Are you a bagel aficionado? If you are, and if you are ready for one of the best delis in the country, then continue reading! If you decide to visit NYC, be sure to get over to Ess-a-Bagel. Florence and Gene Wilpon and Florence’s brother Aaron Wenzelberg opened Ess-a-Bagel in 1976. Since Florence passed away in 2013, all three locations are run by Florence’s sister Muriel and her niece Melaine.
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Where Is Ess-a-Bagel Located?
They now have three locations: one is at 831 Third Ave. between 50th and 51st street, one is located at 108 West 32nd Street between 6th and 7th Ave., and the latest site is at 324 First Avenue at 19th street.
It’s Worth The Wait
I went to NYC for a blogging conference, and my sister came along.
We decided to go to Ess-a-Bagel after the staff at the 45 Midtown Wyndham suggested it. We visited their 831 Third Ave. location and there was a line to get in… you know it’s good when you see that! Yes, the line was long, but it was without a doubt worth the wait!
Ess-a-Bagel looks like a typical NYC deli, and seating was limited, but we managed to get a seat. However, if you don’t get a seat, then get it to go. You can also sit on the steps of surrounding churches or museums, or take it back home or take it to your hotel lobby. The other locations have seating too; patrons often eat and move on, so you could get a seat sooner than you think.
What Is On The Menu
They have bagels, lox, herring, whitefish, baked goods and desserts, knishes, and so much more! Now you can get eggs on your bagel too!
The deli has lots of salads such as Curry Chicken Salad, Spanish Eggplant Salad, Egg Salad, as well as over seven seafood/fish salads, including Salmon, Whitefish, Crab Salad, Shrimp or Smoked Shrimp, and Tuna Salads. Of course, there is always a cup of coffee, cappuccino, espresso to accompany your bagel, or you can grab a juice or water; my sister and I opted for the cappuccino.
Their deli meats include Pastrami, Corned Beef, Liverwurst, and traditional cold cuts. How about a Pastrami sandwich on a Pumpernickel bagel or do a twist and put it on Pumpernickel raisin bagel?
What We Had For Breakfast
Ess-a-Bagel cuts their lox and pickled herring to order right in front of you, and they will ask if you want your onions (red) sliced thin and cream on top, …say YES to both. Delicious!
I didn’t get any herring at first, but after trying my sister’s, I had to get some to go! We did get a seat, so I was glad that I could try my sister’s herring before leaving to get my own.
I ordered an everything bagel with cream cheese and scallions mixed in and topped with lox, capers, and thinly sliced red onions. Their bagels and servings are not skimpy, meaning their everything bagels, poppy seed bagels, etc. are saturated in the seasoning.
No matter what location you visit, trust me, you will be glad you did. If you cannot wait to go there in person no worries; they do ship so you may just want to order some bagels and other items from Ess-a-Bagel today!
Another place I like going when in New York, but outside the city is Rockland Bakery where they have hot bagels coming off a conveyor belt. If you have been to Ess-a-Bagel, let me know.
