Tompkins Square Bagels Upper East Side: The Ultimate Guide to NYC’s Favorite Hand-Rolled Bagels

Tompkins Square Bagels | Upper East Side Bagels Introduce

For any true New Yorker, the search for the perfect bagel is a lifelong journey. It is a quest for that specific combination of a malty, crunchy exterior and a chewy, airy center. While the East Village has long claimed the original Tompkins Square Bagels as its crown jewel, the Upper East Side has officially welcomed this legendary institution to the neighborhood. Located at 1159 3rd Avenue, this outpost brings the same "happiness business" philosophy and artisanal craftsmanship that made the original a cult favorite to the heart of uptown Manhattan.

Tompkins Square Bagels is not just another deli; it is a love letter to the traditional New York City bagel-making process. Founded by Christopher Pugliese, who learned the trade in Brooklyn bakeries during the 1980s, the shop prides itself on rejecting industrial shortcuts. Every bagel is hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, and baked on-site throughout the day. This commitment to the craft ensures that whether you walk in at 7:00 AM or 3:00 PM, you are likely to encounter a bin of bagels still warm from the oven. For residents of the Upper East Side, this means no longer having to trek downtown for one of the city's most celebrated carbs.

Location and Accessibility

The shop is ideally situated at 1159 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10065, positioned between East 67th and East 68th Streets. This prime location makes it a convenient stop for locals, medical professionals from the nearby hospital corridor, and students alike. Accessibility is a major draw for this branch:

Public Transit: It is steps away from the 68th St - Hunter College station (6 train) and the 72nd Street station (Q train), making it an easy commute from almost anywhere in the city.
Neighborhood Hub: The storefront is nestled in a high-foot-traffic residential area, surrounded by local boutiques and essential retail.
Space and Seating: Unlike many cramped Manhattan bagel spots, this 1,500-square-foot location features a spacious layout with a colorful, welcoming interior. It even offers a backyard patio for those rare, quiet New York mornings when you want to enjoy your coffee and smear in the open air.

Services Offered

Tompkins Square Bagels on the Upper East Side provides a comprehensive range of services designed to satisfy the fast-paced demands of New Yorkers while maintaining a friendly, neighborhood feel:

Walk-in Counter Service: Watch the "sizzle" at the open grill as your breakfast sandwich is prepared to order.
Mobile and Online Ordering: Fast-tracked pickup for those on their way to the office or class.
Local Delivery: Fresh bagels and spreads delivered directly to your doorstep via major platforms.
Full Espresso Bar: Serving everything from classic drip coffee to perfectly steamed caramel lattes and hot chocolate.
Catering Services: Professional bagel platters and sandwich spreads for corporate meetings, brunch parties, or special events.
Nationwide Shipping: Through partnerships like Goldbelly, you can send a "Baker’s Dozen" to friends and family outside the city.

Features / Highlights

What sets this establishment apart from the hundreds of other shops in the five boroughs is its dedication to variety and quality. Key highlights include:

Traditional Kettle-Boiling: The use of barley malt and a quick dip in boiling water creates that signature NYC shine and chewiness.
Over 25 House-Made Spreads: From savory scallion and veggie to avant-garde flavors like Birthday Cake, Espresso, and Chipotle Avocado.
Open Kitchen Design: Transparency is key; customers can often see the bakers working with the dough, adding a sensory layer to the experience.
Inclusive Menu Options: They offer a wide variety of tofu-based cream cheeses (Scallion Tofu, Veggie Tofu) and fresh gluten-free bagels baked daily.
Local Art and Vibe: The walls are often adorned with vibrant paintings by local artists, maintaining the creative spirit of the East Village in an uptown setting.
Generous Portions: Known for "not skimping on the smears," each bagel is piled high with fresh, house-whipped cream cheese.

Contact Information

Address: 1159 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA

Phone: (212) 203-4862

Mobile Phone: +1 212-203-4862

What is worth choosing

If you are overwhelmed by the massive chalkboard menu, start with the basics to appreciate the quality of the dough. An "Everything" bagel with veggie cream cheese is a local benchmark; customers frequently note that the cream cheese tastes incredibly fresh, filled with crunchy, hand-chopped vegetables. If you are looking for something sweet, the Cinnamon Raisin bagel paired with their famous walnut raisin or birthday cake spread is a decadent treat that feels like a New York childhood memory.

For those craving a hearty breakfast, the "Triple Crown" is a standout choice, featuring Canadian bacon, applewood smoked bacon, scallion cream cheese, and a spiced honey maple glaze over egg and cheese. Another crowd favorite is the "Weezer," which packs a punch with chorizo, bacon, cheddar, and your choice of cream cheese. If you are looking for a classic NYC "BEC" (Bacon, Egg, and Cheese), this shop is renowned for its "satisfying cheese pull" and perfectly cooked eggs. To wash it all down, don't miss the caramel latte—often served extra hot—or their rich hot chocolate, which serves as the perfect antidote to a chilly Manhattan morning.

