Pick A Bagel on 23rd Street: A New York Bagel Experience

Pick A Bagel on 23rd street Introduce

For many New Yorkers, a great day starts with a great bagel. It's not just food; it's a ritual, a taste of the city itself. In a place with a bagel shop on nearly every corner, standing out requires a commitment to quality and tradition. Pick A Bagel on 23rd street has been a fixture in the Gramercy neighborhood for decades, serving up bagels the old-fashioned way. This comprehensive overview is designed to give you a genuine look at what makes this place a local favorite, from its signature hand-rolled bagels to its extensive menu and convenient location.

Pick A Bagel's story is one of dedication to a craft that is quintessentially New York. The proprietors have been perfecting their hand-rolled and kettle-boiled bagel-making process for over 30 years, a method they believe is essential to creating the perfect bagel—crispy on the outside, and delightfully chewy on the inside. This time-honored tradition is what sets their bagels apart and has built a loyal following. The shop is more than just a place to grab a quick bite; it's a neighborhood hub where people can find a wide variety of fresh, high-quality food.

Beyond the bagels themselves, the menu is a testament to the versatility of the beloved New York staple. Patrons can find everything from classic cream cheese spreads to elaborate bagel sandwiches piled high with fresh ingredients. The atmosphere is often bustling, especially during peak morning hours, reflecting the fast-paced nature of city life and the high demand for their fresh-baked goods. While the pace can be quick, many locals appreciate the efficiency that comes with it, allowing them to get their morning fuel without a long wait.

Navigating the vast menu and the energetic environment is part of the experience. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the area, understanding the offerings and the flow of the shop is key to a satisfying visit. Pick A Bagel on 23rd street provides a full-service experience that extends well beyond a simple bagel with cream cheese, making it a reliable spot for breakfast, lunch, or even catering for larger events.

The reputation of a local spot is often built on the collective experiences of its customers. While the majority of the feedback is positive, praising the quality of the bagels and the freshness of ingredients, a few isolated incidents have been noted. For instance, some patrons have mentioned feeling rushed during busy periods. It is worth remembering that busy New York establishments often operate at a rapid pace to serve a high volume of customers. Another customer has shared a less-than-ideal experience regarding a pastrami sandwich, but this is balanced by the many positive reviews that highlight the freshness of other items, such as their bagels and a particularly praised fresh-squeezed orange juice. These varying perspectives underscore the dynamic nature of a popular local business and the importance of individual experiences.

Overall, Pick A Bagel on 23rd street remains a local institution, a place where the tradition of a proper New York bagel is upheld. The commitment to hand-rolling and kettle-boiling is a promise of quality that residents have come to trust. The shop’s friendly and professional approach aims to make every visitor feel at home, even during the busiest rushes. It’s a place that captures the spirit of New York—fast, delicious, and always a go-to for a classic comfort food.

Location and Accessibility

Pick A Bagel on 23rd street is situated in a prime location in Manhattan's Gramercy neighborhood. The shop's address is 210 E 23rd St, New York, NY 10010, USA. This places it in a highly convenient area, easily accessible for residents and professionals working in the vicinity. The neighborhood is known for its beautiful architecture, including the exclusive Gramercy Park, and a mix of residential and commercial buildings. Its location on East 23rd Street, a major crosstown thoroughfare, makes it simple to reach.

For those using public transportation, the shop is a short walk from several subway stations. The 6 train stops at 23rd Street and Park Avenue, just a few blocks west of the shop. Additionally, the N and R trains at 23rd Street and Broadway are a short stroll away. This excellent connectivity ensures that people from various parts of Manhattan can easily visit the store. Bus routes along 23rd street also provide a convenient option for getting there. For those who live or work nearby, the shop is a quick and easy walk, making it a perfect spot for a morning coffee run or a lunchtime escape. The ease of access is a significant factor in why the shop has become a daily stop for many local New Yorkers.

