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Metro Bagel & Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Metro Bagel & Cafe
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Metro Bagel & Cafe is a hand-rolled bagel shop and breakfast counter where egg sandwiches, bagel platters, and basic griddle items turn over from early morning. It’s built for commuters and families who want dependable bagels, coffee, and quick hot breakfasts without table-service formality. The room is utilitarian, but pricing and portion sizes make it a strong everyday option.
Must-Try Dishes:
Everything bagel with lox spread, Bacon, egg, and cheese on a roll or bagel, Two-egg platter with home fries and toast
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Early-opening bagel shop focused on hand-rolled bagels and quick breakfast combos.
Who should go: Commuters and locals needing a fast, affordable breakfast.
When to visit: Morning rush hours for the freshest bagels and turnover.
What to order: Everything bagel with lox, bacon-egg-cheese, two-egg platter.
Insider tip: Order a dozen bagels early on weekends if you’re feeding a crowd; they can run low by late morning.
Metro Bagel & Cafe
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Metro Bagel & Cafe is a hand-rolled, water-boiled bagel shop and breakfast counter where egg sandwiches, bagel platters, and griddle items turn over from early morning into midday. It’s built for commuters and families who want dependable bagels, coffee, and quick hot breakfasts without table-service formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Everything bagel with lox and cream cheese, Bacon, egg, and cheese on a sesame bagel, Pancake platter with eggs
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Neighborhood bagel counter doing classic New York breakfast sandwiches fast.
Who should go: Commuters and locals needing quick, affordable brunch basics.
When to visit: Morning rush for freshest bagels and hottest griddle turnover.
What to order: Everything with lox, bacon-egg-cheese, pancake platter.
Insider tip: Order your sandwich on a toasted everything bagel with extra egg.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along 4th Avenue is limited and competitive during peak brunch hours; easier to find on side streets within a 1–2 block walk.
Dress code: Ultra casual — workout clothes, construction gear, school drop-off fits, and weekend pajamas all feel normal here.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — constant counter activity and conversations, but you can still talk comfortably.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — closes earlier in the day and operates primarily as a breakfast and brunch spot.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes max during late morning; typically no wait outside of weekday commuter rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — egg-and-cheese sandwiches, veggie omelettes, pancakes, bagels with spreads, and breakfast platters available.
Vegan options: Limited — plain bagels, avocado spreads, and a few vegetable sides; no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Very limited — no dedicated gluten-free bagels or prep area; cross-contamination likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re keeping it very casual and quick — this is more of a grab-and-go neighborhood counter than a sit-and-linger date spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come, first-served and mostly quick turnover; no reservations are taken.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families with young kids come regularly, and simple pancakes, eggs, and bagels make it easy for picky eaters.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable classic bagel-and-egg brunch with consistent quality and zero-frills efficiency.
Skip if: You want a polished sit-down brunch, specialty coffee program, or strong gluten-free/vegan menu.
Metro Bagel & Cafe
8.1
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Metro Bagel & Cafe sits near the 59th Street hub with a long menu that runs from classic bagel sandwiches to pancakes, salads, and burgers. It functions as an all-purpose breakfast-and-lunch cafe where commuters and neighborhood regulars grab coffee, eggs, and fresh-baked bagels without table-service fuss.
Must-Try Dishes:
Everything bagel with lox spread, Bacon egg and cheese bagel sandwich, Italian omelette platter with home fries
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Hybrid bagel shop and diner-style cafe with a big all-day menu.
Who should go: Commuters and locals needing affordable, sit-down bagel breakfasts.
When to visit: Morning rush for fresh bagels and faster counter service.
What to order: Everything with lox spread, bacon egg cheese bagel, Italian omelette.
Insider tip: Grab a window table and pair a toasted bagel with one of their fruit smoothies for a longer sit-down break.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; usually manageable on side streets, but tighter during weekday mornings near the 59th Street rush.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, hoodies, work uniforms, and commuter wear all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate — steady counter traffic and grill noise, but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — closes by late afternoon and does not operate as a dinner destination.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes during peak lunch; often no wait mid-morning or after 1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple egg plates, veggie omelettes, salads, and cream cheese bagel options.
Vegan options: Limited — plain bagels, some salads, and a few vegetable sides; confirm spreads and dressings.
Gluten-free options: Very limited — no dedicated gluten-free bagels and shared prep surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual daytime coffee or low-pressure breakfast meet than a romantic date — it’s bright, busy, and practical rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only, with fast table turnover and counter seating available if tables are full.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly — highchairs available, simple breakfast plates, pancakes, and plenty of space for families.
Best For
Better for: Reliable sit-down bagel breakfasts with full diner flexibility — more variety than strict bagel-only shops.
Skip if: You want artisanal bagels, destination-worthy lox spreads, or a quiet cafe atmosphere.