This place is as good as it gets! We came here this morning after my baby's doctor appointment and it just hit the spot. That bacon egg and cheese on a bagel was amazing! The eggs were scrambled, bacon crispy, the cheese melting and the bagel perfectly toasted. They weren't cheap on anything and the staff was so nice! Definitely worth coming back here! read more

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Awesome bagels here but they are good for breakfast and lunch as well. They have a tons of different bagels and spreads. I stopped in for breakfast sandwiches. Easy to order, food came out pretty quickly and it was good. I'd definitely come back for a breakfast sandwich read more

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This place is really inconsistent, depending on who you get. I ask a simple question, only to get barked at to read the menu, WHICH I DID, which is why I asked the question for clarification. Don't be in customer service if you are incapable of serving customers cordially. This pick a bagel has a much smaller list of spreads, which do not interest me. I had to schlep to the nearest other one much further away, to get what I was looking for, without getting yelled at for asking a simple question. read more

Pick-A-Bagel is something of a red-headed stepchild* in our Great Bagel Metropolis. Locations appear in close proximity to clusters of excellent bagelries (e.g. Tal Bagels, Ess-a-Bagel, Broad Nosh or, depending on your leanings, Absolute, H&H, Pop-Up, etc...). But in such star-studded company, Pick-A-Bagel is a bit of an afterthought. * Not that I have anything against redheads or stepchildren. Please feel free to insert your own politically incorrect idiom of choice. Here's why: - Bagels are not fresh out of the oven. I mean, they must be fresh out of the oven at SOME point, I guess, but I've personally never caught them fresh on morning or afternoon visits. (Compare this to Tal, Ess-a-Bagel or Broad Nosh, where bagels are almost always fresh out of the oven. And when they are not, they were baked just a few hours prior.) Staff at this UES location shrugged and nodded when I asked whether bagels are baked on premises, but I was not entirely convinced after they tried to give me a bialy straight out of a plastic package. - Probably as a result of the prior, bagel crusts are neither crisp nor gently chewy, and are only good when toasted. - Everything bagels come unevenly seasoned. Some bagels in our batch had nice coverage; others were as sparsely sprinkled as Larry David's pate. (In their favor, however: Everything seasoning *is* applied to both the top and bottom.) - To our tastes, bagels are undersalted. That could provide some leeway for lox, capers and cream cheese, I suppose, but if you keep things simple like we do with cream cheese or nothing at all, bagels can come across as bland. To be clear, Pick-A-Bagel is not awful. I like the density / rise, I like that the everything seasoning includes some sunflower seeds, which not all establishments use. I like the reasonable size, the usually discernible hole. In parts of the world where NYC style bagels aren't in such abundance, Pick-A-Bagel would be a perfectly fine bagel. But in NYC, it's fourth string. read more

Pick-A-Bagel - Innards - Bagels Near Me - New York, New York

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Bagel and cream cheese were mediocre. Lots of flavors which is nice but not my top choice for a bagel. Service is quick though!

Quick place to grab a bagel! It's a little expensive but the bagels are huge and the cream cheese is decadent. The jalapeño cream cheese is tangy and paired well with the bagel. read more

Pick-A-Bagel - Pumpernickel bagel - Bagels Near Me - New York, New York

Got a sausage egg and cheese here - have come to Pick a bagel before and it is an authentic NYC bagel place but still wouldn't consider it amongst NYC's best. I would say, solid, and does our bagels justice, but hit or miss sometimes. Probably more expensive than other bagel places - unfortunately the UES just be like that. Chicken salad - big chunks of chicken, not too much mayo or crunchy celery bits (how I like my chicken salad) Black and white cookie - this was pretty fluffy and fresh, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it here. All in all, happy with what I got and I live around the area so probs will come back. Although, if you're looking for NYC's best bagels, there are other spots. If you're a local and need to scratch your itch, this place will do the trick. read more

Pick-A-Bagel - Sausage egg and cheese - Bagels Near Me - New York, New York

A good bagel joint in the upper east side with a extensive variety of bagels , spreads , sweets , sandwiches and more . Was in the area on a Friday morning and stopped in with a friend to grab a morning bite . Bagels are big and fresh and they have fresh squeezed orange juice and black and white cookies which are never a bad thing .many choices but let's do a sesame bagel with scrambled egg whites, a cookie and a hot coffee and it's a wrap . Prices are a bit higher compared to other bagel joints but it's the upper east side so I can understand the increase . Over a decent bagel shop that I won't go out of my way to visit but if I am in the area , Why not . read more

Love their bagels and salmon spread. Just be ready and confident when you order and you will be good!

