Bagels & Schmear is THAT spot.
Tucked away on 116 E 28th St, this little bagel joint is straight-up bagel royalty. If you know, you know. Walk in and you’re hit with the warm, toasty scent of fresh bagels that could make a grown New Yorker tear up. This place doesn’t try too hard—it doesn’t have to. It’s just consistently excellent, and that’s rare.
The bagels? Perfectly dense, chewy, and with just the right amount of crusty bite on the outside. You can tell they’re made with care, not just pumped out like some chain nonsense. Every single flavor hits. Plain? Classic. Everything? Elite. Cinnamon raisin? Sweet nostalgia.
And don’t even get me started on the schmear. It’s not just a spread—it’s a lifestyle. The scallion cream cheese is loaded with flavor, not that weak stuff. The lox? Fresh, silky, generous. The bacon egg and cheese? Might be one of the most underrated in the city.
Staff is quick, no-BS, and gets your order right even when it’s slammed. Which it usually is, because everybody in the neighborhood knows this is one of the best bagel spots in Manhattan. Tourists walk past it without realizing they just missed a New York staple.
Is it fancy? No. Is it overhyped? Absolutely not. Is it worth going out of your way for? 1000% yes.
Bagels & Schmear is everything a real NYC bagel shop should be—no frills, just fire bagels made by people who clearly know what they’re doing. If you’re in Manhattan and you haven’t had it yet, fix that....
Read moreIf you're searching for the perfect bagel in NYC, Bagels & Schmear is the place to go. I recently tried their pastrami, cheese, mustard, and onion bagel, and it was phenomenal. The bagel was perfectly baked—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with sesame seeds adding a delightful crunch. The pastrami was generously packed and flavorful, pairing beautifully with the melted cheese and tangy mustard, while the onions added a subtle sweetness and crunch.
The quality of the ingredients and the attention to detail at Bagels & Schmear are truly commendable. Every bite of this bagel was a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that left me wanting more. The combination of the rich, smoky pastrami, sharp cheese, and the perfect amount of mustard made for an unforgettable experience.
In addition to the fantastic food, the service was top-notch. The staff were friendly, efficient, and clearly passionate about their craft. The warm and inviting atmosphere made it the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal. Whether you're a local or just visiting NYC, Bagels & Schmear is a must-visit for any bagel lover. Highly...
Read moreI recently visited this popular bagel spot, and while the experience had some ups and downs, it was definitely worth trying. First off, be prepared for a long line—it's very popular, so make sure you’ve already had your coffee going before you get there! Speaking of coffee, it was just okay—nothing special, but it gets the job done.
The place itself has an authentic vibe, which I really appreciated. There were so many options on the menu, making it tough to choose! The bagel was delicious—perfectly toasted and full of flavor. However, I’m a bit picky when it comes to eggs, and the smell wasn’t quite to my liking. That said, if you’re not as sensitive to that, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
Despite the long wait and minor issues with the eggs, I think this bagel place is definitely worth a try. The bagels are top-notch, and the overall experience is enjoyable. Just be ready for a bit of a wait and a coffee that’s decent but not the star...
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