Where are the best bagels?
Long Island is home to hundreds of bagel shops, many of which have built loyal followings for their fresh, hand-rolled New York-style bagels. Whether you prefer a classic plain bagel with cream cheese or an everything bagel piled high with breakfast favorites, you’ll find outstanding options throughout Nassau County and Suffolk County.
In Short
Popular bagel shops can be found across Long Island, with many communities boasting neighborhood favorites that have served customers for decades. Fresh ingredients, traditional baking methods, and a wide variety of bagels and spreads have made Long Island one of the best places in the country to enjoy authentic New York-style bagels.
Where Are the Best Bagels on Long Island?
Bagels are a staple of everyday life on Long Island, where family-owned bakeries and neighborhood bagel stores can be found in nearly every town. Freshly baked bagels are commonly served with cream cheese, butter, smoked salmon, egg sandwiches, or deli meats, making them a favorite breakfast and lunch choice for residents and visitors alike.
Many Long Islanders have their own favorite neighborhood bagel shop, and friendly debates over the island’s best bagels are common. While recipes and baking techniques vary slightly from one bakery to another, most shops prepare fresh bagels daily using traditional methods that produce a crisp exterior and soft, chewy interior.
Whether you’re looking for a classic plain bagel, an everything bagel, cinnamon raisin, sesame, poppy seed, or one of today’s specialty flavors, Long Island offers no shortage of excellent choices. Many shops also feature homemade cream cheeses, breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and deli specialties.
No matter where you are on Long Island, chances are you’ll find a highly regarded neighborhood bagel shop just a short drive away.
Whether you’re looking for a classic plain bagel, an everything bagel, cinnamon raisin, sesame, poppy seed, or one of today’s specialty flavors, Long Island offers no shortage of excellent choices. If you’re looking for a place to start, popular local favorites include A&S Bagels in Franklin Square and Wally’s Bagels in North Babylon. Like many neighborhood bagel shops across the island, both have earned loyal followings for their freshly baked New York-style bagels, homemade spreads, and breakfast sandwiches.
Quick Facts
| Looking For… | What You’ll Find |
|---|---|
| Traditional Bagels | Fresh hand-rolled New York-style bagels baked daily. |
| Popular Flavors | Everything, sesame, poppy seed, plain, onion, garlic, cinnamon raisin, and more. |
| Popular Toppings | Cream cheese, smoked salmon, butter, egg sandwiches, bacon, sausage, and deli meats. |
| Popular Nassau County Shop | A&S Bagels – Franklin Square – https://aandsbagels.com |
| Popular Suffolk County Shop | Wally’s Bagels – North Babylon – https://wallysbagels.com |
Editorial Note: Recommendations on this page are chosen independently by the LongIslandGuide.com editorial team based on reputation, visitor experience, and local significance. Featured businesses do not pay for placement, and inclusion should not be interpreted as a ranking of all businesses on Long Island.
Whether you’re grabbing breakfast before work or introducing a visitor to one of Long Island’s most iconic foods, few experiences are more authentic than enjoying a freshly baked New York-style bagel. With outstanding neighborhood bakeries throughout the island, it’s easy to discover why bagels remain one of Long Island’s best-loved culinary traditions.
