Nestled quietly in a strip mall off of Haverford Avenue, your lusting, carbohydrate-seeking eyes can find a heavyweight contender in Phoodie’s Great Bagel Debate: New York Bagels. This no-nonsense, get-it-and-get-out bagel shop has long been a staple in many knowing phoodies routines and now, just because we like you so much, we’re introducing it to you.
Â
Existing in the same location since 1965, these New Yorkers have been churning out 100 to 400 dozen bagels a day, along with their own cream cheeses, muffins, pasta salad, and lox. There’s also a sign on the wall that claims they offer a few different types of sandwiches, but we’re not sure there’s much truth to (or need for) this addition.
“But hold on a second,” you may be thinking. “This place is called New York Bagels…Shouldn’t we be focusing on places that advertise authentic, Philadelphia-style bagels?” To which we would respond, “That doesn’t even mean anything.”
The truth is, when you think bagels you think New York. Just like when you think Philadelphia you think, uh, cream cheese. And these bagels are perfectly authentic and perfectly delicious. Crispy and packed with toppings on the outside while soft and light on the inside, it just doesn’t get much better. And for your reading ease, here’s a list of some of the other good things about New York Bagels:
- Flats. We haven’t seen these big, flat, extra-toppinged bagels at any other bagel location in Philly and they are most definitely a favorite. Especially if you like the everything part of everything bagels. Â
- Freezer Bags. A small luxury, sure, but they’re offered freely and come in handy when you’re buying, like, nine dozen bagels. Because you will be.
- Salt Bagels. Seriously lacking at other locations. Plentiful at NYB. Also, they put salt on their everything bagels. (Serious business.)
- Whipped Cream Cheese. Already mentioned, we know, but it bears repeating. This stuff is amazing. And $5 a pound.Â
- Diamond in the Rough. We couldn’t think of a fifth bullet, but really, this place is a total diamond in the rough. You’re welcome.Â
So there you have it. It’s where Haverford Avenue meets City Avenue, which is a little bit out there, but we promise it’s worth it. Also, they’re closed on The Sabbath (authentic!), so don’t try to go on Saturday. But on any other day they’re ready to exceed all of your bagel needs and expectations, right here in Philadelphia. Delicious.
New York Bagels. 7555 Haverford Ave. (215) 878-8080
Â
Â
Â
Â
My favorite bagel joint in the city! No nonsense indeed.
Thanks for giving them some coverage AND letting people know they’re closed on the Sabbath, which I didn’t one early Saturday unfortunately.
I can’t pretend they’re as good as ones from NYC, but for Philly, they’re damn close. And close enough for me to trek through the hood and down Haverford to pick some up.
cheers
can you guys post the honorable mentions? i’d like to at least know where others are
I grew up around the corner from this place, and it was a once a month Sunday tradition to go here to get fresh bagels. I say once a month, because my dad would always buy a couple dozen and freeze the rest. It was my job to bag them up in the freezer bags when he got home.
also- its true their salt bagels, and salt sticks (bagel dough, just not circular) are amazing!
I live about a block away – and grew up in (sigh) Lower Merion…but on Sundays, man-oh-man am I happy I love so close to New York Bagels!! Once in awhile my sister brings in bagels from where she lives in New York – but now we’ve learned to freeze those and eat these wonderful Haverford Ave. New York Bagels while they are hot, crunchy and “loaded”…my word for all the seeds on…all the salt…garlic, onion, whatever. Sometimes if you don’t get there early enough they may be out of your favorites, but they do have bagels you rarely see around here…like the flats. Mmmm – I can smell the “everything flat” right now. Ooooo and the olive cream cheese is scrumptious, as is the scallion cream cheese and lox spread. When I bring to work…I bring the veggie cream cheese as I fear many people don’t appreciate the special spreads I’ve learned to anticipate from Monday til next Sunday. When I have extra time or a day off, I run in there for breakfast. The whitefish salad isn’t bad either. Everyone is friendly who waits on you – and it seems like all the buyers are always in a rush. We personally get the lox & other things from the Deli next door. The only other place that makes me happy like this is Famous on 4th Street in town, but that’s a long way off and means driving round and round and round for a spot. My mother-in-law goes there first when she comes in from Florida!
My favorite are the french cinnamon raisin with apple cinnamon raisin cream cheese. A sesame flat with the best tuna in the country.