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Rico Bagel
Master Critic Review
Rico Bagel
7.9
Rico Bagel is a compact Madison Avenue counter specializing in fresh bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and salads made throughout the morning. With minimal seating and a focus on takeaway, it’s a favored stop for nearby offices looking for warm bagels and quick service at lower prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toasted everything bagel with vegetable cream cheese, Egg and cheese breakfast bagel, Sesame bagel with tuna salad
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Tiny, value-driven bagel counter focused on freshly made sandwiches and salads.
Who should go: Budget-minded locals who don’t need seating or frills.
When to visit: Early to mid-morning when bagels are freshest from the oven.
What to order: Egg and cheese on everything, veggie spread on whole wheat, sesame with tuna salad.
Insider tip: Lines move quickly; decide your order before you reach the counter to keep things flowing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only on Madison Avenue and nearby side streets; limited availability during weekday mornings.
Dress code: Ultra casual — workout clothes, office casual, and grab-and-go attire all fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate — mostly counter chatter and a steady hum of morning orders.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — primarily a breakfast and lunch spot; closes before dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes during peak midday rush, often no wait outside of that window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple veggie spreads, egg-and-cheese sandwiches, and salad options.
Vegan options: Limited — plain bagels with vegetables, hummus-style spreads, and some salads work.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bagels or prep area available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a true sit-down date — it’s best for a fast, casual daytime meet-up rather than lingering conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There’s little to no seating and no reservations — plan on takeaway or a quick stand-and-eat stop.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick bites with kids, but there’s no dedicated seating or kid amenities — best for short visits.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable breakfast sandwiches and fast-moving morning service compared to higher-priced Midtown East bagel shops.
Skip if: You want a relaxed sit-down bagel café experience with lots of seating or specialty smoked fish spreads.