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Pop's Bagels Nolita
Master Critic Review
Pop's Bagels Nolita
7.6
A family-run Nolita counter where veteran deli operator Stephen “Pop” Schnabel serves fresh, modestly sized bagels with an old-school appetizing sensibility. The menu sticks to straightforward bagels, house schmears, and simple sandwiches at gentler prices than many SoHo neighbors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Multigrain bagel with scallion cream cheese, Everything bagel with lox and cream cheese, Egg and cheese breakfast bagel
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Neighborhood bagel shop with a hands-on owner and classic appetizing roots.
Who should go: Locals wanting unfussy, affordable bagels near SoHo shopping.
When to visit: Weekday mornings for smoother counter service and fresher trays.
What to order: Multigrain with scallion, classic lox bagel, egg and cheese.
Insider tip: Use it as a grab-and-go breakfast before hitting nearby boutiques on Elizabeth and Mulberry.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in Nolita; expect metered spots only and frequent circling during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are—bagel-shop norms apply.
Noise level: Low to moderate; it’s a compact counter-service spot where brief chatter and takeout flow don’t hinder conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable; the shop focuses on breakfast and lunch and closes before typical dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: Short lines at peak hours, often 5–10 minutes; off-peak midday has little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several schmears, egg-and-cheese builds, and veggie-forward combinations.
Vegan options: Limited—plain bagels are typically vegan, but spreads and sandwiches skew dairy-heavy; customization may help.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bagels or prep area; those with sensitivities should proceed cautiously.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only for a very casual morning meet-up—it's grab-and-go, compact, and quick, better for low-pressure coffee-and-bagel introductions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t used. Seating is minimal, so expect to take your bagel to go or eat on nearby benches.
Is it kid-friendly? Kid-friendly in the sense of simple bagels and fast service, but there’s no space for strollers, highchairs, or lingering; best for quick bites with older kids.
Best For
Better for: Straightforward, affordable bagels with an old-school deli feel—ideal for locals wanting simplicity over spectacle.
Skip if: You want elaborate bagel towers, specialty schmears, or a sit-down brunch environment; alternatives like Sadelle’s or PopUp Bagels better suit those needs.