Empire Bagels

Discovered these bagels while we were in the area. Line moves pretty quickly, takeout only, bagels are piping hot especially when early and love their garlic bagels though they have every kind! It’s no wonder they’re on the Best Bagels of NYC list! Thanks, Empire Bagels!

Ordered for the 1st time today through grubhub. I ordered an onion bagel w/scallion cream cheese, and this spot did not disappoint. I can honestly say this is one of the best bagels I've had. They bagel was so fresh, a nice crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, and the cream cheese was delicious. I will definitely order from here again ***UPDATE*** Ordered again today(1.6.25), this time had an everything bagel w. Garlic and herb cc and it was absolutely amazing. Everything was fresh and flavorful 🥯

*Updated review: The quality/taste of the bagels has gone down. They used to be full, soft & tasty. Lately they've been thin and tasteless. I'm not sure why the quality of their bagels has gone down. Disappointed! I previously had a 5 star review. But lately I've had issues with my simple bagel orders. The women working there would either toast my bagel without asking (they're fresh bagels....don't toast!) Or, more recently, they barely put cream cheese on the bagel. I also got my friend a bagel with "extra butter". It was a thin layer of butter that you could barely see. Looked like a bare bagel to be honest. The women there are very nice, but they are very inconsistent. From now on I'll check my order before driving away. If they could do a better more consistent job, then my 5 🌟 review will return.

Great bagels. You must come early because they start running out around 10am. My favorite is the everything bagel. If you buy a dozen, you get one free bagel. So there will be 13 instead of 12. There is no seating area. To go only. Every time I come from Virginia to visit, I get my two dozens. Mix and match between sesame, everything, poppy, cinnamon Raison, plane, onion, French toast, blueberry. There are more that I haven’t tried. They go for about $1.25 each. They also have other baked items.

Great place to get bagels muffins and spreads however just one small hiccup when I got home received different muffins than what I had ordered. Went back around 15 minutes closing the previous day and brought to their attention when one of the ladies seemed bothered as though lying about it. There was a nice gentleman there who listened and provided four muffins of what I had ordered the previous day. I have not been back.

The best bagels and the yummiest cream cheese! Great customer service. The line can get long pretty quickly but the staff is fast and serves as fast as they can.

Ever had a bagel that reminded you of being a kid going to school and stopping at your favorite store for a butter bagel or bagel with cream cheese and a Cafe con Leche? This is the spot, the prices feel like something out of 2005 too. I would recommend this place to anyone that is wondering what a fresh bagel should taste like.

I was looking for a local bagel shop. I am glad we took a drive the next morning. We picked up a bakers dozen with vegetable cream cheese. Wow amazing and incredible all at the same time! I will definitely be stopping by once a week!

Discovered these bagels while we were in the area. Line moves pretty quickly, takeout only, bagels are piping hot especially when early and love their garlic bagels though they have every kind! It's no wonder they're on the Best Bagels of NYC list! Thanks, Empire Bagels!

Want to have tasty, fresh out of the oven bagel? stop by Empire Bagels in the Pelham Bay Area of the Bronx- all the kinds you like, poppy, sesame, plain, pumpernickel, rainbow, and cinnamon raisin to name a few and pair it with your favorite cream cheese variation: veggie, scallions, jalapeños, lox or simply butter. Either way is a delight to have them warm with a spread of choice. You can also enjoy a variety of freshly baked muffins or simply stop by to get your morning coffee. The staff is friendly and diligent- as they have to move the line that forms on a regular basis. I recommend you stop by early since they are only open from 5:00am-noon. But I guarantee you it's worth it!

It's ridiculous how many times they mess up the order after waiting on line for 20 min

Great fresh bagels. Fast and friendly service always. Can fill large to go orders. Opens early at 5 am. See latest menu prices.

Empire Bagels is a criminally underrated bagelry in the Bronx. Need I say more? Okay, I will. Situated literally under the 6 train, not too far from Pelham, it is easy to see why this is an overlooked shop for breakfast. There is nowhere to sit, only a pickup window with a few cream cheeses and bagels to pick from. When it comes to ordering a dozen, you have no say in what they give you. It is simply what they put in a bag and whatever you get, you get. No fighting. That is okay because the bagels are splendid. They are done as perfect as you can get them. Crunchy outside, chewy inside, with terrific flavor. Not too small, but not an enormous bagel. It looks the part. I got myself a lox cream cheese which they offer and it is delicious as well. Unfortunately they do not offer much else, but I am okay with that. Given what it is, I did not expect much, but walked away thinking many bagel joints have a lot of work to do. If I lived nearby, I would be here nearly every weekend. Instead I will have to settle for that 35 minute Uber ride when the weather is cold. Credit cards are accepted, but they are only open until noon, so plan accordingly. Between this and nearby Utopia Bagels? I think I know who wins the Bagel Battle of the Whitestone/Throgs Neck. Empire Bagels, you have won me over.