Services Offered

Freshly Baked Bagels: The cornerstone of their business, Pick A Bagel offers a wide variety of hand-rolled and kettle-boiled bagels, baked fresh daily. Customers can choose from a range of classic flavors to more unique options.
Cream Cheese and Spreads: The shop boasts a vast selection of homemade cream cheeses, including plain, scallion, lox spread, and various low-fat and tofu options. There are also other spreads available like butter, jelly, and peanut butter.
Bagel Sandwiches: From traditional smoked salmon and lox to a variety of egg and cheese combinations, and even cold cuts, the shop offers an extensive menu of bagel sandwiches made with high-quality ingredients.
Breakfast and Lunch Items: Beyond bagels, the menu includes a full range of breakfast and lunch options, such as omelettes, pancakes, salads, paninis, and deli sandwiches.
Catering: For office meetings, events, or parties, Pick A Bagel provides catering services. They offer various platters, including bagel platters, smoked salmon platters, and cold cuts platters, all designed to serve groups.
Beverages: A full range of hot and cold beverages is available, including freshly brewed coffee, espresso drinks, and a customer-favorite, freshly squeezed orange juice.

Features and Highlights

Traditional Preparation: The commitment to a traditional bagel-making process—hand-rolling and kettle-boiling—is a major highlight, ensuring a genuine New York bagel with a distinct texture and flavor.
Wide Variety of Choices: The extensive menu, from a dozen different bagel flavors to a wide range of spreads and sandwich fillings, ensures that there is something for every taste and preference.
Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice: A highly-rated item by many customers, the freshly squeezed orange juice is a popular choice and a testament to the shop's focus on fresh ingredients.
Catering for Events: Their catering service is a significant feature, providing a reliable and delicious option for feeding a crowd with classic New York fare.
Central Gramercy Location: The shop's location on 23rd street makes it a central and convenient spot for anyone in the Gramercy neighborhood or passing through the area.
Community Presence: With over three decades of operation, Pick A Bagel on 23rd street has established itself as a part of the local community, a familiar and trusted spot for daily routines.

Contact Information

Address: 210 E 23rd St, New York, NY 10010, USA
Phone: (212) 686-1414

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Pick A Bagel on 23rd street is more than just a place to get a bagel; it’s an integral part of the New York experience. Its suitability for locals stems from a combination of its dedication to quality, its broad range of offerings, and its convenient location. For a resident in the Gramercy area, it provides a reliable and authentic option for breakfast, lunch, and everything in between. The time-honored tradition of hand-rolling and kettle-boiling every bagel is a promise of an authentic product, a standard that many New Yorkers seek. The bustling atmosphere, while sometimes feeling rushed, is a true reflection of the city's energy and efficiency. The extensive menu ensures that even the pickiest eaters can find something to enjoy, whether it's a simple buttered bagel, a hearty breakfast platter, or a fresh, crisp salad.

Moreover, the positive reviews from many customers speak to the overall quality of the food and service. The fresh-squeezed orange juice is a prime example of their commitment to fresh ingredients, a detail that doesn’t go unnoticed by the community. For those planning a gathering, the catering service offers a taste of classic New York that is both convenient and sure to please. The shop's central location and easy access via public transport make it a cornerstone of the neighborhood, a place where people can grab their morning essentials on their way to work or enjoy a weekend treat. In a city of endless choices, Pick A Bagel on 23rd street has earned its place as a trusted, reliable, and quintessentially New York spot for locals. It's a place that honors tradition while serving the modern needs of a fast-paced city, making it a perfect fit for the local community.

Pick A Bagel on 23rd street Menu

Eggs, Omelettes, Pancakes and Oat Meal
2 Eggs Sandwich US$6.50
Western Omelette US$14.95
Ham, peppers and onions. On a plate.
Greek Omelette US$14.95
Black olives, tomatoes, feta.
Veggie Omelette US$14.95
Mushroom, peppers, scallion, broccoli and tomatoes.
L.E.O. Omelette US$17.25
Lox, eggs and onions.
Pancakes US$10.00
2 large pancakes with maple syrup.
1 Of Each Breakfast Platter US$16.75
1 egg, 1 sausage patty, 1 sausage link, 1 pancake and 1 hashbrown.
Hash-Brown Patty US$4.25

Bagels, Flats and Minis
BAGELS US$2.35
DOZEN BAGELS US$28.20
Fourteen to a dozen. Please specify in special instructions if you would like more than one of any kind.
FLAT BAGELS US$3.95
DOZEN FLAT BAGELS US$39.00
Please specify in special instructions if you would like more than one of any kind.
MINI BAGELS US$1.95
AS IS , NO SANDWICHES NOT SLICED
BIALYS US$2.35
BAGEL CHIPS US$10.95
OUR OWN BAGEL CHIPS PACKED IN A BOX.

