The Bagel Belt: Exploring the Best Bagel Shops in New York City and Beyond
New York City is famous for its bagels, and for good reason. The city’s bagel shops have been perfecting the art of bagel-making for generations, and the result is a delicious, crispy, chewy treat that’s hard to find anywhere else. But the best bagel shops in New York City aren’t just limited to the five boroughs – there are plenty of amazing bagel shops throughout the region, from Long Island to New Jersey and beyond. In this article, we’ll explore the best bagel shops in the Bagel Belt, and what makes them so special.
The Bagel Belt: Where to Find the Best Bagels
The Bagel Belt refers to the region around New York City where bagel shops are concentrated. This area includes the five boroughs of New York City, as well as parts of Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Within this region, there are dozens of bagel shops that are renowned for their delicious bagels, creative flavors, and old-school charm.
The Best Bagel Shops in New York City
- Russ & Daughters Cafe (Lower East Side): This Jewish appetizing shop and cafe has been a New York City institution for over 100 years. Their bagels are hand-rolled and baked fresh daily, and come in a variety of flavors, including classic everything, sesame, and poppy.
- Ess-a-Bagel (Multiple locations): With over 20 locations throughout the city, Ess-a-Bagel is one of the most popular bagel shops in New York City. Their bagels are made with high-quality ingredients and come in a range of flavors, including cinnamon raisin, blueberry, and whole wheat.
- H&H Bagels (Upper West Side): This beloved bagel shop has been a New York City staple for over 40 years. Their bagels are hand-rolled and baked in a brick oven, and come in a variety of flavors, including classic everything, sesame, and poppy.
The Best Bagel Shops Beyond New York City
- The Bagel Place (Long Island City, Queens): This family-owned bagel shop has been a Long Island City institution for over 20 years. Their bagels are made with high-quality ingredients and come in a range of flavors, including cinnamon raisin, blueberry, and whole wheat.
- Bagel Oasis (Jersey City, NJ): This bagel shop is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Their bagels are hand-rolled and baked fresh daily, and come in a variety of flavors, including classic everything, sesame, and poppy.
- The Bagel Cafe (Westport, CT): This charming bagel shop is located in the heart of Westport’s downtown area. Their bagels are made with high-quality ingredients and come in a range of flavors, including cinnamon raisin, blueberry, and whole wheat.
FAQs
Q: What makes a good bagel?
A: A good bagel should be crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and have a subtle sweetness.
Q: What’s the difference between a bagel and a bread?
A: A bagel is a type of bread that’s boiled before being baked, which gives it a distinctive crust and chew.
Q: Can I make my own bagels at home?
A: Yes! Making your own bagels at home is a fun and rewarding process. You can find plenty of recipes online, or try using a bagel-making kit.
Q: Are bagels only for breakfast?
A: No way! Bagels are delicious at any time of day, whether you’re having them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Q: Can I freeze bagels?
A: Yes! Bagels can be frozen for up to three months. Simply thaw them at room temperature or toast them in the oven to revive their texture and flavor.
Image:
A photo of a delicious-looking bagel with cream cheese and lox, taken at Russ & Daughters Cafe in New York City.
Conclusion:
The Bagel Belt is a region like no other, where the art of bagel-making has been perfected over generations. From classic everything bagels to creative flavors like cinnamon raisin and blueberry, there’s a bagel shop out there for everyone. Whether you’re a native New Yorker or just visiting the region, be sure to explore the best bagel shops in the Bagel Belt and experience the delicious, crispy, chewy goodness for yourself.