I gave this place another shot. I ordered the bacon, egg, and cheese with cheddar cheese. It was $8.84. The toppings themselves were high quality, but the everything bagel didn't have much flavor. This place is just okay. read more

Pick-A-Bagel - Bagel, egg, and cheddar cheese on an everything bagel - Bagels Near Me - New York, New York

I got fresh squeezed orange juice and an onion bagel with cheese, egg and jalapeño cream cheese, I also had half a bagel with cream cheese. The bagels were good and I really enjoyed the jalapeño cream cheese. read more

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I was craving a bagel and found this place on my morning walk. I got an Everything bagel with scallion cream cheese ($6.76). It wasn't the best bagel I've ever had but it was fine. I think you can get the same bagel for less at a different bagel shop. read more

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I rarely leave 3 stars or less but today was at least my 5th or 6th visit to this Pick A Bagel location since I moved uptown. They get your order wrong -- every. single. time. I called today to let them know that once again they forgot ALL THREE fresh ingredients on my bagel. Ordered a toasted bagel with bacon, egg and cheese plus lettuce, tomato and red onion. Bagel was delivered by GrubHub without lettuce, tomato or red onion (which you pay extra for). The man at the location offered to send a new correct bagel to me but I couldn't wait because I had to leave for work. He explained that they keep forgetting fresh ingredients because there's separate hot and a cold workstations. So utilize this feedback, no? I can't be the only person consistently receiving wildly incorrect orders. Train employees to communicate between workstations so a sandwich can be constructed to completion. Overall, I'd say 90% of the time I order from here they forget ingredients. The man offered to refund me 59 cents LOL but GrubHub was nice enough to give me a $7 credit. Never ordering from here again, it's just an absurdly run location. Side note -- The Gramercy/Flatiron location is much friendlier and never gets orders wrong! read more

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An absolute must try if in nyc!! This was the best bagel place i've ever been to. Came for breakfast everyday of our trip it was that good! The chicken noodle soup was also incredible! Still think about this place very often wish we had something like this at home!! read more

Pick-A-Bagel - Everything bagel w/ veggie cream cheese - Bagels Near Me - New York, New York

It's a standard bagel place. 12 bucks for an iced coffee and bagel with cream cheese. I'll leave it there. read more

I'm going to be nice and give them Four Stars. In my opinion it's hit or miss if I get friendly service. Sometimes I get a snobbish vibe from the employees. This area in the East 70's is more expensive to reside and do business than a mile north where I reside. Like I've said about the other locations it's a treat for me. After a while I endure the hassle for a Muffin or Bagel and Cream Cheese. That was the case early one morning this past week. If you're in the neighborhood I recommend. Or you can go a couple blocks north there's another well known Bagel Shop with the same if not worse vibes from employees. You gotta put up with it if you like the product. read more

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Always solid and reliable. Doesn't stray too far from what you would expect and is always consistent. read more

Pick-A-Bagel - Onion Bagel w/ Egg + Cheese. Vegetable Cream Cheese. - Bagels Near Me - New York, New York

I was ordered three blueberry and three everything, but that guy gave me three plain instead. I am so disappointed as i found out when i back home... read more

I went here to get a dozen bagels for my family- if you get a dozen you get two free. The bagels are expensive but worth it. I should've asked for zip up bags for the bagels so they would stay fresh-- but I managed. Make sure you note the hours so you don't get shut out of getting your bagels!! read more

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They have every possible breakfast option you can think of. They even have yogurt with granola and fruit which wasn't the best thing but it is a bagel shop. The problem was the granola was a little soggy. All good. The bagels are always solid here and that is what you should stick to. This place has a few locations in NYC and this one is a solid neighborhood spot. It is reliable and gives you plenty of options. What more could you want?! read more

