Ess-a-Bagel (32nd Street)

Ess-a-Bagel, 108 W 32nd St

Fat New York bagels stacked with lox and scallion cream cheese

Hours

Daily 06:00-19:00

Budget

$7-21 per person

Address

108 W 32nd St (between 6th and 7th Aves)

A family-run bagel shop since 1976 that turns up on nearly every list of the city's best bagels. Pick a bagel bigger than your palm, name a cream cheese and fillings, and they build it on the spot. The 'Signature Favorite' is lox with scallion cream cheese, tomato, red onion and capers; many say half of one keeps you going until lunch. This 32nd Street branch is a block from the Empire State Building, so it's easy to eat breakfast and head up.