Ess-a-Bagel has been a Midtown staple since 1976, and their bagels are MASSIVE. I'm talking dinner-plate sized rounds of doughy goodness.

Size Matters

Let's address the elephant in the room – these bagels are huge. Like, comically large. When they say "New York-sized," they mean it. One bagel here is easily two meals.

The Bagel Itself

The everything bagel came out fresh from the oven, still warm. The crust had a satisfying crackle, giving way to a soft, slightly chewy interior. The everything topping was generous – sesame, poppy, onion, garlic, and salt in perfect harmony.

The Scallion Cream Cheese

Their house-made scallion cream cheese is excellent. Creamy, tangy, with visible chunks of fresh scallion throughout. They don't skimp on the schmear here – you get a proper New York amount.

The Atmosphere

The Midtown location is no-frills but efficient. Workers behind the counter move with practiced precision, slicing and spreading with speed that only comes from years of bagel-making.

Final Thoughts

While it may not have the historic gravitas of Russ & Daughters, Ess-a-Bagel delivers a consistently excellent, satisfying bagel experience. The value proposition is strong – you're getting a lot of bagel for your money.

Best for: When you want a reliable, massive bagel without the tourist crowds.