Muffins and Pastries
Muffins US$6.25
Crumb Cakes And Pound Cakes US$5.95
Assorted Danishes And Turnovers US$5.95
Assorted Croissants US$4.90
Black And White Cookies US$5.00
1 Dozen Mini Black And White US$13.25

Coffee and Tea
Coffee
Decaf Coffee
Hazelnut Coffee
Hot Chocolate
Tea And Herbal Tea
Latte
Cappuccino
Espresso
Iced Coffee
Iced Decaf Coffee
Ice Hazelnut Coffee
Iced Cappuccino
Iced Latte
Fresh Brewed Ice Tea
Cold Brew Ice Coffee
Coffee Box US$39.95
Serves 10-12. Includes milk , cups and condiments.

Cream Cheese Sandwiches
Butter Bagel US$4.25
Peanut Butter US$7.95
Peanut butter
Plain Cream Cheese Sandwich US$6.75
Flavored Cream Cheese US$7.95
LOX SPREAD SANDWICH US$9.95
LOX CAPERS DILL SANDWICH US$10.75
LCD SPREAD

Cream Cheese by the LB'
Plain Cream Cheese By The LB'
Flavored Cream Cheese By The LB'
All flavors and sizes.
Lox Spread By The LB'
LOX CAPERS DILL SPREAD BY THE LB'
LCD ( BY THE LB' )
Peanut Butter By The LB'
Butter By The LB'
Jelly By The LB'

Low-Cal Cream Cheese Sandwiches
Low Calorie Cream Cheese US$6.50
Low-Cal Veggie Cream Cheese US$7.50
Low-cal reduced fat cream cheese.
Low-Cal Scallion Cream Cheese US$7.25
Low-cal reduced fat cream cheese.

Low-Cal Cream Cheese by the LB'
Low-Cal Cream Cheese By The LB'
Low-Cal Scallion Cream Cheese By The LB'
Low-Cal Veggie Cream Cheese By The LB'
Low-Cal Lox Spread By The LB'
Contains fish.

Tofu Cream Cheese Sandwiches
Plain Tofu Cream Cheese US$6.50
Vegan and non dairy cream cheese.
Veggie Tofu Cream Cheese US$7.50
Vegan and non dairy cream cheese.
Scallion Tofu Cream Cheese US$7.50
Vegan and non dairy cream cheese.

Tofu Cream Cheese by the LB'
Plain Tofu Cream Cheese By The LB'
Scallion Tofu Cream Cheese By The LB'
Veggie Tofu Cream Cheese By The LB'

Smoked Fish Sandwiches
Smoked Salmon Sandwich US$20.50
A fresh, thinly sliced norwegian salmon.
Belly Lox Sandwich US$20.50
An extremely salty norwegian salmon.
White Fish Sandwich US$17.25
Baked Salmon Sandwich US$18.25
Sable Sandwich US$20.75
AVOCADO TOAST US$10.50
AVOCADO TOAST

Smoked Fish and Appetizers by the LB'
Nova Scotia Salmon By The LB'
Belly Lox By The LB'
White Fish By The LB'
Baked Salmon By The LB'
Sable By The LB'
AVOCADO TOAST US$10.95
AVOCADO ON YOUR CHOICE OF BREAD

Salads and Spreads Sandwiches
Egg Salad Sandwich US$9.75
Tuna Salad Sandwich US$14.25
Veggie Tuna Sandwich US$14.25
Chicken Salad Sandwich US$14.25
Baked Salmon Salad Sandwich US$15.95
White Fish Salad Sandwich US$15.95
AVOCADO TOAST US$10.50
AVOCADO TOAST

Salads and Spreads by the LB'
Egg Salad By LB'
Tuna Salad By LB'
Veggie Tuna By LB'
Chicken Salad By LB'
Baked Salmon Salad By LB'
White Fish Salad By LB'

Cold Cuts Sandwiches
Cold Cuts Sandwich US$14.95
Boar’s head cold cuts.
BLT Sandwich US$10.25
Bacon, lettuce, tomato.

Cold Cuts Combination Sandwiches
Cold Cuts Combination Sandwiches US$18.95
Boar’s head cold cuts.

