I did eat other stuff in NYC besides pizza actually. I ate tons and tons of bagels, and guess what… I fell in love. No, don’t worry. I’m not going to get rid of my darling Mr. P (who would buy my bagels then?).
You see, I have always had a love affair with bagels from as far back as I can remember. They are my favourite breakfast food. How I adore them with a schmear of cream cheese, slithers of smoked salmon, and freshly cracked pepper. But sometimes I eat them for dinner, sometimes for lunch… there’s always an excuse for a delicious bagel. Carbs and me, well, we have a special relationaship, and it’s based on pure love.
I’ve always toasted my bagels, but it seems that in NY, amongst the big shot bagel retailers, toasting your bagel just isn’t the done thing. They are of the opinion that if a bagel is really good and really fresh, toasting the bagel actually detracts from it’s bagel-y goodness. Go figure. In fact, in some places, asking for your bagel toasted is taken as almost an insult! Being that I ALWAYS toast my bagels, I really didn’t think that raw bagels were going to be tasty. But for the first time in my life, I was wrong 
.
Like with my exhaustive pizza sampling, I also tried bagels at three different places. Of the three, our least favourite was at H&H Midtown Bagels (not to be confused with H&H on the Upper West Side, the really famous one, yeah, it’s confusing, I know). These were the smallest bagels of the three, and the least interesting. There was just nothing special about these. The cool thing about H&H Midtown is that they had a seating area. H&H on the Upper West side does not. What would be the fun of buying a delicious bagel and eat them without cream cheese or anything? That would have sucked a bit. Although next time, I may just go and bring my own cutlery, slice my bagel, and schmear it up myself. Oh, life is hard. I hear that those bagels from H&H on the Upper West Side are amazing. Any of you tried them?
Here is a picture of the bagel Mr. P got. It’s the classic combo of lox, sliced tomato, onion and cream cheese. While it was not bad by any means, it is a far cry from the next two places. So my recommendation is to give H&H Midtown a miss. I give this place a 5/10.
The next place we went to was the highly acclaimed Ees-a-Bagel. I’ve got to tell you, those bagels were pretty awesome. They were big fat carby delights full of deliciousness. The thing about Ees-a-Bagel is that your food gets served with some very brusque and almost rude attitude on the side (although it does come for free LOL). When you get to the counter, you better know exactly what you want, or prepare to pay the consequences. There are so many cool choices as bagel fillings, however, that it sounds easier than it is. Plus there are a lot of pushy customers waiting behind you. Where is one’s pepper spray when they need it, I ask you? Still, when you do sit down and enjoy your purchase, it’s kinda worth it, cause they are so good. Nasty attitude aside, I would not hesitate to come back. Mr P and I give Ees-A-Bagel a 9/10.
Again, lox, cream cheese and red onion, this time on an onion bagel. Looks much better than the first one, no?
But now, I want to tell you of my favorite NYC bagel place. The place which Mr P and I both award the 10/10 to: Murray’s Bagels. Once we discovered it, we kept going back again and again. Of all the wonderful places I had the pleasure of eating at while in New York, this is the place I miss most. This is the place that brings me near to tears of longing. I would like to tell you that it was some fancy restaurant which took my heart, but no. It was most definitely Murray’s. The first time we went, I got this beauty: cream cheese and sable (also known as black cod).
OMG! BLISS!!!!! Oh, and by the way, I know I’m not kidding anyone with that “diet” cream soda. It’s just the way I rationalize things LOL.
Mr P chose a very similar looking bagel of sturgeon and cream cheese. Our bagels that day were kind of expensive because of the exotic smoked fish, but hey, that’s how we roll (and that’s how we become rolly pollys). You just don’t see smoked versions of those fish here in the UK. Why spend that much for some fancy fish? “Cause I’m worth it,” she said, with a flick of her hair. I am happy to say that although the fish is on the pricey side, they give you plenty of it.
In the words of Rachel Zoe, ” I die.”
So, the bagels themselves, what’s special about them? Oh, where do I even begin? First of all they are giant behemoths of a bagel. One couple I saw were actually sharing their bagel. Mr. P and I looked at them and laughed. AS IF! The texture is pillowy but very chewy. Chewy enough to dislocate your jaw (and I mean that in a good way). The crust, and this is true for all the flavours I’ve tried, has a the slightest bit of crunch to it. I have found that the bagels seem to have tiny areas which are are a bit more crusty than others, and biting into one of those crispy bits is nothing short of divine. What kind of weirdo would want to share this? Hello?!? I’d take anything I couldn’t finish (like that ever happens) home and keep it under my pillow for safe keeping while I slept! Fish and all.
Murray’s has a no smoking policy, fish being the exception .
This is one of their specialty sandwiches: The Rivington Street Sandwich.
The Rivington bagel has two kinds of fish: Novia Scotia Salmon and sable. Eating it is a messy job because it is stuffed to the brim with goodies. It’s hard to keep it all together while you are chewing away. Don’t worry though, I managed.
