QUEENS, NY — Queens offers no shortage of quality bagels, but four local shops rise above the rest, according to Eater’s latest ranking.
These spots made the cut on Eater’s updated “Best Bagels in New York City” list this month, proving Queens holds its own in the city’s bagel game.
Two Astoria standouts earned spots on the list: Between the Bagel NY and Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company.
Between the Bagel NY, which opened just before the COVID-19 pandemic at 31-13 30th Ave., quickly developed a loyal following and has become a neighborhood staple.
The shop offers everything from traditional bagel-and-lox staples to more inventive creations, often featuring Korean-inspired twists.
According to Eater, a shop standout is the Seoul Meets Bagel sandwich, stacked with bulgogi, kimchi, egg, American cheese and gochujang aioli.
Despite its name, Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company has called Queens and Manhattan home since 2002.
The business started in Queens but now franchises those locations—while continuing to supply the bagels—and runs its Manhattan shops, anchored by a flagship in Chelsea.
Praised by Eater for its “gigantic, airy bagels,” the shop offers an extensive lineup of flavors, from classics like everything and pumpernickel to sweeter options like blueberry and cinnamon raisin.
Customers can also choose from dozens of house-made cream cheese spreads, including savory varieties like vegetable and pimento olive, as well as sweet options such as strawberry and cannoli.
Moving down to Forest Hills, the next bagel spot on the list is Bagels for You, located at 113-29 Queens Blvd.
“This modest Forest Hills bagel bakery does little to advertise itself, offering a broad range of cream cheeses and perhaps the city’s best garlic bagel,” the Eater listing states.
The neighborhood favorite draws breakfast crowds with more than just bagels and pastries, offering egg platters, pancakes, soups, salads and sandwiches.
Utopia Bagels, a bustling mainstay known for its fresh New York-style bagels and deli sandwiches, takes the final spot. Located at 9-09 Utopia Pkwy in the Whitestone neighborhood of Queens, it has been a local staple since opening in 1981.
The shop’s signature handmade approach has built a loyal following across New York City, driving its expansion to Long Island City and Midtown Manhattan.
Each bagel is individually hand-rolled, kettle-boiled and baked in a 1947 carousel oven — a time-honored method that gives them their signature flavor, enjoyed by customers for more than four decades.
Utopia has picked up a schmear of praise from Eater, which named it among its “favorite bagels across the five boroughs.” Flavors run from classics like sesame, everything, egg and blueberry to more playful options such as French toast and piña colada.
See the whole updated Eater list here.
These 4 Queens Bagel Shops Are Among Best In City: Ranking originally appeared on the Queens Patch