Came by this morning to get a half dozen bagels for my family. Was unsure of what to get and the owner happened to be there and provided some recommendations and gave me an extra cream cheese. The bagels and cream cheese were some of the best I’ve had. Great chew and flavor to each bagel and the cream cheese is high quality. Highly recommend!
Jun 21 · Dallin HendersonBAKERY PROFILE
Kossar's Bagels & Bialys
★ 4.0287 recorded reviewsUS$10–20
1409 York Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA
Directory information can change. Confirm current hours, prices, products, dietary needs, and custom-order requirements directly with the bakery.
PLAN THE VISIT
Essential details
- Address
- 1409 York Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Phone
- (646) 461-4523
- Website
- Visit official site
- Rating signal
- 4.0 from 287 recorded reviews
HOURS
Listed operating hours
- Monday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
About and visit notes
For New Yorkers, the search for the perfect bagel is a lifelong quest, and on the Upper East Side, Kossar's Bagels & Bialys is a destination that consistently satisfies. This particular location brings a unique blend of old-world charm and modern sensibility to the neighborhood. While its history is rooted in the Lower East Side as the oldest bialy bakery in the United States, this York Avenue outpost has established itself as a beloved local spot. It’s a place that captures the essence of a traditional bagel joint but presents it in a clean, bright, and welcoming environment, making it a "happy place" for many residents.
The success of Kossar's lies in its ability to marry high-quality, authentic products with an updated atmosphere and exceptional service. Patrons praise the bagels for their satisfying chewiness and fresh flavor, a clear result of the traditional kettle-boiling and baking process. The experience is enhanced by the generous and creamy schmears of cream cheese and the efficiency of the staff, who manage to keep the line moving even during peak hours. This combination of delicious food and smooth operations makes Kossar's a dependable and highly recommended part of the Upper East Side's food scene. Whether you're a long-time resident with a specific order or a first-time visitor, the shop provides a delightful experience that is both authentic and polished.
This article will provide a clear, factual overview of what makes Kossar's Bagels & Bialys a suitable spot for locals, exploring its location, the variety of services and food items available, and the key features that define the customer experience. We will highlight why its unique atmosphere, delicious offerings, and efficient service make it a valued part of the community. By the end, you'll have a good understanding of what to expect from this neighborhood gem and why it’s a go-to spot for a genuine New York bagel.
Location and Accessibility
Kossar's Bagels & Bialys is conveniently located at 1409 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021. This address places it in a prime, highly accessible part of the Upper East Side. York Avenue is a well-known thoroughfare, making the shop an easy stop for those living or working in the area. The location is situated within a vibrant and largely residential part of the borough, surrounded by a mix of apartment buildings and local businesses.
The accessibility is a major advantage for a business of this nature. The Upper East Side is well-served by New York City's extensive public transportation network. The shop is within walking distance of multiple subway stations, including the Q train, as well as various bus routes. This makes it a convenient choice for morning commuters, people running errands, or families picking up a dozen bagels on the weekend. The ease of access, whether by foot or public transit, makes it a true neighborhood hub that serves a wide and diverse customer base.
Services Offered
Kossar's Bagels & Bialys offers a wide and impressive array of services and menu items that go far beyond a simple bagel with cream cheese. Their offerings are a nod to their heritage while also catering to modern tastes.
Hand-Rolled Bagels and Bialys: The core product is, of course, their freshly baked bagels and bialys. The bagels are known for being big, fluffy, and chewy, while their bialys, which they've been making since 1936, are a famous specialty. They offer a variety of flavors for both.
Cream Cheese and Spreads: To complement the bagels, there is a generous selection of cream cheeses, including classic plain, scallion, and vegetable, as well as unique flavors like pastrami-cured salmon cream cheese and dill cucumber. They also offer a variety of salads like tuna, chicken, and egg salad.
Extensive Breakfast and Lunch Menu: The menu is robust, featuring all-day breakfast items like egg sandwiches and omelettes, as well as a full deli menu with classic sandwiches, paninis, and salads.
Smoked Fish and Appetizers: For a traditional New York experience, the shop offers a wide selection of smoked fish, including hand-sliced Nova salmon, as well as whitefish and baked salmon salad.
Other Baked Goods: Beyond bagels and bialys, Kossar's offers other baked goods like babka, rugelach, and challah, providing a taste of classic Jewish bakery traditions.
Catering and Delivery: For larger gatherings or office events, the shop provides catering services with various packages, including bagel platters and full breakfast buffets. They also offer delivery through popular online platforms for added convenience.
Features and Highlights
Kossar's Bagels & Bialys has several key features and highlights that set it apart and contribute to its strong reputation among locals.
Unique Ambiance: The shop’s atmosphere is a significant highlight. It is described as "clean, bright, and has a comfortable seating area," a departure from the typical, bustling "bagel joint." The decor, with old-school jazz and black-and-white photos, gives it a unique and pleasant vibe, making it a place where you can enjoy your meal rather than just grab and go.
