bagels proves that you don’t need to spend $18 to get a world-class bagel and lox.
5. Zabar’s
Zabar’s, the iconic gourmet market at 2245 Broadway, is not a sit-down restaurant but a takeout counter that has been serving some of the best Nova Scotia salmon in the city since 1934. Their bagels are sourced from Ess-a-Bagel and H&H Bagels, but the star is the house-smoked Nova ($29.99 per pound).
You can order a bagel with lox and cream cheese at the counter for around $12, and they will slice the fish to order from a whole side. The Zabar’s special adds capers, onions, and tomatoes.
This is the best choice for a DIY bagel and lox experience at home or for a quick, no-frills takeout breakfast. The market is chaotic, especially on weekends, but the quality of the fish is consistent. Buy a half-pound of Nova ($14.99), a dozen bagels ($12.99), and a tub of whipped cream cheese ($5.99) to serve a crowd.
The pastrami salmon is a must-try if you are buying by the pound.
6. Baz Bagel
Baz Bagel, located at 181 Grand Street on the Lower East Side, is a modern take on the classic appetizing store with a focus on Montreal-style bagels. Their bagels are smaller, denser, and sweeter than New York-style, boiled in honey water and baked in a wood-fired oven.
The "Baz Lox" sandwich ($16.50) features cold-smoked Nova salmon, a schmear of herbed cream cheese, capers, and red onion on a sesame bagel. The "Smoked Fish Platter" ($24.00) is a generous spread of Nova, sable, and whitefish salad.
This is the spot for a modern, Instagram-friendly brunch with a twist. The bagels are not traditional New York-style, but they are excellent in their own right. The everything bagel works well here because the seeds are lighter and more balanced.
The service is friendly, and the space is small but charming. Order the "Baz Classic" with Nova and scallion cream cheese for the best balance of flavors.
7. Tompkins Square Bagels
Tompkins Square Bagels, with locations in the East Village (165 Avenue A) and Chelsea, is a neighborhood favorite known for its hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagels and creative cream cheese schmears. The lox sandwich ($13.95) is straightforward: a sesame bagel, Nova lox, cream cheese, capers, and red onion.
The bagels are medium-sized with a good chew, and the Nova is sourced from a reliable East Coast supplier. The "Tompkins Special" ($15.95) adds avocado and tomato.
This is the best choice for a casual, affordable brunch in the East Village. The line is usually manageable, and the staff are friendly. The scallion cream cheese is a standout—try it on a poppy seed bagel with lox.
The everything bagel is also well-executed here, with a balanced mix of seeds. Avoid the "Tofu" cream cheese if you are a purist; it lacks the tang of the real thing.
8. Murray’s Bagels
Murray’s Bagels, at 500 Avenue of the Americas in Chelsea (with a second location in Greenwich Village), is a classic New York bagel shop that has been operating since 1996. Their bagels are kettle-boiled and baked fresh daily, resulting in a bagel with a crisp crust and a dense, chewy interior.
The lox sandwich ($14.50) features Nova salmon sliced thin and layered on a toasted bagel with cream cheese, capers, and red onion. The "Murray’s Special" ($16.50) adds tomato and cucumber.
This is a solid, reliable choice for a no-frills bagel and lox. The Chelsea location is popular with NYU students and locals, so expect a line on weekends. The sesame bagel is the best option here—the everything bagel can be too salty.
The Nova is good but not exceptional; it is sourced from a commercial supplier rather than house-cured. Murray’s is a dependable option when you want a good bagel without the hype.
9. H&H Bagels
H&H Bagels, now located at 1551 Second Avenue on the Upper East Side after a long hiatus, is a legendary name in New York bagel history. The bagels are kettle-boiled and baked on a stone hearth, producing a large, shiny bagel with a chewy crust and a dense interior.
The lox sandwich ($15.95) is classic: Nova salmon, cream cheese, capers, and red onion on a toasted bagel. The "H&H Special" ($18.50) adds avocado and sprouts.
This is a nostalgic choice for those who remember the original H&H on Broadway. The bagels are excellent, but the lox is not house-cured—it is sourced from a commercial supplier. The service can be slow, and the location is small.
Order the poppy seed bagel with Nova and plain cream cheese for the most traditional experience. H&H is a solid option if you are in the Upper East Side and want a classic bagel.
10. Kossar’s Bagels & Bialys
Kossar’s Bagels & Bialys, at 367 Grand Street on the Lower East Side, is a historic bakery that has been operating since 1936. While they are famous for their bialys, their bagels are also excellent—kettle-boiled and baked in a coal-fired oven, giving them a charred, smoky flavor and a crisp crust.
The lox sandwich ($13.50) is simple: a sesame bagel, Nova lox, cream cheese, and capers. The Nova is sourced from a local supplier, but the bagel is the star here.
This is the spot for a bialy with lox if you want something different from a bagel. The everything bialy with Nova and scallion cream cheese is a unique and delicious twist. The service is fast, and the bakery is a working landmark.
Kossar’s is a great choice for a quick, affordable breakfast on the Lower East Side, especially if you want to try a bialy—a cousin of the bagel that is softer and has a depression filled with onions.
FAQ
What is the difference between Nova lox and regular lox? Nova lox is cold-smoked salmon from the Nova Scotia region, cured with a salt-sugar brine and then cold-smoked, resulting in a silky, buttery texture. Regular lox is typically brined but not smoked, giving it a saltier, firmer texture.
Most top-tier NYC shops serve Nova lox.
Which bagel shop has the best value for bagels and lox? Absolute Bagels offers the best value at $9.50 for a lox and cream cheese sandwich. Zabar’s is also a great value if you buy by the pound and make your own at home.
Are any of these bagel shops open 24 hours? No, none of the shops on this list are open 24 hours. Ess-a-Bagel opens at 6:30 AM and closes at 8 PM. Absolute Bagels is open until 10 PM. Kossar’s closes at 6 PM.
What is the best bagel for lox? A sesame bagel is the most popular choice because the nutty flavor complements the fish without overpowering it. A poppy seed bagel is also excellent. Avoid everything bagels if you want the lox to shine.
Can I order bagels and lox for delivery? Yes, most of these shops offer delivery through Uber Eats, DoorDash, or their own websites. However, the bagels will lose their crispness during transit. For the best experience, eat them fresh at the shop or within 30 minutes of pickup.
Sources
- Russ & Daughters Cafe Menu and History
- Ess-a-Bagel Official Site
- Barney Greengrass Menu and History
- Absolute Bagels on Yelp
- Zabar’s Smoked Fish and Bagels
- Baz Bagel Official Site
- Tompkins Square Bagels Menu
- Murray’s Bagels Locations and Menu
- H&H Bagels Official Site
- Kossar’s Bagels & Bialys History
Bottom Line
For the ultimate bagels and lox experience in New York City, Russ & Daughters Cafe is the clear winner for its historic ambiance and house-cured fish, while Absolute Bagels offers unbeatable value. Whether you prioritize the chew of a kettle-boiled bagel, the silkiness of Nova salmon, or the nostalgia of a Lower East Side appetizing store, this list covers every need.
Visit any of these ten spots to taste why New York remains the capital of this iconic dish.
*Top 10 Places to Dine in New York City for Bagels and Lox*