Murray's Bagels

For nearly three decades, Murray's Bagels has stood as a definitive landmark in the ever-shifting culinary landscape of New York City. Since opening its doors in 1996, this Greenwich Village institution has committed itself to the "old-fashioned way" of bagel making, a craft that many locals argue is becoming a lost art. In a city where you can find a bagel on almost every corner, Murray's distinguishes itself by refusing to take shortcuts. Here, the process remains steeped in tradition: bagels are hand-rolled by skilled artisans, kettle-boiled to achieve that essential chewy exterior, and baked fresh daily to ensure every customer experiences the pinnacle of New York dough craftsmanship.

The shop itself captures the nostalgic essence of a classic Manhattan deli. With its warm lighting, chalkboard menus, and the constant hum of a busy neighborhood crowd, it serves as a community hub where the aroma of toasted seeds and schmear fills the air. For New Yorkers, a trip to Murray's is often a weekend ritual—a place where the line out the door is not just a sign of popularity, but a testament to a quality that locals believe is worth the wait. Whether you are a purist looking for a plain bagel with a heavy hit of cream cheese or an adventurous eater seeking a towering specialty sandwich, Murray's provides a reliable, quintessential New York experience that bridges the gap between old-world tradition and modern city cravings.

Location and Accessibility

Murray's Bagels is perfectly situated at 500 6th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA, on the corner of 13th Street. This prime location at the crossroads of Greenwich Village and Chelsea makes it incredibly accessible for both residents and visitors exploring the heart of Manhattan. The shop is a stone's throw from some of the city's most beautiful brownstone-lined streets and is a frequent stop for those heading toward the High Line or the shops of 5th Avenue.

For those navigating the city via public transit, accessibility is one of the shop's greatest strengths. It is located just a short walk from the 14th St - Union Square station, which serves the 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, and W trains. Additionally, the F and M lines at 14th St and 6th Ave are practically at the doorstep, and the PATH train is nearby for those traveling from New Jersey. While street parking in this area is notoriously difficult, the high density of subway lines and bus routes makes Murray's a convenient destination from almost anywhere in the five boroughs. The shop features indoor seating for those who manage to snag a table, though many locals prefer to take their orders to go and enjoy them in one of the nearby pocket parks.

Services Offered

Murray's Bagels offers a comprehensive range of services designed to satisfy both the individual diner and larger groups. Their service offerings include:

• In-Store Counter Service: The classic New York experience where you watch your bagel being expertly sliced and spread.
• Custom Sandwich Preparation: A vast menu of breakfast and lunch sandwiches made to order with a wide array of meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
• Local Delivery: Available through major platforms, bringing fresh bagels directly to your home or office in the 10011 area and beyond.
• Catering Platters: Professional catering services featuring beautifully arranged bagel and lox platters, salad assortments, and pastry trays for corporate meetings or family gatherings.
• Spreads and Fish by the Pound: Customers can purchase Murray's signature cream cheeses, tofu spreads, and premium smoked fish by the pound for home enjoyment.
• Nationwide Shipping: Partnered with services like Goldbelly to ship their hand-rolled bagels to fans across the United States.

Features and Highlights

Several distinct features make Murray's Bagels a standout in the competitive world of New York bakeries:

• Traditional Craftsmanship: All bagels are hand-rolled and kettle-boiled, a labor-intensive process that results in the authentic "crunch on the outside, soft on the inside" texture.
• Extensive Smoked Fish Selection: Known for sourcing some of the finest smoked salmon, sable, and sturgeon in the city, with over ten varieties of salmon typically available.
• Diverse Cream Cheese Menu: From classic scallion and veggie to more unique house blends, their spreads are applied generously and made with high-quality ingredients.
• Aesthetic Charm: The interior features a classic deli-style design with an antique white tin ceiling that provides a cozy, authentic Manhattan atmosphere.
• Vegan-Friendly Options: The shop offers a significant selection of tofu-based spreads and vegetable-forward sandwiches to cater to plant-based diets.
• No-Toasting Philosophy: Traditionally, Murray's has encouraged customers to enjoy their bagels untoasted to appreciate the freshness and texture of the dough, though they have adapted over the years to meet customer preferences.

Contact Information

To reach the shop for inquiries or to check daily availability, you can use the following details:

Address: 500 6th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA

Phone: (212) 462-2830

Mobile: +1 212-462-2830

What is Worth Choosing

When it comes to selecting the perfect order at Murray's, the "Traditional" is often the most recommended starting point for any newcomer. This sandwich features Eastern Nova Scotia Salmon paired with plain cream cheese, tomatoes, Bermuda onions, and capers on a bagel of your choice. It is a masterclass in balance, where the saltiness of the lox and capers meets the creaminess of the cheese and the sharp bite of the onion. For those who want the full flavor profile of a New York bagel, the "Everything" bagel is the gold standard here—dense with seeds and garlic without being overwhelming.

For those looking for a hearty breakfast, the "BECA" is a local favorite, consisting of two farm-fresh eggs, bacon, cheddar, and avocado mash. The avocado adds a modern, creamy twist to the classic bacon, egg, and cheese. If you have a sweet tooth, the French Toast bagel is a unique find that surprises many with its subtle cinnamon and eggy notes. Finally, for those sharing with a group, a "Baker’s Dozen" is the best way to sample the wide variety of flavors, from pumpernickel and sesame to the elusive whole wheat everything. While some may find the prices a bit higher than a standard corner deli, the generous portions—especially the thick "schmear" of cream cheese—and the artisanal quality of the hand-rolled dough make it a high-value indulgence for any bagel enthusiast in New York.

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Murray's Bagels

500 6th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA