"Let the record show that Empire Bagels in Pelham Bay deserves to be on several guides in addition to the Best Bagels in NYC. Including but not limited to: The Lightest Cream Cheese In NYC, The Best Takeout Window Parallel To The Above-Ground 6 Train, and The NYC Spot You’ll Want To Visit At 6am. If you grew up eating massive, buoyant bagels in Jersey, you’ll feel at home at this bagel place in the Bronx. Their versions are puffier than the average New York City bagel, with a shiny caramelized exterior and an extra fluffy inside. Empire Bagels is open from 5am to noon every day, and they only serve bagels, cream cheese, coffee, juice, and a few pastries. Come early. If you show up later than 11am, they might be out of your favorite bagel varieties." - willa moore, neha talreja, hannah albertine, will hartman
