Tompkins Square Bagel

A Delightful Bagel Experience at Tompkins Square Bagels

New York City, the bagel capital of the world, is home to some of the best and most iconic bagel spots. Among these famed establishments, Tompkins Square Bagels is a standout, celebrated for its classic approach to the beloved bagel. Whether you’re a lifelong New Yorker or just visiting the Big Apple, there’s no doubt that a stop at this bagel haven is a must.

Fun fact: it’s famously known as Timothée Chalamet’s favorite bagel spot!

First Impressions

Located in the East Village, Tompkins Square Bagels immediately welcomes you with the smell of freshly baked bagels. The vibe inside is warm, inviting, and distinctly New York—think black-and-white checkered floors, a bustling counter, handwritten menu boards, and regulars chatting over coffee. It’s a no-frills shop that knows exactly what it’s good at.

The energy inside is vibrant and a little chaotic in the best way possible. Lines move fast, and the staff know how to handle the crowds with efficiency and attitude—just what you’d expect from an authentic NYC bagel joint.

The Menu: A Bagel Lover’s Playground

One look at the menu and you’ll be overwhelmed (in a good way). You can choose from dozens of bagel types: plain, everything, sesame, whole wheat, cinnamon raisin, and more. Then there’s the cream cheese section—a rainbow of options, from classic scallion to fun flavors like birthday cake, wasabi, or even cookie dough.

Beyond cream cheese, they offer a wide selection of sandwiches, lox platters, breakfast options, and salads. And yes, they also serve coffee and cold brews for your morning fuel.

What We Ordered: A Two-Part Tasting Experience

Being indecisive in a place like this is inevitable, so I went with two very different bagels to experience both sides of the flavor spectrum:

1. Plain Bagel with Smoked Salmon, Scallion Cream Cheese, Tomato, and Capers
2. Plain Bagel with Triple Berry Cream Cheese

1. Plain Bagel with Smoked Salmon, Scallion Cream Cheese, Tomato, and Capers

This is the classic NYC combo that never goes out of style. The smoked salmon was silky and fresh—not too salty, which is often a problem elsewhere. The scallion cream cheese was creamy and tangy, adding just the right sharpness to the mild salmon.

The capers and tomato brought balance and brightness to the whole sandwich. On top of that chewy-yet-soft plain bagel? Chef’s kiss.

🥯 “Lowkey, I always order smoked salmon bagels. This one wasn’t revolutionary, but it was solid, satisfying, and fresh.”

2. Plain Bagel with Triple Berry Cream Cheese

This was a wild card and honestly, it stole the show. The triple berry cream cheese had visible chunks of fruit—blueberry, strawberry, and raspberry, I believe—and it tasted like summer in every bite.

The sweetness was natural and not overly sugary, which I appreciated. The combination of the dense bagel and the fruity spread made for a delightful, almost dessert-like treat.

🍓 “Unlike artificial-tasting spreads you sometimes find elsewhere, this one felt like it was made with love—and real berries.”

Quality & Freshness That Sets It Apart

What separates Tompkins Square Bagels from the pack isn’t just its menu variety, but its unwavering commitment to freshness. Everything tastes like it was made that morning—which, it probably was.

• Bagels are boiled and baked fresh on-site.
• Ingredients are high-quality and thoughtfully chosen.
• Cream cheeses are made in-house and generously portioned.

You can feel the difference in the bite. These aren’t bagels that rely on gimmicks—they’re the kind that make you close your eyes and chew a little slower.

Service and Atmosphere

Yes, it’s busy. Yes, the line might be long. But the staff move fast, and it’s part of the experience. Don’t expect overly chatty baristas—it’s more of a “get in, get fed, and go” vibe.

There’s limited seating, but turnover is fast. If you’re visiting during peak brunch hours, you might have to wait for a table—or better yet, take it to go and walk over to Tompkins Square Park just a few steps away.

Great for Locals and Tourists Alike

Whether you’re a local who craves your regular fix or a visitor searching for a real NYC food experience, Tompkins Square Bagels checks all the boxes:

• Authentic
• Affordable (roughly $7–$14 depending on toppings)
• Consistently delicious

While it might not be as “trendy” as other bagel shops popping up around the city, it doesn’t need to be. It stays true to what it does best—New York-style bagels done right.

Fun Bonus: Celebrity Favorite

The fact that Timothée Chalamet is a known fan of the shop adds a bit of celebrity allure. Who knows? You might end up standing behind someone famous while ordering your lox and cream cheese. Since this is a very iconic place, you can bump into filming experience if you are lucky.

Final Thoughts

Tompkins Square Bagels offers one of the most satisfying, authentic, and memorable bagel experiences in New York. Whether you go savory with smoked salmon or lean sweet with berry spreads, you’ll walk away full and happy.

It’s not just about bagels—it’s about the NYC breakfast ritual, the community feel, the controlled chaos, and the smell of carbs that hits you as soon as you walk in the door.

So if you’re ever in the East Village, do yourself a favor: stop by, stand in line, and order big. You won’t regret it.

📝 Quick Info:

• Name: Tompkins Square Bagels
• Location: 165 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
• Must-Try: Smoked Salmon with Scallion Cream Cheese, Triple Berry Cream Cheese
• Price Range: $7–$14
• Seating: Limited (Takeout recommended during busy hours)
• Hours: Daily, 7 AM – 5 PM
• Closest Park: Tompkins Square Park (great for picnic-style breakfast!)