Upper West Side Bagel Shops: A Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue Walk

The upper west side bagel shops scene is one of the most walkable food stories in New York City. Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue run parallel for dozens of blocks, and bagel counters, appetizing shops and bakeries are scattered along both. Hours and menus change, so confirm each stop before you commit.

A good plan is to pick a starting point near your hotel, then walk north or south along Broadway, sampling one or two counters rather than trying everything. The neighborhood is residential and relaxed compared with Midtown Manhattan, which makes it a pleasant place for a slow morning.

Upper West Side Bagel Shops Between Lincoln Center and West 72nd Street

South of West 72nd Street, the blocks near Lincoln Center and Columbus Circle mix cafes, delis and a few well-regarded bagel counters. Hotels in this area include the Empire Hotel at 44 West 63rd Street, so guests often walk a few blocks for breakfast. Confirm that the hotel is open and what it offers.

Lincoln Center sits at 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, near West 65th Street, and morning performances can raise foot traffic. If you have a rehearsal or matinee, choose a shop within a short walking distance and avoid arriving during the busiest hour, which is usually right around nine.

Appetizing Counters and Smoked Fish Around West 80th and Broadway

Appetizing shops sell smoked fish, spreads and salads rather than meat. Zabar’s, at 2245 Broadway near West 80th Street, is a widely known Upper West Side institution; confirm hours and what is sold at the counter. Many visitors buy a bagel, lox and a container of cream cheese to take away.

If you are new to the vocabulary, ask staff to explain nova, belly lox and whitefish. Counters sell fish by the quarter pound or half pound, and prices change, so confirm costs before you order. A small cooler bag helps if you will be out all day before returning to your hotel room.

Bagel Shops Near Absolute Bagels and West 107th Street

Farther north on Broadway, near West 107th Street, a popular bagel shop is often mentioned at 2788 Broadway. Confirm the address, hours and whether lines are long on weekends. The area near Columbia University also has many cafes, so options are plentiful if one shop is crowded.

This stretch is a longer trip from Midtown, so a morning bagel here often fits best into a day spent in Morningside Heights or Riverside Park. Take the 1 subway to 110th Street or 103rd Street, and confirm which station is closest to your chosen counter.

Subway Lines for Bagel Mornings on the Upper West Side

The 1, 2 and 3 subway lines run along Broadway, and the B and C run along Central Park West. Service patterns change, so confirm express and local stops on the MTA site. The 1 is the local, stopping at most Upper West Side stations, which is handy for a bagel crawl.

If you are staying near Central Park, the B and C stop at 81st Street-Museum of Natural History, close to the American Museum of Natural History at 200 Central Park West. Fares are commonly cited at $3 per OMNY tap, but confirm the current fare before you travel.

Eating a Bagel in Riverside Park, Central Park and Along the Hudson

The Upper West Side is bordered by two large parks. Riverside Park runs along the Hudson River, and Central Park lies to the east. A takeout bagel can easily become a picnic on a bench, though seating, weather and closures vary. Confirm park hours and any food rules before settling in.

Pack napkins and a small bag for trash, since public bins can fill quickly on weekends. If the weather is cold, a hotel lobby is not a public space, so ask permission before sitting. Walking toward a park after breakfast also helps you reach museums by late morning.

Pairing a Bagel With the American Museum of Natural History and Lincoln Center

A bagel breakfast pairs naturally with the American Museum of Natural.

Frequently Asked Questions About Upper West Side Bagel Shops

These answers cover common questions about bagel shopping on the Upper West Side. Because shops change hours, ownership and menus, treat each answer as general guidance and confirm details directly with the business.

If you are traveling with older adults or children, choose a shop near a subway station and bring a plan for seating. Weekend lines at popular counters can be long, so a backup option within walking distance is worth identifying in advance.