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When did we normalize that 2 eggs with cheese and bacon and a small order of home-fries literally one potato cut up - become $20 with an iced coffee. The lady behind the counter that took my money agreed that it's expensive and she can't make sense of it either. So why is this normal? Anywhere else in the city no more than $10, yet these people have it double. Horribly overpriced! Greed will be their downfall. read more

Pick-A-Bagel - Over priced breakfast - Bagels Near Me - New York, New York

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Pick-A-Bagel has always been a decent option for a quick, inexpensive bagel, but there are much better options around. I was in search of lunch in the time of COVID-19, and to my disappointment, the nearby LPQ, Lenny's, and Sable's were all closed. So I ducked into Pick-A-Bagel just in time to get ahead of a long line that formed shortly after my arrival. Despite beating the rush, somehow still, my order of 3 sandwiches (1 combo) and 2 coffees still took 20 minutes to assemble, which was frustrating bc you'd think they'd try to work faster to get customers out of their store to promote social distancing. However slow, service was very courteous. Food was okay. The pastrami and Reuben sandwiches were tasty, but greasy and very salty, and the turkey sandwich was standard. Better than the sandwiches was the macaroni salad, which had a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy flavor. The iced coffees were also delicious on a warm spring day. Altogether, this meal cost just under $40, making Pick-A-Bagel a not-terrible lunch option. read more

We stopped by on a whim-- no one was actually hungry, but we knew needed a NY bagel. The staff was super nice, and the bagel was tasty. The chive cream cheese was aces. At check out, the nice lady behind the counter offered my daughter a chocolate treat-- which was quite yummy. The fruit bowl was fresh, too. Highly recommend. read more

$25 for a basic bagel with water not worth it at all. No need to fill up 85 characters for that.

This place used to be amazing. I used to order at least 2 times a week. The food is terrible and the prices are outrageous. read more

This place is often hit or miss for me. It felt unjustifiable to give 3 stars and 4 seems generous - 3.5 would be perfect. I usually get the whole wheat everything bagel with egg and bacon (only after long nights of imbibing...), and it often hits the spot. The bagels are fluffy and missing the hole in the center - the epitome of a good NYC bagel. However, sometimes they're too chewy and lack the crunch on the outside. I will also say that their everything bagels lack enough seasoning! I always add Trader Joe's everything but the bagel. Would love if they added carroway seeds to their everything bagels. Prices seem pretty standard for NY bagels. I definitely choose this place over H&H but Tal over Pick-a-bagel. The convenient location of this place (as it's on my block) makes it my go-to. Also have to say that I've had waaaaayy better bagels in the suburbs.... Traditional Bagel Cafe in New Rochelle NY; Goldberg's in Yonkers NY; Bergen Blvd Bagels in Palisades Park NJ; Bagelicious and Hot Bagels in Ridgewood NJ. read more

Pick-A-Bagel - WW everything with egg and bacon. I added the avocado myself. - Bagels Near Me - New York, New York

I came here on a Sunday morning and the line got really long once I got there. I got a bacon egg and cheese on a whole wheat everything bagel and it tasted delicious. This may be my new go-to place on the UES for breakfast! Only set back is that the bagel felt like it wasn't seasoned enough for an everything bagel. read more

Pick-A-Bagel - Bacon, egg, and cheese on whole wheat everything bagel - Bagels Near Me - New York, New York

Stopped in for a bagel and coffee this morning and when it came to paying it was seven dollars for a bagel with cream cheese and a small coffee a little ridiculous don't you think? read more

I ordered one of the small bagels with cream cheese and the guy told me they don't cream cheese it for you. I am so confused. read more

Pick-A-Bagel - small everything bagel with cream cheese on the side - Bagels Near Me - New York, New York

Pretty solid bagel joint on the UES. If you're looking for a bagel with a schmear of vegetable cream cheese, or a classic lox on a bagel you can't do no wrong here. Service can be hit or miss, and expect some of that NYC gruff attitude with certain counter staff but to me that's fine. Just get my order correct as I'm looking to grab and go anyway. read more

