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Kossar's Bagels & Bialys
ZipPicks Awards
Best Bagels in Upper West Side
Master Critic Review
Kossar's Bagels & Bialys
7.8
A neighborhood bagel spot known for its classic boiled bagels and traditional bialys, Kossar’s delivers straightforward, old‑school New York bagel fare in a relaxed, counter‑service setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Plain Bagel with Butter, Onion Bialy, Nova Lox Bagel Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Traditional boiled bagels and classic bialys done simply.
Who should go: Traditionalists and budget‑minded locals.
When to visit: Morning to early afternoon.
What to order: Plain bagel with butter, onion bialy, Nova lox sandwich.
Insider tip: Best enjoyed with a coffee at the counter during off‑peak hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available, but can be challenging during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual – no need for anything fancy, jeans and a T-shirt are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate – easy to carry on a conversation, even with a small crowd.
Weekend wait: No dinner service, but expect some wait during weekend mornings (10-20 minutes).
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, especially on weekdays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – a variety of vegetarian-friendly bagels and spreads.
Vegan options: Limited – a few bagels and vegetable toppings are available.
Gluten-free options: No – there are no dedicated gluten-free options available.
Best For
Better for: Kossar’s excels if you’re craving traditional, simple bagels and bialys in a no-frills setting, perfect for solo diners or those looking for a quick breakfast.
Skip if: Skip if you're looking for a trendy brunch spot or a place with more variety in terms of gourmet bagel toppings or creative options.