Liberty Bagels - What's the Deal
The closure of Absolute Bagels, regarded by people who frequented Chowhound.com back in the mid-2000s as the best bagel place in New York, has left a hole in the hearts of Upper West Side denizens and bagel aficionados alike. But apparently, carbs-be-damned, there’s a bagel place with a line around the block smack in the middle of Midtown—Liberty Bagels.
Seeing the hype, and knowing you can get an incredible bagel at pretty much any hole-in-the-wall deli or bodega in Manhattan, I’ve dug in to determine if I should make it a stop on my next trip to New York City or skip it in favor of a random bagel place on a random corner somewhere else in the five boroughs (fine, three—I’m eating Italian food if I’m on Staten Island and likely something less pedestrian if I’m in the Bronx).
01 A Bagel Shop With a Growing Footprint
At this time, Liberty Bagels has four locations. There’s the newest spot Downtown near Wall Street, which opened in 2023. The Midtown location near Penn Station, which first opened in 2016, serves as the flagship. The 5th Avenue location, just steps from the Apple Store and The Plaza Hotel, launched in 2022 and caters to shoppers and tourists. Meanwhile, the Jackson Heights outpost in Queens, also opened in 2022, reflects the diverse culinary energy of the neighborhood.
According to the Liberty Bagels website, the owners have been in the bagel industry since 1995—a fact that underscores their experience and commitment to the craft.
02 The Secret Behind the Hype
The bagels at Liberty Bagels are undeniably fantastic. The New York Times recently named Liberty one of New York’s 16 best bagels. But lines out the door and constant buzz suggest that it’s not just about the quality of the bagels themselves.
A big part of the appeal lies in a combination of factors: the eye-catching rainbow bagels that dominate their social media, the inventive shmear flavors that range from Honey Bacon Sriracha to Peanut Butter Nutella, and the prime locations that attract both locals and tourists alike. Liberty Bagels has also become a hit on TikTok, where colorful bagels and indulgent sandwiches have helped the brand stand out in a city full of bagel shops.
03 Why Liberty Bagels Stands Out
If you’re planning a trip to New York, Liberty Bagels might be worth adding to your itinerary—not just for the bagels themselves, but for the overall experience. The vibrant displays of bagels, from classic sesame to stunning rainbow varieties, make it feel as if you’re walking into a bagel wonderland. The wide range of spreads only adds to the appeal, offering options that feel both inventive and indulgent.
What’s more, Liberty Bagels keeps its prices refreshingly low for the city, with egg sandwiches starting at just $7—a rarity in Manhattan’s food scene.
Of course, the popularity does come with a tradeoff: the lines can be long, but they also offer a chance to soak in the energy of New York and chat with fellow bagel enthusiasts while you wait.
04 A Taste of New York to Remember
Liberty Bagels isn’t just about bagels—it’s about the joy of discovering something unexpected. From bold flavors to vibrant presentations, it delivers the kind of energy and creativity that makes New York unforgettable. This isn’t just breakfast—it’s a moment worth savoring.
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