Cold Cuts by the LB'
Roast Beef By LB'
Corned Beef By LB'
Pastrami By LB'
Turkey Breast
Honey Turkey By LB'
Cracked Pepper Turkey By LB'
Ham By LB'
Genoa Salami By LB'

Chicken Sandwiches
Lemon And Herbs Grilled Chicken Sandwich US$14.50
Breaded Chicken Cutlet, Schnitzel Sandwich US$14.50

Chicken by the LB'
Lemon And Herbs Grilled Chicken By LB'
Breaded Chicken - Schnitzel - By LB'

Hard Cheese Sandwiches
Hard Cheese Sandwiches US$7.25

Hard Cheese by the LB'
American Cheese By LB'
Swiss Cheese By LB'
Muenster Cheese By LB'
Provalon Cheese By LB'
Cheddar Cheese By LB'
Jalapeno Pepper Jack Cheese By LB’
Mozzarella Cheese By LB'

Fresh Juice Bar
Juice Bar
Fresh Carrot Juice US$8.75
Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice US$9.75

Soups
Chicken Noodle Soup

Cold Beverages
Canned Soda US$2.95
Bottled Soda US$4.25
20 oz.
Snapple US$4.25
Poland Spring
Martinelli’s Apple Juice US$4.95
Red Bull Energy US$4.95
Gatorade US$4.25
Vitamin Water US$4.25
Tropicana Juices
Pure Leaf Ice Tea US$4.50
Nestle Quick US$4.75
Chocolate
Vita Coco - Coconut Juice US$4.95

Smoked Fish and Appetizers Platter for 2
Nova Scotia Platter US$29.50
Fresh cut norwegian smoked salmon with tomatoes, lemon wedge, onions and capers.
Smoked Sable Platter US$29.50
Sliced to order smoked sable with tomatoes, onions lemon wedge and capers.
Smoked White Fish US$24.50
A fresh cut from a large juicy white fish tomatoes, onions a wedge of lemon and capers.
Smoked Fish Supreme Platter US$34.50
Nova scotia salmon, sable and white fish cut to order with all you need to enjoy a brunch for 2. Including cream cheese bagels and vegetables.

Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
FRESH SLICED FRUIT SALAD US$4.50
Fruit salad, fruit platters, bowls and parfait.
BANANA US$1.50
RED Or GREEN APPLE US$1.50

Chips and Snacks
Doritos US$2.00
Lay’s Chips US$2.00
RUFFLES US$2.00

CATERING — BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER
BUILD YOUR OWN CATERING
PICK YOUR PLATTERS MIX & MATCH
BREAKFAST EGGS ON WRAPS / BAGELS US$109.95
ASSORTED BAGELS OR WRAP WITH EGGS & CHEESE SERVES 10
OFFICE BREAKFAST - SERVES 10 US$164.95
FRESH BAKED BAGEL PLATTER -- -- ASSORTED CREAM CHEESE PLATTER WITH BUTTER & JELLY -- -- FRESH BAKED MINI DANISHES & CROISSANTS
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST - SERVES 10 US$229.95
-- FRESH BAKED BAGEL PLATTER -- ASSORTED CREAM CHEESE PLATTER -- FRUIT BOWL -- COFFEE BOX -- PLATTER OF SWEETS --
THE EXECUTIVE BREAKFAST - SERVES 10 US$399.95
-- FRESH SLICED SMOKED SALMON PLATTER WITH VEGGIES -- FRESH BAGEL PLATTER -- ASSORTED CREAM CHEESE PLATTER, BUTTER & JELLY -- A FRESH BAKED MINI DANISHES & CROISSANTS -- FRUIT BOWL -- COFFEE BOX -- ORANGE JUICE --
COLD CUTS PLATTER - SERVES 10 US$299.95
- A FRESH BAGEL PLATTER -- AN ASSORTED CREAM CHEESE PLATTER -- VEGETABLE PLATTER -- MACARONI SALAD, POTATO SALAD COLE SLAW & PICKLES -- CAN BE SERVED AS SANDWICHES AS WELL ---

