Essa bagels have the perfect bagel--soft and chewy on the inside, but firm/crunchy outside. They are also huge--I used to joke how they were like life preservers. People rave about H&H bagels, but... More

Essa bagels have the perfect bagel--soft and chewy on the inside, but firm/crunchy outside. They are also huge--I used to joke how they were like life preservers. People rave about H&H bagels, but Essa has them beat hands down! When the bagels come out of the oven, they are divine. They also sell cream cheese and other related foods, but the bagels are the highlights. On weekends, there can be a long line. I used to live in the area and could pop by for bagels. Now I live farther away, but I still love to make a special trip to Essa Bagel. They have 2 branches, one on 1st Ave and 21st, and another at 831 3rd Ave. Bagels are 70 cents each. I highly recommend an Essa Bagel!
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