Came here to compare bagel shops. The first thing I noticed was that there was no sign that listed the type of bagels they offered. So I just ordered decided to go two different routes: on cinnamon raisin bagel with eggs and bacon and another cinnamon raisin bagel with strawberry cream cheese. I will say that I absolutely LOVED that the strawberry cream cheese had actual strawberries in it. That was definitely a plus and gave it a completely different flavor. The eggs and bacon were okay. I felt slightly judged because I didn't get cheese but I guess that's fair? Who knows lol Prices were about the same compared to the other shops in the area. I'd probably go back again if I had a menu of the types of bagels ordered. read more

I don't eat bagels often, but the smoked salmon and cream cheese on an everything bagel is definitely a treat-yo'-self neighborhood favorite. The thin layer of cream cheese provides a creamy and decadent contrast to the smokey and salty salmon and the spices in the bagel. The smoked salmon is fresh and quite plentiful that you get a nice mouthful in each bite. The bagel is just perfect, with a slightly crusty exterior but soft and chewy interior. The poppy seed + sesame seed + onion + garlic crust is absolutely delicious that I tore off little pieces to savor the bagel slowly. The smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel is such a perfectly composed bagel that I'd be willing to run an extra 3 miles to have it! read more

Pick-A-Bagel - Lox and cream cheese on everything bagel - Bagels Near Me - New York, New York

Can't fault the place. Ordered online. Food was ready in time, hot, and wrapped up ready to go, even the coffee was spot on. read more

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Overrated and unreasonably priced bagel sandwiches. People who recommend have obviously never had Jersey bagels before. Roughly $10 an order. 2.75/5 stars as a breakfast spot. read more

The last several visits I have been disappointed with their nova salmon as being on the salty side and a bit too dry. I think since it is pre sliced by them (in stated quarter pound increments) the salmon can lose oil,especially if it is cut from the top half of the fish which is drier, and sits in the case for a lengthy time after slicing. In that regard, the last several orders were sliced too thick for my taste. As other reviewers have stated it is a hit or miss place. read more

Overall (3/5): Hits the spot, but you can probably find better in NYC. An average bagel in the city, though, is no chump! Food (3/5): I ordered the sausage, egg sandwich on an everything bagel. Filling and flavorful without being too greasy, but also a little dry. Average - again, not a bad thing! Atmosphere (4/5): Modern decor and the line is out the door at times. Comfortable even despite the wait. Uniqueness (2/5): Nothing special. Value (3/5): Decent pricing. read more

Definitely the biggest bagel I have ever had - layers on layers of smoked salmon made it look like a cold cut sandwich with how large their servings were. I was deciding between either the smoked salmon or the white fish and the man behind the counter let me try a generous portion of both! I added tomato and opted out of adding onion onto my toasted everything bagel. I really should have only eaten half of the bagel because I just about had a food coma on the sidewalk afterward. The ones with fish can be a little pricey but are so worth it if you split it up into two meals. read more

Pick-A-Bagel - Smoked salmon everything bagel with tomato. - Bagels Near Me - New York, New York

Really frustrating. Two lines. One for till and one to order make your own bagels etc. As I only wanted to pick up 2 bagels, not toasted, not spread, nothing, I joined the til line. Maybe I'm the ignorant one but that made sense to me ‍ why would I join a line a mile long to just pick up 2 bagels? After about 10 mins I got to the till and asked for 2 bagels and she told me she couldn't get me bagels and that I had to join the "make your own bagel" line. She had also just berated the gent in front of me for not asking for a cup of ice when he ordered his sandwich and coffee from the guys! Wow. Needless to say I walked out. I'm not going to join another line for 20 mins to say the same thing and then join the till line AGAIN for another 10 mins!! So I went to Gristedes on the next block and got gorgeous fresh bagels for 99c and no drama and no 30 min line! Or attitude at the end of it. read more

Pick-A-Bagel - Just go to Gristedes around the corner!!! - Bagels Near Me - New York, New York

Came in for breakfast one morning and got an everything bagel with two eggs, muenster cheese, and turkey bacon. The order came out very fast and it was delicious. The bagels arent the best I've had on the upper east side but they're still fresh and yummy! read more

Pick-A-Bagel - Bagels Near Me - New York, New York

Coffee tastes burnt and the bagels aren't great. There are tons of tasty bagels in NYC. Don't waste your time on this place.