For my money, these are the best bagels in the city. And the whitefish salad on sesame is without peer.

For my money, these are the best bagels in the city. And the whitefish salad on sesame is without peer.
Less

Great bagels, great cream cheese! There's a long line, but the employees are so great that you don't mind waiting a few minutes. The bagels are always hot and fresh. Pros: Awesome bagels,... More

Great bagels, great cream cheese! There's a long line, but the employees are so great that you don't mind waiting a few minutes. The bagels are always hot and fresh. Pros: Awesome bagels, Friendly staff, Cheap Cons: , Long lines
Less

I took my mom along for our first visit to Ess a Bagel on Mother's day. I wondered if we would get attitude, but the only attitude we got was pleasant... the man who made our sandwiches even wished... More

I took my mom along for our first visit to Ess a Bagel on Mother's day. I wondered if we would get attitude, but the only attitude we got was pleasant... the man who made our sandwiches even wished my mom a happy mother's day. We both enjoyed our bagels and will be going back!
Less

Unremarkable is the best word to describe Ess-a, which is unfortunate given all its accolades. The bagels themselves are simply average, certainly bested in consistency and taste by not only others... More

Unremarkable is the best word to describe Ess-a, which is unfortunate given all its accolades. The bagels themselves are simply average, certainly bested in consistency and taste by not only others in NYC (Pick-a-bagel by the 77th subway for one), but by *gasp* others in assorted suburbs upstate. Sure, they have some good toppings that combine with the decent bagels for a tasty breakfast or lunch, but simply considering the quality and taste of the bagels themselves, you can do far better. Pros: Good toppings Cons: Average Bagels
Less

The service might be a little ruff around the edges sometimes (just think "No soup for you!"), but the bagels are amazing! I live in the neighborhood and I'm a devoted customer. Kudos to the... More

The service might be a little ruff around the edges sometimes (just think "No soup for you!"), but the bagels are amazing! I live in the neighborhood and I'm a devoted customer. Kudos to the whitefish, lox, and veggie cream cheese. The rice pudding is also a winner.
Less

There isn't a better bagke ANYWHERE! I can't see how anyone could even compare another bagel like H&H, which are all so average. These are gigantic and full of flavor. The Whitefish salad is the... More

There isn't a better bagke ANYWHERE! I can't see how anyone could even compare another bagel like H&H, which are all so average. These are gigantic and full of flavor. The Whitefish salad is the best anywhere as well. Make sure you wave hello to Dave behind the counter - he even feeds the poor when they come in hungry. Pros: Taste, Quantity, Value Cons: Long lines, not enough tables
Less

My wife and I went here based upon favorable reviews from Zagat and Frommers. THEY WERE WRONG!!! This place has the worst customer service I have ever seen. We waited in line for 10 minutes and... More

My wife and I went here based upon favorable reviews from Zagat and Frommers. THEY WERE WRONG!!! This place has the worst customer service I have ever seen. We waited in line for 10 minutes and then when we got to the counter, we told them what we wanted but they skipped over us with no regard. No personality, no tact. Got tired of asking for help and walked out. Absolutely the WORST experience you could ever have. Will never go back here again and STRONGLY recommend you don't waste your time either!! Never tasted the food so I can't tell you if it is good or bad, but who wants to do business with someone that does't want your business? Cons: RUDE, DISCOURTEOUS
Less

Hot bagels whenever they are open - watch them being made.

Hot bagels whenever they are open - watch them being made.
Less

I tried this morning an everything bagle with vegitable creem cheese, as recommended. It was so cruncy in the exterieur, and hot inside...yummy...I recommend you to try this one! Well, if you want... More

I tried this morning an everything bagle with vegitable creem cheese, as recommended. It was so cruncy in the exterieur, and hot inside...yummy...I recommend you to try this one! Well, if you want to try all bagles, you have to come by over thirty times! Pros: Inexepensive, Fresh, Delicious Cons: Good access, Fast
Less

Being new visitors to NYC... we had the best experience in Ess-a-Bagel. Great bagels, schmears and lox. The workers are pleasure to see early in the morning - very friendly - a great sense of... More

Being new visitors to NYC... we had the best experience in Ess-a-Bagel. Great bagels, schmears and lox. The workers are pleasure to see early in the morning - very friendly - a great sense of humor. Pros: inexpensive
Less