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Bullseye Bagels by Cafe Encore
Master Critic Review
Bullseye Bagels by Cafe Encore
7.6
Union Square counter spot offering a dedicated bagel menu with classic schmears and hearty sandwiches geared to commuters and tour pickups. It’s a practical downtown grab-and-go with early hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bagel with cream cheese and lox, Egg & cheese bagel, TLT (turkey, lettuce, tomato) bagel
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Downtown bagel lineup with quick service and early open.
Who should go: Commuters and tour-goers needing speed
When to visit: 7–9am for shortest waits
What to order: Lox bagel; egg & cheese; TLT bagel
Insider tip: Mobile-order pickup is fastest before tour departures.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce near Union Square, with paid garages nearby (expect $8–$12/hour). Best to walk or use transit.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; commuters often stop in work attire, but no dress code is enforced.
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly grab-and-go traffic, so conversation is possible if you sit briefly.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—closes by early afternoon.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; 2–5 minutes even at peak.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plain, veggie, and egg-based bagels available.
Vegan options: Limited—plain bagels with peanut butter or avocado; no dedicated vegan spreads.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bagels or prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s a counter-service commuter spot without ambiance for lingering.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t needed; limited stools available, but most order to-go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for a quick bite—kids can enjoy bagels and simple sandwiches, but no high chairs or play space.
Best For
Better for: Faster morning service and lower prices than sit-down brunch cafes in Union Square.
Skip if: You want artisanal bagel craft or a cafe setting to linger—try Wise Sons or Arsicault instead.