Check out the cinnamon raisin bagel. It is a work of art. Look at the marbling of the cinnamon!
Now that I am back in the UK, the thought of a delicious Murray’s bagel almost brings a tear to my eye. I loved it that much. As for the whole toasting thing, that was a revalation. But I’ll tell you what, I wouldn’t try that trick in the UK. Our bagels here really do need toasting 
. Oh dear, how am I supposed to enjoy a UK bagel when I know what a really good bagel is supposed to taste like now? Yep, I think trouble is going to be a’brewing. I am not used to not getting what I want.
HH: “Murray… please… come back!… I need you”
Murray: “Frankly my dear Housewife, I don’t give a damn!”
HH: “*Gasp* Then I will follow you back again to NYC and gobble all your bagels with Mr P’s money… I will eat him into the poor house if I have to. As God is my witness, I will never go hungry for good bagels again!”
… ah the drama… but ya know, a girl’s gotta do what a girls gotta do .
Goodness, you have a career in comedy ahead of you!! Great reporting of the bagel world that is NYC. Next time you must try the Donut Plant… and the Bialy place close by… you will swoon!
hahahahahahahahahahahha,…what a funny & lovely post from an ode to the best bagels from New york!!
Thanks for introducing me to bagels because you can’t get them here in Belgium. Indeed, those bagels look the best!!
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM,..I am loving it!
OMG OMG OMG!!! I LOVE BAGELS – fresh, soft, slightly chewy (due to the very UNtoasted quality of the bagel) with cream cheese and loads of salty nova lox on them and honey can I say how cruel you are to show me all of these pictures as I CANNOT get anything like this in Nantes? Argh!!! Now you’ve stirred up the beast inside! But I am writing down the addresses for next time I am in NYC!!!
xoxo
You can definitely tell that the Murray’s bagel is far superior. They look swoon-worthy for sure!!
HH, the last paragraph just cracked me up…LOL
wow I love that cinnamon swirled bagel! Looks mouthwatering.
I cannot even tell you how much I miss bagels. Real bagels. I’m not sure if this post helped or hurt, but it did make me hungry. These look so good. I wonder how much lobbying we Americans in the UK would have to do to get one over here? It just might be worth it…
One thing my husband misses most about NY is the bagels, lol. And he’s right, they are amazing! We always get the “everything” bagel when we’re there. Yum-o!
Good gracious, those bagels are huge and scrumptious! Ooo… especially the cinnamon one. Whoever the Murray! Please take me with you too…. Me or HH…Me or HH….Me or HH….????? hahaha…. Just kidding! You have a great day.
Cheers, kristy
Those all look amazing! I’ve had H&H bagels, but they overnighted and not fresh from the oven. I love smoked fish, and all these options have made me very hungy this morning. My breakfast wasn’t nearly as good!
HH
I adore Ess-a-bagel! It’s true that the staff is a bit brusk, but for New York, they’re efficient and fairly reasonable in that they’re rude to everyone equally. I used to work quite near there and would frequently go for lunch. My favorite was the regular bagel with the seafood salad for filling. Wow! It’s a good thing that I was younger and walked a lot or I’d have gained tons of weight. I don’t know Murray’;s but next time I’m there, I’ll try it.
Funny post, HH!
I must admit, this is one area where we part ways. We can get absolutely the BEST bagels here, but I have never been fond of them. Your photos look wonderful and tempting, but I know it will never be something I long for! Oh well…we agree on just about everything else.
New York does seem to have the market on great bagles. The picture of the cinnamon raisin bagel would make anyone swoon. What a write up!
super cute post, I love your writing…confession i always toast my bagel also…great reviews, poor mr p, going ot he poor house for the love of bagels.love it!! oh loved the rachel quote “die”
sweetlife
OMG I want ALLLLLL of them!
Oh my girl, you are passionate about bagels! The sandwiches look absolutely lip smackin’ amazing! Now, this is a chick who could really roll with that Cinnamon bagel. Yep, your right….ya gotta kiss a lot of frogs to find that prince!
God bless ya and have a marvelous Monday!!!
What? Bagels shouldn’t be toasted? Well, what do I know? I eat about 6 bagels a year. (I’m not a bagel fan.) Maybe if I’m walking by Murray’s I’ll stop in to inspect it and see what all your fuss is about.
I would give my left arm for a bagel stuffed with smoked salmon and cream cheese. I’ve never had one, but I desperately want and need one.
HH, Those bagels look ridiculous. YUMM. Why dont you try making your own bagels with my recipe. You can find it on my blog. They are sooo good. And fresh. Nothing beats a fresh out of the oven bagel with your favourite filling!
Wow, these do look divine – worth the aggravation
Can I get in on that love letter to Murray? OMG, I live for (and would die for!) bagels!