A very good bagel joint in tha Bronx in the pelham bay section with a bunch of different types of bagels , spreads and good tasty muffins and beverages. We came on a Sunday morning before NFL football and damn it's only 830 am and folks are on the line waiting to order at pick up window area . Finally my turn , 1dz assorted bagels to go and 2 sesame bagels both with veggie cream cheese , one ice coffee , one orange juice . Bagels are still hot and soft and chewy and I won't mind opening the bag and munching on another one ..overall a very good bagel joint in the Bronx which makes the bagels in house and the old fashion way .4.5 stars on my yelp meter.

There aren't a lot of bagel shops in the BX, but when I am graving a bagel, I come here. There bagel are fluffy in the inside and crisp on the outside, some of my favorites are whole-wheat everything u can only get on the weekend, cinnamon raisins, everything, and there onion bagels, for my spread I like there scallion cream cheese. If you're craving sweets, try their blueberry or pistachio muffins. Don't let there line fool you, as they do move quick with at least 3/4 people working the front. Location is small, but they get the job done. Check em out.

I cannot believe that I've never written a review on this place as it's the ONLY place I will buy bagels. From the first time I tried one of their bagels I loved them and now my entire family is hooked so much so that whenever we're together I HAVE to bring the bagels - lol! They are open 7 days a week from 6:00am-12 and there is always a line (i understand why). While the place is a little unassuming (you order at the window and wait outside), the bagels are ALWAYS hot, soft and delicious. In fact, I get enough to wrap and freeze them since I don't live near and when I go to heat them up they are still soft and delicious. They also sell muffins that look good as well - I think the next time I go I will try one. The other negative i have is to make sure you check your bag - twice I've gone and gave my orders and they gave me the wrong ones - I'll be sure to check them before I leave from now on. Other than that this is my go to for delicious bagels - if you're in the area (or take a trip to the Bx like I do) stop by. You won't regret it!

So on my way up to Connecticut, rushing to leave, I forgot to get the bagels from Beach Bagels in Rockaway! Gee how can I show up without the unique City bagels!? So I once again, turn to my trustworthy Yelp app! I've successfully made it over the notorious Whitestone Bridge, relatively unscathed from the traffic. Having pulled over, I search for a bagel place. Viola I see this one on Westchester Avenue. Gee only a few miles away. I get off the Hutch and travel under the El and spot the store with a line in front. Wow a good sign at 8AM on a Saturday. Finally, after a short wait, I'm able to order a dozen bagels, 8 with everything 4 with poppies, my personal favorite. Order received, I hop in the car and travel up to 95 to resume my trek up to the wilds of the Nutmeg State! Everyone grabs a bagel and the verdict is in....THE BEST! Whew thank the Lord! Ha

The best warm bagels, ready to order nice and warm and delicious. Fast service they're only open till 11 AM. Get there early.

I've lived in the Bronx for 10 years + and been wanting to try this place forever, but never found myself in the area before 12 pm...until last week. It is essentially a walk-up window. I got there around 11am and there was no line. (Usually there is a line there earlier in the morning, especially during the weekend) They are open 7 days/week from 5 am - 12 pm. I got a variety of bagels and some jalapeno cream cheese. Everything was really good...definitely the best in the Bronx and some of the best bagels I've had in NYC period. Very reasonably priced at $1.25 each/$13 per dozen. They also have muffins, mini bagels, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. The staff there were helpful and efficient.

This place is amazing! Been coming here for decades and the bagels are always... amazing! Everything, sesame, plain, onion, egg, poppy, rainbow? They got it all! Order one, order 3 shopping bags worth with a tub of butter or scallion cream cheese- the guy won't flinch. Empire Bagel will come through! I love that hole in the wall!

Best Bagels in The Bronx. Sales are taken through a walk up window, which is great when it comes to social distancing. Though can be a slight hinderance when having to place your order. Pro-Tip. When selecting a dozen + 1 bagels make sure to write down your choices and hand it over to the counter person. This will help the order taker, who couldn't remember my choices at the time, from going back and forth to correct the order. I get it, it's difficult to remember all 13 choices at once. The best thing about Empire Bagels in The Bronx, is their fresh daily, made on premises bagels, providing warm, soft, chewy New York Bagels. Bringing those bad boys home to a choice of Whipped Cream Cheese, Kerry Gold Butter and chunky Strawberry Preserves completes the yummy factor. mmm mmm mmm! One last thing, don't just come for the bagels, I recommend picking up a bunch of muffins too.