BUILD YOUR OWN CATERING BREAKFAST
BAGEL PLATTER - 1 DOZEN (14 BAGELS) US$40.00
FRESH BAKED SLICED BAGELS ON A PLATTER
SMOKED SALMON PLATTER (SERVES 10-12) US$184.95
FRESH SLICED SALMON SERVED WITH TOMATOES, ONIONS, LEMON & CAPERS
ASSORTMENT OF CREAM CHEESE ON PLATTER - (SERVES 10-12) US$74.95
YOUR CHOICE OF CREAM CHEESES ON A PLATTER
ASSORTMENT OF CREAM CHEESE ON PLATTER - (SERVES 20-25) US$159.95
YOUR CHOICE OF CREAM CHEESES ON A PLATTER
SMALL MINI DANISHES & CROISSANTS PLATTER - ( SERVES 10 -12 ) US$49.95
ASSORTED MINI DANISHES & MINI CROISSANTS BAKED TO ORDER WITH BUTTER & JELLY
LARGE MINI DANISHES & CROISSANT PLATTER - ( SERVES 20-25 ) US$99.95
ASSORTED MINI DANISHES & MINI CROISSANTS BAKED TO ORDER WITH BUTTER & JELLY
LARGE FRUIT BOWL. (SERVES 10-12) US$49.95
BOWL OF FRESH SEASONAL FRUIT
LARGE FRUIT PLATTER - (SERVES 20) US$154.95
FRESH SLICED SEASONAL FRUIT ON A PLATTER SERVES 20
ORANGE JUICE US$24.95
2 - 1/2 GALLON TROPICANA OJ
COFFEE BOX (SERVES 10-12) US$39.95
INCLUDES MILK, CUPS & CONDIMENTS
PARFAIT CUP - PER PERSON US$11.00
FAT FREE GREEK YOGURT, GRANOLA & FRESH FRUIT

Pick A Bagel on 23rd street Details

Service options
Delivery
In-store pick-up
In-store shopping
Takeaway
Dine-in

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating

Offerings
Coffee

Dining options
Breakfast

Crowd
LGBTQ+ friendly

Planning
Quick visit

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Parking
Paid street parking

Pick A Bagel on 23rd street Photos

Pick A Bagel on 23rd street Location

Pick A Bagel on 23rd street

New York New York County New York East 23rd Street

210 E 23rd St, New York, NY 10010, USA

Pick A Bagel on 23rd street Reviews

An average rating of ★3.9 from 250 user reviews.

pricecream cheeserevieweverything bagelownercashierchoicesbacon egg and cheesetomatopay

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I came in & I looked at the menu and was met with stares from the 4 guys behind the counter. They rushed me with their eyes but I took my time to see what I wanted. The man rudely asked me”Can I help you?” I said “One sec, I’m looking at the menu.” They continued to stare as another person entered the store and he shouted out”next!”. I ordered a pastrami egg and cheese. They made my sandwich and charged me $10.99. I’m including a picture of the sandwich, please look at how much pastrami they gave me purposely. Literally 2 pieces of pastrami. To make your customers feel rushed and then mess with the quality of their food and I did nothing but walk in on a beautiful saturday afternoon to just eat. I’ll make sure to skip this place going forward. And please exercise caution when you come here. I guess it depends on how they’re feeling or maybe how you look that determines how you’ll be treated. In times like this, this behavior is very disappointing.
May 31 · Candace Henson
Thank you Service specially orange juice you have to try especially made. This is the best orange juice I’ve ever tasted. And I must say that they’re bagel or on point fourth time coming here and it’s worth it. Trust me. But a little on the expensive side!!!!!!
March 27 · Perseverance
Absolutely LOVE this place! The bald gentleman behind the counter was very helpful and nice, the first question I asked is if they had tofu cream cheese and not only did they have it I was so pleased to learn that they had multiple flavors and made it in the house! It’s rare to be able to find a really tasty bagel, but then also get to cream cheese if you’re vegan so I will definitely be back to this place and recommending it to my friends in the area :-) the general behind the counter Staff was also very nice. thank you!!
June 10 · Alessandra Delacruz
Lox bagel with tomato, CC, onions and capers came out to $24. Way overpriced, this is typically $15-20. They don’t have “specialty sandwiches” so everything is ala carte.However, this is a very good and soft bagel, lox portion is generous and lot of flavor. Better than Zuckers a few blocks away.
January 26 · Alex Schull
Food is ok but nothing special to warrant the high prices. Just got me a tuna melt. It's a regular tuna melt nothing special, but just the sandwich alone is 14.50. And that's on a roll not even a bagel. Have to do better guys.
January 16 · mike Red