Ess-a-Bagel
New York, NY 10010-5611
Phone: (212) 260-2252
- Price:
- $
- Cross Street:
- 21st Street
- Directions:
- L at 1st Ave
- Best of Citysearch:
- Bagel 2007, Bagel 2006, Bagel 2006
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 6am-9pm, Sun 6am-5pm
Editorial Review for Ess-a-Bagel – by Dan McAlvanah
The Scene
The interior of Ess-a-Bagel, which opened in 1976 near the northwestern edge of Stuyvesant Town, has all the appeal of a breakfast nook at a Howard Johnson's, with a chintzy chandelier dangling from a drop ceiling and green metal patio chairs for seating. You want to make something of it? This place is also about attitude--even little old ladies aren't immune from the scorn of the guys behind the counter.
The Food
The bagels are big and meaty, with a fluffy interior and a good hard shell of an exterior. They're large and flavorful enough to serve as a meal on their own, but should you want more, the counter stocks such essentials as chicken salad, chopped herring salad, eggplant salad and a whole range of cream cheeses and smoked salmon.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
User Reviews for Ess-a-Bagel
06/02/2008 Posted by huskyduck
I went to Ess A Bagel expecting the rude counter service written about in many of these past reviews but I was treated very nicely even though it was painfully clear I was a first time customer, and I'm a guy! I had a basic bagel with lox and creamcheese which was quite frankly, the best bagel I have ever eaten. Sure, it is a bit pricey but they do use top quality ingredients. The lox had a deliciously smokey taste and was of Russ & Daughter's quality. The creamcheese was smooth and rich, the perfect accompaniment to their substantial and crusty bagel. I can't wait to go back and try some of their other bagel sandwich offerings. From what I could see from what others were eating, they all looked great.
Pros: Best Bagel In New York?
Cons: Others say rude counter service but I didn't encounter this
03/26/2008 Posted by Amaynard8
I recently visited a friend in New York. One morning she suggested we go here for Breakfast/Lunch. I was exactly excited about it, but when she said that they had Lox I was in. It was a little overwhelming as far as order and I had her boyfriend order for me-It was kind of like the Soup Natzi. But they had both been there and knew the ordering situation. At first I thought it was a little pricey, but taking into consideration its in New York, and it was HUGE, I got over that quickly. It was so good. I had an Onion Bagel with Scallion Cream cheese, Lox, tomato, onion and lettuce. It was so good, I was very impressed. I wish my city had something like this, but since then I have actually been looking into opening a shop similar to it in my town. I would recommend trying it out. Just be prepared to deal with a little New York attitude, but the return is well worth it!!!!!
Pros: Great Food, Never had better Lox!!!
Cons: Very small shop and we took our bagels outside to eat
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