As shown in the images, snow or sunshine, there's always a crowd looking to get their fix of the light, crisp, and airy NY bagel. Don't be scared though, everyone at empire bagels works swift to get people "in and out". All bagels and creams cheese varieties are delicious. My personal favorites are the scallion cream cheese and walnut raisin. I recently tried their croissants, 1 chocolate and 1 plain Jane. Not my cup of tea. I love their bagels, but the croissants are just not good. 3 out of 10 at best. Pistachio muffin is my favorite- moist and delicious! **** the deli next store has Empire Bagels for those who sleep in and miss open hrs.

Don't order over the phone, it's a waste of your time and energy. Be prepared to wait if there's a couple people ahead of you .

my first time there I arrived there was no line. I waited about 3 minutes only to not be greeted but asked "what you want". I simply ordered a pumpernickel bagel toasted with butter. my bagel was loaded with butter so much butter I had to wipe some on to a napkin. it took away the taste from the bagel. I barely tasted the pumpernickel it was salty soggy and I did not enjoy it. Maybe I should have asked for light butter idk if that would have made a difference but hey. The pastries looked pretty good.

Solid bagel shop. I drove from Throgs Neck and it wasn't too hard to find nearby parking. Great selection too.

Best bagels in the Bronx! Great selection and made fresh Daily. Service with a smile. Always a long line but it moves quickly and is definitely a delicious neighborhood favorite!

Usually when I try 4.5 star-rated places on Yelp I end up agreeing, but not here. There is a fun aspect to the experience. You walk up to the window outside which has a summer-y feel, almost Coney-island-esque. The bagels I have had were fine, but they're a little bit white-fluffy one-dimensional for my taste. The scallion cream cheese was fine, but I've had thicker, creamier, better quality dairy scallion cream cheese elsewhere. The coffee they serve is out of a bottle, so this is not a place to get high quality coffee either. In order to get a bagel sandwich with eggs, sausage, etc. you have to go inside, but when you go inside you are limited to plain cream cheese. Service is fine, quick and efficient but not personal. All in all, a novel experience that ultimately is not fully satisfying.

I used to love this place but it hasn't been the same the last few times I've been there. I always order a everything bagel with veggie cream cheese and there was barely any seasoning on the bagel and barely any veggies in the cream cheese. This has been the last 3 times I've been there so it's 3 strikes and you're out.

Best bagels in town. If I want my bagel fix then this is the place I come too. They make their bagels fresh each day. Variety of flavors to choose from not to mention variety of cream cheese to choose from too. The staffs are very friendly and very quick. I moved out of NYC but every time I visit the Bronx, I must get bagels from here and take it home with me. The bagels are just the best. My favorite is the rainbow bagels. Not only they taste great, but they are so damn pretty! I would recommend going there really early, soon as they open. There can be a line for bagels.

This is for the one in Dobbs Ferry that just opened the bagels are good we get them even weekend ,decided to order a BLT this morning got home and started to eat it and I noticed the roll was not fresh it had to be a day old I think for $8.99 it should be the best BLT for that price.

This is a neighborhood bagels store, it's been around for years. The owner John passed away, very nice guy he will be missed, his son follows in dad feet step, very nice man but to get back to Empire Bagels, they freshly baked bagels with everyday.

This was honestly better than most bagels in the city! I have never had such a great bagel. Much softer than most bagels of New York yet still crunchy! I loved it.

I was stoked when my girlfriend brought me here after one of our many runs nearby at Pelham Bay Park. She couldn't stop raving about how good the bagels were, which intrigued me. When we arrived, there was already a line formed which I believed to be a sign of good things, tasty and fresh. I was not disappointed. I ordered a couple bagels, one for myself and one for hubby. They are so soft and their cream cheeses are very fresh. They definitely significany turnaround with their inventory. I could eat their bagels everyday.

Bagels lacked flavor however the cream cheese made up for the difference. The staff got my order wrong, gave me loads of regular bagels (plain, sesame, poppy) whereas I wanted a mix of everything they offered. I'll have to try it again however at this time, I'm a bit perplexed with the high reviews.

Good bagel spot in the bronx. It is cheap and fast. Would recommend if ever in the area. No place to seat and enjoy so you need to take it to go.

Empire bagels were so good! I tried their everything bagel with scallion cream cheese, I must say it's delicious! Honestly the rainbow bagel taste like a plain bagel it's just prettier lol. Enjoy !

Until a few months ago EMPIRE BAGEL was my favorite bagel spot in the Bronx but of late I've been disappointed.They seem to be rushing the 'cooking' process-the the regular size bagels are a pale to light golden color, sometimes just pale-as a result the bagel is gummy and the outside lacks the proper crunch that a bagel should have. I once got a half raw bagelI cannot comment on the mini as they run out of them very fast

The bagels have gotten better in the months I've been coming here. The exterior of the bagels are nice and crunchy and the interior soft and chewy. My go to is and everything bagel with cream cheese and jelly for only $2.50. I coffee is pretty wonderful too. Nice and strong better than Dunkin' Donuts Starbucks and McDonald's hands-down. They also have different types of croissants and muffins.

