Pick a Bagel

In the hierarchy of New York City culinary institutions, the bagel shop holds a position of sacred importance. For residents of the Upper East Side, Pick a Bagel at 1475 2nd Avenue has long served as a high-traffic hub for the morning ritual. As New Yorkers, we know the drill: the smell of yeast and malt, the frantic energy of the counter, and the pursuit of that elusive "perfect chew." Pick a Bagel represents a specific era of Manhattan bakeshops—one that focuses on variety, speed, and the heavy-handed application of cream cheese that the city is famous for. While the competition in the 10075 zip code is fierce, this location remains a cornerstone for those living between 76th and 77th Streets, providing a reliable, if sometimes unapologetically "New York," experience.

The story of Pick a Bagel is part of a larger tradition that began in the late 1980s, bringing hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagels to various corners of Manhattan. The Upper East Side location captures the essence of the neighborhood: a mix of families, young professionals, and longtime residents all vying for their favorite everything bagel before the workday begins. It is a place where the floor is often covered in poppy seeds and the service is as brisk as a winter morning on Second Avenue. For the local user, it’s the kind of spot you visit because it’s a part of your territory—a place that knows exactly what a "schmear" means, even if the definition of "toasted" can occasionally be a point of neighborly debate.

Location and Accessibility

Pick a Bagel is centrally located at 1475 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10075, USA. Situated on the corner of 2nd Avenue and 77th Street, it sits in the heart of the Upper East Side, making it an incredibly convenient stop for anyone heading toward the FDR Drive or walking toward the museums on 5th Avenue. The shop is a fixture of the local landscape, surrounded by residential buildings and smaller boutiques, serving as a primary breakfast destination for the immediate community.

From an accessibility standpoint, the shop is well-served by New York's transit system. It is just a few short blocks from the 77th Street station (6 train) and equally close to the 72nd Street station (Q train), allowing for easy access from both the East Side and the newer Second Avenue line. The M15 and M15-SBS buses run directly along 2nd Avenue, dropping passengers almost at the shop's front door, while the M79-SBS crosstown bus is just two blocks north for those coming from the West Side. The entrance is street-level and wheelchair accessible, accommodating the neighborhood's diverse demographic, from parents with strollers to elderly residents. While street parking is notoriously difficult in this part of town, the quick turnover of the shop makes it a viable "grab-and-go" for those who manage to find a temporary standing spot.

Services Offered

• Hand-Rolled Bagel Production: Bagels are made using the traditional kettle-boiled and baked method, with a variety of flavors including pumpernickel, sesame, and 7-grain.
• Custom Sandwich Bar: A full-service deli counter where customers can build their own breakfast and lunch sandwiches using various proteins, cheeses, and veggies.
• Extensive Spread Selection: A wide array of homemade cream cheeses, including flavored options like scallion, vegetable, walnut raisin, and tofu-based spreads for dairy-free needs.
• Smoked Fish Specialties: Offering classic New York lox, Nova Scotia salmon, and whitefish salad, available by the slice or as part of a sandwich.
• Full-Service Catering: Providing bagel platters, smoked fish spreads, and pastry baskets for corporate meetings and residential gatherings in Manhattan.
• Griddle Breakfasts: Beyond bagels, the shop serves hot breakfast platters including omelets, pancakes, and French toast.
• Beverage Program: Featuring La Colombe coffee, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and a variety of smoothies and iced teas.

Features / Highlights

• Traditional Craftsmanship: Adhering to the "New York way" of bagel making—hand-rolled and kettle-boiled—to achieve a dense, chewy interior and a shiny crust.
• Large Variety: One of the most extensive menus in the area, offering everything from "flagels" (flat bagels) to mini bagels and gluten-free options.
• Neighborhood Familiarity: A long-standing presence on the Upper East Side that caters specifically to the rhythms and preferences of local residents.
• Freshly Sliced Lox: Unlike pre-packaged options, the smoked salmon is often sliced behind the counter to ensure the best possible quality for sandwiches.
• High-Energy Atmosphere: A quintessential "New York speed" service style that is designed to move through lines quickly during peak hours.
• All-Day Dining: While breakfast is the main draw, the shop serves a full lunch menu including paninis, knishes, and homemade soups.

Contact Information

Address: 1475 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10075, USA

Phone: (212) 717-4668

Mobile Phone: +1 212-717-4668

What is worth choosing

When visiting Pick a Bagel on 2nd Avenue, the most authentic choice is undoubtedly a fresh "Everything" or "Sesame" bagel with a generous portion of their house-made scallion cream cheese. For those who want the full New York experience, the Smoked Salmon (Nova) Sandwich is the flagship item. It is worth choosing because it brings together the key elements of a Manhattan brunch: a chewy bagel, a thick layer of cream cheese, sliced red onions, and capers. While some locals have noted that the lox portions can vary, it remains a classic staple that defines the shop's identity.

For a lighter or more modern start to the day, their Avocado Toast on a toasted bagel is a popular alternative, often topped with everything bagel seeds for that signature local crunch. If you are feeding a group, the "Baker's Dozen" (which conveniently includes 14 bagels at this location) is the best value, allowing you to sample the full range from Cinnamon Raisin to Poppy Seed. Additionally, their breakfast wraps and omelet platters—like the Leo (Lox, Eggs, and Onions)—provide a more substantial seated meal for those who have a bit more time. Pair your choice with a large iced coffee or their highly-regarded fresh-squeezed orange juice for a complete Upper East Side morning. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite before work or a weekend treat to take back to your apartment, choosing Pick a Bagel is a nod to the enduring, everyday culture of New York's most famous bread.

Ultimately, a visit to Pick a Bagel is about more than just the food; it's about participating in a neighborhood tradition. While every New Yorker has their own specific opinion on the "best" bagel, this 2nd Avenue spot offers the convenience and variety that keep the Upper East Side moving. It is a no-frills, high-output establishment that delivers exactly what the sign says. For the resident who lives right next door or the traveler coming from the Q train, it remains a reliable destination to get a taste of the city, one hand-rolled bagel at a time.

Pick a Bagel

1475 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10075, USA