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PopUp Bagels
Master Critic Review
PopUp Bagels
8.5
A small, line-drawing counter on Thompson Street turning out rip-and-dip New York–style bagels with rotating, heavily flavored schmears. Orders skew toward bags of warm bagels and tubs of spread eaten nearby or taken to the park rather than on-site lingering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Warm everything bagel with scallion schmear, Plain bagel with hot honey butter, Sesame bagel with cinnamon sugar cream cheese
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Warm, freshly baked bagels sold by the bag with punchy spreads.
Who should go: Bagel fans chasing buzzy, New-School New York flavor.
When to visit: Mornings before peak weekend lines snake down Thompson.
What to order: Everything bagels, scallion schmear, hot honey butter.
Insider tip: Order a bag plus multiple schmears and share picnic-style in nearby Washington Square Park.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; typically scarce on Thompson Street, with slightly better odds on adjacent blocks early mornings.
Dress code: Casual—most guests are in everyday streetwear or workout clothes.
Noise level: Moderate outdoors; the counter-only setup means brief interactions but no indoor seating noise.
Weekend wait: Not applicable; the shop is a morning-to-afternoon operation.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes depending on line flow; rarely a true wait beyond queue time.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most bagels and several schmears are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—plain bagels are typically vegan, but schmears may not be; check daily offerings.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bagels; not suitable for strict gluten avoidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something ultra-casual—it's grab-and-go, line-based, and best for a quick shared snack rather than a sit-down date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables or reservations; plan to take bagels to-go or eat in the park.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy bagels and don’t need seating; not ideal for strollers or toddlers due to tight sidewalk lines and no indoor space.
Best For
Better for: Warm, just-baked bagels meant for ripping and dipping, plus bold, rotating schmears that feel more modern and playful than traditional delis.
Skip if: You want classic deli-style bagel sandwiches, ample seating, or a leisurely eat-in breakfast experience.