It's exciting to write a review during these times! I love me a good bagel and working in the Bronx, this location was strongly recommended. A great bagel...I went for a whole wheat with veggie cream cheese that was delicious. Cup of joe to go with. It's bagels and spread...coffee...muffins and other goodies they may have. Not a place to get your Taylor ham, egg and cheese though.

Yummy! Nice and fresh. Will be coming back for more soon! My one year old loved it. Thank you.

I had been planning a trip to Bronx, and figured I'd get some good NY bagels while I was there. This place had a great rating on yelp, so I thought I'd give it a try. Well worth it. Bagels are great. Perfect texture, great flavor. Not much to add. I got a half-pound of the lox-cream cheese spread, and it was superb. Lots of lox in it. Great taste. Bagels are easy to find. They're everywhere. GREAT bagels, however, aren't on every corner. This place is a gem. And the prices are good, too. I will definitely go back when I'm up there.

The best of the best bagels & cream cheese! My favorite is a lightly toasted onion with scallion cream cheese. The staff is quick & friendly. Everything is fresh. Perfect go-to spot when craving a variety of delicious bagels and muffins.

Solid bagels. Definitely my favorite in the Bronx. All bagels are made on premises, and if you come early enough, they're still nice and warm. I usually get a dozen, and then freeze a bunch. Their lox cream cheese is on point.

Bagels & muffins are fresh and made daily. They have a variety of flavors for both. You can also order different cream cheese flavors. They also have pretty good coffee & tea. They sell out early so your lucky if they are still open past noon. I'm obsessed with this place.

This place is it! Fresh bagels made before your eyes. This is my second time coming and even though I went near closing, by the time I got home the bagel was still super fresh!! The people are friendly and this is a real NY bagel. Hands down my new place to go to

One of the best places to get bangles. To experience the Bronx you need to stand in line to get your bagle from this place. I will be back for more.

This was not my first time coming to this place. Today though I walked away after rude service. When I asked for French toast bagel, I was told they didn't haven't it. I was calling my husband to see what would be his 2nd choice, he rudely told me to come back once I have my complete order. Once I came back, I had to wait for him to finish his conversation with another customer before he took my order. And while giving him my order, he walked away and I couldn't tell him I needed two coffees. When he came back and I tried telling him, he told me to wait as he walked away to take a call. At that point, i walked away. I refuse to give my money to rude customer service! They always have a long line so I guess they don't care about having good customer service!

I heard about this place and was in the neighborhood. I got the pumpernickel bagel and the garlic herb cream cheese people were liking on yelp. Very good bagel, exactly what a bagel should be like, nice and chewy. The cream cheese was excellent too. You can see them making fresh bagels in the back, made right at the locations. I would definitely come back here again.

I've always loved this spot! Been coming here since I was in high school, it's still my go to bagel spot. Only con is the location is the hardest spot to park but I love them so much that I don't care

Excellent fresh bagels! Check their hours and get there early for the best selection.

Delicious bagels but you have to come early for the freshest ones. Staff is very kind. There is a long line of people waiting to order their bagels so come early.

The bagels are simply amazing. My cousins visited from Puerto Rico and we had bought bagels and cream cheese to make breakfast easy and quick. One cousin has asked us to look into overnighting them to him in Puerto Rico.

By far the best hot bagels joint in the boogie down Bronx, and this is coming from a native of Brooklyn where the birth of the NYC bagel began....just sayin'. There's a great variety of bagels from the classics like everything, cinnamon raisin, sesame, poppy, and onion to others like the sundried tomato, pumpernickel, French toast (which may be discontinued), and the kids' favorite, Rainbow bagels. Their muffins are amazing and I've ranked them in order of my favorites: Carrot, Blueberry, Corn, Double Chocolate, Pistachio, and Bran. Let's not forget, the different cream cheeses: regular, veggie, jalapeño, and my personal favorite garlic and herb (Warning: it's delicious but you'll kill a vampire just by speaking to them) Last note, when you order a dozen of bagels it's a "baker's dozen" so you get 13 bagels. Enjoy family!

this is a lox bagel !? for $5 this is a complete rip off. This is just straight up cream cheese...

There's usually always a long line but the service is always fast and don't mess up your order

Run of the mill bagel joint in NYC. They do have the rainbow bagel which I liked (mostly to photograph) but still. Overall a decent selection and pricing but I wouldn't drive out of my way for it. Stay Cheerful ;)

One of the biggest menus I've ever seen in a bagel place. Everything is absolutely delicious and before you leave you already have the next thing you want to try memorized. Great staff at two of their locations I've been to so far and can't wait to keep coming back