High-Quality Products: Customers consistently rave about the quality of the bagels, praising their freshness, flavor, and texture. The cream cheese is also noted for being rich, creamy, and generously applied.
Efficient and Friendly Service: Even with a line, the staff is described as organized and efficient. The owner and employees are noted for being friendly and courteous, offering recommendations and paying attention to small details, which significantly enhances the customer experience.
Historical Legacy: While the York Avenue location is newer, it carries the legacy of the original Kossar's, which has been making bialys since 1936. This history and commitment to tradition give the shop a sense of authenticity and prestige.
Community Hub: With its comfortable seating area and welcoming vibe, the shop serves as a community hub where people can enjoy their morning routine, watch others, and feel a sense of belonging. It's a place that fosters connection and ritual.
Contact Information
To connect with Kossar's Bagels & Bialys on the Upper East Side, you can use the following information:
Address: 1409 York Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA
Phone: (646) 858-0047 (Note: Publicly available information lists a different phone number for this location than the one provided, so a check is advised).
Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals
Kossar's Bagels & Bialys on York Avenue is an ideal fit for New York locals, particularly those on the Upper East Side, for a variety of reasons. It successfully bridges the gap between a traditional, no-frills bagel shop and a modern, comfortable bakery. The quality of its products—from the perfectly chewy bagels to the rich cream cheese and wide selection of deli items—is consistently high, earning it a reputation as a reliable neighborhood staple. This consistency is crucial for locals who want a dependable source for their daily breakfast or lunch.
The shop's unique atmosphere, with its clean and bright interior, makes it a pleasant place to sit and enjoy a meal, turning a quick stop into a more leisurely experience. The friendly and efficient staff further enhances this, ensuring that even during busy times, the service is a positive part of the visit. The rich history and legacy of the brand, combined with its prime location and commitment to quality, make Kossar's more than just a place to eat; it's a part of the community's fabric. For a New Yorker looking for an authentic, delicious, and enjoyable bagel experience, Kossar's Bagels & Bialys is a highly recommended and essential part of the Upper East Side landscape.
VISIT FEATURES
Services and accessibility
These attributes come from the directory record and should be confirmed when essential.
Service options
- In-store pick-up
- On-site services
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
- Coffee
Amenities
Planning
- Quick visit
Payments
- Credit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Paid street parking
PHOTOS
See the bakery
VISITOR FEEDBACK
Reviews and recurring themes
Read individual comments as personal experiences, not verified guarantees.
everything bagel 21delivery 11morning 11spreads 10bacon 10cream cheese bagel 8babka 7selection 7lox spread 7cinnamon 5
Kossar is a unique kind of bagel shop. It’s clean, bright, and has a comfortable seating area — almost too nice, more like a bakery than your typical bagel joint. You know how bakeries and bagel shops usually have distinct vibes? Kossar somehow captures the charm of both. It’s a bit uncanny — the lighting and fancy atmosphere make you briefly question whether a place this polished can still serve legit bagels.Of course, there’s a line — it’s a popular spot. But the line moves quickly. The staff are organized, efficient, and you’ll likely have your bagel in hand within 10–15 minutes, even during peak hours.And the bagels? Outstanding. Big, fluffy, fresh, and satisfyingly chewy. I usually go for the Everything or Egg Everything bagels — both are excellent. The cream cheese is rich and generously slathered on — exactly how I like it. It’s on the softer, creamier side, which pairs beautifully with the crispy texture of the toasted bagel.One early morning, just before 7:30, I sat in the cozy space while old-school jazz played and black-and-white photos lined the walls. I savored my bagel, sipped a coffee, and quietly watched the line of people trickle in, all eager to order their favorites. It was oddly fun to overhear the different combinations people asked for — everyone has their ritual.I love coming to Kossar. It’s popular without being overwhelming. Not spacious, but still pleasant to sit in. It’s my little weekend happy place.
Apr 6 · Garfield XUpdate: got the same exact order as last time. Same comments apply. Don’t get me wrong, food is delish. Hubby just feels if it’s called a pastrami wrap it should have more pastrami.Busy bagel place! Of course it’s busy… the food is good, many options (not just bagels). My order was ready in a timely manner. Hubby had a pastrami and egg wrap (only complaint is that it only had one piece of pastrami on it) and I had scrambled egg and cheese on an everything pumpernickel bagel! Delish! ($23)
Mar 2 · Arl PLove their bagel and options of spreads. I also love that they offer fresh squeeze orange juice. Good way to start your day here.
Jun 13 · The Foodie ArchitectA local, clean, epic bagel place in the UES. This place is packed during peak weekend hours so be prepared to wait but there's a lot of staff to keep lines moving. Broad menu with smoothies, bialys, and then the Western omitted, bagel and home fries is filling breakfast! Seating inside and out. Enjoy!
May 13 · Connie KwokNEARBY ALTERNATIVES
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