Ultimately, the Upper East Side location of Tompkins Square Bagels succeeds because it doesn't try to be corporate. It maintains the "mom-and-pop" energy of Brooklyn and the East Village, treating every customer like a neighbor. Whether you're stopping in for a quick "schmear" or sitting down for a full brunch on the patio, you're experiencing a piece of authentic New York history that continues to evolve with the city's tastes. Would you like me to help you find their current seasonal specials or hours of operation for your next visit?

Tompkins Square Bagels | Upper East Side Bagels Photos

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Tompkins Square Bagels | Upper East Side Bagels Location

Tompkins Square Bagels | Upper East Side Bagels

1159 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA

Tompkins Square Bagels | Upper East Side Bagels

1159 3rd Ave

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Tompkins Square Bagels | Upper East Side Bagels Reviews

Loved this place! The bagels were super fresh, we had cinnamon raisin and everything with veggie cream cheese, and the cream cheese tasted like it was made fresh with chopped veggies. The caramel latte (extra hot) was perfect. The staff was amazing, and the space was clean, colorful, and happy. Huge thanks to Matthew for being so welcoming and friendly. Everyone was so nice- we can’t wait to come back!
Jan 12, 2026 · Supreya Mehra
Found this bagel shop while scrolling through Apple Maps. I didn't see it among the social media recommendations but it deserves the attention! The cheese pull on the bacon, egg, and cheese was amazingly satisfying and delicious. They do not skimp on the smears either. The hot chocolate was perfect to warm up on a cold New York day.
Mar 09, 2026 · Tobi Woghiren
Tompkins Square Bagels on the Upper East Side is truly one of my favorite morning stops. The moment you walk in you are greeted with a smile. The staff behind the register is amazing, patient, and welcoming. One of the managers, Matthew, is especially great. He is always informative, helpful, and professional. You can tell the whole team works hard to give customers a good experience. The bagels are always fresh, the coffee is hot, and the selection of cream cheeses and sandwiches is outstanding. It is the perfect place to stop before work to enjoy a warm toasted bagel and a great breakfast. The only ongoing concern is that some customers still ignore the clearly posted “No Pets Allowed” rule. I understand that people love their pets and may be out running errands with them, but a food establishment should remain a pet free space for the comfort and safety of everyone. There is a time and place for pets, and inside a restaurant or food service area is not one of them. As someone with allergies, it can be discouraging and uncomfortable to stand in a small shop with animals present. Even if the wait is only two minutes or ten minutes, no customer should have to compromise their health or comfort because others choose not to follow a simple rule. The signs are large and placed throughout the store, yet some customers still disregard them. The staff does what they can, and this issue is not a reflection on them at all. Overall, this location is wonderful and I will continue to support it. I just hope the pet policy can be respected a bit more so that everyone can enjoy their experience comfortably and safely.
Dec 03, 2025 · Yoli
We walked by the new location for Tompkins Square Bagels and went inside to look around. All the food is up front nicely displayed. Walk to the back and pass the kitchen and there is a huge outdoor sitting area with ample seating. Very nice setup. We will definitely be back for food. Back again today on way uptown for Dr appt. Ordered WW bagel with tofu scallion CC. And of course a decaf Americano. Both very good. Will come again. Stopped agin on the way home from doctor appointment uptown. Got a regular coffee and a whole wheat bagel with cucumber and dill cream cheese. Really delicious. Bagels are better than at other bagel shops.
Oct 20, 2025 · THE EXPLORER
Overall, a good value bagels shop. I was skeptical of the restaurant given the review score and the long line of young folks, suggesting trending vs genuine popularity. Fortunately, the value of what we got for the price was very good. My wife got a roast beef bagel and I got the lox with basil dill schmear with a cold brew coffee. The bagels themselves were good but not great (more consistent vs varied texture in inside of bagel vs outside), although the sandwich component made up for that. I liked how the salmon was actually smoked and very fresh vs other bagel shops that have better bagels but lower quality salmon. The roast beef was good too. The bagels are well sized and there is no skimping on sandwich contents. The cold brew was good/great quality for the $5 price. It was not diluted at all and they did not try to decreasing serving size by overdoing it on ice. Atmosphere was good. We could not get a table, but eventually got a spot at a counter. Overall, I’d be willing to come back here, which is a pretty strong compliment. I am giving 4 stars vs 5 stars due to the bagels themselves being of lower quality than other places we’ve been, though this is still a great place to visit snd not an insult at all. I have high standards. I may up it to 5 if I try another bagel and the texture issue resolves itself. The value of what you get for the price is strongly matched, maybe a bit more valuable foodie experience vs the price.
Oct 11, 2025 · J W