The Best Bagel and Lox in New York City
Bagel with lox in Newyork city is a popular dish for breakfast or brunch. It consists of a toasted bagel, sometimes spread generously with cream cheese, and paired with lox or thinly sliced smoked salmon. This dish is often further adorned with capers, red onion, tomato clothespins, and perhaps a spritz of fresh dill.
The chewy bagel with the spreadable cream inside mingling with the taste of smoky and salty salmon is a good combination to savor. It has its roots in the Jewish deli but can also be found in any brunch or breakfast setting.
NYC's Best Lox Bagel Recipe:
Ingredients:
4 bagels – fresh is key! Plain, sesame, or everything (your choice, but go for that chewy texture)
8 oz cream cheese – get the good stuff, and ideally whipped so it spreads easily
1/2 lb lox (smoked salmon) – make sure it’s top-quality, the better the lox, the better the bagel
1 small red onion – thinly sliced
1 tomato – sliced thin too
Capers – just a handful for that salty bite
Fresh dill – some fresh dill to finish it off
Freshly cracked black pepper – just a pinch
Lemon wedges (optional) – for a little zesty kick
Steps:
Toast Your Bagels: Slice the bagels in half and toast them lightly. You want a crispy outside but still soft inside. Don’t overdo it—keep that chewy bagel vibe!
Spread the Cream Cheese: While the bagels toast, take your cream cheese and let it soften a bit. Spread a thick layer of it on each half—don’t be shy here, this is your base. Whipped cream cheese works great since it’s super easy to spread.
Add the Lox: Layer your lox generously over the cream cheese. Thin, delicate slices are key—they should practically melt into the cream cheese. This is the heart of the bagel, so make sure there’s plenty.
Top with Onion and Tomato: Now, throw on a few slices of red onion for a nice bite, then add a couple of juicy tomato slices. These add some freshness and balance to all the richness.
Sprinkle on the Capers and Dill: Capers add that salty, briny pop, and fresh dill gives a nice herby finish. Sprinkle them on top for the perfect flavor combo.
Season and Serve: Give it a crack of black pepper and maybe a squeeze of lemon (if you’re into that tangy touch). Then it’s time to dig in!
A Couple of Notes:
Fresh Bagels: If you can’t get them fresh from a New York shop, look for boiled bagels—they should have that chewy inside and crisp outside.
Lox: Don’t skimp here. Get the best smoked salmon you can find—it makes all the difference!
- Cream Cheese: Whipped cream cheese is the easiest to spread, but if you like it thicker, go for the regular stuff.
The Best Bagel and Lox Where to Find the Ultimate Combo
New York City and bagels go hand-in-hand. And if you love bagels, one pairing you cannot afford to skip is a bagel and lox. It’s just one of those pairings that somehow feels right—the chewy bagel, creamy cream cheese, and smoky, melt-in-your-mouth lox. But with all the places the city has to offer for such a classic, how do you know where to find the absolute best? Well, worry not! Here is the lowdown on the best bagels and lox joints in NYC if you are a local or perhaps visiting.
Russ & Daughters: The OG of Bagel & Lox
Where: 179 E Houston St
Russ & Daughters has been a bagel and lox institution since 1914 and is pretty much the original in NYC. Hand-sliced lox and fresh chewy bagels are raved about by people. Definitely worth stopping by for an authentic New York deli experience.
What to try: Their “Scotland Lox” with cream cheese on a bagel is a classic.
📍 Address;
Location: 179 E Houston St https://maps.app.goo.gl/WbPKqtXdE4M6Up1Q7
Ess-a-Bagel: For When You Want a Seriously Big Bagel
Where: 831 3rd Ave
Ess-a-Bagel is more famous for its large shining bagels. They have been around for decades and are loved by tourists and natives alike. They offer a vast variety of bagels and lox, and the portions are generous.
What to try: The lox and cream cheese bagel is simple yet perfect (their everything bagel is a classic).
📍 Address;
Location: 831 3rd Ave https://maps.app.goo.gl/8Zk1vU1UXF5xjrar7
Murray's Bagels: A Local Favorite in Greenwich Village
Where: 500 Avenue of the Americas
Murray has made a name for itself in the NYC bagel front with their hand-rolled kettle-boiled ones. They also offer a great range of smoked fish and cream cheeses with their perfect bagel.
What to try: Lox & cream cheese on a plain bagel (it’s classic for a reason).
📍 Address;
Location: 500 Avenue of the Americas https://maps.app.goo.gl/2pcoqWmmUinNoEPx7
Bagel Hole: Brooklyn’s Hidden Gem
Where: 400 7th Ave, Brooklyn
In Brooklyn, Bagel Hole is reputed as a diamond in the rough. Their bagels lean toward smaller and denser, albeit in the best way possible–perfectly suitable for one solid lox and cream cheese sandwich. It’s totally no frills, and absolutely worth it.
What to try: Good old lox-and-cream cheese on their classic bagel. Neat and simple but oh-so-delicious.
📍 Address;
Location:400 7th Ave, Brooklyn https://maps.app.goo.gl/qCe7yGZsbvCTNkQL7
H&H Bagels
- Where: 2 W 43rd St (right near Times Square)
H&H is another classic in the NYC bagel scene. They’ve been making chewy, perfectly boiled bagels for decades, and their Midtown location is super convenient if you’re near Times Square. Their lox is always fresh, and their bagels are just the right amount of soft and crispy.
What to get: Lox and cream cheese on a plain bagel, or if you’re feeling fancy, try the Nova Lox
📍 Address;
Location:2 W 43rd St (right near Times Square) https://maps.app.goo.gl/nzKcfxmbzMPSDiXa8
The Bagel Store
Where: 200 2nd Ave (East Village),
with a Midtown spot near Times Square
This place is a gem for hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagels. If you’re in Midtown, they’ve got a spot near Times Square where you can grab their famous bagels with lox and fresh toppings.
What to get: A bagel with lox—you can customize it with all the fixings, so get creative!
📍 Address;
Location:200 2nd Ave (East Village) https://maps.app.goo.gl/iW9G8bCe22V5WDvZ8
Conclusion: The Ultimate Bagel and Lox Adventure
In New York City, the hunt for the perfect lox and bagel isn’t just about satisfying your hunger—it’s about experiencing a piece of the city’s history, culture, and flavor. Whether you prefer your bagel traditional or with a modern twist, these top spots will ensure that your lox-and-bagel craving is more than satisfied. So grab a friend (or go solo) and explore the best bagels NYC has to offer—your taste buds will thank you.