We have got to meet the next time you are in NY! What a fabulously funny review of bagels! There is nothing like a NYC bagel…with the works! I love them! Quick funny story…one morning when I was pregnant with our daughter (5 years ago), I craved an everything bagel with the works from only one bagel shop (and not the one closest to our apartment)…my husband said that there was no way he was going to the other bagel store in the pouring rain (I don’t think a beach umbrella would have kept anyone dry in that rainstorm) to get me a bagel when there was a bagel shop steps away from our brownstone. I looked at him and said, “I never thought you would let your pregnant wife down” and with that he went running out the door. I sat happily eating my desired bagel. And now, we both love to tell that story.
You make me want to book a flight on Jet Blue this instant. When I was in NY last year, I had the chance to try Ees-a=Bagel. I also got the lox one the first time, and then the strawberry cream cheese on cinnamon bagel the next day. Both were heavenly. But Murray’s beats all that? Wow. I must go back to taste one of those sable fish ones, myself.
I believe I would have become a fan of bagel if we also have here such nice choices of them.
LOL Murray would be so proud of this love letter! Tell me darling, have you tried Montreal stuffed bagels? They would have to be my favourite of all
Hahaha! This is so funny
Miss your post.
Just realized I’ve not been getting your posts automatically since u moved your blog. I used to be able to see your updates on Blogger Dashboard but not anymore. I’ve to visit once a while but I tend to forget sometimes. Age’s catching up.
Don’t forget to drop by Luxury Indulgence too
Have a great week ahead!
I agree with you HH – toasted is the way to go – these look great, loving the NYC posts still
I used to work at a bagel shop in college…how do you like me now??
Wow wow and wow, I would love to try them all…and you are so so funny
There’s nothing like a freshly baked bagel for breakfast in NYC! We always have them at Ees-a-Bagel when we come visit NYC but looks like we’ve got to try the Murrays bagels next time!
That cinnamon swirl bagel is gorgeous. You bring me back to my youth growing up in NY with this post. These days I like all my carbs toasted too….but you are right, a great NY bagel just needs to be eaten as is. The smoked salmon & cream cheese is my favorite filling
xo
OMG! I’m drooling all over my screen now, and I’ve just had a big dinner!
I was hoping you ate something else than pizza, while in NY
Darliiiiing HH, have to ‘fess up here – don’t like bagels ( sigh
) but do like Bentleys. Grey, sleek, highly polished,George Clooney at the wheel,Jake Gyllenhaal in the back-with moi!!
Am so super late &super busy right now!
In haste
*Kisses*
Lola:)
I’m loving the Rivington Street bagel and also the cinnamon bagel! I wouldn’t even consider buying a bagel here H they are horrid. How about having fun and trying to make some………………?
Oh HH, I die. Laughing.
Wonderful ode to Murray and his fancy fish, and definitely worth it.
The cinnamon swirl is a work of art! And thank you for giving us such a complete rundown on all the best bagels. With humor on the side. I’m heading straight to Murray’s next time I hit the city!
Those look fabulous.Great to read your NY posts!
BEST BAGELS EVER! i love them so very much! I have a friend who lives in Brooklyn and works in Manhatten and I am green with eny that he can visit good ole Murrays and pick up those dilectable bites!
Hope you had a great trip!
xoxo
KC
I’ve never read such a dramtic account based on the bagel no less.
I could really almost feel sorry for you…you sounded like you were almost ready for the Bagel Nut House. LOL
Great review and shall certainly have to hit this joint when in NYC ;o)
Ciao for now,
Claudia
You know what? When I was in New York, I did not have a single bagel, not even smell a single one. Boo me….I did not know what I was doing. :O
Oh you are a riot, I just love reading your posts! I love New York bagels they are the best and I could never ever imagine sharing mine. Thats just crazy.
xoxo
I am very inspired to hop on a plane, head to NYC, and eat some NY bagels, gluten-intolerance be damned!
I cannot wait!!
Ohhh, a letter to Mr Bagel, I love it
You had me drooling there too, love my bagels (which is almost un-Australian…) but what can I say… I brought back the addiction from some far off shore land.
When I was in property management we had a bagel, doughnut and coffee gathering every Saturday. I was reminded each and every Saturday by a lovely red haired Jewish New Yorker named Florabell that you can’t beat a NY bagel. These look divine and you are so right…that cinnamon bagel is quite the work of art!
Each place has its own specialty I suppose.
Like that advt of smoked fish.
It was interesting reading this.
My Murray if you are reading this please come set up shop in Australia – I’ve never had a decent bagel here – reading this post has made me realize it.
Murray’s Bagels will be a definite stopover if I ever make it to New York. Enjoyed reading about the bagel, thanks for sharing
Sawadee from Bangkok,
Kris
LOL! — I remember my first NY bagel. and that was years ago!!! Haven’t had one in a long tie. Now I’m craving for one!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so going going on a bagel run tomorrow! I like mine scooped!
You are killing me…lol And so is the shot of the bagel and lox, I am starving
Dear HH – You are hands down a hoot!!!!! What a funny & lovely post celebration those bloody decandent bagels from NYC.
I envy you woman! You actually got to hog on these
…sigh…
Such yumminess is a sin!
Ciao, Devaki @ weavethousandflavors